exchange for your parole."

Now her gesture was more positive, her glance flashed more keenly
at him. "Do not be too rash," she answered. "My parole runs only
while we travel together privately. As soon as we reach coach or
boat, matters will change. I reserve the right of any prisoner to
secure life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I shall
endeavor, believe me--and in my own way."

He frowned as she presently went on to make herself yet more clear.
"It was well enough when we traveled in our own private express,
from Washington here to Pittsburgh for then there was no chance for
escape. I gave my parole, because it pleased you and did not
jeopardize myself. Here my jailer may perhaps have some trouble
with me."

"You speak with the courage and fervor of the true leader of a
cause. Madam," he rejoined, now smiling. "What evil days are
these on which I have fallen--I, a mere soldier obeying orders!
Not that I have found the orders unpleasant; but it is not fair of
you to bring against mankind double weapons! Such is not the usage
of civilized warfare. Dangerous enough you are as woman alone,
without bringing to your aid those gifts of mind suited to problems
which men have been accustomed to arrogate to themselves."

"Arrogate is quite the right word. It is especially fit for a
jailer."

This time the shaft went home. The florid countenance of young
Captain Carlisle flushed yet ruddier beneath its tan. His lips set
still more tightly under the scant reddish mustache. With a
gesture of impatience he lifted his military hat and passed a hand
over the auburn hair which flamed above his white forehead. His
slim figure stiffened even as his face became more stern. Clad in
the full regimentals of his rank, he made a not unmanly figure as
he stood there, though hardly taller than this splendid woman whom
he addressed--a woman somewhat reserved, mocking, enigmatic; but,
as he had said, charming. That last word of description had been
easy for any man who had seen her, with her long-lashed dark eyes,
her clear cheek just touched with color, her heavy dark hair
impossible to conceal even under its engulfing bonnet, her wholly
exquisite and adequate figure equally unbanished even by the trying
costume of the day. She stood erect, easy, young, strong, fit to
live; and that nature had given her confidence in herself was
evidenced now in the carriage of head and body as she walked to and
fro, pausing t