It was dark behind the stairs, but she saw me instantly, greeting me with a little cry of delight and a quick outstretching of the hands.
"I am so glad you have come! I--I haven't known what to do." "If I had supposed you still in the house," I explained, "I should have been with you before." "But I sent word; I told the soldier it was most important." "That was Ragan, Miss Billie--a big fellow, with red moustache ?--he was killed." "Killed! Oh, in the attack; yet--yet you still hold the house, do you not ?" "Yes, or I certainly should not be here with you.

We have repulsed two assaults, but have lost heavily, and can scarcely hope to come safely through another.

Before it is made I must get you away." "Out of the house, you mean ?" "Yes, and at once.

We have made such a spirited defence that when we are finally overpowered there will be little mercy shown.

Not even your sex would protect you, even if you were fortunate enough to escape flying bullets.