Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/290

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH and you were thrown upon your head and rendered unconscious. That occurred soon after daylight this morning, and you have remained in that condition until a few moments ago. It is now late in the afternoon. The mounted men followed your troopers, skirmishing with them as far as the ridge road, but some of those on foot, finding you still alive, brought you back here. Through the authority of Colonel Donald you have been left here practically unguarded, and, in remembrance of services rendered us both, we have decided to give you an opportunity for escape. We have no desire to be outdone in courtesy by a Yankee."

"Colonel Donald, then has recovered? Does he remain here?"

"He has regained sufficient strength to resume command. His chief lieutenant was killed during the action, and he felt obliged to accompany his men for the present." "And Lieutenant Dunn?"

She smiled slightly, a welcome relief to the fixed sternness of her lips.

"He would have liked greatly to remain as your guard, but was persuaded to convey the prisoners, and wounded, to the Confederate camp. I imagine he may return when that duty has been completed. There seems to be some trouble between Lieutenant Dunn and Lieutenant King."

"Entirely upon the part of the former, although I confess, not wholly without cause. The exigencies of war have compelled me to handle Lieutenant Dunn somewhat roughly on two occasions, yet that should be excusable between fighting men. There may be other reasons." [ 274 ]