Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/266

 248 wall," I whispered, noting she still grasped the weapon. "It will only arouse suspicion. There are two guards at the front entrance?"

"Yes," she answered swiftly, "and you had better give the word. If they stop you, and ask any questions, give any name you please—only you came with dispatches from General Ramsay two hours ago, and have been with Colonel Pickney ever since. It is less than an hour since the guard was relieved, for Captain Fox left me in order to make the rounds, and these men will not know. You understand?"

"Perfectly, and the countersign?"

"Kanawah."

I hesitated, and her eyes fell, the long lashes shading them completely.

"And you?" I asked, disappointed. "Do you mean to let me go out alone?"

"Would you think it best for us to go together?"

"It seems to me the guard would be far less apt to feel suspicion if I was accompanied by a lady whom they had already passed; they would recognize you."

The lashes uplifted again, and her eyes flashed into mine.

"Then I will go also," she said simply, "for I can guide you through the camp. I—I only thought