That he was a shrewd, scheming villain I had no doubt, but the one question which controlled my answer was the thought of how I could best serve her.

If I followed my inclination, told him frankly that I had already deserted my allegiance to those men in the North, and only remained loyal to the woman, the confession would possibly react upon us both.

We would be held prisoners indefinitely.

If, on the other hand, I appeared to hesitate, a way of service might be opened before me, and, with it, a path to freedom, for us both.

The decision had to be made quickly.
"Never mind the sum," I said soberly.