The toss of her head was hardly complimentary.  We were in the tree-lined streets by this time, and suddenly she wheeled the pony in through an open gate-way.  The house was large, painted white, of distinctly Southern architecture, the broad stone steps surmounted by rounded pillars.  On the porch a man sat smoking.  He arose instantly, hat in hand, and came down to meet us.  His was a tall, slender, slightly stooped figure, a finely chiselled face, the hair and beard white.  His eyes, apparently as keen as ever, instantly recognized the girl, his stern features relaxing into a smile of welcome.

“I am surprised and pleased to greet you, Miss Willifred,” cordially bowing over her extended hand. “’Tis a long while since we have seen you here.”

“Not from any doubt of your hospitality, Judge, but the armies have made travelling unsafe.”

“True; we live in constant peril.  The Yankees have driven off my negroes, and also robbed me of every horse on the place.  Your father, the major, is well?”

“In most excellent health, thank you.  He was wounded at Chattanooga, but soon recovered.  We had him at home with us for a month.”

“So I heard.  A young Louisiana officer, a Captain Le Gaire, gave me news of your family.  He was through Jonesboro with a scouting party two days ago.  He seemed very glad to talk about you, my dear.”

The girl’s face flushed, as she withdrew her hand, attempting a laugh.

“We are excellent friends, yet really it does not require any deep interest to induce Captain Le Gaire to talk.  That is one of his specialties.”

“I suspected as much, yet I found his conversation highly interesting.  He is intelligent, and has travelled widely.  But come, my dear, let me help you down.  I am such an early bird I have breakfasted already, yet there will be something ready for you, and your companion.”

His gaze surveyed me for the first time, and he stepped back, his eyes darkening suspiciously.

“But what have you here—­a Yankee?”

“So far as uniform goes, yes,” she answered lightly, descending over the wheel, and adroitly dodging a direct reply.  “But all things are not as they seem, outwardly.  Surely, Judge, you do not suppose I would ever harbor one of the enemy?  If I vouch for the gentleman it should be sufficient.”

He took my hand cordially enough, yet with a question still in his keen old eyes.

“I am glad to know you, sir.  Any friend of Miss Willifred’s is a friend of mine, but I’m damned if I like that color.”

“The nature of my mission makes it necessary,” I explained.

“Exactly, sir, exactly; I understand perfectly.  Alight, and come in, but you wear the first Yankee uniform ever welcomed to my house.  Come right along, both of you.  I’ve got one servant left, who will attend the pony.”