It was proof of the splendid courage of the woman that she shed not a tear.

Not a lash trembled as presently she turned to despatch a message for her lieutenant, Carlisle, to come to her.

The latter was absent at some western point, but within two days he appeared in Washington and presently made his call, as yet ignorant of what were his employer's wishes.
He himself began eagerly, the fanatic fire still in his eye, on details of the work so near to his soul.

"My dear Countess," he exclaimed, even as he grasped her hands, "we're doing splendidly.
We'll have the whole Mississippi Valley in an uproar before long.
All the lower Ohio is unsettled.

Missouri, Illinois, Indiana are muttering as loudly as New England.