lace; for two hours or more it had been
stowed away in the deep pocket of my gown. Not a word was spoken.
By the dim light of the lanterns we could see men all about us with
pikes looming in the dark. For a breath or two there was perfect
silence; then the driver rose quickly and shouted: "Who are you?"

"Frien's o' these 'ere women," said one I recognized as the
Corporal D'ri.

He spoke in a low tone as he opened the door.

"Grace au ciel!" I heard one of the young ladies saying. "It is
D'ri--dear old fellow!"

Then they all hurried out of the coach and kissed him.

"The captain--is he not here?" said one of them in French. But
D'ri did not understand them, and made no answer.

"Out wi' the lights, an' be still," said D'ri, quickly, and the
lights were out as soon as the words. "Jones, you tie up a front
leg o' one o' them hosses. Git back in the brush, ladies. Five on
'em, boys. Now up with the pike wall!"

From far back in the road had come again the clang of the cow-bell.
I remember hearing five strokes and then a loud rattle. In a
twinkling I was off the seat and beside the ladies.

"Take hold of my dress," I whispered quickly, "and follow me."

I led them off in the brush, and stopped. We could hear the move
and rattle of cavalry in the near road. Then presently the swish
of steel, the leap and tumble of horses, the shouting of men. My
companions were of the right stuff; they stood shivering, but held
their peace. Out by the road lights were flashing, and now we
heard pistols and the sound of a mighty scuffle. I could stay
there in the dark no longer.

"Wait here, and be silent," I said, and ran "like a madwoman," as
they told me long after, for the flickering lights.

There a squad of cavalry was shut in by the pikes. Two troopers
had broken through the near line. One had fallen, badly hurt; the
other was sabre to sabre with the man D'ri. They were close up and
striving fiercely, as if with broadswords. I caught up the weapon
of the injured man, for I saw the Yankee would get the worst of it.
The Britisher had great power and a sabre quick as a cat's paw. I
could see the corporal was stronger, but not so quick and skilful.
As I stood by, quivering with excitement, I saw him get a slash in
the shoulder. He stumbled, falling heavily. Then quickly,
forgetting my sex, but not wholly, I hope, the conduct that becomes
a woman, I caught the point of the sabre, now poised to run him
th