fine plantation. "I
wonder if those pesky Yankees will trouble me if I try to make that
house," he thought. "I will risk it anyway, for if I can reach it, it
means a horse."

Making his way cautiously he soon reached the road in safety. He listened
intently, but could hear nothing of the enemy; but from the opposite
direction there came the measured beat of a horse's hoofs. Looking up he
saw, not a Yankee, but a lady approaching, at a swift gallop. Calhoun's
heart gave a great bound, for he knew that no Southern woman would betray
him, and he stepped out from his place of concealment and stood in plain
view by the side of the road.

When the rider saw him she gave a start of surprise, and then reined in
her horse with such ease and grace as to charm him. He saw at a glance she
was young and exceedingly beautiful.

"Pardon me," he exclaimed, reaching for his hat, and then he remembered he
had none, having lost it when his horse fell. "Excuse my appearance," he
laughed. "I find I have no hat to take off. Probably some Yankee has it as
a trophy by this time. I am a Confederate officer in distress, and as a
daughter of the South, I know I can appeal to you, and not in vain."

"You can," she replied, quickly. "I thought I heard firing and I rode down
to see what it meant, as I knew of no party of Confederates in the
vicinity."

"A company of Federal cavalry were firing at me," answered Calhoun. "My
horse fell, and I had to run, or be captured."

"Were you all alone?" she queried.

"Yes, all alone."

"Then I forgive you for running," she answered, with a ringing laugh,
"otherwise I should not. But how came you here, and all alone?"

In a few words Calhoun told her who he was and his business.

"Come with me," she cried, quickly. "Let us gain the house before the
Yankees come, as no doubt they will. Father will let you have a horse. If
no other be forthcoming, I will give you my Firefly here, although it
would almost break my heart to part with him," and she lovingly patted the
neck of her gallant steed.

"I sincerely hope such a sacrifice will never be called for," replied
Calhoun.

"No sacrifice is too great to aid our beloved cause," she answered; "but
come, we are losing time, the Yankees may be here any moment."

If Lieutenant Haines had not stopped to read the captured letters, Calhoun
and his fair guide would not have reached the house undiscovered. As it
was, they had hardly entered it when the Federals