And he had let her messenger escape him! He hurriedly descended the stairs.

The sound of voices was approaching him.

He halted, and recognized the faces of the brigade surgeon and one of his aides-de-camp.
"We were hesitating whether to disturb you, general, but it may be an affair of some importance.

Under your orders a negro woman was just now challenged stealing out of the lines.

Attempting to escape, she was chased, there was a struggle and scramble over the wall, and she fell, striking her head.