He turned upon them sharply.
"That will do," he said, and gave a brusque command: "Corporal, deploy your men and make a thorough search outside.

Examine the ground around the spring--and report!" "Yes, sir," returned Corporal Dudley saluting and dropping his hand across his mouth to choke off an exclamation of anger.

Then he snarled at his men, to ease the pain of thwarted vengeance: "_'Tention! Right face! Forward! March!_" The squad trooped out across the broken door, leaving their commanding officer alone with his rebel prisoner.
"Now, Virgie," he asked, in a kindly tone, though holding her eyes with his, "do you mean to tell me--cross your heart--that you are here, just by yourself ?" "Er--no, sir." As he opened his lips to speak, she pointed to her doll.
"Me an' Susan Jemima." "Well, that's a fact," he laughed.

"Hanged if I'm not losing all my social polish." He gallantly removed his hat, bowed gravely to the cedar stick, and shook its hand.

"Charmed to make your acquaintance, Miss Susan, believe me.