I am willing; Zephas will be willing." "And," continued the general, fixing his eyes on her face, "you will also understand that I may be compelled to detain you here as a hostage for the safety of my men." "Oh no! no! please!" said Mrs.Bunker, springing up with an imploring feminine gesture; "I am expecting my husband.

He may be coming back at any moment; I must be there to see him FIRST! Please let me go back, sir, with your men; put me anywhere ashore between them and those men that are coming.

Lock me up; keep me a prisoner in my own home; do anything else if you think I am deceiving you; but don't keep me here to miss him when he comes!" "But you can see him later," said the general.
"But I must see him FIRST," said Mrs.Bunker desperately.

"I must see him first, for--for--HE KNOWS NOTHING OF THIS.

He knows nothing of my helping Colonel Marion; he knows nothing of--how foolish I have been, and--he must not know it from others! There!" It was out at last.