"How did you miss the straight road ?" "Frankly, because there were Northern troops there," Vincent said, "and I wish to avoid them, if possible." "You are a Confederate ?" the girl asked, when the old negress interrupted her: "Hush, Miss Lucy! don't you talk about dem tings; der plenty of mischief done already.

What hab you to do wid one side or de oder ?" The girl paid no attention to her words, but stood awaiting Vincent's answer.

He did not hesitate.

There was something in her face that told him that, friend or foe, she was not likely to betray a fugitive, and he answered: "I am a Confederate officer, madam.

I have made my escape from Elmira prison, and I am trying to find my way back into our lines." "Come in, sir," the girl said, holding out her hand.