ed into the light, and the sharp, stern
summons of halt resounded through the hollow.

The servant stood trembling behind the sleigh. Zulma quietly signalled
the two soldiers to approach her. They did so. She said a word to them
in French, but they shook their heads. They then spoke in English, but
she in turn shook her head. They smiled and she smiled. By this time,
the horse, as if he appreciated the situation, having turned his head to
look at the soldiers, became tranquil in his place. The servant had not
half the same sense, and stood trembling behind the sleigh.

The soldiers consulted together a moment, then the elder signified to
Zulma that she would have to return to the city. She replied in the same
language that she must go on. They insisted with some seriousness. She
insisted with a show of rising temper. The position was becoming
embarrassing, when a tall figure appeared at the edge of the bridge, and
a loud word of command caused the soldiers to fall back. Zulma looked
forward and an expression of mingled surprise and pleasure was
discernible upon her countenance. The new comer advanced to the side of
the sleigh, touched his cap and bowed respectfully to its fair inmate:

"Excuse my men, mademoiselle," said he, in excellent French. "They have
detained you, I perceive, but we are patrolling the roads and their
orders are strict. You desire to pass out into the country?"

"If you please, sir."

"With this man?"

"Yes; he is not a soldier, but a family servant. We entered Quebec this
morning before the investment, and it is absolutely necessary for me to
reach my home to-night."

Zulma's tone was not that of a suppliant. Her manner showed that, as she
had not feared the commands of the soldiers, so she had no favor to ask
of the officer. The latter, doubtless, observed this, and was not
displeased thereat, for instead of giving the permission to proceed, he
seemed to linger and hesitate, as if he fain would prolong the
interview. Finally, he managed to introduce a link into the conversation
by asking Zulma whether she did not fear to pursue her journey at that
late hour, declaring that, if she did, he would be happy to furnish her
with an escort. She answered laughingly that perhaps the escort itself
would be the greatest danger she would be likely to encounter on the
way.

"Then I will escort you myself," said the young officer with a profound
bow.

Zulma thanked him, adding the assurance that she