Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/341

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

With Backs to the Wall
321

numbers, and disposition of the Federal troops in this neighborhood, together with some other facts he wished to know. I was captured in Federal uniform, and held under death sentence as a spy. I escaped last night."

"And the woman?"

She threw back the cape which had partially concealed her face, revealing her bright eyes and flushed cheeks.

"Permit me to answer for myself, Lieutenant Harwood."

"You! how do you know my name?"

"From your regiment, sir, as well as certain characteristics of speech I have heard described. I am your cousin."

"My—my cousin? Heaven be praised! I never knew there was so much beauty in our family. My cousin! Hold, till I guess a bit—not Noreen Harwood?"

She nodded, her red lips smiling.

"Noreen Harwood! Why, it takes me off my feet. Yet wait, how comes it you are here with one claiming to be on our side? Did I not hear that my uncle served on Ramsay's staff—ay! a major?"

"My father is dead," she answered simply, the brightness vanishing from her face. "He was killed only a few days ago."