Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/368

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH would have been over with me by now, but for the heroism of Miss Denslow."

I saw the man's lips close firmly, as he glanced from her face to mine, and then at the perturbed countenance of Dunn. Was he jealous also? Would Jean's interference on my behalf make him indifferent to my safety? His decision was too prompt to give me much opportunity for speculation.

"Lieutenant Dunn," he said tersely, "it's perfectly true that I have no authority over you in the service, but I think you know what it means to oppose me now. Irregular though I am, a word from me to General Johnston relative to this matter will bring you face to face with a court martial. This prisoner is not a spy, and has never acted in that capacity. You were thoroughly aware of that fact."

"Then I hold him as prisoner of war. Take charge of him, Connors."

"Wait!" the single word rang out like a shot, and the Sergeant stopped instantly, unable to decide whom he had better obey. "He is not your prisoner, Dunn, but mine. If a man of you lays hands on him again, you shall answer for it to me."

"Your prisoner! My God, how? We captured him in fight. That fellow cost us six men."

Donald flung one booted leg over the pommel of his saddle, and calmly rested a revolver along it, his gaze on the excited faces.

"I am very sorry for that, Lieutenant," he admitted quietly, "but you should have let him alone. Most men [ 348 ]