She must have been, like the
trembling, eager woman before him, a mere tool of others.
"Did this woman live here?" he said.
"No," she said. "She lived with the Manlys, but had friends whom she
visited at your general's headquarters."
With difficulty Brant suppressed a start. It was clear to him now. The
information had been obtained at the division headquarters, and passed
through his camp as being nearest the Confederate lines. But what was
the information--and what movement had he precipitated? It was clear
that this woman did not know. He looked at her keenly. A sudden
explosion shook the house,--a drift of smoke passed the window,--a shell
had burst in the garden.
She had been gazing at him despairingly, wistfully--but did not blanch
or start.
An idea took possession of him. He approached her, and took her cold
hand. A half-smile parted her pale lips.
"You have courage--you have devotion," he said gravely. "I believe you
regret the step you have taken. If you could undo what you have done,
even at peril to yourself, dare you do it?"
"Yes," she said breathlessly.
"You are known to the enemy. If I am surrounded, you could pass through
their lines unquestioned?"
"Yes," she said eagerly.
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