I am Willifred Gray Hardy, and it was my father whom you overheard talking with General Johnston.

Our home is south on the pike road, and was used as headquarters until a few days ago.

I have known General Johnston ever since I was a little girl, and everybody--all my friends--call me Billie.

Of course you thought the courier was a man--it was only natural you should--and it was, therefore, easy for me to keep up the deceit--they trusted me, and I had to get those papers through." "Of course you did," heartily.

"Surely you do not suppose I would think less of you for your loyalty ?" "I hoped not; nor did I mean to let you go away thinking me a fool." "A fool!" thrown entirely from my guard.