Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/267

WE ORGANIZE A SORTIE a vague suspicion of my real purpose dawned upon her.

"What—what are you planning to do? Take your men through here?"

"Yes," I acknowledged, already at the head of the stairs. "This is our opportunity for escape."

"And you believe I will be an accomplice? You intend to use me for the defeat of my own people?"

"No, Miss Denslow," and I came back, looking directly into her indignant eyes. "There is no manner in which you can possibly prevent our escape in this way unless you deliberately choose to kill me. You can do that, for you have my weapon in your hand, and I stand here unarmed. Are you willing to do that for the Confederacy?"

I saw the flush sweep into her cheeks, the gray-blue eyes falling before mine.

"No—no," she faltered, "not that."

"Then you are helpless to interfere. We are going out this way. I desire to take you with us to the assistance of Colonel Donald; but if it is your intention to make trouble, then we shall have to lock you up again. and leave you behind. Which is your choice?"

She could not doubt my sincerity, for the earnestness with which I spoke was convincing. Her eyes uplifted to mine for one single questioning instant.

"I will wait," she said slowly, "but—but I believe I hate you."

I bowed, holding my hat in hand.

"I would far rather you felt thus, Miss Denslow," [ 253 ]