and was endeavouring to shake the coachman back to his senses.
At this I urged my horse forward, for I knew his next step would be to try and make the soldiers understand that I was to be stopped and secured.
As I galloped I made my plans. Getting within earshot, I called to them to hasten forward, for they had halted, and stood with their carbines ready to stop me.
Reining my horse up as best I could, I said, in a tone of command:
"General Kolfort has met with an accident there, and you are to hasten to his assistance instantly."
"One moment, if you please, sir. Have you your papers?" asked one of the men.
"Of course I have. I am riding on special service. Here is my permit;" and I showed it to him, not letting it out of my hands, however. He pushed his horse forward and read it.
"It seems all right," he said.
"Of course it's all right. I am on a matter of life or death, and have to press forward with all speed. I have had to use one of the carriage horses; but one of you had better give me yours. It is an urgent affair of State."
My tone of authority, added to the permit of urgency with the General's signature, impressed him considerably.
"It's all against orders," he said, hesitating.
"Do you suppose this won't justify everything?" I cried, shaking the General's order in his face. "You may find it awkward to refuse. The General will soon put you right. Quick! there's no time to lose;" and, to act my part thoroughly, I slipped off my horse.
