Page 34 - Among the camps, or, Young people's stories of the war

almost by main force into a closet or entry, and locked the
door, just as the knocking was renewed. A s the door was
apparently about to be broken down, she went out into the
halL Her face was deadly white, and her lips were moving
in prayer,
"W h o 's th e re ? ” she called, tremblingly, trying to gain

ti me.
“ Open the door immediately, or it will be broken down,"
replied a stern voice.
She turned the great iron key in the heavy old brass lock,

and a dozen men rushed into the hall. They all waited for
one, a tall elderly man in a general’s fatigue uniform, and
with a stem face and a grizzled beard. He addressed her.
11 Madam, I have come to take possession of this house as
my headquarters,"
Mrs. Stafford bowed, unable to speak. She was sensible

of a feeling of relief; there was a gleam of hope. If they did
not know of her husband s presence— But the next word
destroyed it.
“ W e have not interfered with you up to the present time,

but you have been harboring a spy here, and he is here
now.”
“ There is no spy here, and has never been,” said Mrs.
Stafford, with dignity ; “ but if there were, you should not
know it from me.JP She spoke with much spirit. It is not

the custom of our people to deliver up those who have sought
their protection.”