THE FAIR COURIER. 71

 

girl, dressed in a closely fitting habit, car-

rying a small whip in her hand. She curt-
sied respectfully as she entered.

The general arose as the maiden stepped

inside of his tent, and returned her saluta-

tion.

“General Greene?” inquired the fair
stranger.

The officer bowed.

“I have been told,” said the visitor, the
colour deepening in her face, “that you are
in want of a bearer of despatches to Gene-
ral Sumter.”

“Tam,” replied the general. “But I
find no one courageous enough to under-
take the perilous mission.”

“Send me,” said the maiden. And she
drew her slight form upward proudly.

“Send you!” exclaimed the general,
taken by surprise. “You? Oh no, child!
I could not do that. It is a journey from
which brave men hold back.”

“Tam not a brave man. I am only a

woman. But I will go.”
XI.—5 F2