My Lady of the North

The Love Story of a Gray Jacket

By RANDALL PARRISH

Contents

CHAPTER

 I. A DESPATCH FOR LONGSTREET II. THE NIGHT RIDE III. AN UNWELCOME GUEST IV. A WOMAN WITH A TEMPER V. A DISASTER ON THE ROAD VI. A STRUGGLE IN THE DARK VII. A DISCIPLE OF SIR WALTER VIII. MRS. BUNGAY DEFENDS HER HEARTHSTONE IX. IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY X. A WOMAN'S TENDERNESS XI. IN THE PRESENCE OF SHERIDAN XII. UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH XIII. A STRANGE WAY OUT XIV. I BECOME A COLONEL OF ARTILLERY XV. AT THE STAFF OFFICERS' BALL XVI. THE WOMAN I LOVED XVII. THROUGH THE CAMP OF THE ENEMY XVIII. THE REPUTATION OF A WOMAN XIX. THE CAVALRY OUTPOST XX. A DEMON ON HORSEBACK XXI. REINFORCEMENTS FOR EARLY XXII. THE BATTLE IN THE SHENANDOAH XXIII. FIELD HOSPITAL, SIXTH CORPS XXIV. A NIGHT RIDE OF THE WOUNDED XXV. A LOST REGIMENT XXVI. THE SCOUTING DETAIL XXVII. AN EMBARRASSING SITUATION XXVIII. WE CAPTURE A COURIER XXIX. A MISSION FOR BEELZEBUB XXX. A UNION OF YANK AND REB XXXI. A CONVERSATION IN THE DARK XXXII. HAND TO HAND XXXIII. A BELLIGERENT GERMAN XXXIV. THE WORDS OF LOVE XXXV. A PLAN MISCARRIED XXXVI. THE LAST RESORT OF GENTLEMEN XXXVII. THE LAST GOOD-BYEXXXVIII. THE FURLING OF THE FLAGS XXXIX. MY LADY OF THE NORTH

My Lady of the North

The Love Story of a Gray-Jacket

 CHAPTER I

A DESPATCH FOR LONGSTREET

It was a bare, plain interior, --the low table at which he sat anunplaned board, his seat a box, made softer by a folded blanket. Hisonly companions were two aides, standing silent beside the closedentrance, anxious to anticipate his slightest need. 

He will abide in my memory forever as I saw him then, --although we weredestined to meet often afterwards, --that old gray hero, whose masterlystrategy held at bay for so long those mighty forces hurled on ourconstantly thinning lines of defence. To me the history of war hasnever contained his equal, and while I live I shall love and revere himas I can love and revere no other man. 

"General Lee, " said one of the aides, as I passed the single sentry anddrew aside the flap to step within, "this is Captain Wayne. "

He deliberately pushed aside the mass of papers which had been engaginghim, and for an embarrassing moment fixed upon me a glance that seemedto read me through and through. Then, with simple dignity, far moreimpressive than I can picture it in words, he arose slowly and extendedhis hand. 

"Captain Wayne, " he said gravely, yet retaining his grasp, and with hiseyes full upon mine, "you are a much younger man than I expected tosee, yet I have selected you upon the special recommendation of yourbrigade commander for services of the utmost importance. I certainly donot hold your youth to be against your success, but I feel unwilling toorder you to the performance of this duty, which, besides being beyondthe regular requirements of the service, involves unusual risks. "

"Without inquiring its nature, " I said hastily, "I freely offer myselfa volunteer for any service which may be required either by the army oryourself. "

The kindly face brightened instantly, almost into a smile, and a newlook of confidence swept into the keen gray eyes. 

"I felt, even as I spoke, " he said, with a dignified courtesy I havenever marked in any one else, "that I must be doing wrong to questionthe willingness of an officer of your regiment, Captain Wayne, to makepersonal sacrifice. From our first day of battle until now the Southhas never once called upon them in vain. You are from the ranks, Ibelieve?"

"I was a corporal at Manassas. "

"Ah! then you have won your grade by hard service. You take with youone man?"

"Sergeant Craig of my troop, sir, a good soldier, who knows the countrywell. "

He lowered his eyes to the numerous papers littering the table, andthen, leaning over, traced lightly with a colored pencil a line acrossan outspread map. 

"You speak of his knowing the country well; are you aware, then, ofyour destination?"

"I merely inferred from what Colonel Carter said that it was yourdesire to re-establish communication with General Longstreet. "

"That is true; but do you know where Longstreet is?"

"Only that we of the line suppose him to be somewhere west of themountains, sir. It is camp gossip that his present base of supplies isat Minersville. "

"Your conjecture is partly correct, although I have more reason tobelieve that the head of his column has reached Bear Fork, or will byto-morrow morning. Kindly step this way, Captain Wayne, and make noteof the blue lines I have traced across this map. Here, you willobserve, is Minersville, directly beyond the high ridge. You willnotice that the Federal lines extend north and south directly betweenus, with their heavier bodies of infantry along the Wharton pike, andso disposed as to shut off all communication between us and our leftwing. Now, the message I must get into Longstreet's hands isimperative; indeed, I will say to you, the very safety of this armydepends upon its reaching him before his advance passes Bear Fork. There remains, therefore, no time for any long detour; the messengerwho bears it must take his life in his hands and ride straight westwardthrough the very lines of the enemy. "

He spoke these words rapidly, earnestly; then suddenly he lifted hiseyes to mine, and said firmly: "I am perfectly frank with you. Are youthe man?"

I felt the hot blood leap into my face, but I met his stern gazewithout flinching. 

"If I live, General Lee, I shall meet his advance at Bear Fork bydaybreak. "

"God guide you; I believe you will. "

His words seemed uttered unconsciously. He turned slightly, and glancedtoward the door. "Major Holmes, will you kindly hand me the draft ofthat despatch?"

He took the paper from the outstretched hand of the aide, read it overslowly and with great care, wrote a word of explanation upon themargin, and then extended it to me. 

"Commit that, word by word, to your memory; we must run no possiblerisk of its ever falling into the enemy's hands. "

I can see it now, that coarse yellow paper, --the clear, uprightpenmanship, the words here and there misused and corrected, thesentence scratched out, the heavy underlining of a command, and his ownstrangely delicate signature at the bottom. 

_"Headquarters, Army Northern Virginia, "In the field, near Custer House, "Sept. 22, 2 P. M. 

"Lieut. -Gen'l Longstreet, "Commanding Left Wing. 

"Sir: You will advance your entire force by the Connelton and Sheffieldpikes, so as to reach Castle Rock with your full infantry command bydaybreak, September 26th. Let this supersede all other orders. Ipropose to attack in force in the neighborhood of Sailor's Ford, andshall expect you to advance promptly at the first sound of ourartillery. It is absolutely essential that we form prompt connection offorces, and to accomplish this result will require a quick, persistentattack upon your part. You are hereby ordered to throw your troopsforward without reserve, permitting them to be halted by no obstacle, until they come into actual touch with my columns. The success orfailure of my plans will depend utterly upon your strict observance ofthese orders. _

"R. E. LEE, _"Gen'l Commanding"_

I handed back the paper, and lifted my hand in salute. 

"You have memorized it?"

"Word for word, sir. "

"Repeat it to me. "

He held the paper before him as I did so, and at the close lifted hiseyes again to my face. 

"Very good, " he said quietly. "Now let there be no mistake; repeat itover to your companion as you proceed until he also has memorized it, and one of you must live long enough to reach Longstreet. I advise youto take the Langley road, --it is the most protected, --and not try topass beyond the old Coulter plantation until after dark, or you willrun the risk of being observed by the enemy's pickets. Beyond this Imust leave all to your own discretion. "

He paused, and I still lingered, thinking he might have something moreto add. 

"Are you one of the Waynes of Charlottesville?" he asked gravely. 

"Colonel Richard Wayne was my father, sir. "

"Ah, indeed! I remember him well"; and his face lit up with a mosttender smile. "We were together in Mexico. A Virginia gentleman of theold school. He is dead, I believe?"

"He was killed, sir, the first year of the war. "

"I remember; it was at Antietam. And your mother? If my memory is notat fault she was a Pierpont?"

"She is now in Richmond, sir, and the old plantation is but a ruin. "

"War is indeed sad, " he said slowly; "and I often feel that ourSouthern women are compelled to bear the brunt of it. What heroinesthey have proven! History records no equal to the daily sacrifices Ihave witnessed in the past three years. God grant it may be soonended. "

Then, as if suddenly moved by the impulse of the moment, he againextended his hand. 

"Well, lad, " he said kindly, the same grave smile lighting his face, "our country needs us. We must not waste time here in conversation. Iam very glad to have been permitted to meet the son of my old friend, and trust you will remember me to your mother. But now good-bye, Captain, and may He in whose hand we all are guide and guard you. Iknow that a Wayne of Virginia will always do his duty. "

Bareheaded and with proudly swelling heart I backed out of the tent asI might have left the throne-room of an emperor, but as I grasped thereins and swung up into saddle, I became conscious that he had followedme. Craig flung up his hand in quick, soldierly salute, and then, witha single rapid stride, the General stood at his horse's head. 

"Sergeant, " he said, --and I was struck by the incisive military tone ofhis voice, so different from the gentleness shown within, --"I aminformed that you are intimately acquainted with the roads to thewestward. "

"Every bridle-path, sir, either by night or day. "

"Then possibly you can inform me whether the Big Hickory is fordable atDeer Gap. "

"Not for infantry at high water, sir; but there is another ford twomiles north where it is never over waist deep. "

"That would be at Brixton's Mill?"

"No, sir; the other way. "

Lee smiled, and rested his hand almost caressingly on the trooper'sknee. 

"You are a valuable man for us to risk on such a ride, " he said kindly. "But I desire you to understand, Sergeant, how deeply I value theservice you are about to render, and that I shall never permit it to beforgotten or go unrewarded. And now, good-night, Sergeant; good-night, Captain Wayne. "

As we turned into the main road, riding slowly, I glanced backward. TheGeneral was yet standing there in front of his tent, gazing after us, the rays of the westering sun gleaming on his gray hair. 

 CHAPTER II

THE NIGHT RIDE

By five o'clock we were safe at Colchester, and while our horses restedand refreshed themselves on some confiscated grain, the two of us laylazily back on a grassy knoll, well within the shadow of a ruined wall, and watched the round, red sun drop slowly down behind those westernhills we had to climb. 

We scarcely spoke regarding the work we knew was ahead, except todiscuss briefly the better route to be selected for our hard night'sride. We were both old campaigners, inured by years of discipline todanger and obedience. This special duty, however arduous and desperateit might prove to be, was silently accepted as part of the service weowed the State. Reckless and hardened as I know Craig to have been, Ihave no doubt he reflected upon Lee and his kindly words and wastouched and softened by their memory, as he lay there stretched at fulllength on the grass, his pipe glowing cheerily between his lips. But ifso, his thoughts remained unuttered, nor did I feel inclined to dwellupon the theme; and so, in the strength of a simple comradeship whichcould remain silent, we waited patiently for the night to close us in. 

As early as we deemed it safe to venture, we were again in saddle, riding now straight to the westward, along the smooth-beaten pike, until we caught sight of the black shadow of Colton Church in ourfront; then we swerved to the left, and still moving rapidly but withconsiderate care for the horses, headed directly across the more brokencountry toward the foot-hills. 

It proved to be a hard, toilsome climb up those long, steep slopesrising before us; for we were extremely careful now to keep well awayfrom every known route of travel, and our horses, although selectedfrom among the best mounts of the cavalry brigade, had already beenthoroughly winded by their smart trot up the valley. The short grassunder foot, crisp from the hot sun of the long afternoon, caused many aslip of the poorly shod hoofs, while the darkness had grown so closeand dense about us that we could barely creep through it, with onlyfaith and a doubtful memory as guides. Every road, we well knew, wouldbe patrolled by Federal pickets; only the broken country between couldyield us the faintest prospect of success. But at best it must largelybe guesswork, --Providence, luck, what you will, --and the slightestswing of the pendulum could easily frustrate our best laid plans. 

An hour of this work passed. Whether or not we were yet within theenemy's lines was largely conjecture, for no human eye could pierce theenveloping gloom, and no sound, either of warning or encouragement, reached us as we strained our ears. The Sergeant rode slightly inadvance as we toiled up the higher terrace, for our sole dependence asto direction and distance was upon his memory, and even that couldscarcely serve for much on such a night as this. I traced his passageupward as best I might, and pressed close after him, guided not so muchby sight as by sound, --the occasional rolling of a loosened stone, therustling of leaves as he touched a bush in passage, the faint clinkingof his sabre, and the heavy breathing of his horse, --until at last hislong, slender figure rose sufficiently above the dark hill surface tobe faintly silhouetted in deeper shadow against the dim reflection ofthe upper sky. Almost coincidently with this my horse ranged up besidehis, where he had drawn rein in evident perplexity. 

"What is it, Dan?" I questioned cautiously; for all I could feelreasonably assured of just then was that behind any rock or tree in ourfront there might be crouching a Federal picket. 

"It's nothing Cap, " he answered quietly, turning his face toward me ashe spoke. "I'm just tryin' ter 'member some landmark yereabout terguide from. Blamed if ever I see such a dark night; it's like bein'inside a pocket, sir, an' I reckon as how it must be nigh onter tenyear since I run loose in this yere country as a kid. Thet thar cut-offwe took a while back has sort o' confused me, that's a fac', and Idon't just know whar I am; but I reckon as how the main ridge road we're a huntin' after oughter run somewhar out yonder. " He pointedforward into the night. 

"I supposed from the map it would be found farther back andconsiderably to the right of us, " I ventured doubtfully. 

"Never saw no map, Cap, " he returned, with the easy familiarity of ascout on service. "But if I recollect clear, it sure used ter runmighty close ter the east edge. I reckon it ain't changed none to speakof, an' so it'll have ter be somewhere just along thar. "

He spoke with such an air of certainty that I felt any controversyuseless. 

"Very well; hand me your rein, and see what you can discover out thereon foot. Sitting here isn't apt to mend matters, and we surely cannotafford to cripple our horses among those rocks. "

The Sergeant, a gaunt, tireless mountaineer, slipped silently from hissaddle, swung his light cavalry carbine from his back to the hollow ofhis arm, and in another moment was lost to sight in the darkness. Asnake could not have slipped away more stealthily. I heard a stonerattle under his foot, a half-suppressed oath, and then the night hadcompletely swallowed him. 

How utterly alone I seemed; how intensely, painfully still everythingwas! The silence felt almost like a weight, so greatly it oppressed me. Even the accustomed voices of nature were hushed, as if war, with itsunspeakable cruelty, had cast a spell over all things animate andinanimate. It was weird, uncanny. With every nerve strained I leanedforward across the pommel of my saddle, listening for the slightestsound out in that black void. My head burned and throbbed as withfever, and I felt that strange, unnatural stillness as though it hadbeen a physical thing; surely others besides us were upon this hilltop!For I knew well--my every soldier instinct told me--that somewhere outin that impenetrable mystery were blazing the camp-fires of an enemy. Vigilant eyes were peering everywhere in search for such as we. How faraway they might lurk I could not even conjecture, --perhaps merelyaround some near projecting wall of rock, --and we might even now bewithin the range of their ready rifles. I could hear the quickenedthrobbing of my heart, and my hand fell heavily on a pistol butt innervous expectancy. 

The soft night wind, heavy with pine odors, began suddenly to play amidthe leaves of a low tree beside me, and the pleasant rustling mingledlike strains of music with the slow breathing of the horses, but noother sound broke a silence that had become a positive pain. Man at hisbest is largely a creature of impulse, and I confess to a feelingalmost of terror as I sat there in utter loneliness. I glanced behind, hoping that there at least I might discover some object on which mygaze might settle, something that would relieve the intense nerve-strain of the black nothingness. I swept with staring eyes the halfcircle where I knew must lie the deep wide valley far beneath, but nowelcome gleam of light greeted me. Far out yonder, as I well knew, wasthe cheery glow where our ragged, tired comrades rested around theirnight fires, but the bend of the land between shut it all off ascompletely as if I were already in another world, a denizen of thosecold and silent stars so far away. 

I recall it now as one of the loneliest moments of my life, one ofthose almost unaccountable conditions of mind and body when it seemedto me that the thin, sinewy fingers of an inexorable fate were closingdown with a pressure which no strength of man might resist. I was wornwith fatigue in the saddle, but did not dream of sleep; my mind, in afirm endeavor to cast aside the uncanny influences of the hour, recalled in swift panorama those three years of civil strife which hadrun their course since I, a slender, white-faced lad, had stolen forthinto the moonlight from the portals of the old home, to ride away intothe northward where the throbbing drums called me. In those days Iunderstood but little of the cause for which I was so eager to fightand suffer. Possibly I cared even less; yet I had ever since blindlyfollowed the faded, tattered flag of my native State with the samepassionate devotion that possessed thousands of others, and with noclearer thought than to remain beside it to the bitter end. 

What strange, exciting years those had been; how filled with adventure!Like pictures painted on a screen there flashed across my memory invivid colors the camps and marches, the long night vigils, the swiftsweep of the charging squadrons, the deadly shock of battle, thescouting across unknown country, the hours of pain while the soft moonsmiled down upon a stricken field, the weary weeks in the low-roofedhospital at Richmond. It seemed hardly possible that I could be thatsame slender, untried lad who stole forth with quaking heart, fearfulof the very shadows of the oaks about the old home. What centuries ofexperience lay between! The same boy, yet moulded now into a man; intothe leader of a troop of fighting men, hardened to steel by service, trusted by one whom the South most revered and loved, --a veteransoldier in the ranks of the hardest fighting legions our world has everknown. Yet such had been the magic touch of war. So deeply had my everythought become merged in these musings that Craig, slipping silently asa ghost from out the engulfing darkness, laid hand upon my bridle-reinbefore I became aware of his approach. 

"I got 'er all right now, Cap, " he announced quietly, peering up intomy face. "We uns are not more nor a hundred yards ter the right of theroad, but I reckon you'll find ther way a bit rough. "

He led both horses forward, moving slowly and with that silent cautionso characteristic of his class. With scarcely the scraping of a hoof onthe flinty rocks we came forth in safety upon the defined, hard-beatentrack. 

"The south is over yonder ter the left, " he whispered, as he swung upinto saddle, "an' the trend of the road is mighty nigh due west. "

"But in which direction does their main camp lie, Sergeant?"

He shook his head gravely. 

"Durn it; thet's just what I can't quite figure out, sir--whether weuns be to ther north or south of ther white church. Then, somehow orother, it seems like to me as if this yere road lay a bit too close terthe edge of ther plateau ter ever be the main pike what the Fedsmarched over. I reckon from ther direction it runs that maybe it mightbe a branch like, or a wood-road leadin' inter the other. If thet's theway it is, then them fellers we uns is tryin' ter dodge ought ter bedown yonder ter the left somewhar. "

I gazed vaguely out into the black vacancy to which he pointed. 

"Well, if we should chance to run up against one of their picket postswe shall be soon enlightened, " I returned, urging my horse carefullyforward. "But we shall have to take the chances, for it would not provehealthy for either of us to be caught here by daylight. "

I heard Craig chuckle grimly to himself, as if he found humor in thethought, but without other attempt to give utterance to his feelings heranged up close to my side. 

Not daring to venture on any gait faster than a walk along this unknownand ill-defined mountain trail, we slowly and cautiously worked our wayforward for more than an hour, meeting with no human obstacle to ourprogress, yet feeling that each step forward was surrounded by imminentperil. That we were now well within the guarded lines of the enemy wewere both assured, although where or how we had succeeded inpenetrating the cordon of picket posts unobserved we could onlyconjecture. The darkness about us seemed intensified by the high, overhanging bank of rock at our left; on the other side, and but dimlyrevealed against the sky-line, I could perceive Craig's gaunt figure ashe leaned far over the high pommel of his cavalry saddle, his shortcarbine well advanced, his trained eyes seeking vainly to pierce themystery in our front. 

 CHAPTER III

AN UNWELCOME GUEST

This was the sort of work I had long ago learned to love; it warmed theblood, this constant certainty of imminent peril, this intenseprobability that any moment might bring a flash of flame into our veryfaces. Each step we took was now a stern, grim play with Fate, wherethe stakes were life and death. I felt my pulses throb as I rodesteadily forward, fairly thrusting the darkness aside, my teeth hardset, my left hand heavy on a revolver butt. 

How, in such a situation, the nerves tingle and the heart bounds toeach strange sight and sound! Halt!--what was that? Pooh! no more thanthe deeper shadow of a sharply projecting rock, around which we pickcareful way, our horses crowding against each other in the narrowspace. And that? Nothing but the faint moan of the night wind amid thedead limbs of a tree. Ah! mark that sudden flash of light! The handthat closes iron-like upon the loosened rein opens again, for it wasmerely a star silently falling from out the black depths of the sky. Then both of us halt at once, and peer anxiously forward. The figurestanding directly in the centre of our path, can it be a sentry atlast? A cautious step forward, a low laugh from the Sergeant, and wecircle the gaunt, blackened stump, as silent ourselves as the nightabout us, but with fiercely beating, expectant hearts. 

But hark! Surely that was no common sound, born of that drearloneliness! No cavalryman can mistake the jingle of accoutrements orthe dull thud of horses' hoofs. The road here must have curved sharply, for they were already so close upon us that, almost simultaneously withthe sound, we could distinguish the deeper shadow of a small, compactbody of horsemen directly in our front. To left of us there rose, sheerand black, the precipitous rock; to right we might not even guess whatyawning void. It was either wit or sword-play now. 

I know not how it may be with others in such emergencies, but with meit always happens that the sense of fear departs with the presence ofactual danger. Before the gruesome fancies of imagination I may quakeand burn like any maiden alone upon a city street at night, until eachseparate nerve becomes a very demon of mental agony; but when the realand known once fairly confronts me, and there is work to do, I growinstantly cool to think, resolute to act, and find a rare joy in it. Itwas so now, and, revolver in hand but hidden beneath my holster flap, Ileaned over and touched Craig's arm. 

"Keep quiet, " I whispered sternly. "Let them challenge first, and nofiring except on my order. "

Almost with the words there came the sharp hail:

"Halt! Who comes there?"

I drew the cape of my riding-jacket closer, so as better to muffle thesound of my voice. 

"Friends, of course; who would you expect to meet on this road?"

Fortune seemed with me in the chance answer, for he who had hailedexclaimed:

"Oh! is that you, Brennan?"

There was no time now for hesitancy; here was my cue, and I must plungeahead, accepting the chances. I ventured it. 

"No; Brennan couldn't come. I am here in his place. "

"Indeed! Who are you?"

"Major Wilkie. "

There was a moment's painful pause, in which I could hear my heartthrob. 

"Wilkie, " repeated the voice, doubtfully. "There is no officer of thatname in the Forty-third. "

"Well, there chances to be such an officer on the staff, " I retorted, permitting a trace of anger to appear in my tone, "and I am the man. "

"What the devil is the difference, Hale, just what his name is?" boomeda deeper voice back in the group. "We are not getting up a directory ofthe Sixth Corps. Of course he's the man Brennan sent, and that is allwe've got to look after. "

"Oh, all right, certainly, Major, " returned the first speaker, hastily. "But the night is so cussed black I supposed we must be at least a milethis side of where we were to meet. However, we have the lady here foryou all right, and she is anxious enough to get on. "

The lady! Heavens! What odd turn of fortune's wheel was this? The lady!I heard Craig's smothered chuckle, but before I had sufficientlyregained control over my own feelings to venture upon a suitable reply, the entire party had drawn forward, the leader pressing so close to myside that I felt safer with my face well shaded. 

"Where is your escort, Major?" he asked, and the gruffness of his toneput me instantly on defence. 

"Just behind us, " I returned, with affected carelessness, anddetermined now to play out the game, lady or no lady. I was extremelysorry for her, but the cause outweighed her comfort. "The Sergeant andI rode out ahead when we heard you coming. Where is the lady?"

He glanced around at the group huddled behind him. 

"Third on the left. "

"All right, then. Nothing else, I believe"; for I was eager to getaway. "Sergeant, just ride in there and lead, out her horse. We willhave to be moving, gentlemen, for it is a rough road and a dark night. "

"Beastly, " assented the other, heartily. 

I fairly held my breath as Craig rode forward. If one of them shouldchance to strike a match to light a pipe, or any false movement ofCraig's should excite suspicion! If he should even speak, his softSouthern drawl would mean instant betrayal. And how coolly he went atit; with a sharp touch of the spur, causing his jaded horse to exhibitsuch sudden restlessness as to keep the escort well to one side, whilehe ranged close up to our unwelcome guest, and laying firm hand uponher horse's bit, led forth to where I waited. It was quickly, noblydone, and I could have hugged the fellow. 

"Well, good luck to you, Major, and a pleasant ride. Remember me toBrennan. Deuced queer, though, why he failed to show up on such anoccasion as this. "

"He was unfortunate enough to be sent out in the other direction withdespatches--good-night, gentlemen. "

It was sweet music to me to listen to their hoof-beats dying rapidlyaway behind us as we turned back down the dark road, the Sergeant stillriding with his one hand grasping the stranger's rein. I endeavored toscan her figure in the blackness, but found the effort useless, aslittle more than a shadow was visible. Yet it was impressed upon methat she sat straight and firm in the saddle, so I concluded she mustbe young. Rapidly I reviewed our predicament, and sought for someavenue of escape. If we were only certain as to where we were, we mightplan with better prospect of success. The woman? Doubtless she wouldknow, and possibly I might venture to question her without awakeningsuspicion. Surely the experiment was well worth trying. 

"Madam, " I began, seeking to feel my way with caution into herconfidence, "I fear you must be quite wearied by your long ride. "

She turned slightly at sound of my voice. 

"Not at all, sir; I am merely eager to push on. Besides, my ride hasnot been a long one, as we merely came from General Sigel'sheadquarters. "

The voice was pleasantly modulated and refined. 

"Ah, yes, certainly, " I stammered, fearful lest I had made a gravemistake. "But really I had supposed General Sigel was atCoultersville. "

"He advanced to Bear Creek yesterday, " she returned quietly. "So yousee we had covered scarcely more than three miles when we met. How muchfarther is it to where Major Brennan is stationed?"

I fear I was guilty of hesitancy, but it was only for a moment. 

"I am unable to tell exactly, for, as it chances, I have never yet beenin the camp, but I should judge that two hours' riding will cover thedistance. "

"Why, " in a tone of sudden surprise, "Captain Hale certainly told me itwas all of twenty miles!"

"From Bear Creek?" I questioned eagerly, for it was my turn to feelstartled now. "The map barely makes it ten. "

"It is but ten, and scarcely that, by the direct White Briar road, or, at least, so I heard some of the younger officers say; but it seems theRebel pickets are posted so close to the White Briar that my friendsdecided it would be unsafe to proceed that way. "

This was news indeed, --news so unexpected and startling that I forgotall caution. 

"Then what road do they call this?"

She laughed at my evident ignorance, as well as the eagerness of mytone. 

"Really, you are a most peculiar guide, " she exclaimed gayly. "Youalmost convince me that you are lost. Fortunately, sir, out of my vastknowledge of this mysterious region, I am able to enlighten you to someextent. We are now riding due southward along the Allentown pike. "

Craig leaned forward so as to look across her horse's neck to where Irode on the opposite side. 

"May I speak a word, sir?" he asked cautiously. 

"Certainly, Sergeant; do you make anything out of all this?"

"Yes, sir, " he answered eagerly. "I know now exactly how we missed it, and where we are. The cut-off to the White Briar I spoke to you aboutthis afternoon cannot be more than a hundred yards below here. "

"Ride ahead carefully then, and see if you can locate it. Be cautious;there may be a picket stationed there. We will halt where we are untilyou return. "

He swung forward his carbine where it would be handy for instantservice and trotted ahead into the darkness. The woman's horse, beingcomparatively fresh and restless, danced a little in an effort tofollow, but I restrained him with a light hand on the bit, and for amoment we sat waiting in silence. Then her natural curiosity prompted aquestion. 

"Why is it you seem so anxious to discover this cutoff?"

"We merely desire to take advantage of the more direct road, " I repliedsomewhat shortly. "Besides, we are much farther to the east than I hadsupposed, and therefore too close to the lines of the enemy. "

"How strange it is you should not have known!" she exclaimed in a voiceof indignant wonder; but as I made no reply she did not venture tospeak again. 

My thoughts at that moment, indeed, were not with her, although I keptfirm hold upon her rein. I was eager to be off, to make up by hardriding the tedious delay of this night's work, and constantly listeningin dread for some sounds of struggle down the roadway. But all remainedsilent until I could dimly distinguish the returning hoof-beats of theSergeant's horse; and so anxious was I to economize time that I wasalready urging our mounts forward when his shadow grew black in front, and he wheeled in at my side. 

"No picket there, sir. "

"Very well, Sergeant; when we come to the turn you are to ride a fewrods in advance of us, and will set a good pace, for now we must makeup for all this lost time. "

I caught the motion of his hand as it was lifted in salute. 

"Very well, sir; here is the turn--to your right. "

I could dimly distinguish the opening designated, and as we wheeledinto it he at once clapped spurs to his horse and forged ahead. Inanother moment he had totally disappeared, and as I urged our reluctantmounts to more rapid speed all sound of his progress was instantly lostin the pounding of our own hoofs on the hard road. 

It was like riding directly against a black wall, and far fromcomforting to the nerves, for the path was a strange one, and not toowell made. Fortunately the horses followed the curves without mishap, save an occasional awkward stumble amid loose stones, while the highwalls of rock on either hand made a somewhat denser shadow where theyshut off the lower stars, and thus helped me to guide our progress. 

But it was no time for conversation, even had the inclination beenmine, for every nerve was now strained to intensity as I spurred on myhorse and held tightly to the bridle of the other, almost cursing, as Irode, the unlucky chance which brought us such a burden on a night likethis. 

 CHAPTER IV

A WOMAN WITH A TEMPER

I thought the stars grew somewhat brighter as we galloped on, the iron-shod hoofs now and then striking out sudden sparks of yellow flame fromthe flinty surface of the road; but this may have resulted from thelowering of the rocky barriers on either side, making the arch of skymore clearly visible. The air perceptibly freshened, with a chillymountain wind beating against our faces and rustling the leaves of thephantom trees that lined the way. The woman rode silently and well. Icould make out her figure now, dim and indistinct as the outlines werein that darkness and wrapped in the loose folds of an officer's cloak. She was sitting firm and upright in the saddle; I even marked how, withthe ease and grace of a practical horsewoman, she held the reins. 

I think we must have been fully an hour at it, riding at no mean pace, and with utter disregard of danger. Although I knew little of where wewere, and nothing as to the condition of the path we traversed, yet socomplete was my confidence in Craig that I felt no hesitancy in blindlyfollowing the pace he set. Then a black shape loomed up before us sosuddenly that it was only by a quick effort I prevented a collision. Even as I held my horse poised half in air, I perceived it was Craigwho blocked the way. 

"What is it, Sergeant?"

"A picket, sir, at the end of the road, " he said quietly. 

"I kinder reckoned they'd hev some sort o' guard thar, so I crept up onthe quiet ter be sure. The feller helped me out a bit by strikin' amatch ter see what time 't was, or I reckon I'd a walked over him inther dark. "

"Had we better ride him down?" I asked, thinking only how rapidly thenight hours were speeding and of the importance of the duty pressingupon us. 

"Not with ther woman, sir, " he answered in a low, reproachful voice. "Besides, we never could git through without a shot, an' if by any dernluck it should turn out ter be a cavalry outpost, --an' I sorter reckonthat's what it is, --why, our horses are in no shape fer a hard run. Youuns better wait here, sir, an' let me tend ter that soger man quietlike, an' then p'raps we uns kin all slip by without a stirrin' up therpatrol. "

"Well, " I said, reluctantly yielding to what I felt was doubtless thewiser course, and mechanically grasping the rein he held out to me, "goahead. But be careful, and don't waste any time. If we hear the soundof a shot we shall ride forward under spur. "

"All right, sir, but there 'll be no fuss, fer I know just whar therfellar is. "

Time seems criminally long when one is compelled to wait in helplessuncertainty, every nerve on strain. 

"Hold yourself ready for a sudden start, " I said warningly to mycompanion. "If there is any noise of a struggle yonder I shall drive inthe spurs. "

As I spoke I swung the Sergeant's horse around to my side, where Icould control him more readily. 

There was no reply from the woman, but I noticed she endeavored to drawtogether the flapping cape of her cloak, as though she felt chilled bythe wind, and her figure seemed to stiffen in the saddle. 

"Are you cold?" I questioned, more perhaps to throttle my ownnervousness by speech than from better motive. 

She shook her head; then, as if thinking better of it, answeredlightly:

"The wind appears to find no obstacle in this cloak, but I am notsuffering. "

I wrapped the loose rein of Craig's horse about the pommel of my saddleand bent toward her. 

"Permit me, " I said; "you probably do not comprehend the intricacies ofa cavalry cloak. If I fasten these upper frogs I think it will help tokeep out the night air. "

Without protest she permitted me to draw the flapping cloth togetherand fasten it closer about her throat; but whatever tantalizingcuriosity I may have felt to view her face was effectually blocked bythe high collar behind which she immediately took refuge. 

"I am sure that will be much better; you are very kind. " The words werepleasant enough, yet there was something in both tone and manner thatpiqued me, and I turned away without speaking. 

It came at last--not the sharp flash of a musket cleaving the night intwain, but merely the tall figure of the Sergeant, stealing silentlyout of the gloom, like a black ghost, and standing at our very horses'heads. 

"All clear, sir, " he reported in a matter-of-fact tone. "But we shallhev ter move mighty quiet, fer ther main picket post ain't more nor ahundred yards ter the right o' ther crossin'. "

He did not remount, but, with reins flung loosely over his arm, led theway slowly forward, and carefully we followed him. 

What had become of the sentinel I did not know, respecting Craig'sevident desire for silence; but as we drew nearer the White Briar roadI sought in vain to pierce the dense gloom and note some sign of astruggle, some darker shadow where a body might be lying. There wasnothing visible to tell the story. 

The Sergeant walked without the least hesitation across the open space, directly into the deep shadows opposite, where the cross-road continuedto hold way. Crouching low in the saddle, we followed him as silentlyas though we were but spirits of the night. Up the road I caught thered gleam of a fire almost spent, and a black figure crossed betweenus, casting an odd shadow against the face of the rock where it waslighted by the flickering red blaze. It was all over in a moment, amere glimpse, but it formed one of those sudden pictures which paintthemselves on the brain and can never after be effaced. I recall yetthe long shade cast by the man's gun, the grotesque shape of hisflapping army overcoat, the quick change in the silhouette as hewheeled to retrace his beat. But there was no noise, not even the soundof his footsteps reaching us. Even as I gazed, lying nearly full lengthupon my horse, we had crossed the open, and a perfect tangle of lowbushes hid us as completely as if we had entered the yawning mouth of acavern. 

A hundred yards or more of sharply curving road densely lined withshrubbery on either hand, and then Craig swung into saddle and againgave spur to his horse. 

"We must ride for it now, " he said tersely. "When thet patrol makestheir round, them fellers will be after us hot. "

I urged my tired horse to a gallop, pressing upon Craig's heels asclosely as I dared; nor did I glance back, for I knew well that a deadpicket was lying somewhere by the cross-roads, and that his comradeswould be heard from before the dawn. 

We were moving bravely now; for the road under foot grew better as weadvanced, and gave back the dull thud of soft earth instead of therattling clang of the rocks we had been so long accustomed to. I forcedthe scabbard of my sabre beneath the bend of my knee to keep it fromclanging against the iron stirrup, and only the breathing of thehorses, and their heavy pounding on the earth, broke the night silence. Craig was riding directly in my front, sitting erect as if on parade, and the woman's horse kept up the pace without apparent effort. Surelywe had already covered a good safe mile from where we had left the deadsoldier to tell his speechless story, and the way ahead was clear. Myspirits rose buoyantly with every stride of the horse, and my faith, never long dormant, already saw my task accomplished, my pledge to Leefulfilled. 

But it is the unexpected which masters us in the end. I had all butcompletely shut the dark night from my thoughts. I suppose, in truth, Iwas as keenly observant as ever, but it now seems to me that I wasriding that black road with closed eyes, so busy were my thoughtselsewhere. Then, suddenly, my horse was jerked almost to a standstill, the hand upon his bit seemingly as hard as my own, and I wheeled in thesaddle, pressing my knees tightly to prevent being thrown, only toperceive the woman tugging desperately at the lines. 

"What now?" I asked sharply, and in sudden anger I forced her torelease her grasp. "We must ride, and ride hard, madam, to be out ofthis cordon by daylight. "

"Ride where?"

She faced me stiffly, and there was a slight sting in her voice, Ifelt. 

"Where?" I repeated; then partially gathering my scattered wits: "Why, to the camp we are seeking, of course. "

I was conscious that her eyes were striving anxiously to see my face inthe darkness, --that her suspicions were now fully aroused; yet herquick retort surprised me. 

"You lie!" she said coldly. "That was a Federal picket he killed. "

It was no time for argument, and I knew it. Any moment might bring tous the sound of hoof-beats in pursuit; more, I realized that anything Imight hope to say would only tend to make matters worse. There was butone course open. She must be compelled to ride, by force if necessary. Why should I hesitate? She had no claim on my consideration, and Ihardened my heart to make her comprehend, once and for all, that I wasthe master. Even as I reached this decision, Craig, noting our pause, had ridden back, and reined in beside us without a word. 

"You are right, " I said tersely. "In one sense of the word you areprisoner, for the time being at least, but not through any wish ofmine. We do not make war on women, and your being in this situation isaltogether an accident. However, be that as it may, we must, first ofall, protect ourselves. I would very gladly leave you with yourfriends, if possible, but as things have shaped themselves thereremains but one alternative--_you must ride as I order. "_

I could mark her quick breathing while I spoke, and when I concludedone hand went up to her throat as if she choked. 

"You--you are not Major Brennan's friend then? You were not sent byFrank to meet me?" The questions burst from her lips so rapidly that Iscarcely caught their import. 

"I am Captain Philip Wayne, ----th Virginia Cavalry, at your service, madam, " I said calmly, "and to the best of my knowledge I have not thepleasure of Major Brennan's acquaintance. "

She seemed not to know what to say, and sat there staring at me throughthe darkness, as she might have gazed in speechless horror at some wildanimal she expected would spring upon her. 

"A Rebel!" The hated word hissed from her lips as if the utteranceburned them. 

"Yes, madam, " I said, somewhat coldly, for I was not especially fond ofthe term, "that is what they call us on your side, but also an officerand a gentleman. "

I doubt if she even heard me. All I know is she suddenly lifted theheavy riding whip that was clinched in her right hand, struck me withit full across the face, and then, as I quickly flung up my own arm toward off a second blow, she sent the lash swirling down upon the flankof her horse. With one bound the maddened animal wrenched the reinsfrom out my hands, nearly dragging me from the saddle, and swervedsharply to the left. There was a shock, a smothered oath, a moment'sfierce struggle in the darkness, the sharp ping of the whip as it camedown once, twice--then silence, broken only by deep breathing. 

"I've got her, Captain, " chuckled the Sergeant, softly, "but dog-goneif I know what to do with her. "

There was small sentiment of mercy in my heart as I drew up towardthem, for my cheek burned where the lash had struck as though scorchedwith fire. For the moment I felt utterly indifferent to all claims ofher womanhood. She had unsexed herself, and deserved treatmentaccordingly. It was thus I felt as I clinched my teeth in pain; butwhen I saw her leaning helplessly forward on her horse's neck, allbravado gone, her hands pinioned behind her in the iron grip of theSergeant, my fierce resentment died away within me. 

"Let go her hands. Craig. " I commanded briefly. 

She lifted her body slightly from its cramped, uncomfortable posture, but her head remained bowed. 

"Madam, "--I spoke sternly, for moments were of value now, --"listen towhat I say. We are Confederate soldiers passing through the Federallines with despatches. In order to save ourselves from discovery andcapture we were compelled to take you in charge. It was the fortune ofwar. If now we could honorably leave you here we would most gladly doso, for having you with us adds vastly to our own danger; but thesemountains are simply overrun with wandering guerillas who would showyou neither respect nor mercy. We simply dare not, as honorable men, leave you here unprotected, and consequently you must continue to ridein our company. Now answer me plainly, will you proceed quietly, orshall we be compelled to tie you to your horse?"

I knew she was crying; but with an effort she succeeded in steadyingher voice sufficiently to reply. 

"I will go, " she said. 

"Thank you, " and I gravely lifted my hat as I spoke. "You have saved mea most unpleasant duty. You may ride on, Sergeant; this lady and I willfollow, as before. "

She scarcely changed her posture as I spurred forward, riding now soclose to her side that I could feel the flap of her saddle rise andfall against my knee. Whatever of evil she may have thought of us, Ifelt that she was sorry enough now for her hasty action, and I forgavethe pain that yet stung me, and longed, without well knowing how, totell her so. 

 CHAPTER V

A DISASTER ON THE ROAD

To me she was merely a woman whom it had become my duty to protect, andwhatever of chivalrous feeling I may have held toward her was basedupon nothing deeper than this knowledge. She had come to us undesiredand in darkness, her form enveloped in a cavalry cloak, her faceshrouded by the night. As to whether she was young or old I had scarcemeans of knowing, saving only that the tone of her voice and thegraceful manner of her riding made me confident that she had not lostthe agility of youth. But beyond this vague impression (it was littlemore), and a fleeting gleam of the starlight in her eyes as she facedme in anger, I was as totally unaware of how she really looked asthough we had never met. Her very name was unknown to me. Who was thisMajor Brennan? Was he father, brother, or husband? and was her nameBrennan also? For some reason this last possibility was repugnant tome. Yet I knew not why. 

I turned these thoughts over in my mind, speculating idly upon them, not because I felt any interest in their solution, or in the womanriding at my side, but because they seemed to fall into order to thesteady music of my horse's feet and the darkness of the night. "No, " Isaid to myself, "there is certainly no leaving her except in adisciplined camp; young or old, Yankee or what not, she is in our care, and we'll keep her out of the hands of those cut-throats between thelines. "

I glanced toward her, wondering what the morning light might reveal asto her appearance. She was sitting erect and easy in the saddle, yetseemed to ride with her face averted from me. 

"You ride as though born to the saddle, " I said pleasantly; andalthough I spoke low, we were so close together that my voice carrieddistinctly to her ears. "We have been sufficiently conceited to supposethat to be an accomplishment peculiar to our Southern women. "

"I have been accustomed to ride since childhood, " she replied rathershortly, and I was conscious of a restraint in her manner far frompleasing. Yet I ventured upon one more effort at conversation. 

"Is Major Brennan an officer on Sheridan's staff?"

"I was not aware "--and I could not mistake the accent ofvindictiveness in her voice--"that prisoners were obliged to converseagainst their will. "

My lady certainly possessed a temper of her own, and I was obliged tosmile there in the dark at her high head and quick retort. 

"I ask your pardon, I am sure, "--I returned soberly. "But my questionwas not altogether an idle one. I have chanced to meet several ofGeneral Sheridan's staff, and thought possibly Major Brennan might havebeen of their number. Seeing that we must associate for a time, Inaturally felt it would prove pleasanter for both of us if we mightdiscover some mutual tie. "

There was no response. Her eyes were fastened upon the road ahead, andevidently my lady possessed no desire for the discovery of any suchtie. Watching her, I pressed my lips together, and held her as a proudand silly fool. 

I would perform my full duty toward her, of course, but beyond that Iwould go no further. 

The pace we were travelling had already told severely on the horses, although hers was by far the best and freshest of the three. My ownbrave sorrel had stumbled several times already in a way that gave meno small uneasiness, yet I durst not venture to draw rein or evenslacken speed. Already, beyond a doubt, the patrol in our rear hadmissed the picket stationed at the crossroads, had searched until theyfound the lifeless body where Craig had hidden it, and were now hotupon our trail. Hard, continuous riding alone could save us--ridingwith a thoroughly aroused enemy at our heels, and yet another picketline to pass before we could even hope for a clear sweep into safety. 

The road we were following here took a sudden trend downward, and wecould tell from the sharper ring of the hoofs, and the spitting offlinty sparks beneath us, that we were among rocks once more. Then ourhorses suddenly splashed into water, and I held them up long enough todrink. I felt thirst strongly myself, and slipping out of the saddle, filled my canteen. 

"Would you care for a drink?" I asked, stemming the stream to reach herside, and holding the vessel within easy grasp of her hand. 

I actually believe her first impulse was to refuse haughtily thisproffered civility from an enemy of her country, but the deep sense ofneed conquered foolish pride and caused her to accept the offering. 

"I am very thankful to you, " she said, handing back the canteen; yetthe words were spoken in mockery. I ignored them, and swung into mysaddle without response. 

Another hill followed, and then another, and finally we swept swiftlydown a long slope densely bordered by trees and with irregular piles ofrock uprearing ugly heads on either hand. A little edge of the waningmoon began to peep over the ridge of the hill, and yielded sufficientlight to enable our eyes to discern dimly the faint track we followed. I remember remarking the blacker figure of the Sergeant ahead of us, and already halfway down the long decline. I caught a swift glimpse ofa rough log house on the right, so set back among trees that I halfdoubted its real existence, when--there was a slip, the crunching of astone, a long stumble forward that fairly wrenched my hand loose fromthe woman's rein, and then, hopelessly struggling to regain his feet, my horse went down with a crash, head under, and I was hurled heavilyforward upon my face. 

Severely bruised by the shock, but fortunately without broken bones, Irecall half-wheeling even as I fell, wondering if my prisoner wouldgrasp this opportunity for escape. Quite probably the thought neveroccurred to her; perhaps her woman's heart, in the stress of suchaccident, held her motionless. But Craig, startled at the sudden crashbehind him, spurred back to learn the full extent of my disaster. Bythis time I had regained my feet. 

"I'm all right, I think, Sergeant, " I said hastily, "but the sorrel hasbroken her neck. "

He began to swear at our ill luck, but I stopped him with a gesture heknew better than to ignore. 

"Enough of that, " I commanded sternly. "Bad fortune is seldom betteredby hard words. First of all, help me to drag this dead body out ofsight. "

On one side of us the bank fell away with such precipitancy that whenwe once succeeded in dragging our load to the edge, we experienced nodifficulty in sending it crashing downward. The body plunged throughthe thick underbrush at the bottom of the gorge, where I knew it wouldbe completely hidden, even in the glare of daylight, from the pryingeyes of any troopers riding hard upon our track. With a branch, hastilywrenched from a near-by tree, I carefully raked over the track, sothat, as far as I could determine in the dim light, all outward traceof my accident had been fairly obliterated. 

As we rapidly worked on this disagreeable task, I thought and planned:two horses and three riders, --one of these latter a woman in need ofprotection, --a despatch to be delivered by daylight, at all hazards. Itwas indeed a difficult proposition, and I saw only a single possiblesolution. One of our number must press on; two of us must remainbehind. Which one? what two? If I rode with the despatch (and howeagerly I longed to do so!), and succeeded in bringing Lee's messagesafe to Longstreet, it meant much to me--promotion, distinction, honor. On the other hand, if I remained behind, and Craig successfully carriedout the duty which had been especially intrusted to me, I should befortunate indeed to escape with a reprimand instead of more seriousconsequences. If failure resulted, it meant certain and deserveddisgrace. Yet I could absolutely trust him with the despatch; he was asoldier, and would faithfully perform a soldier's duty. More, he wouldcarry the message with even greater certainty than I, for he knew theroads much better, and--I write the words hesitatingly--I could nottrust him there alone with the woman. 

I glanced aside at him as I thus turned the perplexing situation overin my mind, --a tall, gaunt mountaineer, whose sole discipline of mindand body had been the army; hardened by service until every muscle inhis lean, sinewy frame was like steel, a cavalryman who would followhis leader into the very jaws of hell, but whose morals were those ofthe camp, and whose face revealed audacious deviltry such as no manwould care to see in one to whom he intrusted the welfare of sister orwife. Recalling to mind certain idle stories that circulated throughthe camp from time to time, in which his name had figured, I glancedbackward to where the woman sat her horse in silence and loneliness, and made my resolve: I would risk the censure; if there must besacrifice it should be mine. 

"Sergeant, " I asked, flinging aside the improvised brush, "how far doyou suppose we are from Longstreet's picket line?"

"Ten miles at the very best, sir, " he answered promptly, "an' I reckonwith another Yankee outpost atween. "

"With fair luck and good riding it might be made by daylight?"

"I reckon as how it might, Captain, if we only hed sum fresh hosses, "he said glumly; "but it's bin mighty hard on my nag; I've looked ferhim to roll over like yer sorrel did fer the las' two mile. "

"Well, Craig, you shall have both horses. Ride the woman's, it is thefresher of the two; but you are to get through if you kill them bothand then walk. "

His face brightened, and he raised his hand in salute. 

"And you?" he asked wonderingly. 

"I remain with the woman; there is no other way. Wait here a momentwhile I speak with her. "

I left him standing there, and moved back to where she waited. As Icame up she faced me, and for the first time (for the night hadlightened somewhat) I could see her eyes and discern some faint outlineof her face where the night wind flung back the upturned cape. It was awinsome sight to soldier vision, but with a certain semblance of prideand reserve about it that caused a hesitancy in my speech strangeenough to me. I felt oddly like a bashful boy, and involuntarily liftedmy hat as I approached, to cover my confusion. Some trick of thedancing moon shadows made me imagine that she smiled, and the sightnerved me instantly to speak bluntly the words I came to say. 

"Madam"--I rested my hand upon her horse's mane and looked up at herwith a glance as proud as her own, --"it might be as well for you todraw the cape closer about your face at present. There are rough men inall armies who would consider your beauty a lawful prize. The life welead is not conducive to gentleness; virtue is not born in camps, andit would be better not to provoke a danger which may be so easilyavoided. "

A wave of sudden color swept her cheeks at my plain speech, and herhand sought the collar of the cloak, yet paused there irresolute. 

"You claimed, I believe, to be an officer and a gentleman, " she saidcoldly. 

I smiled, even as I felt the full chill of her words, and my purposestiffened within me. 

"Even as I yet claim, and trust to be able to prove to yoursatisfaction, "--my eyes looked unfalteringly into hers, --"but, unfortunately, I have one with me to-night who is neither. I would thathe were for my own sake. However, madam, let that pass. The fact ishere, and we have no time to argue or quarrel. I have already told youthat we ride with despatches for Longstreet. These must go forward atall hazards, for thousands of human lives depend upon them; yet I darenot leave you here alone and unprotected to the mercies of the wolveswho haunt these hills. "

"You are exceedingly kind. "

The tone in which she spoke was most sarcastic, "I thank you for yourapprobation, " and I bowed again; "but I venture to tell you this merelybecause I have already fully determined to despatch the Sergeantforward with the message, and remain behind myself to render you everyprotection possible. "

"Do you mean that we are to remain here alone?"

"There is no other way. "

She made no reply, but her proud unbelieving eyes were no longer uponmy face. 

"I beg you to believe, madam, " I pleaded gently, for I confess myinterest in her good opinion was growing stronger, "that I do this onlybecause I believe it to be a duty, and not that I desire in any way todistress you with my presence. "

She swept my upturned face suddenly with questioning eyes. 

"As your prisoner I presume I have no choice in the matter. "

"I should prefer that you took a different view, but in a measure youare right. "

"Very well, sir; I simply yield to what I am powerless to avoid, andwill obey your orders however distasteful they may be. What is yourfirst command?"

"That you dismount. The Sergeant must ride your horse, as he is themore fit of the two. "

Greatly to my surprise and relief she placed her gauntleted hand inmine, and, without so much as a word of protest, permitted me to swingher lightly from the saddle to the ground. 

"Craig, " I called, "come here"; and turning to her, added quietly, "Kindly draw up your cape for a moment. "

I noticed her hands fasten the clasps, which had become loosened, andthat she turned partially so as to look backward up the road as theSergeant drew near. 

"You know your work, " I said to him briefly. "And now the sooner youare at it the better. Ride this horse and lead your own. As soon as youdeliver Lee's message at headquarters, hunt up the cavalry brigadecommander and report to him my position. Get a detail, insist upon one, and be back here by to-morrow without fail. That is all. "

He saluted, wheeled about, swung lightly into saddle, and rode off on arapid trot, grasping, as he passed down the hill, the rein of his ownmount, and leading it, lagging, behind him, until the night swallowedthe figures, and even the sound of the hoof-beats could be no longerheard. We were alone. 

 CHAPTER VI

A STRUGGLE IN THE DARK

I have seldom been more deeply embarrassed than at that moment. I knewnot what to say or how best to approach this young woman left sostrangely to my protection. The very fact, which I now realized, thatshe was both young and fair added some indefinite burden andcomplicated the delicate situation. I saw no safety for us but incareful hiding until Craig could return, a squad of hard-ridingtroopers at his back. To permit the girl to venture forward alonethrough the desolate country we were in, overrun as I knew it to be byirregular bands whose sole purpose was plunder, and whose treatment ofwomen had made my blood run cold as I listened to its recital, was notto be so much as thought of. Even if, by rare good fortune, she shouldsucceed in safely reaching the Federal picket post in our front, themen on duty there were just as likely as not to prove of the samedesperate stamp, and every indignity might be offered her were she toappear alone. Nor could I venture to accompany her on such a trip, forto do so would but assure my own capture, and involve months ofconfinement in Northern prisons, even were I fortunate enough to escapewith life. Wearing as I did the full field uniform of my rank, it washardly probable that regular troops would treat me as a spy, eventhough caught within their lines; but if we fell into the hands ofguerillas it would be a short shrift indeed. 

There was no help for it, and but one way out, disagreeable as thatmight prove to my lady. She stood there before me, motionless andsilent as a statue, exactly where she had alighted when the Sergeanttook her horse, and it seemed to me I could plainly read righteousindignation in the indistinct outline of her figure and the haughtypose of her head. To her at that moment I was evidently a mostdisagreeable and even hated companion, a "Rebel, " the being of allothers she had been taught to despise, the enemy of all she heldsacred. "Could any good thing come out of Nazareth?"

Well, unpleasant as was the task, it had to be done, so, mustering mycourage for the ordeal as I never had to do in time of battle, Iadvanced toward her, hat in hand. She never so much as glanced about atthe sound of my footsteps, nor deigned by the slightest motion toacknowledge my presence. So intense, indeed, was her evident sense ofindignity that it awoke within me something akin to anger at herunreasonableness, and for the moment I clinched my teeth to keep backthe hot words burning upon my tongue. Then I smiled grimly with therare humor of it, and became myself once more. 

"The time has come when it becomes my duty to look after your comfortand safety, " I said, striving to disguise all self-consciousness. "Every moment we delay now merely increases the danger of our remaininghere. "

"I imagine I might very easily dispense with any further care on yourpart. "

Her reply nettled me, and I answered with an earnestness which shecould neither ignore nor check: "Possibly you may think so, but if youdo it is merely because of your utter ignorance of the disorganizedconditions which prevail in these mountains. Your pride is almostridiculous under all the circumstances. You have no just cause to feelthat I am forcing myself unnecessarily upon you. Our being compelled totake you in charge has proven as disastrous to us as to you. PersonallyI can say that nothing will relieve me more than to be able to placeyou uninjured into the care of your own people. I would willinglyassume great risks to that end. But while you remain here and in mycare, I shall perform my full duty toward you as though you were my ownsister. Now please listen to me, and I assure you I shall speak nothingfor the mere purpose of alarming you, but simply that you may bettercomprehend the facts which must influence our present relationship. Ihave sent forward Sergeant Craig with the message especially intrustedto me for delivery, and thus, if it fail to reach its destination, Ihave laid myself open to the charge of a grave military crime. In doingthis I have not only perilled my own future, but the lives of mycomrades and the faith of my commander. Yet I have deliberately chosento do so because I feel the impossibility of leaving you hereunprotected, and because I was unwilling to trust you alone with mycompanion. I made this choice, remember, without in the least knowingwhether you were young or old, worthy of respect or unworthy. I did itbecause you were a woman, alone and without friends. Whether you spurnmy protection or not will make no difference; I shall simply continueto do what I may on your behalf until you are again in the hands ofthose you trust. "

"But why may I not go to them now?"

The question was impetuous, but the voice sounded more gentle. My wordshad at least pierced her armor. 

"Simply because I dare not permit you to traverse these roads alone, " Isaid soberly. "The mountains all about us, deserted as they now appear, are filled with wandering bands of desperate and hunted men whosetenderest mercy is death. Any rock may be the hiding-place of anoutlaw, any dark ravine the rendezvous of as wild a gang as evermurdered for plunder. For months past--yes, for years--the two greatarmies have scouted these hills, have battled for them, and everyforward or backward movement of the contesting lines has left itsworthless horde of stragglers behind, until with guerilla andbushwhacker, fleeing conscript and deserter, it has become such ameeting-place of rascality and crime as to be a veritable hell onearth. "

"But the Sergeant said there was a Federal picket post at the crossingof the White Briar. "

Her voice trembled as she spoke. 

"He merely supposed there would be; but even if it were true, we haveno positive means of knowing that the men stationed there would be ofthe regular service. Doubtless these thieving, murdering bands--such asthat headed by Red Lowrie, of whom you may have heard--are sufficientlyorganized to keep patrols posted, and may, indeed, be utilized at timesby both armies for that purpose. Were you to go to them you might besimply walking into a den of wolves. "

"But could you not go with me?"

I smiled at the naive innocence of her query. 

"I wish you to feel that I have never thought so much about my owndanger as about yours, " I returned quietly. "But would it be a pleasureeven to you to behold me swinging from the limb of a tree, hung as aspy without trial, merely because I ventured to walk with you into aFederal camp?"

I could see her eyes now resting full upon me, and much of the hardnessand doubt seemed to have gone out of them as she scanned my uncoveredfeatures in the dim light. I scarcely think I was ever considered ahandsome man even by my friends, but I was young then, frank of face, with that about me which easily inspired confidence, and it did me goodto note how her eyes softened, and to mark the perceptible tremor inher voice as she cried impulsively:

"Oh, no! Not that!"

"Your words yield me new heart, " I replied fervently, determined, nowthat the ice was partially broken, to permit no excuse for its againforming, "for if you but once fully realize our situation you willcertainly feel that I am merely endeavoring to perform my plain duty. Iknow not how I could do less without forfeiting entirely your respect. Now one thing more--please banish from your thought the idea that youare in any way a prisoner; forget, if possible, the color of myuniform, and think of me simply as an officer of equal rank andstanding with those you know in your own army, --one who stands ready, if need arise, to protect you with his life; as glad to serve you as ifhe wore the blue instead of the gray. "

I believed for a moment my words had appealed to her nobler nature;that she would outstretch to me her slightly uplifted hand andsurrender utterly. But it was only for the moment; whatever wave ofemotion may have moved her to the gesture, it was as suddenly sweptaside by a return of the old proud, impetuous spirit. 

"I will, of course, bow to the inevitable, sir, " she said, "and shallendeavor to adapt myself to the requirements of my unfortunatesituation. May I venture to inquire what you now propose to do?"

I confess to experiencing a quick feeling of resentment as I turned toscan the dim surroundings, not knowing at the moment how best to answerher. Who was this girl, that she should continue to bear herself as adisdainful queen might toward the very meanest of her subjects? Was Iso far beneath her, even in the social scale, as to warrant suchassumption of superiority? No, I felt that this was not the cause ofher cold suspicion, her proud, unapproachable bearing. Undoubtedly itarose from the manner in which she had fallen into our hands, thestrangeness and delicacy of our situation, the knowledge that I was a"Rebel" in arms against her people. These were the things which hadreared such a barrier between us. She but resorted to what wasapparently her only available weapon of defence. Well, of one thing, and that the most important, I was now assured--there would occur nofurther struggle on her part; if not fully resigned to the situation, she at least realized the necessity of obedience to my will. This wasmuch; but now what could I do with her?

To the right of where we stood the ground sloped rapidly downward untilthe dense darkness at the foot of the steep defile shrouded everythingfrom view. The descent appeared rocky and impracticable, and I coulddistinguish the sound of rapid water far below. On the opposite sidestood a dense wood, the outer fringe of trees overhanging the road, andthrough the waving leaves the moonlight checkered the ground withsilver, while the dense mass beyond seemed to flow back up the steepside of the mountain, thick with underbrush. Just below us, andpossibly fifty feet from the highway, I could perceive a small one-story log cabin, as silent, gloomy, and deserted to all outwardappearance as were the sombre woods of which it formed a part. 

"There seems small choice, " I said, speaking as cheerfully as possible. "But I propose to investigate the log hut yonder, and learn if it maynot afford some degree of shelter. "

She glanced furtively in the direction pointed out, and her eyesmirrored the sudden fear that swept into them. 

"Oh, no!" she cried impulsively, "I could never venture into thathorrible place. "

It did, indeed, look uncanny enough in its black loneliness, a fitabiding place for ghost and goblin damned; but I was not inclined toyield to superstitious dread. 

"Certainly not, " I answered, "until after I have investigated it. Perhaps it may prove more attractive within than without, although, Iconfess, from here it appears gloomy enough to discourage any one. However, if you will rest here, in the shadow of these trees, I willsoon discover whether it has inmates or not. "

She followed me in silence across the road to the spot designated, butas I turned to leave her seated upon the grass, and well protected fromprying eyes, she hurried quickly after me, and in her agitation so farforgot herself as to touch my sleeve with her hand. 

"Oh, please do not leave me here alone. I am not naturally timid, yeteverything is so gloomy I cannot stand it. Let me go with you, if youmust go!"

"Most assuredly you shall if you desire, " I returned heartily. "Butreally there is not a particle of danger in this, for if the house wereinhabited its occupants would have been aroused long ago. Follow justbehind me, and we shall soon solve the mystery. "

There appeared before us a dim, little-used path leading in among thetrees, and following its erratic curves we were soon before the cabin, which grew ever more uninviting as we drew near. As I paused a momentbefore the closed door, in order that I might listen for any possiblesound within, I could hear her quick breathing, as though the terror ofthe moment had driven all else from her mind. 

"Do not feel frightened, " I said, seeking to reassure her. "There isnothing here more terrifying than a vacant house, doubtless long sincedeserted. We shall discover nothing more formidable within than a rator two. "

The wooden latch yielded readily enough to my pressure, and pushingwide open the door, which creaked slightly upon its rusty hinges, Istepped across the puncheon threshold onto the hard earthen floor. There was no window visible, and the slight reflection of moonlightwhich crept in through the doorway scarcely revealed the nature of thatdark interior. I could dimly perceive what I believed to be a tabledirectly in front of me, while certain other indistinct and ill definedshadows might be chairs pushed back against the wall. At least thisroom was without occupants; yet it was with every sense alert that Ientered, pressing slowly past the table toward where I felt thefireplace would naturally be, knowing that my companion was yet withme, her hand clutching my arm. 

"Oh!" she cried sharply in terror, "what was that?"

It was something certainly, --a deadened, muffled, shuffling sounddirectly in our front, followed by a strange noise of scraping, as ifwith a dull knife on wood. 

"Wait here. " I said sternly. "Probably it is nothing more dangerousthan a rat. "

I felt my way carefully around the table, a revolver ready in my hand. There was nothing to be found there, --nothing, indeed, in the room; forfrom my new position I could look backward and distinguish in themoonlight the details of that simple, squalid interior. I ran my handalong the rough logs of the further wall. Ay! here was a break, doubtless a door; and groping along the crack I found the latch. 

There was no longer any noise audible, and I drew the door inward, never dreaming of danger. Suddenly, with a fierce, wild spring out ofthe dark, a huge body hurled itself directly at my throat, strikingwith such headlong impetus that I went backward as if shot, crashingagainst the table, then to the floor, dropping my weapon as I fell. There was no noise, no sound, while for an instant, with strength ofsheer desperation, I held back the snapping jaws that breathed hot fireinto my very face. With a bound backward of its great body the beastjerked free from my grip, and the next instant had sunk its drippingfangs, deep and hard, into the flesh of my shoulder. As the intensepain shot through me, my right hand, driven with all the force I couldmuster, caught the monster once, twice, full in the throat, but tighterand tighter those clinched jaws locked, until it seemed as if everybone between them must be ground to powder. Even as I grasped the lowerjaw, seeking vainly to wrench it loose, I heard the girl scream insudden afright. 

"Quick!" I gasped desperately. "Get my revolver there on the floor, anduse it--but for God's sake keep down; don't let the brute see you. "

She must have heard, but there was no response, although her cryingceased. Yet my own struggle to rid myself of that crushing weight andthose iron jaws drowned all other sounds, drove all other thoughts fromme. I doubt if what I now record occupied a minute; but God protect mefrom ever having to experience such another minute! I continued tostruggle in desperate hopelessness with single hand, in vain endeavorto wrench loose that awful grip upon my shoulder. Every movement I madewas an agony, an inexpressible torture, but the very intensity of painkept me from faintness, as the maddened beast tore deeper and deeperinto the quivering flesh. With knee bent double beneath me I succeededin turning partially upon one side, lifting the entire weight of theanimal as I did so; but no degree of force I could exert would loosenthose set jaws. There was no growling, no savage snarling, no sound ofany kind, --just that fierce, desperate, silent struggle for life in thedarkness. Every muscle of my body began to weaken from the strain, myeyes blurred, faintness swept over me, I felt my brain reeling, whenthere burst a vivid flash of flame within a foot of my face, singeingmy forehead; then followed a deafening report, and the huge brutesprang backward with a snarl of pain, his teeth clicking together likecogs of steel. Then he stiffened and fell prone across me, a dead, inert weight, pinning me breathless to the floor. 

For the moment I could do no more than lie there helpless, gasping forbreath, scarce conscious even of my deliverance. Then, as sufficientstrength returned for action, I rolled the body of the dead brute offme, and lifting myself by aid of the wall against which my head rested, looked about. Two broken chairs overturned upon the floor, and theshapeless, huddled body of my late assailant, alone spoke of theviolence of that deadly struggle; but the cabin was yet full of smoke, and I could perceive the figure of the girl leaning against the frameof the open door, the revolver still grasped in her hand. Her posturewas that of a frightened deer, as her terror-filled eyes sought thedark interior. 

"It is safely over, " I said weakly, for my breath yet came to me ingasps. "The brute is dead. "

"And you are not killed!" Shall I ever forget the glad ring in hervoice?--"Oh, thank God! thank God!"

The sound of these eager words yielded me a fresh measure of life. 

"Believe me, I certainly do, " I said as cheerfully as possible, "and Ithank you also as His instrument; but if you would keep me fromfainting away like a nerveless woman, I beg you come here. "

I could mark her coming across the narrow streak of moonlight, movingtoward me as a frightened bird might, startled at everything, andpassing as far from the lifeless mass on the floor as the small spacewould allow. As she bent anxiously over me her face was so in shadowthat I could distinguish nothing of its features. 

"What is it? Are you indeed severely hurt?"

"Not seriously, I think, yet I have lost some blood, and am in greatpain. There is brandy in the inner pocket of my jacket, but I am unableto move my arm in order to reach it. Would you endeavor to draw theflask out?"

I felt her bend over me, her soft breath coming almost in sobs upon myface, as with trembling fingers she undid the buttons of my trooper'sjacket and extracted the small flat flask I had been thoughtful enoughto store away there. 

The fiery liquid seemed to put new blood into my veins, and with itthere returned all my old-time audacity, with that intense hopefulnessin which I had been trained by years of war and self-reliance. 

"Ah! now I feel I am myself once more, " I exclaimed cheerily. "Thingsare surely not so bad after all. At least we have a roof over ourheads, and another day in which to live. "

I felt her shudder. 

"Oh, please do not make light of it, " she whispered. "It is so likesome horrid dream, and I am trembling yet. " I put my hand upon hers, and it was not withdrawn. 

"I trust you realize, " I said, "that I am neither thoughtless norungrateful. Years of war service make one careless of life, but I knowit was your shot that saved me. You are a brave girl. "

Her overtaxed nerves gave way at my words, and I knew she was cryingsoftly. The sobbing was in her voice as she strove to speak. 

"Oh, no, I am not; you do not guess how great a coward I am. I scarcelyknew what I was doing when I fired. That horrid thing--what was it?"

"A huge mastiff, I imagine; one of the largest of his breed. Butwhatever it may have been, the beast is dead, and we have nothing moreto fear from him. "

"Yet I tremble so, " she confessed, almost hysterically. "Every shadowfrightens me. "

I realized that no amount of conversation would quiet her nerves soeffectively as some positive action; besides, I felt the hot bloodconstantly trickling down my arm, and realized that something needed tobe done at once to stanch its flow, before weakness should render meequally useless. 

"Do you think you could build a fire on the hearth yonder?" I asked. "Iam afraid I am hardly capable of helping you as yet; but we must havelight in this gloomy old hole, or it is bound to craze us both. Takethose broken chairs if you find nothing better. "

She instantly did as I bade her, moving here and there about the roomuntil she gathered together the materials necessary, but keepingcarefully away from where the dead dog lay, until in a brief space oftime the welcome flame leaped up in the wide black chimney, and castits red glare all over the little room. The activity did her good, thelight flooding the gloomy apartment yielded renewed courage, and therewas a cheerier sound in her voice as she came back to me. 

"The great ugly brute!" she exclaimed, looking at the form in thecentre of the floor. 

"He was certainly heavy enough to have been a bear, " I replied, clinching my teeth in pain, "and sufficiently savage. "

I viewed her now for the first time clearly, and the memory will remainwith me till I die. How distinctly that entire picture stands forthwith the mist of all these years between! The low-ceiled room, devoidof all furniture save of the rudest and most primitive kind; the barelogs forming the walls, unrelieved in their rough ugliness, except ashere and there sundry unshapely garments dangled from wooden pegs; therough deal table, with a few cheap dishes piled upon one end of it; thedead dog lying across the earthen floor; and over all the leap of'ruddy flame as the newly kindled fire gathered way, leaving weirdshadows here and there, yet steadily forcing them back, and floodingthe whole interior with a cheery glow. 

She had flung aside the blue and yellow cloak which, during the longhours of our night ride had so completely shrouded her, and stoodbefore me dressed in some soft clinging stuff of a delicate browncolor, so cut and fashioned as to most become her rounded, gracefulform. About her neck a narrow strip of creamy lace was fitted, the fullthroat rendered whiter by the contrast, while at her wrists a similarornament alone served to relieve the simple plainness of her attire. The flaming fire lighted up her face, making it seem to flush with thedancing glow, which sparkled like diamonds in her eyes, and touchedwith ruddy light the dark, dishevelled hair. Hers was a young, fairface, --a face to love and trust forever, yet with a pride in it, and acertain firmness also that somehow was good to see. All this I notedwith one quick upward glance, and with a sudden thrill of the heartsuch as I had never known before. 

 CHAPTER VII

A DISCIPLE OF SIR WALTER

I have no doubt she wished me to see her thus. Every woman worth thewinning is a bit of a coquette, and none can be utterly disdainful ofthe lesson their mirror tells. But even as I gazed upon her, myadmiration deeper than my pain, the arch expression of her facechanged; there came a sudden rush of pity, of anxiety into those clear, challenging eyes, and with one quick step she drew nearer and bentabove me. 

"Oh, Captain Wayne, " she cried, her warm, womanly heart conquering allprejudice, "you are badly hurt and bleeding. Why did you not tell me?Please let me aid you. "

"I fear I must, " I replied grimly. "I would gladly spare you, forindeed I do not believe my injury sufficiently serious to cause alarm, but I find I have only one arm I can use at present; the brute got histeeth into the other. "

The tender compassion within her eyes was most pleasant to see. 

"Oh, believe me, I can do it. " She spoke bravely, a sturdy ring ofconfidence in the voice, although at the thought her face paled. "Ihave been in the hospitals at Baltimore, and taken care of woundedsoldiers. If there was only some water here!"

She glanced about, dreading the possibility of having to go forth intothe night alone in search of a spring or well. 

"I think you will find a pail on the bench yonder, " I said, for fromwhere I leaned against the wall I could see out into the shed. "It wasdoubtless left for the dog to drink from. "

She came back with it, tearing down a cloth from off a peg in the wallas she passed, and then, wearing a resolute air of authority, kneltbeside me, and with rapid fingers flung back my jacket, unfastening therough army shirt, and laid bare, so far as was possible, the laceratedshoulder. 

It gave me intense pain, for the shirt had become matted to the woundby drying blood, so that in spite of her soft touch and my own clinchedteeth a slight groan broke from my lips. 

"Forgive me, " she said anxiously, "but I fear I can never dress it inthis way. We must remove your jacket and cut away the sleeve of yourshirt. "

It was an agonizing operation, for it has often seemed to me that themore superficial the wound the greater the pain experienced in dealingwith it, and the perspiration stood in beads upon my forehead as sheworked quickly and with skill. At last the disagreeable task wasaccomplished, the wounded shoulder completely bared. Her face wasdeathly white now, and she shielded her eyes with her hand. 

"Oh, what a horrible wound!" she exclaimed, almost sobbing. "How thatgreat brute must have hurt you!"

"The wound is not so serious as it appears, " I replied reassuringly, and glad myself to feel that I spoke the truth, "but I confess the painis intense, and makes me feel somewhat faint. It was not so much themere bite of the dog, but unfortunately he got his teeth into an oldwound and tore it open. "

"An old wound?"

"Yes; I received a Minié ball there at Gettysburg, and although thebullet was extracted, the wound never properly healed. "

These words served to recall to her instantly the fact that I was notof her own people; there appeared to come again into her manner thatmarked restraint which had almost totally disappeared during the lastfew minutes. Not that she failed in any kindness or consideration, buta growing reserve put check upon what was fast becoming the intimacy offriendship. Yet she performed her disagreeable task with all thetenderness of a sympathetic woman, and as she worked swiftly anddeftly, made no attempt to conceal the tears clinging to her longlashes. Skilfully the deep, jagged gash was bathed out, and then ascarefully bound up with the softest cloths she could find at hand. Therelief was great, and I felt, as I moved the shoulder, that saving thesoreness it would probably not greatly bother me. 

"Now you must lie back and rest, " she said command-ingly, as Iattempted to thank her. "Here, put your head on this cloak. But firstit will do you good to have more of the brandy, for you are as white asdeath. "

"Merely a slight faintness; and I will only consent to indulge providedyou partake first, for I know you require the stimulant as much as I, "I retorted doggedly, gazing up into her face with an admiration shecould scarcely fail to perceive. 

She lifted the flask to her lips and did not answer, but when shehanded it back to me there was a new flush upon her cheeks. 

"And now as your nurse I command absolute quiet, " striving to speakgaily. "See, the daylight is already here, and I mean to discover ifthis lone cabin contains anything which human beings can eat; I confessthat I am nearly famished. "

"A most excellent symptom, and I imagine your quest will not be whollyvain. To my eye that greatly resembles a slab of bacon hanging besidethe chimney. "

"It indeed is, " she exclaimed, "and I feel as a shipwrecked seaman muston first beholding land. "

However my naturally energetic spirit revolted at inactivity, for thetime being my faintness precluded any thought of doing other thanobeying her orders, and I lay there silent, propped up against thelogs, my eager eyes following her rapid, graceful movements with aconstantly increasing interest. As she worked, the reflection of thered flames became mingled with the gray dawn, until the bare andcheerless interior grew more and more visible. Her search was far fromunsuccessful, while her resourcefulness astonished me, old campaigneras I was; for it was scarcely more than full daylight before she had meat the table, and I was doing full justice to such coarse food as thelarder furnished. A Confederate soldier in those days could not wellafford to affect delicacy in matters of the cuisine, and indeed ourlong fast had left us both where any kind of food was most welcome. 

The eating helped me greatly; but for some time so busy were we thatneither of us spoke. On my own part I experienced a strange hesitancyin addressing her upon terms of equality. Ordinarily not easilyembarrassed in feminine society, I felt in this instance a definitebarrier between us, which prevented my feeling at ease. Now and then aswe sat opposite each other, eating amid a silence most unpleasant, Iwould catch her eyes glancing across at me, but they were loweredinstantly whenever I ventured to meet them. Finally I broke thestillness with a commonplace remark:

"I presume your people will be greatly worried by this time over yourmysterious disappearance. "

A flush swept her throat and cheeks, but she did not lift her eyes fromthe plate. "Yes, " she answered slowly, "Frank is doubtless searchingfor me long before this. "

"Frank?" I asked, feeling glad of this opportunity to learn more of herrelationships. "You forget, possibly, that your friends are strange tome. You refer to the gentleman who expected to meet you on the road?"

"To Major Brennan, yes. "

There was nothing about the tone of her reply that invited me to pressthe inquiry further. One thing, however, was reasonably certain, --theman she called "Frank" could not be her father. I longed to ask if hewas a brother, but the restraint of her whole manner repelled thesuggestion. 

"Did I understand that you have nursed in the Federal hospitals atBaltimore?" I questioned, more to continue the conversation than fromany deep interest. 

"Merely as a volunteer, and when the regular nurses were especiallybusy. Major Brennan was stationed there for some time when I firstvisited him, and I felt it my duty as a loyal woman to aid the poorfellows. "

"It was surely far from being an agreeable task to one of yourrefinement. "

"Oh, it was not that that made it so hard, " and her eyes were upon menow unflinchingly. "It was the constant sight of so much misery one wasunable to relieve. Besides, that was nearly a year ago; I was veryyoung, just from school, and every form of suffering was new andterrible to me. "

"I greatly wonder you were permitted to go there at all. "

"The Major did object. He insisted it was no fit place for me, and thatI ran the risk of contracting disease. But I generally have my own way, even with him, and in this case I felt it a duty to my country, andthat I was right in my decision. "

I remained silent, striving vainly to frame some innocent questionwhich should solve for me the problem of who and what she was. Suddenlyshe spoke softly:

"Captain Wayne, I feel I owe you an apology for my unwarranted andunladylike conduct last night. I am very sure now that you are agentleman, and will appreciate how bitterly I was tried, how deeply Ihave ever since regretted it. "

It hurt her pride to say even this much, as I could tell by herdowncast eyes and heaving bosom, and I hastened to relieve herembarrassment. 

"You have nothing whatever to ask forgiveness for, " I said earnestly. "Rather such a request should come from me. I only trust, Miss Brennan, that you will excuse my part in this extremely unfortunate affair. "

She sat looking down upon her plate, her fingers nervously crumbling abit of corn bread. 

"You do not even know who I am, " she said slowly. "I am not Miss, butMrs. Brennan. "

I felt as if a dash of cold water had been suddenly thrown in my face. 

"Indeed?" I stammered, scarcely knowing what I said. "You appear soyoung a girl that I never once thought of you as being a marriedwoman. "

"I was married very early; indeed, before I was seventeen. My husband--"

What she was about to add I could but conjecture, for a quick change inthe expression of her face startled me. 

"What is it?" I questioned, half rising to my feet, and glancing overmy shoulder toward the wall where her eyes were riveted. 

"Something resembling a hand pushed aside the coat hanging yonder, " sheexplained in low trembling tone, "and I thought I saw a face. "

With one stride I was across the narrow room, and tore the garment fromits wooden hook. The log wall where it hung was blank. I struck it hereand there with the steel hilt of my sabre, but it returned a perfectlysolid sound, and I glanced about bewildered. The woman was watching mewith affrighted eyes. 

"This entire house is uncanny, " she exclaimed. "The very being in itmakes my flesh creep. It may have been a den of murderers. Captain, letus get outside into the sunshine. "

Believing it to be merely her overwrought nerves which were at fault, Isought to soothe her. "It was probably no more than a shadow, " I said, crossing to her side of the table, to enable her better to feel theinfluence of my presence. "Let us be content to sit here by the door, for we should be taking too great a risk of discovery if we venturedinto the open. "

I had barely spoken these words and placed my fingers on her hand tolead her forward when the small door which opened into the shed wasthrown back noisily, and two great shaggy dogs, the evident mates ofthe dead brute at our feet, leaped fiercely in. She shrank toward mewith a sob of terror; but even as I drew a revolver from my belt, a manand a woman appeared almost simultaneously in that same opening. 

"Down, Douglas! down, Roderick! Ha! 'There lies Red Murdoch, stark andstiff!'--down, you brutes; you'll be dead yourselves sometime. "

The man strode forward as he spoke, clubbing the frenzied brutes withthe stock of the long rifle he carried. 

"'Yelled on the view the opening pack, '" he quoted, as he distributedhis blows impartially to right and left; "'rock, glen, and cavern paidthem back. ' Them thar be Scott's words, stranger, an' I reckon as howol' Sir Walter knew whut he wus writin' 'bout. Stop thet blame youlin', you Roderick, er I'll take t' other end o' this gun ter ye. "

He redoubled his efforts for peace, finally driving the rebelliousbeasts back into one corner, where they sat upon their haunches andeyed us wistfully. 

"'Two dogs of black Saint Hubert's breed, unmatched for courage, breath, and speed, '" he exclaimed, wiping the perspiration from hisface with the back of one hand and staring at us, "specially thebreath. "

He was a fierce-looking little fellow, scarcely more than a half-grownboy in size, with round, red face full of strange wrinkles, and head asoddly peak-shaped as I ever looked upon. It went up exactly like theapex of a pear, while the upper portion was utterly bald. He formed amost remarkable contrast to the tall, raw-boned, angular female wholoomed up like a small mountain just behind him. 

"I reckon as how you uns hed quite a bit of a scrap afore ye laid thetthar dorg out, stranger, " he said, a half-angry tone lurking in hisdeep voice. "'The fleetest hound in all the North, ' an' I'm durned if Ijist likes ther way you uns makes yerselves et hum in this yere cabin. "

"Shet up, Jed Bungay, " cut in his better-half, sharply, and as shespoke she caught the little man unceremoniously by one arm, andthrusting him roughly to one side strode heavily forward until shepaused in the centre of the room, facing us with her arms akimbo. 

"Now I'd jist like ter know, " she said savagely, "who you uns be, abreakin' into a house, and a killin' a dorg, an' a eatin' up everythingwe uns got without so much as a sayin' 'by yer leave' er nuthin'. Ireckon as how you uns don't take this yere cabin fer no tavern?"

The wrinkled red face peering cautiously around her ample waist linemade me wish to laugh, but an earnest desire to placate the iratefemale, who was evidently the real head of this household, enabled meto conquer the inclination and answer gravely. 

"Madam, " I said with a low bow, "it is misfortune, not desire, whichhas caused us to trespass upon your hospitality. We will very gladlypay you liberally for any damage done. I am an officer in theConfederate service, and the breaking down of our horses compelled usto take refuge here in order that this lady might not be exposed todanger from roving gangs of guerillas. The dog attacked us in the dark, and we killed him in order to save our lives. "

"'The deep-mouthed bloodhound's heavy bay resounded up the rocky way, "ejaculated Bungay with dancing eyes. 

"Drat yer potry, Jed Bungay! ye dew make me tired fer suah. " She turnedback to us, and from her first words it was plainly evident she hadbeen impressed with but one sentence of my labored explanation. 

"Did you uns say as how ye 'd pay fer whut ye et and fer thet truck yebusted?" she asked doubtfully. 

"Certainly, madam, " and I took some money from my pocket as evidence ofgood faith. "What would you consider due you?"

The grim, set face relaxed slightly, while she permitted her husband toedge his way a little more into the foreground. 

"Wal, stranger, I sorter reckon as how 'bout four bits 'ill squar'things--dorgs is mighty durn cheap hereabout enyhow. "

"'But Lufra, --whom from Douglas' side nor bribe nor threat could e'erdivide, '" he protested. "Not that its name was Lufra, but he was ablame fine dorg. "

The woman turned on him like a flash, and he crept subdued back intohis corner. The incipient rebellion had been ended by a glance. 

"Durn ye, Jed Bungay, why, thet's more money thin ye've aimed in sixmonths, an' ye've got more measly, flea-bit dorgs 'round yere now thenye kin ever feed. Give me ther four bits, mister, an' I reckon as howit'll be all right. "

The little man balanced himself on one foot, and cocked up his eye inan abortive attempt to wink. 

"Yas, don't ye ever mind me, Mariar, " he said humbly. "'Whom ther Lordhath jined tergether let no man put asunder. ' Thet thar ain't Scott, Cap, but I reckon it's out of another book mighty nigh es good. Hes youuns got all ther victuals ye want? 'He gave him of his Highland cheer, the hardened flesh of mountain deer. ' This yere is slab bacon, but itsmells purty durn good. "

I glanced at Mrs. Brennan, and the amused twinkle in her eyes led me tosay heartily, "We had not entirely completed our meal, but imagined wesaw ghosts. "

"Ghosts!" He glanced around apprehensively, --"'On Heaven and on thylady call, and enter the enchanted hall!' Wus ther ghosts ye saw overthar?" And he pointed toward the wall opposite. 

I nodded. 

"Then I sorter reckon as how Mariar and me wus them ghosts, " hecontinued, grinning. "We sorter reckoned as how we wanted ter see whowus yere afore we come in. 'I'll listen till my fancy hears the clangof swords, the crash of spears. ' These yere is tough times, stranger, in these parts, an' a man whut has ter pertect a lovely female hes gotter keep his eye skinned. "

Maria sniffed contemptuously. 

"Ye're no great shakes at a pertectin' o' me, Jed Bungay. Now you sitdown thar an' begin ter fill up. I reckon as how ther Cap an' his galwill kinder jine with us fer manners. "

She seated Jed with such extreme vigor that I looked for the chair tocollapse beneath him as he came down, but the little man, not in theleast daunted, picked up his knife and fork with a sigh of relief. 

"'O woman! in our hours of ease uncertain, coy, and hard to please, '"he murmured. "Come, sit down, stranger; 'Sit down an' share a soldier'scouch, a soldier's fare. ' Not as I'm a sojer, " he hastened to explain, "but thet's how it is in ther book. Say, old woman, kint ye kinder skerup some coffee fer we uns--leastwise whut us Confeds call coffee?"

Without much difficulty I induced Mrs. Brennan to draw her chair oncemore to the table, and I sat down beside her. 

"You are Confederate, then?" I asked, curious to know upon which sidehis sympathies were enlisted in the struggle. 

He glanced warily at my gray jacket, then his shrewd, shifty eyeswandered to the blue and yellow cavalry cloak lying on the floor. 

"Wal, I jist don't know, Cap, " he said cautiously, continuing to eat ashe talked, "as I'm much o' enything in this yere row. First ther durnedgray-backs they come snoopin' up yere, an' run off all my horgs; thenther blame blue-bellies come 'long an' cut down every lick o' my cornfodder, so thet I'll be cussed if I ain't 'bout ready ter fight eitherside. Anyhow I ain't did no fightin' yit worth talkin' 'bout, ferMariar is pow'ful feared I'd git hurt. "

Maria regarded him scornfully. 

"Hiding out, I suppose?"

"Wal, 'tain't very healthful fer us ter be stayin' et hum much o' thertime, long with that thar Red Lowrie, an' Jim Hale, an' the rest o'thet cattle 'round yere. "

"Guerillas pretty thick now in the mountains?"

He glanced up quickly, his shrewd gray eyes on my face, and Mariaturned about as she stood beside the fireplace. 

"Wal, I dunno; I heerd as they wus doin' somethin' down by ther brickchurch, but thar 's no great shakes of 'em jist 'round yere. I reckonas how they knows 'nough ter keep 'way from Jed Bungay--I'd pitch 'em'far as ever peasant pitched a bar. '"

"You have no fear of them, then?"

"Whut, me?" The little man sat bolt upright, and glared fiercely acrossthe table as though he would resent an insult. 

"Stranger, I have fit them ar fellers night an' day in these yeremountings fer nigh onter three year--me an' Mariar. 

 "'For love-lorn swain in lady's bower Ne'er panted for the appointed hour As I, until before me stand This rebel chieftain and his band. '

"I jist tell ye, Cap, I reckon thar ain't no guerilla a goin' ter pokehis nose 'round yere 'less he 's a lookin' fer sudden death; thar'smighty few o' 'em ain't heerd o' Jed Bungay--Whut in thunder 's thermatter with yer gal?"

He stopped suddenly, and stared at her; but before I could turn aboutin my chair one of the great dogs began to growl savagely, and Mariasprang forward and cuffed the surly brutes into rebellious silence. 

"It's hosses, " she said harshly. "Likely as not it's Red's gang. Now, Jed Bungay, yere's two lovely females fer ye ter pertect. "

As I hastily sprang to my feet I caught a fleeting glimpse out of thepartially opened door. Down the steep of the hill road there was slowlymoving toward us on foot a small party of perhaps a dozen men, sovariously clothed as to make it evident they were irregulars. Justahead of them, but on horseback, two others were even then turning intothe narrow path that led to the house, attracted probably by the smokewhich streamed from the chimney-top. 

 CHAPTER VIII

MRS. BUNGAY DEFENDS HER HEARTHSTONE

A hand pressing hard upon my arm brought back my scattered senses witha rush. It was Mrs. Brennan who stood there, her face whitened byanxiety, her eyes peering anxiously through the opening of the door. Imminent danger may startle even a trained soldier, but any necessityfor action always recalls him to duty, and that one glance at hersufficed to make me myself again. 

"Surely those men are not soldiers, Captain Wayne!" she exclaimed. "They wear uniforms of both armies. "

"No doubt they are guerillas, " I answered, drawing her back from whereshe might be seen in their approach. "We must find hiding if possible, for you shall never fall into such hands. Bungay!"

I turned toward where the little giant had been sitting, but he was notto be seen. However, the sound of my voice aroused Maria to a fullsense of our danger, nor was she a woman to hesitate in such emergency. With a single stride she crossed the narrow room, caught the white-faced hero by the collar of his shirt, dragged him ignominiously forthfrom beneath the table where he had sought refuge, shook him as shewould shake a toy dog, until his teeth rattled, and then flung him outof the door leading into the back shed. It was done so expeditiouslythat I could only gasp. 

"Now inter ther hole with ye, Jed Bungay--you an' yer dorgs, " shepanted furiously. "An' you uns foller him. I reckon I 'm able terhandle thet lot out thar, even if it should be Red Lowrie an' hisgang. "

Catching firm hold of Mrs. Brennan's hand I sprang down the single stepand closed the door tight behind us. Jed had scrambled to his feet, andrubbing himself vigorously with one hand, utilized the other to dragoutward a rough cupboard, which appeared to be a portion of the houseitself. As it swung open there was revealed behind it a fair-sizedopening extending into the face of the hill. It was a most ingeniousarrangement, doubtless finding frequent use in those troublesome times. Its presence partially explained how Jed had thus far escaped theconscription officer. Into this hole we entered one at a time, and whenthe heavy cupboard had been silently drawn back into place, foundourselves enveloped in such total darkness as to make any movement adangerous operation. I felt the clasp of my companion's hand tighten, and knew that her whole form was trembling from intense excitement. 

"Do not permit the darkness to alarm you, " I whispered softly, bendingdown as I spoke until I could feel her quick breathing against mycheek. "Our visitors are not likely to remain longer than will benecessary to get something to eat. They need never suspect ourpresence, and all we have to do is to wait patiently until they moveon. I only wish I could discover something upon which you might sitdown. "

"Pray do not think me a coward, " she answered, "but I have heard ofthis man Lowrie in the Federal camps, and I would rather die than fallinto his hands. "

I had heard of him also, and of his outrageous treatment of women. Thememory caused me to clasp my hand warmly over hers, and set my teethhard. 

"It may not prove to be Lowrie at all, " I said soberly; "but all thesegentry are pretty much alike, I fear. However, I promise that you shallnever fall alive into the hands of any of their breed. "

Before she could answer me other than by a slight nestling closer inthe darkness, Bungay whispered: "This yere hole, Cap, leads down terthe right, an' comes out in a sort o' gully 'bout a hundred feet back. Thar's light 'nough ter see ter walk by a'ter ye turn ther corner 'bouttwenty feet er so. You uns kin go on down thar if ye 'd rather, follerin' ther dorgs, but I reckon as how I'll stay right yere an'sorter see how ther ol' woman comes out. 

 "'Where, where was Roderick then? One blast upon his bugle horn Were worth a thousand men. '

"If you uns like ter see a durned good fight maybe ye better stay tew--ther ol' woman is pisen if she once gits her dander up. "

His voice was expressive of great expectations, and I had reason tobelieve his faith in Maria would be justified. Before any of us, however, had time to change our positions we heard the fellows comestamping roughly into the cabin. The thin slabs which divided usscarcely muffled their loud voices. 

"Well, old woman, " exclaimed one in voice so gruff as to seem almostassumed, "pretending to be alone, are you, with all those dishessitting out on the table; just been eaten off, too. Haven't seen nostrange party along the road this morning, have ye?"

"Nary a one, " said Maria, and I knew from her voice she was standingclose beside the fireplace. 

"Are you Mrs. Bungay?"

"I reckon I am, if it's any o' yer business. "

"Don't git hifty, old woman, or we 're liable to give you a lesson inpoliteness before we leave. " The leader dropped the butt of his gunwith a crash on the floor. "Where is the little sneak, anyhow?"

"What do you want of him?"

"Want him to go 'long with us; we 're hunting some parties, and need aguide. They tol' us up the road a bit he knew every inch o' these yeremountings. "

There was a pause, as if Maria was endeavoring to decide as to thehonesty of the speaker. Her final answer proved the mental survey hadnot proven satisfactory. 

"Wal, I reckon, " she said calmly, "as you uns 'll be more likely terfind him down 'bout Connersville. "

"Then whut's all these yere dirty dishes doing on the table?"

"Hed sum Yankee officers yere; they just rode on down ther trail as youuns cum up. "

"Like hell!" ejaculated the fellow with complete loss of temper. "Seehere, old woman, we 're too old birds to be caught with any such chaff. We'll take a look around the old shebang anyhow, and while we're at ityou put something on the table for me and my mates to eat. "

The voice and manner were rough, but I was impressed with a certainaccent creeping into the man's speech bespeaking education. More, inspite of an apparent effort to make it so, his dialect was not that ofthose mountains. 

Even as he uttered these last words, throwing into them a threat morein the tone than the language, I became aware of a thin ray of lightpenetrating the seemingly solid wall just in front of me, and bendingsilently forward could dimly distinguish the elliptical head of Bungayas he applied one eye to a small opening he had industriously madebetween the logs. Grasping Mrs. Brennan firmly by the hand so that weshould not become separated, I crept across the intervening blackness, and reached his side. 

"Holy smoke, Cap, " the little man muttered in suppressed excitement, ashe realized my presence, "it's a goin' ter be b'ilin' hot in tharmighty soon. Mariar's steam is a risin'. "

He silently made room for me, and bending down so as to bring my eyeupon a level with his, I managed to gain some slight glimpse of thescene within the cabin. 

Mrs. Bungay stood with her back to the fireplace, an iron skilletfirmly gripped in one hand. Her face was red with indignation, andthere was a look in her eyes, together with a defiant set to her chin, which promised trouble. In front of her, carelessly resting on thetable, his feet dangling in the air, was a sturdy-looking fellow offorty or so, with red, straggling beard covering all the lower half ofhis face, and a weather-worn black hat pulled so low as almost toconceal his eyes. His attire was nondescript, as though he hadpatronized the junk-shop of both armies. In his belt were thrust arevolver and a knife, while within easy reach of his hand a musketleaned against a chair. Two others of the party, younger men, but evenmore roughly dressed than their leader, were lounging between him andthe door. 

Bungay chuckled expectantly. 

"O Lord! if they only git the ol' gal just a little more riled, " hewhispered hoarsely, jumping up and down on one foot in his excitement, "they'll hev ther fight of their life. "

"Do you know the fellows?" I asked. "Is that Red Lowrie?"

He shook his head. 

"Never laid eyes on any of 'em afore, but ye bet they're no good. Reckon they're a part o' his crowd. "

The man who posed as the leader of the party picked up the emptycoffee-pot beside him and shook it. 

"Come, now, Mrs. Bungay, " he commanded, "I tell you we 're hungry, sotrot out some hoecake and fill up this pot, unless you want to reckonwith Red Lowrie. "

The woman stood facing him, yet never moved. I could see a red spotbegin to glow in either cheek. If I had ever doubted it, I knew nowthat Maria possessed a temper of her own. 

"You ain't no Red Lowrie, " she retorted. 

The fellow laughed easily. 

"No more I ain't, old woman, but I reckon we ain't so durn far apartwhen it comes to getting what we go after. Come, honest now, where isthe little white-livered cur that runs this shebang?"

Whatever Maria might venture to call her lord and master in the privacyof home, it evidently did not soothe her spirit to hear him thus spokenof by another. 

"If Jed Bungay wus hum, " she answered fiercely, her eyes fairlyblazing, "I reckon you wouldn't be sprawlin' on thet thar table ferlong. "

"Wouldn't I, now? Well, old hen, we've fooled here with you about aslong as I care to. Bill, go over there and put some of that bacon on tofry. If she doesn't get out of the way I'll give her something to jumpfor. " And he patted the stock of his gun. 

Instinctively I drew my revolver, and pushed its black muzzle into thelight under Jed's nose. 

"Shall I give him a dose?" I asked eagerly. 

"Not yit; O Lord, not yit!" he exclaimed, dancing from one foot to theother in excitement. "Let ther ol' gal hev a show. I reckon she's goodfer ther whole three of 'em, 'less they shoot. "

Bill came up grinning. He evidently anticipated some fun, and as hereached out a grimy hand for the slab of bacon, took occasion to makesome remark. What it was I could not hear, but I noted the quickresponsive flash in the woman's eyes, and the next instant with a crashshe brought the iron skillet down with all her strength on top of thefellow's head. Without even a groan he went plunging down, faceforemost, in front of the fire. In another moment she was battling likea wild fury with the other two. 

It was a quick, intense struggle. The man near the door chanced to bethe first in, and he received a blow from the skillet that mostassuredly would have crushed his skull had he not dodged; as it was itlanded upon his shoulder and he reeled back sick and helpless. By thistime the fellow with the red beard had closed upon her, and wrested theskillet from her hand. Struggling fiercely back and forth across thefloor, Maria tripped over the body of the dead dog and fell, but as shedid so her fingers grasped the red beard of her antagonist. It yieldedto her hand, and bare of face, save for a dark moustache, the man stoodthere, panting for breath, above her. Then suddenly, almost at my veryear, a voice cried, "Frank! Frank! I am here!"

 CHAPTER IX

IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY

In the first surprise of that unexpected joyful cry ringing at my veryears all my senses seemed confused, and I stood motionless. Then Iheard Bungay utter a smothered oath, and knew he had wheeled about inthe darkness. Unable to distinguish the slightest outline of hisfigure, I was yet impressed with the thought that he was endeavoring tomuffle the girl, to prevent her uttering a second cry. Impelled by thisintuition I flung out my arm hastily, and by rare good luck it came incontact with his hand. 

"None of that, you little cur!" I muttered sternly, unmindful of hisefforts to break away. "No hand on her, mind you! Mrs. Brennan, whatdoes this mean?"

She made no attempt to answer, but I could hear her now groping her waythrough the darkness toward the place of our entrance. Bungay detectedthe movement also, and made a violent effort to break loose from mygrip, that he might hurry after her. 

"You lit go o' me, " he cried excitedly, "er, by goir, I'll use a knife. She'll give this whole thing away if she ever gits out. "

For answer I hurled him backward with all my strength and sprang afterthe fleeing woman. But I was already too late to stop her, even hadthat been my intention. With strength yielded her by desperation, shethrust aside the heavy cupboard, and as the light swept in, sprangforward into the rude shed. With another bound, gathering her skirts asshe ran, she was up the steps and had burst into the outer room. Amoment later I also stood in the doorway, gazing upon a scene that mademy blood like fire. 

The fighting had evidently ceased suddenly with her first cry. Mariastood panting in one corner, the deadly skillet again in her hand, herhair hanging in wisps down her back. Still unconscious from the blow hehad received, one fellow lay outstretched on the floor, his head barelymissing the hot ashes of the fireplace; while his companion nursed hisbruises and scowled from a safe refuge behind the table. The unshavenfaces of several others of the gang were peering curiously in throughthe open door. I know now I saw all this, for the picture of it is uponthe retina of memory, but at the moment everything I appeared toperceive or hear occurred in the centre of the room. 

The man who had posed as the leader stood there alone facing us, hisexpression a strange mixture of amazement and delight. He was apowerfully built man, with keen gray eyes deeply set in their sockets. His right hand rested heavily upon the hilt of a cavalry sabre, thescabbard of which was concealed beneath the folds of the long browncoat he wore. As Mrs. Brennan burst through the doorway he steppedeagerly forward, his eyes brightening, and they met with clasped hands. 

"Is it possible--Edith?" he cried, as if the recognition could scarcelybe credited. 

"Oh, Frank!" she exclaimed, eagerly, "it seems all too good to be true. How came you here?"

"Hunting after you, my fair lady. Did you suppose you could disappearas mysteriously as you did last night without my being early on thetrail? Have these people injured you in any way?" And he glanced abouthim with a threat in his gesture. 

"Oh, no, Frank, " hastily; "every one has been most kind. It was a meremistake. But how strangely you are dressed! how very rough you look!"

He laughed, but still retained his warm clasp of her hands. 

"Not the pomp and circumstance of glorious war which you expected, girl?" he asked lightly. "But we have all sorts of conditions to meetdown here, and soon learn in Rome to do as the Romans do. "

As he finished speaking he perceived me for the first time, and hisface changed instantly into cold sternness. I saw him sweep one hastyglance around, as though he suspected that I might not be alone, andhis hand fell once more upon his sword hilt, in posture suggestive ofreadiness for action. 

"Who have we here?" he asked, staring at me in amazement. "A JohnnyReb?"

"Whatever I am, " I retorted, my gorge rising suddenly at hiscontemptuous term, and stepping out into the room before him, "I atleast wear the uniform of my service and rank, and not the nondescriptgarments of a guerilla. "

The scornful words stung him; I noticed the quick flush of anger in hiseyes, and was not sorry. 

"You are insolent, sir. Moreover, you go too far, for as it chances youare well within our lines, and we will see to what extent honor isconsistent with the work of a spy. The uniform of your service, indeed!" he echoed hotly, pointing as he spoke across the room; "thatcavalry cloak over yonder tells its own story. Peters, Steele, arrestthis fellow. "

"Frank, don't do that, " she urged earnestly. "You mistake; that was thecloak I wore. "

If he heard her he gave no sign. 

"Bind him, " was the stern order, as the two men advanced. "Use yourbelts if you have nothing else handy. "

Angry as I most assuredly was, swept also by a new emotion which I didnot in the least comprehend, I yet fully realized the utterhelplessness of my position in point of resistance. They were twenty toone. However much I longed to grapple with him who mocked me, the verythought was insanity; my only possible chance of escape lay in flight. To realize this was to act. I leaped backward, trusting for a clearfield in my rear, and an opportunity to run for it, but the door bywhich I had just entered was now closed and barred--Bungay had madesure his retreat. The man, watching my every movement, with sword halfdrawn in his hand, saw instantly that I was securely trapped, andlaughed in scorn. 

"You are not making war on women now, " he said with a cutting sneer. "You will not find me so easy a victim. "

The taunt stung me, but more the tone and manner of the speaker, andthe hot blood of youth cast all caution to the winds. With a singlespring, forgetful of my own wound, I was at his throat, dashed asidehis uplifted hand, and by the sheer audacity of my sudden, unexpectedonset, bore him back crashing to the floor. He struggled gamely, yet Ipossessed the advantage of position, and would have punished himseverely, but for the dozen strong hands which instantly laid hold uponme, and dragged me off, still fighting madly, although as helpless as achild. 

My opponent instantly leaped to his feet and started forward, drawing arevolver as he came. His face was deathly white from passion, and therewas a look in his eyes which told me he would be restrained now by norule of war. 

"You cowardly spy!" he cried, and my ears caught the sharp click as hedrew back the hammer. "Do you think I will let that blow go unavenged?"

"I assuredly trust not, " I answered, gazing up at him from behind thegun muzzles with which I was yet securely pinned to the floor. "But ifyou are, as I am led to believe, a Federal officer, with somepretensions to being also a gentleman, and not the outlaw your clothesproclaim, you will at least permit me to stand upon my feet and faceyou as a man. If I am a spy, as you seem inclined to claim, there arearmy courts to try me; if not, then I am your equal in standing andrank, and have every right of a prisoner of war. "

"This has become personal, " hoarsely. "Your blow, as well as yourconnection with the forcible abduction of this young lady, whose legalprotector I am, are not matters to be settled by an army court. "

"Then permit me to meet you in any satisfactory way. The murder of ahelpless man will scarcely clarify your honor. "

I knew from the unrelenting expression upon his face that my plea waslikely to prove a perfectly useless one, but before I had ended it Mrs. Brennan stood between us. 

"Frank, " she said calmly, "you shall not. This man is a Confederateofficer; he is no spy; and during all the events of last night he hasproven himself a friend rather than an enemy. Only for my sake is hehere now. "

Ignoring the look upon his face she turned toward me, impetuously wavedaside the fellows who yet held me prostrate, and extending her handlifted me to my feet. For an instant, as if by accident, our eyes met, and a sudden flush swept across her throat and cheeks. 

"It is my turn now, " she whispered softly, so softly the words did notcarry beyond my own ears. Then she stood erect between us, as though inher own drawing-room, and gravely presented us to each other, as if shedared either to quarrel longer in her presence. 

"Major Brennan, Captain Wayne. "

We bowed to each other as men salute on the duelling field. In his eyesI read an unforgiveness, a bitter personal enmity, which I returnedwith interest, and secretly rejoiced over. 

"The lady seems to be in control at present, " he said shortly, shovingback the revolver into his belt. "Nevertheless I shall do my militaryduty, and hold you as a prisoner. May I inquire your full name andrank?"

"Philip Wayne, Captain ----th Virginia Cavalry, Shirtley's Brigade. "

"Why are you within our lines?"

"I attempted to pass through them last night with despatches, but wasprevented by my desire to be of assistance to this lady. "

"Indeed?" He smiled incredulously. "Your tale is quite interesting andrather romantic. I presume you yet carry the papers with you asevidence of its truth?"

"If you refer to the despatches, I do not. I sincerely trust they arealready safely deposited in the hands of the one for whom they wereintended. "

A malignant look crept into Brennan's face, and his jaws set ominously. 

"You will have to concoct a far better story than that, my friend, before you face Sheridan, " he said insolently, "or you will be very aptto learn how a rope feels. He is not inclined to parley long with suchfellows as you. Bind his hands, men, and take him out with you into theroad. "

The two soldiers grasped me instantly at the word of command. For asingle moment I braced myself to resist, but even as I did so my eyesfell upon a slight opening in the wall, and I caught a quick glimpse ofBungay's face, his finger to his lips. Even as I gazed in astonishmentat this sudden apparition, a lighter touch rested pleadingly on my arm. 

"Do not struggle any longer, Captain Wayne, " spoke Mrs. Brennan'svoice, gently. "I will go to General Sheridan myself, and tell him theentire story. "

I bowed to her, and held out my hands to be bound. 

"I yield myself your prisoner, madam, " I said meaningly, and notunconscious that her glance sank before mine. "I even imagine the bondsmay prove not altogether unpleasant. "

Brennan strode between us hastily, and with quick gesture to his men. 

"Bind the fellow, " he said sternly. "And mind you, sir, one word more, and they shall buck you as well. It may be valuable for you to rememberthat I am in command here, however I may seem to yield to the wish ofMrs. Brennan. "

 CHAPTER X

A WOMAN'S TENDERNESS

Youth is never largely given to reflection, which is the gift of years;and although my life had in a measure rendered me more thoughtful thanI might have proven under ordinary conditions, yet it is to be franklyconfessed, by one desirous of writing merely the truth, that Igenerally acted more upon impulse than reason. As I stood forth in thesunlight of that lonely mountain road, my hands securely bound behindmy back, the end of the rope held by one of my captors, while hisfellow leaned lazily upon his gun and watched us, I thought somewhatdeeply over the situation and those peculiar circumstances leading upto it. 

Under other conditions I might have felt tempted to enter intoconversation with my guards, who, as I now perceived, were far frombeing the rough banditti I had at first imagined. Judging from theirfaces and language they were intelligent enough young fellows, such asI had often found in the ranks of the Federal army. But I realized theycould aid me little, if any, in the one thing I most desired to know, and even if they could, a sense of delicacy would have caused me tohesitate in asking those personal questions that burned upon my lips. My deep and abiding respect for this woman whom I had so strangely met, and with whom I had attained some degree of intimacy, would neverpermit of my discussing her, even indirectly, with private soldiersbehind the back of their officer. Every sense of honor revolted at sucha thought. Not through any curiosity of mine, however justified by thedepth of my own feeling, should she be made the subject of idle gossipabout the camp-fire. 

For, in truth, at this time, unhappy as my own situation undeniablywas, --and as a soldier I realized all its dangers, --I gave it butlittle consideration. Usually quick of wit, fertile in expedients, everready to take advantage of each opportunity, I had taken stock of allmy surroundings, yet discovered nowhere the slightest opening forescape. The vigilance of the guard, as well as the thorough manner inwhich I was bound, rendered any such attempt the merest madness. Realizing this, with the fatalism of a veteran I resigned myself in allpatience to what must be. 

Then it was that other thoughts came surging upon me in a series ofinterrogatories, which no knowledge I possessed could possibly answer. Who was this proud, womanly woman who called herself Edith Brennan? Shehad been at some pains to inform me that she was married, yet there wasthat about her--her bearing, her manner--which I could not in the leastreconcile with that thought. Her extreme youthfulness made me feel itimprobable, and the impression remained with me that she intended tomake some explanation of her words, when the coming of Bungayinterrupted us. How they might be explained I could not imagine; Imerely struggled against accepting what I longed to believe untrue. Andthis man? this Federal major, bearing the same name, whom she calledFrank, who was he? What manner of relationship existed between them? Intheir meeting and short intercourse I had noted several things whichtold me much--that she feared, respected, valued him, and that he wasnot only swayed by, but intensely jealous of any rival in, her goodopinion. Yet their unexpected meeting was scarcely that of husband andwife. Was he the one she sought in her night ride from one Federal campto another? If so, was he brother, friend, or husband? What was thebond of union existing between these two? Every word spoken made mefear the last must be the true solution. 

Such were some of the queries I silently struggled with, and they wererendered more acute by that deepening interest which I now confessed tomyself I was feeling toward her who inspired them. It may befashionable nowadays to sneer at love, yet certain it is, the rarepersonality of this Edith Brennan had reached and influenced me inthose few hours we had been thrown together as that of no other womanhad ever done. Possibly this was so because the long years in camp andfield had kept me isolated from all cultured and refined womanhood. This may, indeed, have caused me to be peculiarly susceptible to thebeauty and purity of this one. I know not; I am content to give facts, and leave philosophy to others. My life has ever been one of action, ofintense feeling; and there in the road that day, standing bareheaded inthe sun, I was clearly conscious of but one changeless fact, that Iloved Edith Brennan with every throb of my heart, and that there wasenmity, bitter and unforgiving, between me and the man within who boreher name. Whatever he might be to her I rejoiced to know that he hatedme with all the unreasoning hatred of jealousy. I had read it in hiseyes, in his words, in his manner; and the memory of its openmanifestation caused me to smile, as I hoped for an hour when we shouldmeet alone and face to face. How she regarded him I was unable as yetto tell, but his love for her was plainly apparent in every glance andword. 

As I was thus thinking, half in despair and half in hope, the two cameout from the house together; and it pleased me to note how immediatelyher eyes sought for me, and how she lifted her hand to shade them fromthe glare of the sun, so that she might see more clearly. Her companionappeared to ignore my presence utterly, and gazed anxiously up and downthe road as though searching for something. 

"Peters, " he asked sharply of the fellow on guard, "where are SergeantSteele and the rest of the squad?"

The soldier addressed saluted in a manner that convinced me he was ofthe regular service. 

"They are resting out of the sun in that clump of bushes down the hill, sir. "

Brennan glanced in the direction indicated. 

"Very well, " he said. "Take your prisoner down there, and tell theSergeant to press on at once toward the lower road. We shall followyou, and the lady will ride his horse. "

The man turned, and with peremptory gesture ordered me forward. As Idrew closer to where the two waited beside the open door, I lifted myhead proudly, determined that neither should perceive how deeply I feltthe humiliation of my position. As I thus passed them, my eyes fixedupon the shining road ahead, my ears caught a word or two of indignantexpostulation from her lips. 

"But, Frank, it is positively shameful in this sun. "

He laughed lightly, yet his answer came to me in all clearness ofutterance. I believed he wished me to overhear the words. "Oh, it willonly prove of benefit to his brains, if by rare chance he possessesany. "

I glanced aside, and saw her turn instantly and face him, her eyesaflame with indignation. "Then I will!"

As she spoke, her voice fairly trembling with intense feeling, shestepped backward out of sight into the house. 

Another instant and she reappeared, sweeping past him without so muchas a word, and bearing in her hand my old campaign hat, came directlyup to us. 

"Sentry, " she said in her old imperious manner, "I desire to place thishat on the head of your prisoner. "

The fellow glanced uneasily over his shoulder at the seeminglyunconscious officer, not knowing whether it were better to permit theact or not, but she waited for no permission. 

"Captain Wayne, " she said, her voice grown kindly in a moment, and hereyes frankly meeting mine, "you will pardon such liberty, I am sure, but it is not right that you should be compelled to march uncovered inthis sun. "

She placed the hat in position, asking as she did so:

"Does that feel comfortable?"

"The memory of your thoughtfulness, " I replied warmly, bowing as best Imight, "will make the march pleasant, no matter what its end may meanto me. "

Her eyes darkened with sudden emotion. 

"Do not deem me wholly ungrateful, " she said quickly and in a low tone. "The conditions are such that I am utterly helpless now to aid you. Major Brennan is a man not to be lightly disobeyed, but I shall tell mystory to General Sheridan so soon as we reach his camp. "

I would have spoken again, but at this moment Brennan came stridingtoward us. 

"Come, Edith, " he cried, almost roughly, "this foolishness has surelygone far enough. Peters, what are you waiting here for? I told you totake your prisoner down the road. "

A few moments later, the centre of a little squad of heavily armed men, I was tramping along the rocky pathway, and when once I attempted toglance back to discover if the others followed us, the sergeant advisedme, with an oath, to keep my eyes to the front. I obeyed him. 

It was a most tiresome march in the hot sun over the rough mountainroads. There were times when we left these altogether, and crept alonghalf-obliterated trails leading through the dense woods and among therocks. I learned from scraps of conversation floating about me as westruggled onward, that these precautions were not taken out of any fearof meeting with Confederate troops, whose nearest commands weresupposed to be considerably to the westward of where we were, butbecause of a desire to avoid all possibility of conflict with thosearmed and irresponsible bands that ranged at will between the lines ofthe two great armies. Already they had become sufficiently strong tomake trouble for small detachments. 

It must have been nearly the end of the afternoon. We had certainlytraversed several miles, and were then moving almost directly southupon a well-defined pike, the name of which I never knew. All the partywere travelling close together, when the scout, who throughout the dayhad been kept a few hundred yards in advance, came back toward us on arun, his hand flung up in an urgent warning to halt. 

"What is it, Steele?" Brennan questioned, spurring forward to meet him. "Come, speak up, man!"

"A squad of cavalry has just swung onto the pike, sir, from the dirtroad that leads toward the White Briar, " was the soldier's pantingreply. "And I could get a glimpse through the trees down the valley, and there's a heavy infantry column just behind them. They're Rebs, sir, or I don't know them. "

"Rebs?" with an incredulous laugh. "Why, man, we've got the only Rebhere who is east of the Briar. "

"Well, " returned the scout, sullenly, "they're coming from the west, and I know they ain't our fellows. "

He was too old a soldier to have his judgment doubted, and he wasevidently convinced. Brennan glanced quickly about. However he may havesneered at the report, he was not rash enough to chance so grave amistake. 

"Get back into those rocks there on the right, " he commanded sharply. "Hustle your prisoner along lively, men, and one of you stand over himwith a cocked gun; if he so much as opens his mouth, let him have it. "

Rapidly as we moved, we were scarcely all under cover before theadvance cavalry guard came in sight, the light fringe of troopers, dust-begrimed and weary, resting heavily in their saddles, andapparently thoughtless as to any possibility of meeting with the enemy. There were not more than a troop of them all told, yet their short grayjackets and wide-brimmed light hats instantly told the story of theirservice. Their rear rank was yet in sight when we heard the heavy treadof the approaching column, together with the dull tinkle of steel whichalways accompanies marching troops. Peering forth as much as I daredfrom behind the thick brush where I had been roughly thrown facedownward, I saw the head of that solid, sturdy column swing around thesharp bend in the road, and in double front, spreading from rock torock, come sweeping down toward us. 

The command was moving forward rapidly at the rout step, that long, easy, swinging stride so peculiar to the Southern infantry, with themerest semblance of order in formation, which is the inevitable resultof hard, rapid marching. Every movement bespoke them veteran troops. They were covered with dust, their faces fairly caked with it, theiruniforms almost indistinguishable; their drums silent, their colorscased, their wide-brimmed hats pulled low over their eyes, their gunsheld in any position most convenient for carrying, and with stern, wearied faces set doggedly upon the road in their front. No pomp andcircumstance of glorious war was here, but these were fighting men. Never before, save as I watched Pickett's charging line sweep on todeath at Gettysburg, did I feel the stern manliness of war as now. 

File upon file, company after company, regiment following regiment, they swung sternly by. Scarcely so much as a word reached us, exceptingnow and then some briefly muttered command to close up, or a half-inaudible curse as a shuffling foot stumbled. I could distinguish nobadge, no insignia of either corps or division; the circling dustenveloped them in a choking, disfiguring cloud. But they wereConfederates! I marked them well; here and there along the toilingranks I even noted a familiar face, and there could be no mistaking thegaunt North Carolina mountaineer, the sallow Georgian, or the jauntyLouisiana Creole. They were Confederates--Packer's Division of Hill'scorps, I could have almost sworn--east-bound on forced march, and Idoubted not that each cross-road to left and right of us would likewiseshow its hurrying gray column, sturdily pressing forward. The veteranfighting men of the left wing of the Army of Northern Virginia wereboldly pushing eastward to keep their tryst with Lee. The despatchintrusted to my care had been borne safely to Longstreet. 

The keen joy of it lighted up my face, and Brennan turning toward me asthe last limping straggler disappeared over the ridge, saw it, and grewwhite with anger. 

"You Rebel cur!" he cried fiercely, in his sudden outburst of passion, "what does all this mean? Where is that division bound?"

"Some change in Longstreet's front, I should judge, " I answered coolly, too happy even to note his slur. 

"You know better, " he retorted hotly. "The way those fellows marchtells plainly enough that they have covered all of fifteen miles sincedaybreak. It is a general movement, and, by Heaven! you shall answerSheridan, even if you won't me. "

 CHAPTER XI

IN THE PRESENCE OF SHERIDAN

It had been dark for nearly an hour before we entered what was from allappearances a large and populous camp. Hurried forward constantly, closely surrounded by my guard, I was enabled to gain but an inadequateconception of either its situation or extent. Yet the distancetraversed by our party after passing the outer sentries and before wemade final halt, taken in connection with evidence on every side of thepresence in considerable numbers of all the varied branches of theservice, convinced me we were within no mere brigade encampment, buthad doubtless arrived at the main headquarters of this department. 

Although I noted all this in a vague way, so as to recall itafterwards, yet I was too thoroughly fatigued to care where I was orwhat became of me. Hardened as I had grown through experience toexposure and weariness, the continuous strain undergone since I hadridden westward from General Lee's tent had completely unnerved me. Nosooner was I thrust into the unknown darkness of a hut by the notunkindly sergeant, than I threw myself prone on the floor, and wassound asleep before the door had fairly closed behind him. 

My rest was not destined to be a long one. It seemed I had barelyclosed my eyes when a rough hand shook me again into consciousness. Theflaming glare of an uplifted pine-knot flung its radiance over half-a-dozen figures grouped in the open doorway. A corporal, with a whitechin beard, was bending over me. 

"Come, Johnny, " he said tersely, "get up--you're wanted. "

The instinct of soldierly obedience in which I had been so long trainedcaused me to grope my way to my feet. 

"What time is it, Corporal?" I asked sleepily. 

"After midnight. "

"Who wishes me?"

"Headquarters, " he returned brusquely. "Come, move on. Fall in, men. "

A moment later we were off, passing between long lines of dying fires, tramping rapidly along a rough road which seemed to incline sharplyupward, our single torch throwing grotesque shadows on either side. Theswift movement and the crisp night air swept the vestiges of slumberfrom my brain, and I began instinctively to gather together myscattered wits for whatever new experience confronted me. 

Our march was a short one, and we soon turned abruptly in at a wide-open gateway. High pillars of brick stood upon either hand, and thepassage was well lighted by a brightly blazing fire of logs. Twosentries stood there, and our party passed between them withoututtering a word. As we moved beyond the radiance I noted a little knotof cavalrymen silently sitting their horses in the shadow of the highwall. A wide gravelled walk, bordered, I thought, with flowers, ledtoward the front door of a commodious house built after the colonialtype. The lower story seemed fairly ablaze with lights, and at the headof the steps as we ascended a young officer came quickly forward. 

"Is this the prisoner brought in to-night?"

The corporal pushed me forward. 

"This is the man, sir. "

"Very well; hold your command here until I send other orders. "

He rested one hand, not unkindly, upon my arm, and his tone instantlychanged from that of command to generous courtesy. 

"You will accompany me, and permit me to advise you, for your own sake, to be as civil as possible in your answers to-night, for the 'old man'is in one of his tantrums. "

We crossed the rather dimly lighted hall, which had a sentry posted ateither end of it, and then my conductor threw open a side door, andsilently motioned for me to enter in advance of him. It was a spaciousroom, elegant in all its appointments, but my hasty glance revealedonly three occupants. Sitting at a handsomely polished mahoganywriting-table near the centre of the apartment was a short, stoutlybuilt man, with straggly beard and fierce, stern eyes. I recognized himat once, although he wore neither uniform nor other insignia of rank. Close beside him stood a colonel of engineers, possibly his chief ofstaff, while to the right, leaning negligently with one arm on themantel-shelf above the fireplace, and smiling insolently at me, wasBrennan. 

The sight of him stiffened me like a drink of brandy, and as the youngaide closed the door in my rear, I stepped instantly forward to thetable, facing him who I knew must be in command, and removing my hat, saluted. 

"This is the prisoner you sent for, sir, " announced the aide. 

The officer, who remained seated, looked at me intently, "Have I ever met you before?" he questioned, as though doubting hismemory. 

"You have, General Sheridan, " I replied, "I was with General Earlyduring your conference at White Horse Tavern. I also bore a flag to youafter the cavalry skirmish at Wilson's Ford. "

"I remember, " shortly, and as he spoke he wheeled in his chair to faceBrennan. 

"I thought you reported this officer as a spy?" he said sternly. "He isin uniform, and doubtless told you his name and rank. "

"I certainly had every reason to believe he penetrated our lines indisguise, " was the instant reply. "This cavalry cloak was found withhim, and consequently I naturally supposed his claim of rank to befalse. "

Sheridan looked annoyed, yet turned back to me without administeringthe sharp rebuke which seemed burning upon his lips. 

"Were you wearing that cavalry cloak within our lines?" he questionedsternly. 

"I was not, sir; it was indeed lying upon the floor of the hut whenMajor Brennan entered, but I had nothing to do with it. "

He gazed at me searchingly for a moment in silence. 

"I regret we have treated you with so little consideration, " he saidapologetically, "but you were supposed to be merely a spy. May I askyour name and rank?"

"Captain Wayne, ----th Virginia Cavalry. "

"Why were you within our lines?"

"I was passing through them with despatches. "

"For whom?"

"You certainly realize that I must decline to answer. "

"Major Brennan, " he asked, turning aside again, "was this officersearched by your party?"

"He was, sir, but no papers were found. He stated to me later that hisdespatch was verbal. "

"Had it been delivered?"

"I so understood him. "

"Well, how did he account to you for being where he was found?"

Brennan hesitated, and glanced uneasily toward me. Like a flash thethought came that the man was striving to keep her name entirely out ofsight: he did not wish her presence mentioned. 

"There was no explanation attempted, " he said finally. "He seemedsimply to be hiding there. "

"Alone?"

Again I caught his eyes, and it almost seemed that I read entreaty inthem. 

"Excepting the wife of the mountaineer, " he answered hoarsely. 

"Is this true?" asked Sheridan, his stern face fronting me. 

I made my decision instantly. There might be some reason, possibly herown request, whereby her being alone with me that night should remainuntold. Very well, it would never be borne to other ears through anyfailure of my lips to guard the secret. She had voluntarily pledgedherself to go to Sheridan in my defence; until she did so, her secret, if secret indeed it was, should remain safe with me. I could do no lessin honor. 

"It is not altogether true, " I said firmly, "and no one knows thisbetter than Major Brennan. I was there, as I told him, wholly becauseof an accident upon the road, but as to its particulars I must mostrespectfully decline to answer. "

"You realize what such a refusal may mean to you?"

"I understand fully the construction which may unjustly be placed uponit by those who desire to condemn me, but at present I can make no moredefinite reply. I have reason to believe the full facts will bepresented to you by one in whose word you will have confidence. "

I caught a gleam of positive delight in Brennan's eyes, and instantlywondered if this seeming reluctance upon his part was not merely aclever mode of tricking me into silence, --into what might seem aninsolent contempt of Federal authority. I would wait and see. Therewould surely be ample time for her to act if she desired to do so. Anyway, I was little disposed to find shelter behind a woman's skirts. 

Sheridan straightened in his chair, and looked across the table at mealmost angrily. 

"Very well, sir, " he said gravely. "Your fate is in your own hands, andwill depend very largely upon your replies to my questions. You claimto have been the bearer of despatches, and hence no spy, yet youpossess nothing to substantiate your claim. As your regiment is withLee, I presume you were seeking Longstreet. Were your despatchesdelivered?"

"I have reason to believe so. "

"By yourself?"

"By the sergeant who accompanied me, and who continued the journeyafter I was detained. "

"Is Lee contemplating an immediate movement?"

"General Sheridan, " I exclaimed indignantly, "you must surely forgetthat I am an officer of the Confederate Army. You certainly have noreason to expect that I will so far disregard my obvious duty as toanswer such a question. "

"Your refusal to explain why you were hiding within our lines is amplereason for my insistence, " he said tartly, "and I am not accustomed totreating spies with any great consideration, even when they claim Rebelcommissions. You are not the first to seek escape in that way. Was yourdespatch the cause of the hurried departure of Longstreet's troopseastward?"

This last question was hurled directly at me, and I noticed that everyeye in the room was eagerly scanning my face. I had the quick, fierytemper of a boy then, and my cheeks flushed. 

"I positively decline to answer one word relative to the despatchesintrusted to me, " I said deliberately, and my voice shook with suddenrush of anger. "And no officer who did not dishonor the uniform he worewould insult me with the question. "

A bombshell exploding in the room could not have astonished them as didmy answer. I realized to the full the probable result, but my spiritwas high, and I felt the utter uselessness of prolonging the interview. Sooner or later the same end must come. 

Sheridan's face, naturally flushed, instantly grew crimson, and adangerous light flamed into his fierce eyes. For a moment he seemedunable to speak; then he thundered forth:

"You young fool! I can tell you that you will speak before anothertwenty-four hours, or I'll hang you for a spy if it cost me my command. Major Brennan, take this young popinjay to the Mansion House underguard. "

Brennan stepped forward, smiling as if he enjoyed the part assigned tohim. 

"Come on, you Johnny, " he said coarsely, his hand closing heavily on myarm. Then, seeming unable to repress his pleasure at the ending of theinterview, and his present sense of power, he bent lower, so that hisinsolent words should not reach the others, and hissed hotly:

"Stealing women is probably more in your line than this. "

At the sneering words, and the insulting look which accompanied them, my blood, already boiling, leaped into sudden fire. All the fiercehatred engendered within me by his past treatment, his cowardlyinsinuations, his unknown yet intimate relationship to the woman Iloved, flamed up in irresistible power, and I struck him with my openhand across the lips. 

"You miserable hound!" I cried madly. "None but a coward would taunt ahelpless prisoner. I only hope I may yet be free long enough to writethe lie with steel across your heart. "

Before he could move Sheridan was upon his feet and between us. 

"Back, both of you!" he ordered sharply. "There shall be no brawlinghere. Major Brennan, you will remain; I would speak with you furtherregarding this matter. Lieutenant Caton, take charge of the prisoner. "

 CHAPTER XII

UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH

At this late date I doubt greatly if my situation at that time was sodesperate as I then conceived it. I question now whether the deathsentence would ever have been executed. But then, with the memory ofSheridan's rage and my own hot-headed retort, I fully believed my fatewas destined to be that of the condemned spy, unless she who alonemight tell the whole truth should voluntarily do so. That circumstanceshad left me in the power of one whose fierce dislike was alreadyevident was beyond question, and I had yielded to his goading to suchan extent as to give those in authority every excuse for the exerciseof extreme military power. Yet of one thing I was firmly resolved--nothoughtless word of mine should ever endanger the reputation of EdithBrennan. Right or wrong, I would go to a death of dishonor before Iwould speak without her authority. Love and pride conspired to makethis decision adamant. There might, indeed, be no reason why I shouldnot speak with utmost freedom; but as to this I could not judge, andtherefore preferred the safer side of silence. The action of Brennanhad impressed this upon me as a duty; had caused me to feel that Icould best serve her by blotting out the adventures of the nightbefore. Seemingly it was her own desire, and as a gentleman, anofficer, a man of honor, I might not even question that decree. 

Deeply as these considerations would have affected me under ordinaryconditions, one doubt now overshadowed them all. Was the man I struckthe husband of the woman I loved? This was what I desired to know evenabove my own fate. I scarcely doubted, yet would not yield the slighthope I retained that it might prove otherwise. A trick of chance speechseemed to solve the problem, to answer that question which I durst notask directly. 

"Come, " said Caton, briefly, and I turned and accompanied him withoutthought of resistance. At the front door he ordered the little squad ofwaiting soldiers to fall in, and taking me by the arm, led the way downthe gravelled path to the road. I was impressed by his seemingcarelessness, but as we cleared the gateway he spoke, and his wordshelped me to comprehend. 

"Captain Wayne, " he said quietly, so that the words could not beoverheard, "you do not recognize me, but I was the officer whoconducted you to headquarters when you brought the flag in at WilsonCreek. Of course I must perform the duty given me, but I wish you tounderstand that I wholly believe your word. "

He stopped, extended his hand, and I accepted it silently. 

"There must surely be some grave personal reason which seals yourlips?" he questioned. 

"There is. "

"I thought as much. I chanced to overhear the words, or rather aportion of them, which Brennan whispered, and have no doubt if theywere explained to the General he would feel more kindly disposed towardyou. "

It was asked as a question, and I felt obliged to reply. 

"I appreciate deeply your desire to aid me, but there are circumstancesinvolving others which compel me for the present to silence. Indeed mypossible fate does not so greatly trouble me, only that I possess astrong desire to have freedom long enough to cross swords with thismajor of yours. The quarrel between us has become bitterly personal, and I hunger for a chance to have it out. Do you know, is he a man whowould fight?"

The young fellow stiffened slightly. 

"We are serving upon the same staff, " he said more abruptly, "and whilewe have never been close friends, yet I cannot honorably take sidesagainst him. He has been out twice within the last three years to myknowledge, and is not devoid either of courage or skill. Possibly, however, the arrival of his wife may make him less a fire-eater. "

"His wife?"

I stopped so suddenly that he involuntarily tightened his grip upon myarm as though suspicious of an attempt to escape. 

"Do you, " I asked, gaining some slight control over myself, "refer tothe lady who came in with his party last evening?"

"Most certainly; she was presented to all of us as Mrs. Brennan, shehas been assigned rooms at his quarters, and she wears a wedding-ring. Far too fine a woman in my judgment for such a master, but then that isnot so uncommon a mistake in marriage. Why, come to think about it, youmust have met her yourself. Have you reason to suspect this is nottheir relationship?"

"Not in the least, " I hastened to answer, fearful lest my thoughtlessexclamation might become the basis for camp gossip. "Indeed I wasscarcely in the lady's presence at all coming in, as I was left incharge of the sergeant. "

He looked at me keenly through the darkness. 

"It seems somewhat curious to me that such deep enmity has grown upbetween you two in so short a time. One almost suspects, as in mostcases, there may be a woman at the bottom of it. "

I laughed carelessly. 

"Not in the least, my friend. But there are indignities a captor canshow to his prisoner which no true gentleman would ever be guilty ofand no soldier would forgive. "

I could see in the torch-light his face flush with sudden indignation. 

"You are right, " he returned heartily, "and from my knowledge ofBrennan I can understand your meaning. What business has such a man topossess a wife?"

Perhaps he felt that he had already said too much, for we tramped on insilence until we drew near a large, square white building standingdirectly beside the road. 

"This is the old Culverton tavern, known as the Mansion House, " hesaid. "It is a tremendous big building for this country, with as fine aballroom in it as I have seen since leaving New York. We utilize it foralmost every military purpose, and among others some of the strongrooms in the basement are found valuable for the safe-keeping ofimportant prisoners. "

We mounted the front steps as he was speaking, passing through a cordonof guards, and in the wide hallway I was turned over to the officer incharge. 

"Good-night, Captain, " said Caton, kindly extending his hand. "You mayrest assured that I shall say all I can in your favor, but it is to beregretted that Brennan has great influence just now at headquarters, and Sheridan is not a man to lightly overlook those hasty words youspoke to him. "

I could only thank him most warmly for his interest, realizing fullyfrom his grave manner my desperate situation, and follow my silentconductor down some narrow and steep stairs until we stood upon thecemented floor of the basement. Here a heavy door in the stone divisionwall was opened; I was pushed forward into the dense darkness within, and the lock clicked dully behind me. So thick was the wall I could noteven distinguish the retreating steps of the jailer. 

Tired as I was from the intense strain of the past thirty-six hours, even my anxious thoughts were insufficient to keep me awake. Feeling myway cautiously along the wall, I came at last to a wide wooden bench, and stretching my form at full length upon it, pillowed my head on onearm, and almost instantly was sound asleep. 

When I awoke, sore from my hard bed and stiffened by the uncomfortableposition in which I lay, it was broad daylight. That the morning was, indeed, well advanced I knew from the single ray of sunlight whichstreamed in through a grated window high up in the wall opposite me andfell like a bar of gold across the rough stone floor. I was alone. Evenin the dark of the previous night I had discovered the sole pretence tofurniture in the place. The room itself proved to be a large and almostsquare apartment, probably during the ordinary occupancy of the house areceptacle for wood or garden produce, but now peculiarly well adaptedto the safeguarding of prisoners. 

The solid stone walls were of sufficient height to afford no chance ofreaching the great oak girders that supported the floor above, even hadthe doing so offered a favorable opening for escape. There were, apparently, but three openings of any kind, --the outside window throughwhich the sunlight streamed, protected by thick bars of iron; a secondopening, quite narrow, and likewise protected by a heavy metal grating;and the tightly locked door by means of which I had entered. Thesecond, I concluded, after inspecting it closely, was a mere airpassage leading into some other division of the cellar. I noted theseopenings idly, and with scarcely a thought as to the possibility ofescape. I had awakened with strange indifference as to what my fatemight be. Such a feeling was not natural to me, but the fierce emotionsof the preceding night had seemingly robbed me of all my usual buoyancyof hope. In one sense I yet trusted that Mrs. Brennan would keep herpledge and tell her story to Sheridan; if she failed to do this, andleft me to face the rifles or the rope, then it made but small odds howsoon it should be over. If she cared for me in the slightest degree shewould not let me die unjustly, and to my mind then she had become thecentre of all life. 

Despondency is largely a matter of physical condition, and I was stillsufficiently fagged to be in the depths, when the door opened suddenly, and an ordinary army ration was placed within. The soldier who broughtit did not speak, nor did I attempt to address him; but after heretired, the appetizing smell of the bacon, together with theunmistakable flavor of real coffee, drew me irrresistibly that way, andI made a hearty meal. The food put new life into me, and I fell topacing back and forth between the corners of the cell, my mind full ofquestioning, yet with a fresh measure of confidence that all wouldstill be well. 

I was yet at it when, without warning, the door once again opened, andLieutenant Caton entered. He advanced toward me with outstretched hand, which I grasped warmly, for I felt how much depended on his friendship, and resolved to ask him some questions which should solve my lastremaining doubts. 

"Captain Wayne, " he began soberly, looking about him, "you are in evenworse stress here than I had supposed, but I shall see to it that youare furnished with blankets before I leave. "

"You have nothing new, then, to communicate regarding the possibilityof release?" I asked anxiously. 

"Alas, no; Brennan appears to hate you with all the animosity of hisstrange nature, and his influence is so much stronger than mine that Ihave almost been commanded not to mention your name again. "

"But surely, " I urged, "I am to receive the ordinary privilege of aprisoner of war? General Sheridan will not condemn me without evidenceor trial, merely because in a moment of sudden anger I used hastywords, which I have ever since regretted?"

Caton shook his head. 

"My dear fellow, it is not that. Sheridan is hasty himself, and histemper often leads him to rash language. No, I am sure he bears you nomalice for what you said. But Brennan has his ear, and has whisperedsomething to him in confidence--what, I have been unable to ascertain--which has convinced him that you are deserving of death under martiallaw. "

"Without trial?"

"The opportunity of furnishing the information desired will be againoffered you; but, as near as I can learn, the charge preferred againstyou is of such a private nature that it is deemed best not to make itmatter for camp talk. Whatever it may be, Sheridan evidently feelsjustified in taking the case out from the usual channels, and in usingmost drastic measures. I am sorry to bring you such news, especially asI believe the charges are largely concocted in the brain of him whomakes them, and have but the thinnest circumstantial evidence tosustain them. Yet Sheridan is thoroughly convinced, and will brook nointerference. The discussion of the case has already led to his usingextremely harsh words to his chief of staff. "

"I am to be shot, then?"

His hand closed warmly over mine. "While there is life there is alwayshope, " he answered. "Surely it must be in your power to prove thenature of your mission within our lines, and the delay thus gained willenable us to learn and meet these more serious allegations. "

"If I but had time to communicate with General Lee. "

"But now--is there no one, no way by which such representation can begiven this very day? If not full proof of your innocence, thensufficient, at least, to cause the necessary delay?"

I shook my head. "I know of nothing other than my own unsupportedword, " I answered shortly, "and that is evidently of no value asagainst Major Brennan's secret insinuations. When is the hour set?"

"I am not positive that final decision has yet been reached, but Iheard daybreak to-morrow mentioned. The probability of an earlymovement of our troops is the excuse urged for such unseemly haste. "

I remained silent for a moment, conscious only of his kindly eyesreading my face. 

"Mrs. Brennan, " I asked finally, recurring to the one thought in whichI retained deep interest, --"does she still remain in the camp?"

"She was with the Major at headquarters this morning. I believe theybreakfasted with the General, but I was on duty so late last night thatI overslept, and thus missed the pleasure of meeting her again. "

We talked for some time longer, and he continued to urge me for somefurther word, but I could give him none, and finally the kindly fellowdeparted, promising to see me again within a few hours. Greatly as Inow valued his friendship, it was, nevertheless, a relief to be alonewith my thoughts once more. 

 CHAPTER XIII

A STRANGE WAY OUT

Caton came in once more about the middle of the afternoon, bringing mesome blankets; but he had no news, and his boyish face was a picture ofpathos as he wrung my hand good-bye. Sheridan, he said, had gone downthe lines, and both Brennan and himself were under orders to follow inanother hour. What instructions, if any, had been left regarding mycase he could not say, but he feared the worst from the unusualsecrecy. Sheridan expected to return to his headquarters that sameevening, as the officers of his staff were to give a grand ball. 

I felt no inclination to partake of the rude supper left me, and justbefore dark I was lying upon the bench idly wondering if that was toprove the last vestige of daylight I should ever behold in this world, when, without slightest warning, the heavy iron grating in the walldirectly above me fell suddenly, striking the edge of the bench, andclattered noisily to the floor. The fall was so unexpected, and myescape from injury so narrow, that I lay almost stunned, staring uphelplessly at the dark hole thus left bare. As I gazed, a face frameditself in this narrow opening, and two wary eyes peered cautiously downat me. There was no mistaking that countenance even in the fast waninglight, and I instantly sat up with an exclamation of surprise, "JedBungay, as I live!"

The puzzled face broke into a grin of delight. 

"Holy smoke, Cap, " he ejaculated, with a deep sigh of relief, "'s thetyou, suah? I wus so durned skeered I'd made a mess o' it whin thet thariron drapped thet I near died. 'He crossed the threshold--and a clangof angry steel that instant rang. '"

He peered around cautiously, screwing up his little eyes as thoughtransforming them into miniature telescopes. 

"'If thou wouldst view fair Melrose aright, go visit it by the palemoonlight. ' Be ye all alone, Cap?"

"With the exception of a few rats, yes. "

"Whut be they a goin' ter dew with ye?"

"I have every reason to believe it is their purpose to shoot me atdaybreak to-morrow. "

"Shoot?--Hell!" He stared at me as if he had just heard his own deathsentence pronounced, and his little peaked face looked ghastly in thedim light. "Shoot ye? Good Lord, Cap, whut fer? Ye ain't done nothin'as I knows on, 'cept ter scrap a bit with thet blasted Yank, an' surethet's no shootin' matter, er else I'd a bin a goner long ago. "

"That 'Yank' has seen fit to charge me with being a spy; and as I wasfoolish enough to insult General Sheridan last night, my fate isprobably sealed. "

This somewhat complex statement seemed to be too much for Jed to grasppromptly. 

"Gosh, ye don't say!" he muttered. "Then, durn it, I'm in luck, fer allthey've got agin me is pot-shootin' at a nigger soger up in thermountings; en thet ain't much, 'cause I didn't hit ther durned cuss. Blame sorry tew, fer 'Who spills the foremost foeman's life, his partyconquers in the strife. ' Thet's Scott agin, Cap. Dew ye ever read SirWalter? I tell ye, he's a poet, suah. "

Without pausing for a reply, or even noting that none had been given, Jed was carefully covering every inch of exposed wall with his littleshrewd, glinting eyes. 

"Ain't much show ter work out o' yere, is thar, Cap?" he asked at lastreflectively; "leastwise I don't see none, 'less them thar dark cornershes got holes in 'em. "

"The wall is entirely solid. "

"So I sorter reckoned. But if ye'll crawl through yere inter myboodour, thar's a place whar I reckon ther tew of us tergether moughtmake a try fer it. It's too durn high up fer me ter git at alone. "

I rose to my feet slowly, wondering at the strange lassitude which mademe so indifferent to that life I had always before so highly valued. Bungay noticed my hopelessness. 

"Durned if prison life don't take all the sand out o' a feller, " hesaid cheerfully. "Blame me, but ye move as if ye wus 'bout half dead. But I reckon, Cap, if ye cud manage ter git out o' yere ternight, an'take some news ter Lee thet I've picked up, he'd 'bout make both of usginerals. 'Speed, Malise, speed! The dun deer's hide on fleeter footwas never tied. '"

These words brought back to me in an instantaneous flash the olddominant military spirit. For Lee! Yes, for Lee I would yet takechances, undergo fatigue, brave death. If life must be given up, let itbe yielded gallantly in the open, and on behalf of my distant comrades. 

"News for Lee?" I exclaimed, staring eagerly at him through the nowdarkened room. "Do you mean it? What news?"

"Thought maybe thet wud wake ye up, " he chuckled. 

"'Speed on the signal, clansman, speed!' Stan' up on ther bench, Cap, an' put yer ear up yere an' I'LL tell ye. This yere's gospel truth:Sheridan hes started his infantry on a half-circle march ferMinersville. Ther first division left et three o'clock, an' thar won'tbe nary Yank loafin' en ther valley by noon termorrow. An' more, " headded rapidly, his eyes dancing wildly with suppressed excitement, --"Hancock is a swingin' of his corps west ter meet 'em thar, an' Ireckon, as how thar'll be hell fer sartain up ther Shenandoah in lessner a week--es Scott ses, 'the wild sounds of border war. '"

"But how do you know all this?" I questioned incredulously, as thewhole scene and its dread possibilities unrolled before my mentalvision. 

"Ther nigger I held up hed a despatch fer Heintzelman over on therleft, an' then Mariar she sorter pumped a young fule staff officer ferther rest o' it, " he replied promptly. "Oh, it's a sure go, Cap, an' Ireckon as how maybe Lee's whole army hangs on one of us gittin' out o'yere ternight. 

 "'Where, where was Roderick then? One blast upon his bugle horn Were worth a thousand men. '"

That he meant every word he spoke I felt convinced, and his enthusiasmwas contagious. My blood leaped within me at this call to action; alllethargy fled, and with it every deadening thought of her who had sosuddenly woven about me the meshes of her power. False or true, maid, wife, or widow, my duty as a soldier to my commander and the army towhich I belonged, blotted out all else. Even as this new rush ofdetermination swept over me, above us there sounded clearly the dashingmusic of a military band in the strains of a Strauss's waltz, and wecould distinguish the muffled shuffling of many feet on the oaken flooroverhead. Caton's chance remark about the great ball to be given thatevening by officers of the headquarters staff recurred to my memory. 

"That dancing up there will help us, Jed, " I said quickly, my mind nowactive to grasp every detail. "You say there is a chance for escapefrom your cell? Then give me your hand, and help me to crawl throughthat hole. "

It was a narrow squeeze for a man of my size, yet I crept throughwithout great difficulty, and found myself in the dense darkness of aroom which, as I judged hastily from feeling about me, was similar inshape and extent to the one in which I had been confined. 

Bungay, however, permitted me little time for exploration. Grasping mefirmly by one arm, and feeling his way along the wall, he groped acrossto the other side. 

"There's a mighty big stone chimbly comes down yere, Cap, " hewhispered, his lips close to my ears, although the noise above madeconversation in an ordinary tone perfectly safe. "An' ther openin' tertake out soot an' ashes is up thar, jist b'low ther fluer. It's asheet-iron pan, I reckon, ther way it feels; an' it must be thar theyput a nigger in ter clean ther chimbly whin it gits stuffed up. I couldgit up thar alone, but I couldn't do no work, but thet thar pan oughtter cum out all right. Dew ye think ye cud hoi' me up, Cap? I'm purtydurn heavy. "

I smiled in the darkness at the little fellow's egotism, and liftinghim as I might a child, poised him lightly upon my shoulder. Hestruggled a moment to steady himself against the wall, and then I couldfeel him tugging eagerly at something which appeared to yield slowly tohis efforts. As he worked, a dense shower of dust and soot caused me toclose my eyes. 

"She's a comin' all right, " he said cheerfully, puffing with hisexertions, "but I reckon as how this chimbly ain't bin cleaned outsince ther war begun. Hold up yer right han', Cap, an' git a blame goodgrip on her, fer she's almighty full, an'll wanter go down sorter easylike. "

I did as he suggested, bracing myself to meet his movements, as hestood straining on my shoulders, and in another moment I had succeededin lowering the large sheet-iron pan silently to the floor. 

"Room 'nough yere fer two men ter oncet, " chuckled my companion, inrare delight. "'The chief in silence strode before. ' Yere goes. "

His weight left my shoulders; there was a slight scramble, anothershower of dirt, then the sound of his voice once more. 

"Lift up yer han's, Cap; dig in yer toes on ther stones, an' we'llbegin our vi'ge. "

He grasped my wrists with a strength which I had no conception thelittle fellow possessed. There was a moment's breathless struggle, andI squirmed through the opening, and lay panting on the flat slabs whichcomposed the foot of the great funnel. To afford me more room Bungayhad gone up a little, finding foot-lodgment upon the uneven stones ofwhich the chimney was constructed. For a moment we rested thusmotionless, both breathing heavily and listening to the music andshuffling of feet now almost upon a level with our heads. 

The noise, which was strong and continuous, rendered discovery from anymisstep highly improbable, and as delay was dangerous neither of us wasdisposed to linger long. 

"Be ye all ready, Cap?" questioned Bungay, bending his head down. "Ferif ye be, I'm a goin' up. "

"All right, " I answered, struggling to my knees in the narrow space;"only take it slow, Jed. I 'm a trifle bigger man than you, and this israther close quarters. "

"Wal, yes, maybe a matter of a poun' er two, " he retorted, and the nextmoment I could hear him scraping his way upward, feeling for footholdupon the irregular layers of stone. I followed, pressing my kneesfirmly against the rough wall, and trusting more to my hands than feetfor security against falling. There was evidently a fireplace of somekind on the first floor, with a considerable opening leading from itinto the chimney we were scaling, for as Jed slowly passed, I couldperceive a sudden gleam of light streaming across his face from theglare of the lamps within. He glanced anxiously that way, but did notpause in his steady climb upward. 

A moment later I came opposite that same beam of radiance, andcautiously peered down the sloped opening that led to the disusedfireplace. All I could perceive was a pair of legs, evidently those ofa cavalry officer, judging from the broad yellow stripe down the seamof the light-blue trousers, and the high boots ornamented with rowelspurs. He stood leaning carelessly against the mantel, talking withsome one just beyond the range of my vision. 

At that moment the music ceased suddenly, and afraid to proceed untilit should strike up again, I braced myself securely on a projectingstone and bent my head over the orifice until I could catch a portionof the conversation being carried on by my unconscious neighbors. 

"No, " said the cavalryman, gruffly, and apparently in reply to someprevious question, "the fellow was most devilish obstinate; wouldn'ttell the first thing; even a threat of treating him as a spy andhanging him outright proved of no avail. But Sheridan's theory is thatLee has ordered Longstreet to hit our rear, while he makes a directattack in front. That's why the 'old man' proposes to get in his workfirst, and we march at daylight to form connection with Hancock. ByJove, Chesley, but that woman in black over there with Follansbee isthe handsomest picture I've seen south of the line. Mark how her eyessparkle, and how prettily the light gleams in her hair. Who is she, doyou chance to know?"

"Yes, " lisped the other, languidly, "met her at breakfast, headquarters, this morning. Deuced pretty and all that, mighty goodstyle, too, but taken, old man. She's Brennan's. "

"What! not Major Brennan?" in surprise. "Why, he's always posed as abachelor among our fellows. "

"Don't know anything about that, dear boy, " indifferently, "but thelady came in with him yesterday, was introduced to the crowd of us asMrs. Brennan, and he called her Edith. Deuced nice name, Edith. AsBrennan has shown such poor taste as to be absent to-night, I'minclined to give a little of my time to his lady. Far and away theprettiest thing here. "

Just at this moment I heard Bungay speaking to me agonizingly down thechimney:

"Durn it all, Cap, I've--I've got ter sneeze. "

There was a smothered struggle in the darkness above me, then a muffledexplosion that showered me with soot, and sounded to my startled nerveslike the report of a gun. I drew up my legs hastily, and had barelydone so when a heavily whiskered face peered up at me through the openfireplace. It appeared so close I had no doubt he saw me, but his eyeswere unable to penetrate the darkness. 

"Sounded devilishly like a sneeze, " he said suspiciously, as hestraightened up again. "Must have been wind in the chimney. "

"More likely bats, " returned the other. "Well, so long, Somers; see youin the morning. I'm going to give the fair Edith a whirl. "

The cavalry legs shifted their position; the band resumed itsfunctions, and in the renewed activity and noise I began again thetoilsome climb, my mind now a bewildered chaos between my plain duty toLee and my nearly uncontrollable desire to meet once more the woman whowas dancing in the room below. 

The little mountaineer, as active as a cat, and not especially hamperedby lack of room in which to work, was well above me by this time. Thechimney, acting as a tube, brought down to me from time to time theslight noise of his climbing, varied by an occasional exclamation orcomment, but I could perceive no other evidence of his presence. Above, all was as black as the grave. 

"Holy smoke!" he ejaculated, probably unaware that he was givingutterance to his thoughts. "That was a sharp rock! Durn if thar's ainch o' skin left on my knee. Whut is it Scott ses? 'An' broken armsand disarray marked the fell havoc of the day. ' Gee! if Mariar cud onlysee me now, maybe she wouldn't be proud--

 "'Sweet _Maria_, dear my life must be Since it is worthy care from thee; Yet life I hold but idle breath, When love or honor's weighed with death!'

"Ough! stop thet! who's got hold o' my fut?"

"Hush your racket, you little fool, " I said angrily. "Do you want thewhole Yankee army to trap us here like rats? I cannot get up thischimney any farther; it is growing too small to permit my body topass. "

"Is thet so, Cap?" he asked anxiously. "Whut be ye goin' ter dew 'boutit?"

I made no answer for a moment; I was groping about in the darkness ofour narrow quarters to see if I could determine exactly where we were. 

"How high is this house, Jed, do you know?"

"Three stories an' attic. "

"How far up are we?"

"'Bout halfway 'long ther third story, I reckon; must be jist b'lowwhar ye are thet I stuck my fut down an openin'. Reckon 't was 'notherfireplace, like thet one on ther first flure. "

I lowered myself silently, and felt along the stones until I locatedthe opening, and roughly measured its dimensions. 

"I shall have to risk crawling out here, Jed, " I said finally, "for Ishall surely stick fast if I go up another ten feet. Do you suppose youcan squeeze through to the top?"

"I reckon I kin, " he returned calmly. "'Just as the minstrel's soundswere stayed, a stranger climbed the steepy glade. ' But hadn't we betterstick tergether, Cap?" "No, " I answered firmly. "You go on, and one ofus must get through to Lee. Don't mind me at all; get down from theroof as best you can. If I am caught it will be all the more importantthat you should succeed. "

"'Tis done--'I thank thee, Roderick, for the word; it nerves my heart, it steels my sword. '"

Even as he spoke I could hear him creeping steadily upward. It soonbecame evident that his progress was growing slower, more difficult. Then all sounds above me ceased, and I knew he must have attained theroof in safety. 

 CHAPTER XIV

I BECOME A COLONEL OF ARTILLERY

My own situation at this moment was too critical, too full of peril anduncertainty, to afford opportunity for moralizing over Bungay's chancesof escape. Only one possibility lay before me--there remained nochoice, no necessity for planning. It is pure luck which pries openmost doors of life, and it was upon luck alone I must rely now. I haveoften wondered since how I ever succeeded in squeezing my body throughthat narrow opening into the empty fireplace without at least knockingover something during the difficult passage. But I did manage, workingmy way down slowly, creeping inch by inch like a snake, carefullytesting each object I touched in the darkness for fear of its provingloose, until I finally lay stretched at full length upon what wasevidently, from its feeling, a carpet of unusually fine texture. 

The room proved to be an inner one and unlighted, a bedchamber, as Isoon determined, for my outstretched hands encountered the posts of abed. Then a slight gust of air partially swept aside a hanging curtain, which rustled like silk, and I caught a brief glimpse of the adjacentparlor. It was likewise unillumined, but the door leading into thefront hall stood ajar, and through that opening there poured a streamof radiance, together with the incessant hum of many voices in animatedconversation, the deep blare of the band, with the ceaseless movementof dancing feet. 

Satisfying myself by sense of touch that the bed was unoccupied, for Iwas far too experienced a soldier to leave an enemy in my rear, I creptcautiously forward to the intercepting curtain, and drawing it asidetook careful survey of the outer apartment. It was a large andhandsomely furnished room, a polished mahogany writing-table litteredwith papers occupying a prominent position against the farther wall. Aswivel chair stood beside it, and across its back hung what appeared tobe a suit of clothing. I saw no other signs of human occupancy. 

Convinced that the apartment was deserted, and discovering no differentmeans of egress, I crossed the room on tiptoe, and peered cautiouslyout into the hall. It was not a pleasing prospect to one in mypredicament. The lower portion, judging from the incessant hum ofvoices, was filled with people, who were either unable to find placewithin the crowded ballroom, or else preferred greater retirement forconversation. Even the wide stairway had been partially pre-empted, ayoung lieutenant, as I judged from his shoulder-straps, sitting justbeneath the landing, whispering eagerly into the attentive ear of apronounced blonde who shared the broad carpeted step with him. 

I drew back noiselessly, to figure out the situation and determine whatwas best for me to attempt. It would be sheer madness to venture upon apassage to the front door, clad as I was in travel-worn gray uniform;to rush through that jam was impossible. If I were to wait until thedance was concluded the later hours of the night might indeed yield mesomewhat clearer passage, yet it was hardly probable that the house, used as I knew it to be for a military prison, would be left unguarded. Besides, such delay must absolutely prevent my getting beyond theFederal picket lines before daybreak, and would hence render valuelessthe news I sought to bear to Lee. 

I moved to the only window and glanced out; it opened upon the back ofthe house and presented a sheer drop to the ground. At the slight noiseof the moving sash a sentry standing at the corner glanced upsuspiciously. Evidently each side of the great building was abundantlyprotected by patrols. 

Something had to be attempted, and at once. The room I was in boreunquestionable evidence of recent occupancy, and at any moment might bere-entered. My searching eyes fell upon the articles of clothingcarelessly folded over the chair-back. I picked up the garments one byone and shook them out; they composed the new uniform of a colonel ofartillery, and were resplendent with bright red facings and a profusionof gold braid. With all my soul I loathed the thought of disguise, andespecially the hated uniform of the enemy. It was repugnant to everyinstinct of my being, and would certainly mean added degradation anddanger in the event of capture. 

Yet I saw no other way. Sheridan, Brennan, Caton, the three who wouldcertainly recognize me on sight, I was assured were absent, althoughthey might return at any moment. The greater reason for haste, the lessexcuse for delay. But if I should chance to run foul of the rightfulowner of the garments amid that crush below, and he should recognizethem, what then? I stood close beside the writing-table as I revolvedthese considerations rapidly in mind, and my eye chanced to fall uponan open paper. It was an official order, bearing date at 5 P. M. Thatsame day, commanding Colonel Culbertson to move his battery at oncedown the Kendallville pike, and report to Brigadier-General Knowls forassignment to his brigade. Evidently the new dress uniform had beencarefully brushed and laid out to be worn at the ball that evening; thesudden receipt of this order had caused the owner to depart hastily inhis service dress, vigorously expressing his feelings, no doubt, whilehis servant, now enjoying liberty below stairs, had neglected to packup his master's things. 

This knowledge was the straw which decided me; I would chance it. Hastily I drew on the rich blue and red over my old gray, adding thedress sword I had discovered in a closet, and then, wondering curiouslywhat sort of figure I might cut in all these fine habiliments, sought aglance at myself within a mirror hanging upon the bedroom wall. Faith!but it was God's mercy that I did!

Such a face as grinned at me from that glass, peering over the high-cut, decorated collar, would surely have created a genuine sensation inthose rooms below. Serious as my situation was, I laughed at thethought of it until tears ran down my cheeks, leaving white streaks thefull length of them; for no chimney-sweep in the full tide of hisglorious career was ever worse sooted and begrimed. I thought of theelegantly dressed lieutenant and the blonde young lady upon the stairs--surely they would have supposed the very devil himself was comingdown. 

It took me nearly a quarter of an hour to get myself tolerably clean, and I could not have done that had I not used some grease that was uponthe stand. At the end, however, I stepped back from the glass confidentthat with good luck I should run the gantlet safely. 

Just as I prepared to step forth a new thought occurred to me--who wasI? If questioned, as was highly probable, how could I account for mypresence? Who should I pretend to be? I turned over the mass of paperslying before me on the table. They were mostly accounts and detailedorders about which I cared nothing, but finally my search was rewardedby the discovery of a recent army list. I ran my eyes hastily down theartillery assignments--Barry, Sommers, Fitzmorris, Sloan, Reilly. Ah, there at last was exactly what I wanted--"Patrick L. Curran, ColonelSixth Ohio Light Artillery, McRoberts's Division, Thomas's Corps, assigned special service, staff Major-General Halleck, Washington, D. C. "

"Curran, Sixth Ohio"--good; and the other? I glanced again at the openorder. "Culbertson, Fourteenth Pennsylvania. " I would remember thosenames, and with a jaunty confidence in my success, born of thoroughpreparation, I stepped to the open door and strode forth into thebrilliantly lighted hall. Barring the single accident of encountering apossible acquaintance in the throng below, I felt fully capable ofdeceiving his Satanic Majesty himself. 

 CHAPTER XV

AT THE STAFF OFFICERS' BALL

THE young officer glanced up hastily at sound of approaching footsteps, and rose to his feet to permit of my passage. He wore the full dressuniform of an artilleryman, and his evident surprise at my presencemade me realize the necessity of addressing him. 

"Lieutenant, " I asked courteously, resting one hand easily upon thebalustrade, "could you inform me if General Sheridan and those membersof the staff who accompanied him down the lines this afternoon have yetreturned?"

"They have not, sir. "

"Ah, I was in hopes they might have arrived by this time. I see thatyou belong to my branch of the service. May I inquire your battery?"

He flushed with pleasure at the delicate flattery of my tone, and intrue soldierly pride of his corps. 

"B, Fifth New Jersey, sir. "

"I think I remember them in action--no better command in the service. You were at Gettysburg?"

"On Seminary Ridge, sir. It was my first battle. "

"A hard baptism of fire, indeed, yet a remembrance you will long beproud to recall. I thank you for your courtesy. "

I bowed to them both, and passed slowly down the wide stairway, severalcouples rising as I drew near to permit of my passage. The intenseexcitement of the strange adventure had by this time become a positivedelight. My cheek flushed, my eyes kindled as though new blood flowedin my veins. 

"Ah!" I thought to myself proudly, "what a story it will all make forthe camp-fire, and if I reach Lee in time the tale of this night willbe upon the lips of all the army. "

The lower hall was very comfortably filled with figures moving here andthere in converse, or occupying seats pressed close against the walls. The greater portion were attired in uniforms of the various branches ofservice, yet I observed not a few civilian suits, and a considerablenumber of women, some wearing the neat dress of the army nurse, othersmuch more elaborately attired--daughters of the neighborhood, probably, with a sprinkling of wives and sisters of the soldiery. Guards, leaningupon their muskets, stood in statuesque poses on either side of themain entrance, while the wide archway, draped with flags, opening intothe ballroom, revealed an inspiring glimpse of swiftly revolvingfigures in gay uniforms and flashing skirts. Over all floated the low, swinging music of the band. 

All this I noted as I paused irresolutely on the lower stair, wonderingif I could safely walk directly out of that front door, ignoring thesentries by right of the uniform I wore, and thus attain the open air. The constant haunting fear of the early return of Sheridan and hisaides, or a possible encounter with some former acquaintance in thatcrushing throng, almost decided me upon venturing the passage. Butalready I had hesitated too long. A fat, good-natured-looking man offorty, an infantry major, but wearing staff decorations, and evidentlyofficiating in the capacity of floor-manager, after whispering a wordin the ear of another of the same kind beside the ballroom door, hastily pushed his way through the laughing throng directly toward me. 

"Good-evening, Colonel, " he said, bowing deeply. "Your face is notfamiliar to me, but you will permit me to introduce myself--MajorMonsoon, of General Sheridan's staff. "

I accepted the fat, shapeless hand he extended, and pressed it warmly. 

"I was just meditating a retreat, Major, when you appeared, " I repliedfrankly. "For I fear my face is equally unknown to all others present. Indeed, I feel like a cat in a strange garret, and hesitated to appearat all. My only excuse for doing so was a promise made ColonelCulbertson previous to his being ordered out on duty. I am ColonelCurran, of the Sixth Ohio, but at present serving on the staff ofGeneral Halleck at Washington. "

The Major's round, red face glowed with welcome. 

"Extremely pleased to meet you, indeed, " he exclaimed eagerly, "and youmay be sure of a most cordial greeting. Will you kindly step this way?"

As we slowly elbowed our way forward, all desire to escape from theordeal fled, and I assumed the risks of the masquerade with thereckless audacity of my years. Before we reached the ballroom myconductor, his fat countenance fairly beaming with cordiality, hadstopped at least twenty times to present me to various military titles, and I had accepted innumerable invitations without in the least knowingwho gave them, or where they were to be fulfilled. Finally, however, webroke through the massed ring, and succeeded in reaching the tallindividual in spectacles to whom the Major had spoken previous toseeking me, and I learned through the introduction which followed thatI was in the presence of Brigadier-General Carlton, chief of staff. 

For a moment, as I responded to the hearty cordiality of his welcome, Iwas enabled to take my first glance at the ballroom, and found it to myunaccustomed soldier eyes an inspiring spectacle. The room wasmagnificently large, --a surprising apartment, indeed, even in so superba Southern home as this had evidently been, and its proportions weremagnified by numerous mirrors extending from floor to ceiling, causingthe more distant dancers to appear circling in space. Brilliantlyillumined by means of hanging chandeliers that oscillated slightly tothe merry feet; decorated lavishly everywhere with festooned flags andtastefully arranged munitions of war; gay with the dress uniforms ofthe men and the handsome gowns of the women, it composed a scene sodifferent from any I had looked upon in years as to hold me fascinated. The constant clatter of tongues, the merry laughter, the flashing ofbright eyes, and the gleam of snowy shoulders, the good-humoredrepartees caught as the various couples circled swiftly past, thequick, musical gliding of flying feet over the waxen floor, thecontinuous whirl of the intoxicating waltz, and over all the inspiringstrains of Strauss, caused my heart to bound, and brought with it aninsane desire to participate. 

Yet gazing, entranced, upon the animated scene, and feeling deeply theintoxication of the moment, my eyes were eagerly searching that happythrong for sight of one fair woman's face. Strange as it must seem toothers, in spite of the fact that to meet her might mean betrayal anddeath--ay! might even result in the destruction of an army--in myweakness I secretly longed for just such a happening; felt, indeed, that I must again see her, have speech with her, before I went forthalone into the manifold dangers of the night. It was foolhardiness, --insanity in very truth, --yet such was the secret yearning of my heart. If I could only once know, know from her own truthful lips, that shealready belonged to another, I could, I believed, tear her image frommy memory; but while I yet doubted (and in spite of all I had heard Idoubted still), no desperate case should ever prevent my seeking herwith all the mad ardor of love, no faintness of heart should intervenebetween us. That she was present I knew from those chance wordsoverheard in the chimney, and my one deep hope ever since I donned thatFederal uniform and ventured down the stairs (a hope most oddly mingledwith dread) was that we might in some manner be brought together. I wasyet vainly seeking a glimpse of her among the many who circled past, when I was suddenly recalled to the extreme delicacy of my situation bythe deep voice of the Major asking me a direct question:

"Do you ever dance, Colonel?"

Exactly what I may have replied I know not, but it was evidentlytranslated as an affirmative, for in another moment I was being piloteddown the side of the long room, while he gossiped in my ratherinattentive ear. 

"As you have doubtless remarked, Colonel, we are extremely fortunate inour ladies to-night. By Jove, they would grace an inauguration ball atWashington. So many officers' wives have joined us lately, supposing wewould make permanent camp here, and besides there are more loyalfamilies in this neighborhood than we find usually. At least theirloyalty is quite apparent while, we remain. Then the General Hospitalnurses are not especially busy, --no battle lately, you know, --and thereare some deuced pretty girls among them. Ballroom looks nice, don't youthink?"

"Extremely well; the decorations are in most excellent taste. "

"Entirely the work of the staff. Great pity so many were compelled tobe absent, but a soldier can never tell. Here upon special duty, Colonel?"

"I brought despatches from the President to General Sheridan. "

"Wish you might remain with us permanently. Your command, I believe, isnot connected with our Eastern army?"

"No, with Thomas in the Cumberland. "

"Ah, yes; had some very pretty fighting out there, I understand--oh, pardon me, Miss Minor, permit me to present to you Colonel Curran, ofGeneral Halleck's staff. The Colonel, I believe, is as able a dancer ashe is a soldier, and no higher compliment to his abilities couldpossibly be paid. Miss Minor, Colonel, is a native Virginian, who ispresent under protest, hoping doubtless to capture some young officer, and thus weaken the enemy. "

I bowed pleasantly to the bright-eyed young woman facing me, and notsorry to escape the Major's inquisitiveness, at once begged for theremainder of the waltz. The request was laughingly granted, and inanother moment we were threading our way amid the numerous couples uponthe floor. She proved so delightful a dancer that I simply yieldedmyself up to full enjoyment of the measure, and conversation lapsed, until a sudden cessation of the music left us stranded so close to thefireplace that the very sight of it brought a vivid realization of myperilous position. If it had not, my companion's chance remark mostassuredly would. 

"How easily you waltz!" she said enthusiastically, her sparkling eyesand flushed cheeks testifying to her keen enjoyment. "So many find medifficult to keep step with that I have become fearful of venturingupon the floor with a stranger. However, I shall always be glad to giveyou a character to any of my friends. "

"I sincerely thank you, " I returned in the same spirit, "and I cancertainly return the compliment most heartily. It is so long since Iwas privileged to dance with a lady that I confess to having feltdecidedly awkward at the start, but your step proved so accommodatingthat I became at once at home, and enjoyed the waltz immensely. I failto discover any seats in the room, or I should endeavor to find onevacant for you. "

"Oh, I am not in the least tired. " She was looking at me with so deepan expression of interest in her eyes that I dimly wondered at it. 

"Did I understand rightly, " she asked, playing idly with her fan, "thatMajor Monsoon introduced you to me as Colonel Curran of GeneralHalleck's staff?"

What the deuce am I up against now? I thought, and my heart beatquickly. Yet retreat was impossible, and I answered with assumedcarelessness:

"I am, most assuredly, Colonel Curran. "

"From Ohio?"

This was certainly coming after me with a vengeance, and I stole onequick glance at the girl's face. It was devoid of suspicion, merelyevincing a polite interest. 

"I have the honor of commanding the Sixth Artillery Regiment from thatState. "

"You must pardon me, Colonel, for my seeming inquisitiveness, " and hereyes sparkled with demure mischief. "Yet I cannot quite understand. Iwas at school in Connecticut with a Miss Curran whose father was anofficer of artillery from Ohio, and, naturally, I at once thought ofher when the Major pronounced your name; yet it certainly cannot beyou--you are altogether too young, for Myrtle must be eighteen. "

I laughed, decidedly relieved from what I feared might prove a mostawkward situation. 

"Well, yes, Miss Minor, I am indeed somewhat youthful to be Myrtle'sfather, " I said at a venture, "but I might serve as her brother, youknow, and not stretch the point of age over-much. "

She clasped her hands on my arm with a gesture of delight. 

"Oh, I am so glad; I knew Myrtle had a brother, but never heard he alsowas in the army. Did you know, Colonel, she was intending to come downhere with me when I returned South, at the close of our school year, but from some cause was disappointed. How delighted she would have beento meet you! I shall certainly write and tell her what a splendidlyromantic time we had together. You look so much like Myrtle I wonder Ifailed to recognize you at once. "

She was rattling on without affording me the slightest opportunity toslip in a word explanatory, when her glance chanced to fall upon someone who was approaching us through the throng. 

"Oh, by the way, Colonel, there is another of Myrtle's old schoolmatespresent to-night--a most intimate friend, indeed, who would neverforgive me if I permitted you to go without meeting her. "

She drew me back hastily. 

"Edith, " she said, touching the sleeve of a young woman who was slowlypassing, "Edith, wait just a moment, dear; this is Colonel Curran--Myrtle Curran's brother, you know. Colonel Curran, Mrs. Brennan. "

 CHAPTER XVI

THE WOMAN I LOVED

THE crucial moment had arrived, and I think my heart actually stoppedbeating as I stood gazing helplessly into her face. I saw her eyes openwide in astonished recognition, and then a deep flush swept over throatand cheek. For the instant I believed she would not speak, or that shewould give way to her excitement and betray everything. I durst give nosignal of warning, for there existed no tie between us to warrant myexpecting any consideration from her. It was an instant so tense thather silence seemed like a blow. Yet it was only an instant. Then hereyes smiled into mine most frankly, and her hand was extended. 

"I am more than delighted to meet you, Colonel Curran, " she saidcalmly, although I could feel her lips tremble to the words, while thefingers I held were like ice. "Myrtle was one of my dearest friends, and she chanced to be in my mind even as we met. That was why, " sheadded, turning toward Miss Minor, as though she felt her momentaryagitation had not passed unobserved, "I was so surprised when you firstpresented Colonel Curran. "

"I confess to having felt strangely myself, " returned the other, archly, "although I believe I concealed my feelings far better than youdid, Edith. Really, I thought you were going to faint. It must be thatColonel Curran exercises some strange occult influence over the weakersex. Perhaps he is the seventh son of a seventh son; are you, Colonel?However, dear, I am safe for the present from his mysterious spell, andyou will be compelled to face the danger alone, as here comesLieutenant Hammersmith to claim the dance I've promised him. "

Before Mrs. Brennan could interfere, the laughing girl had placed herhand on the Lieutenant's blue sleeve, and, with a mocking good-byeflung backward over her shoulder, vanished in the crowd, leaving usstanding there alone. 

The lady waited in such apparent indifference, gently tapping the floorwith her neatly shod foot, her eyes wandering carelessly over thethrong in our front, that I felt utterly at sea. Evidently she had nointention of addressing me, yet I could not continue to stand therebeside her in silence like a fool. That she possessed a pretty temper Ialready knew, but better a touch of that than this silent disdain. 

"Would you be exceedingly angry if I were to ask you to dance?" Iquestioned, stealing surreptitiously a glance at her proudly avertedface. 

"Angry? Most assuredly not, " in apparent surprise. "Yet I trust youwill not ask me. I have been upon the floor only once to-night. I amnot at all in the mood. "

The words were not encouraging, yet they served to break the ice, and Iwas never easily daunted. 

"If there were chairs here I should venture to ask even a greaterfavor--that you would consent to sit out this set with me. "

She turned slightly, lifted her eyes inquiringly to mine, and her facelightened. 

"No doubt we might discover seats without difficulty, in the anteroom, "she answered, indicating the direction by a glance. "There do notappear to be many 'sitters-out' at this ball, and the few who do arenot crowded. "

If the pendulum of hope and despair swings one way, the unalterablelaws of mental gravitation compel it to go just as far the other, andalthough I do not remember uttering so much as a word while wetraversed the crowded floor and gained entrance to the smaller roombeyond, yet my heart was singing a song of the deepest hope. Theapartment contained, as she prophesied, but few occupants, and Iconducted her to the farther end of it, where we found a comfortabledivan and no troublesome neighbors. 

As I glanced at her now, I marked a distinct change in her face. Theold indifference, so well assumed while we were in the presence ofothers, had utterly vanished as by magic, and she sat looking at me inanxious yet impetuous questioning. 

"Captain Wayne, " she exclaimed, her eyes never once leaving my face, "what does this mean? this masquerade? this wearing of the Federaluniform? this taking of another's name? this being here at all?"

"If I should say that I came hoping to see you again, " I answered, scarce knowing how best to proceed or how far to put confidence in her, "what would you think?"

The color flamed quickly into her cheeks, but the clear eyes neverfaltered. They seemed to read my very soul. 

"If that is true, that you were extremely foolish to take such a riskfor so small a reward, " she returned calmly. "Nor, under thesecircumstances, would I remain here so much as a moment to encourageyou. But it is not true. This is no light act; your very life must liein the balance, or you could never assume such risk. Doubtless youhesitate to trust me fully, but I assure you you need not, for you haveplaced me under certain personal obligations which I have no desire toignore. Captain Wayne, you are in trouble, in danger--will you not tellme all, and permit me to aid you by every means in my power?"

"I would trust you gladly with my life or my honor, " I replied soberly. "If I had less faith in you I should not be here now. "

She started slightly at the words, and for an instant her eyes fell. "Your life?" she questioned, "do you mean that is in the balance?"

"I understand that I am condemned to be shot as a spy at daybreak. "

"Shot? On what authority? Who told you?"

"On the order of General Sheridan. My informant was Lieutenant Caton, of his staff. "

"Shot? As a spy? Why, it surely cannot be! Frank said--Captain Wayne, believe me, I knew absolutely nothing of all this. Do not think Ishould ever have rested if I had dreamed that you were held under sofalse a charge. I promised you I would see General Sheridan on yourbehalf. "

"Yes, " I assented hastily, for her agitation was so great I feared itmight attract the attention of others. "I remember you said so at thetime of my arrest, but supposed you had either forgotten or had foundyour intercession fruitless. "

"Why, how you must have despised me! Forgotten?"--her eyes filledinstantly with tears. "Not for an hour, Captain Wayne, but Frank--" shebit her lip impatiently--"I was told, that is, I was led to believethat you were--had been sent North as a prisoner of war late lastnight. Otherwise I should have insisted upon seeing you--on pleadingyour cause with the General himself. The Major and I breakfasted withhim this morning, but your name was not mentioned, for I believed yousafe. "

She did not appear to realize, so deep was her present indignation andregret, that my hand had found a resting-place upon her own. 

"You must believe me, Captain Wayne; I could not bear to have you feelthat I could prove such an ingrate. "

"You need never suppose I should think that, " I replied, with anearnestness of manner that caused her to glance at me in surprise. "Iconfidently expected to hear from you all day, and finally when no wordcame I became convinced some such misconception as you have mentionedmust have occurred. Then it became my turn to act upon my own behalf ifI would preserve my life; yet never for one moment have I doubted youor the sincerity of your pledge to me. "

She drew her hand away from my clasp, gently and not unkindly, thenpassed it through the masses of her dark, shining hair, but her faceremained turned aside from me. Oh, how I longed at that moment to pourforth in fervent words the affection that burned within my heart! Butirrespective of the doubt as to her being free to listen to such adeclaration, there was a pride about her manner, a certain restraintwhich she ever seemed to exercise over me, that effectually sealed mylips. Her very presence was a moral tonic, and I felt it would beeasier to tear out my tongue than to utter anything which she couldconstrue into possible insult. The very depth of her perfect womanhoodwas itself protection, and, until the veil was finally lifted, my lipswere vowed to silence. 

She waited quietly while a couple passed us and sought seats nearer thedoor. 

"Tell me the entire story, " she said gently. 

As quickly as possible I reviewed the salient events which had occurredsince our last meeting. Without denying the presence of Major Brennanduring my stormy meeting with General Sheridan, I did not dwell uponit, nor mention the personal affray that had occurred between us. Evenhad I not supposed the man to be her husband I should never have takenadvantage of his treachery to advance my own cause. God knows I haveenough failings to account for, but I have never done my fighting inthe dark. Neither did I speak of the information I now sought to bringto Lee, for her sympathy, her interest, her loyalty, were all with theopposing army. She followed my narrative eagerly, her eyes growingdarker with intensity of interest as I depicted our eventful climb upthe black chimney, and my venture down the stairs into the crowdedballroom. As I concluded there was a tear glistening on her longlashes, but she seemed unconscious of it, and made no attempt to dashit away. 

"You have not told me all, " she commented quietly. "But I canunderstand and appreciate the reason for your silence. I know Frank'simpetuosity, and you are very kind, Captain Wayne, to spare myfeelings, but you must not remain here; every moment of delay increasesyour danger. Sheridan and those of his staff who would surely recognizeyou were expected back before this, and may appear at any moment--yethow can you get away? how is it possible for me to assist you?"

There was an eager anxiety in her face that piqued me. Like most loversI chose to give it a wrong interpretation. 

"You are anxious to be rid of me?" I asked, ashamed of the words evenas I uttered them. 

"That remark is unworthy of you, " and she arose to her feet almosthaughtily. "My sole thought in this is the terrible risk you incur inremaining here. "

"Your interest then is personal to me, may I believe?"

"I am a loyal woman, " proudly, "and would do nothing whatever toimperil the cause of my country; but your condemnation is unjust, and Iam, in a measure, responsible for it. I assist you, Captain Wayne, foryour own sake, and in response to my individual sense of honor. "

God knows I could not speak, although my heart seemed bursting withinmy bosom. By sheer power of her will, her pride, her perfect womanhood, she held me from her as though a wall divided us. Not for an instantdid she permit me to forget that she was the wife of another. 

"Have you formulated any plan?" she asked quickly, and her rising colormade me feel that she had deciphered my struggle in my eyes. 

"Only to walk out under protection of this uniform, and when once safein the open to trust that same good fortune which has thus farbefriended me. "

She shook her head doubtfully, and stood a moment in silence, lookingthoughtfully at the moving figures in the room beyond. 

"I fear it cannot be done without arousing suspicion, " she said atlast, slowly. "I chance to know there are unusual precautions beingtaken to-night, and the entire camp is doubly patrolled. Even thishouse has a cordon of guards about it, but for what reason I have notlearned. No, " she spoke decisively, "there is no other way. CaptainWayne, I am going to try to save you to-night, but in doing so I musttrust my reputation in your keeping. "

"I will protect it with my life. "

"Protect it with your silence, rather. I know you to be a gentleman, orI should never attempt to carry out the only means of escape whichseems at all feasible. Discovery would place me in an extremelyembarrassing position, and I must rely upon you to protect me from sucha possibility. "

"I beg you, " I began, "do not compromise yourself in any way for mysake. "

"But I am myself already deeply involved in this, " she interrupted, "and I could retain no peace of mind were I to do otherwise. Nowlisten. Make your way back to the ballroom, and in fifteen minutes fromnow be engaged in conversation with General Carlton near the mainentrance. I shall join you there, and you will take your cue from me. You understand?"

"Perfectly, but--"

"There is no 'but, ' Captain Wayne, only do not fail me. "

Our eyes met for an instant; what she read in mine God knows--in herswas determination, with a daring strange to woman. The next moment shehad vanished through a side door, and I was alone. 

 CHAPTER XVII

THROUGH THE CAMP OF THE ENEMY

A GLANCE at my watch told me that it was already within a few momentsof midnight. There was, however, no diminution in the festivities, andI waited in silence until I heard the sentries calling the hour, andthen pressed my way back into the noisy, crowded ballroom. I wasstopped twice by well-meaning officers whom I had met earlier in theevening, but breaking away from them after the exchange of a sentenceor two, I urged my course as directly as possible toward where thespectacled brigadier yet held his post as master of ceremonies. 

We had been conversing pleasantly for several minutes when Mrs. Brennanappeared. Standing so as to face the stairs, I saw her first comingdown, and noted that she wore her hat, and had a light walking-cloakthrown over her shoulders. My heart beat faster as I realized for thefirst time that she intended to be my companion. 

"Oh, General, I am exceedingly glad to find you yet here, " sheexclaimed as she came up, and extended a neatly gloved hand to him. "Ihave a favor to ask which I am told you alone have the authority togrant. "

He bowed gallantly. 

"I am very sure, " he returned smilingly, "that Mrs. Brennan will neverrequest anything which I would not gladly yield. "

She flashed her eyes brightly into his face. 

"Most assuredly not. The fact is, General, Colonel Curran, with whom Isee you are already acquainted, was to pass the night at the Major'squarters, and as he has not yet returned, the duty has naturallydevolved upon me to see our guest safely deposited. We are at theMitchell House, you remember, which is beyond the inner lines; andwhile, of course, I have been furnished with a pass, " she held up thepaper for his inspection, "and have been also instructed as to thecountersign, I fear this will scarcely suffice for the safe passage ofthe Colonel. "

The General laughed good-humoredly, evidently pleased with herassumption of military knowledge. 

"Colonel Curran is certainly to be congratulated upon having found socharming a guide, madam, and I can assure you I shall most gladly do mypart toward the success of the expedition. The Major was expected backbefore this, I believe?"

"He left word that if he had not returned by twelve I was to wait forhim no longer, as he should go directly to his quarters. I find thelife of a soldier to be extremely uncertain. "

"We are our country's servants, madam, " he replied proudly, and thentaking out a pad of blanks from his pocket, turned to me. 

"May I ask your full name and rank, Colonel?"

"Patrick L. Curran, Colonel, Sixth Ohio Light Artillery. "

He wrote it down rapidly, tore off the paper, and handed it to me. 

"That will take you safely through our inner guard lines, " he saidgravely, "that being as far as my jurisdiction extends. Good-night, Colonel; good-night, Mrs. Brennan. "

She smiled her good-bye to him, and placed a gloved hand confidingly onmy arm. 

"I believe I recall the road and shall find no difficulty in guidingyou, " she said. "At least we cannot go so very far astray. "

How cool and self-possessed she appeared--no hurry, no outwardnervousness marred a single action. I felt my heart throb with new-bornpride of her as I marked the marvellous self-control whichcharacterized every movement, for I realized now that her risk in theadventure was scarcely second to my own. As I ventured life, sheventured honor, and I doubted not hers was the harder task of the two. Yet she gave no outward sign of struggle; as we crossed the crowdedhall I could note no lack of resolution, no faltering of purpose ineither step or voice. 

At the door an officer spoke to her. 

"Surely you are not leaving us so early, Mrs. Brennan?" he questionedanxiously. "Why, supper has not even been announced. "

I felt her hand close more tightly upon my arm. 

"Unfortunately we must, " she replied, in a tone expressive of deepregret. "The Major was to go directly to his quarters if he was nothere by midnight, and would surely worry were I still absent. Have youever met my friend? Pardon me--Captain Burns, Colonel Curran. "

We bowed ceremoniously, and the next moment Mrs. Brennan and I were outupon the steps, breathing the cool night air. I glanced curiously ather face as the gleam of light fell upon it--how calm and reserved sheappeared, and yet her eyes were aglow with intense excitement. At thefoot of the steps she glanced up at the dark, projecting roof far aboveus. 

"Do you suppose he can possibly be up there yet?" she asked, in a toneso low as to be inaudible to the ears of the sentry. 

"Who? Bungay?" I questioned in surprise, for my thoughts wereelsewhere. "Oh, he was like a cat, and there are trees at the rear. Probably he is safe long ago, or else a prisoner once more. "

Beyond the gleam of the uncovered windows all was wrapped in completedarkness, save that here and there we could distinguish the dull redglare of camp-fires where the company cooks were yet at work, or somesentry post had been established. All the varied sounds of a congestedcamp at night were in the air--the champing and pounding of horses, themurmur of men's voices, the distant rumbling of heavy wagons, with anoccasional shout, and the noise of axes. It was also evident, from thenumerous flitting lanterns, like so many glow-worms, the late labors ofthe cooks, and other unmistakable signs, that active preparations foran early movement were already well under way. 

We turned sharply to the left, and proceeded down a comparativelysmooth road, which seemed to me to possess a rock basis, it felt sohard. From the position of the stars I judged our course to beeastward, but the night was sufficiently obscured to shroud all objectsmore than a few yards distant. Except for the varied camp noises oneither side of us the evening was oppressively still, and the air hadthe late chill of high altitudes. Mrs. Brennan pressed more closely tome as we passed beyond the narrow zone of light, and unconsciously wefell into step together. 

"Are you chilled?" I asked, bending my head toward her. 

"Not in the least; but I must confess to nervousness. "

I think we both recalled my wrapping her in the flapping cavalry cloakthe night we were first alone together, for she added quickly: "I amquite warmly clothed, and have not far to go. "

One often receives certain impressions without in the least knowing bywhat means they are conveyed--some peculiar trick of tone or mannerteaching a lesson the lips refrain from expressing. Some such influencenow, unconsciously exerted possibly, made me feel that my companionpreferred to remain silent; that I could best prove my respect for herby quietly accepting her guidance without attempting converse. Wewalked slowly so as not to attract attention, as it was impossible tosay that we were unobserved. Once she slipped upon a stone and I caughther, but neither spoke. Then there came the sudden clatter of hoofs onthe rocky road behind us. I drew her swiftly aside within theprotecting shadow of a tree, while a mounted officer rode by us at aslashing gait, his cavalry cape pulled high over his head, and the ironshoes of his horse striking fire from the flinty rocks. I could feelthe heart of the girl beating wildly against my arm, but withoutexchanging so much as a word we crept back into the dark road andpressed on. 

A few hundred yards farther a fire burned redly against a pile of logs. The forms of several men lay outstretched beside it, while a sentrypaced back and forth, in and out of the range of light. We were almostupon him before he noted our approach, and in his haste he swung hismusket down from his shoulder until the point of its bayonet nearlytouched my breast. 

"Halt!" he cried sternly, peering at us in evident surprise. "Halt!this road is closed. "

"Valley Forge, " whispered the girl, and I noticed how white her faceappeared in the flaming of the fire. 

"The word is all right, Miss, " returned the fellow, stoutly, yetwithout lowering his obstructing gun. "But we cannot pass any one outon the countersign alone. If you was going the other way it wouldanswer. "

"But we are returning from the officers' ball, " she urged anxiously, "and are on our way to Major Brennan's quarters. We have passes. "

As she drew the paper from out her glove one of the men at the firesprang to his feet and strode across the narrow road toward us. He wassmooth of face and boyish looking, but wore corporal's stripes. 

"What is it, Mapes?" he asked sharply. 

Without waiting an answer he took the paper she held out and scanned itrapidly. 

"This is all right, " he said, handing it back, and lifting his cap insalute. "You may pass, madam. You must pardon us, but the orders areexceedingly strict to-night. Have you a pass also, Colonel?" I handedit to him, and after a single glance it was returned. 

"Pass them, guard, " he said curtly, standing aside, Beyond the radiance of the fire she broke the silence. 

"I shall only be able to go with you so far as the summit of the hillyonder, for our quarters are just to the right, and I could furnish noexcuse for being found beyond that point, " she said. "Do you knowenough of the country to make the lines of your army?"

"If this is the Kendallville pike we are on, " I answered, "I have apretty clear conception of what lies ahead, but I should be very gladto know where I am to look for the outer picket. "

"There is one post at the ford over the White Briar, " she replied. "Ichance to know this because Major Brennan selected the station, andremarked that the stream was so high and rapid as to be impassable atany other point for miles. But I regret this is as far as myinformation extends. "

There was a moment of silence. 

"But how may I ever sufficiently thank you for all you have done for meto-night?" I exclaimed warmly, pressing her arm to my side as I spoke, with the intensity of feeling which possessed me. 

"I require no thanks, save as expressed by your silence, " she returned, almost coldly, and slightly withdrawing herself. "I have merely repaidmy indebtedness to you. "

I started to say something--what I hardly know--when, almost withoutsound of warning, a little squad of horsemen swept over the brow of thehill in our front, their forms darkly outlined against the starlit sky, and rode down toward us at a sharp trot. I had barely time to swing mycompanion out of the track when they clattered by, their heads bent lowto the wind, and seemingly oblivious to all save the movements of theirleader. 

"Sheridan!" I whispered, for even in that dimness I had not failed torecognize the short, erect figure which rode in front. 

The woman shuddered, and drew closer within my protecting shadow. Thenout of the darkness there burst a solitary rider, his horse limping asif crippled, and would have ridden us down, had I not flung up one handand grasped his bridle-rein. 

"Great Scott! what have we here?" he cried roughly, peering down at us. "By all the gods, a woman!"

The hand upon my arm clutched me desperately, and my own heart seemedto choke back every utterance. The voice was Brennan's. 

 CHAPTER XVIII

THE REPUTATION OF A WOMAN

LIKE a flash occurred to me the only possible means by which we mightescape open discovery--an instant disclosure of my supposed rank, coupled with indignant protest. Already, believing me merely someprivate soldier straying out of bounds with a woman of the camp ascompanion, he had thrown himself from the saddle to investigate. Whatever was to be done must be accomplished quickly, or it would proveall too late. To think was to act. Stepping instantly in front of theshrinking girl and facing him, I said sternly:

"I do not know who you may chance to be, sir, nor greatly care, yetyour words and actions imply an insult to this lady which I am littledisposed to overlook. For your information permit me to state, I amColonel Curran, Sixth Ohio Light Artillery, and am not accustomed tobeing halted on the road by every drunken fool who sports a uniform. "

He stopped short in complete surprise, staring at me through thedarkness, and I doubted not was perfectly able to distinguish the glintof buttons and gleam of braid. 

"Your pardon, sir, " he ejaculated at last. "I mistook you for somerunaway soldier. But I failed to catch your words; how did you nameyourself?"

"Colonel Curran, of Major-General Halleck's staff. "

"The hell you are! Curran had a full gray beard a month ago. "

He took a step forward, and before I could recover from the firstnumbing shock of surprise was peering intently into my face. 

"Damn it!" he cried, tugging viciously at a revolver in his belt, "Iknow that face! You are the measly Johnny Reb I brought in day beforeyesterday. "

I could mark the flash of the stars on the blue steel of his pistolbarrel, and knew from the eager ring of his voice he exulted in thehope that I would give him excuse to fire. Yet I thought in that momentof but one thing--the woman who had compromised her name to help me toattain freedom. I would have died a thousand deaths if it might only bewith my hands at his throat, her story unknown. Yet even as I braced mybody for the leap, gazing straight into that deadly barrel, there camea quick flutter of drapery at my side, and she, pressing me firmlybackward, faced him without a word. 

The man's extended arm dropped to his side as though pierced by abullet, and he took one step backward, shrinking as if his startledeyes beheld a ghost. 

"Edith?" he cried, as though doubting his own vision, and the ring ofagony in his voice was almost piteous. "Edith! My God! You here, atmidnight, alone with this man?"

However the words, the tone, the gesture may have stung her, her faceremained proudly calm, her voice cold and clear. 

"I certainly am, Major Brennan, " she answered, her eyes never onceleaving his face. "And may I ask what reason you can have to object?"

"Reason?" His voice had grown hoarse with passion and surprise. "MyGod, how can you ask? How can you even face me? Why do you not sinkdown in shame? Alone here, "--he looked about him into the darkness, --"at such an hour, in company with a Rebel, a sneaking, cowardly spy, already condemned to be shot. By Heaven! he shall never live to boastof it!"

He flung up his revolver barrel to prove the truth of his threat, butshe stepped directly between us, and shielded me with her form. 

"Put down your pistol, " she ordered coldly. "I assure you my reputationis in no immediate danger unless you shoot me, and your bullet shallcertainly find my heart before it ever reaches Captain Wayne. "

"Truly, you must indeed love him, " he sneered. 

So close to me was she standing that I could feel her form tremble atthis insult, yet her voice remained emotionless. 

"Your uncalled-for words shame me, not my actions. In being here withCaptain Wayne to-night I am merely paying a simple debt of honor--adouble debt, indeed, considering that he was condemned to death by yourlie, while you deceived me by another. "

"Did he tell you that?"

"He did not. Like the true gentleman he has ever shown himself to be, he endeavored to disguise the facts, to withhold from me all knowledgeof your dastardly action. I know it by the infamous sentence pronouncedagainst him and by your falsehood to me. "

"Edith, you mistake, " he urged anxiously. "I--I was told that he hadbeen sent North. "

She drew a deep breath, as though she could scarcely grasp the fullaudacity of his pretence to ignorance. 

"You appeared to be fully informed but now as to his death sentence. "

"Yes, I heard of it while away, and intended telling you as soon as Ireached our quarters. "

I could feel the scorn of his miserable deception as it curled her lip, and her figure seemed to straighten between us. 

"Then, " she said slowly, "you will doubtless agree that I have done nomore than was right, and will therefore permit him this chance ofescape from so unmerited a fate; for you know as well as I do that hehas been wrongly condemned. "

He stepped forward with a half-smothered oath, and rested one handheavily upon her shoulder. 

"An exceedingly neat trap, " he said, with a grim laugh, "a mostingenious snare; yet hardly one I am likely to be caught in. I am notquite so green, my lady. What! let that fellow go? become the laughingstock of you and your Johnny Reb lover? I rather guess not, madam. Damnhim! I will hang him now higher than Haman, just to show Queen Estherthat it can be done. Out of the way, madam!"

Rendered desperate by her slight resistance and his own jealous hatred, he thrust the woman aside so rudely that she fell forward upon oneknee. His revolver was yet in his right hand, gleaming in thestarlight, but before he could raise or fire it I had grasped the steelbarrel firmly, and the hammer came down noiselessly upon the flesh ofmy thumb. The next instant we were locked close together in fiercestruggle for the mastery. He was the heavier, stronger man; I theyounger and quicker. From the first every effort on both sides was putforth solely to gain command of the weapon, --his to fire, mine toprevent, for I knew well at the sound of the discharge there would comea rush of blue-coats to his rescue. My first fierce onset had put himon the defensive, but as we tugged and strained his superiority inweight began to tell, and slowly he bore me backward, desperatelycontesting every inch I was thus compelled to yield. 

We struggled voiceless, neither having breath for useless speech, andeach realizing that the end would probably mean death either to the oneor the other. Only our heavy breathing, the quick shuffling of feet onthe stony road, and an occasional rending of cloth, evinced thedesperation in which we strove. Once, as we turned partially in thestruggle, I caught a passing glimpse of the woman standing helpless, her face buried in her hands, and the sight yielded me new strength anddetermination. For her sake I must win! Even as this thought came, myburly antagonist pressed me backward until all the weight of my bodyrested upon my right leg. Then there occurred to me like a flash awrestler's trick taught me years before by an old negro on my father'splantation. Instantly I appeared to yield to the force against which Icontended with simulated weakness, sinking lower and lower, until, Idoubt not, Brennan felt convinced I must go over backward. But as Ithus sank, my left foot found steady support farther back, while myfree hand sank slowly down his straining body until my groping fingersgrasped firmly the broad belt about his waist. I yielded yet anotherinch, until he leaned so far over me as to be out of all balance, andthen, with sudden straightening of my left leg, at the same timeforcing my head beneath his chest in leverage, with one tremendouseffort I flung him, head under, crashing down upon the hard road. 

Trembling like a reed from the exertion, I stood there looking downupon the dark form lying huddled at my feet. He rested motionless, andI bent over, placing my hand upon his heart, horrified at the merethought that he might be dead. But the heart beat, and with a prayer ofthankfulness I looked up. She stood beside me. 

"Tell me, Captain Wayne, " she exclaimed anxiously, "he is not--notseriously hurt?"

The words thoroughly aroused me, and I recalled instantly her probablerelationship to this man, her delicate position now. 

"I believe not, " I answered soberly. "He is a heavy man, and fell hard, yet his heart beats strong. He must have cut his head upon a stone, however, for he is bleeding. "

She knelt beside him, and I caught the whiteness of a handkerchiefwithin her hand. 

"Believe me, Mrs. Brennan, " I faltered lamely, "I regret this far morethan I can tell. Nothing has ever occurred to me to give greater painthan the thought that I have brought you so much of sorrow andtrouble. "

She held up her hand to me, and I took it humbly. 

"It was in no way your fault; pray do not consider that I can everblame you for the outcome. "

Her eyes were upon me; I could view her face in the starlight, and forthe moment I utterly forgot the man who rested there between us. 

"If you could only know, " I exclaimed eagerly, "how sincerely I long toserve you, --to atone in some small way for all the difficulty I havebrought into your life; how my heart throbs to your presence as to thatof no other living woman--"

She hushed my impetuous words with the gesture of a queen, and rose toher feet facing me. Under the stars our eyes looked into each other, and her face was very white. 

"You must not, " she said firmly, and I thought she glanced down uponthe motionless figure at her feet. "I have trusted you; do not cause meto regret it now. "

I bowed, humiliated to the very depths of my soul. 

"Your rebuke is perfectly just, " I answered slowly. "God knows I shallnever be guilty again. You will have faith in me?"

"Always, everywhere--whether it ever be our fate to meet again or not. But now you must go. "

"Go? And leave you here alone? Are you not afraid?"

"Afraid?" she looked about her into the darkness. "Of what? Surely youdo not mean of Frank--of Major Brennan? And as to my being alone, ourquarters are within a scant hundred yards from here, and a single crywill bring me aid in plenty. Hush! what was that?"

It was the shuffling tread of many feet, the sturdy tramp of a body ofinfantry on the march. 

"Go!" she cried hurriedly. "If you would truly serve me, if you care atall for me, do not longer delay and be discovered here. It is the grandrounds. I beg of you, go!"

I grasped her outstretched hand, pressed my lips hotly upon it, andsped with noiseless footsteps down the black, deserted road. 

 CHAPTER XIX

THE CAVALRY OUTPOST

I LINGERED merely long enough to feel assured as to her safety, creeping closer until I heard her simple story of the Major's fall fromhis horse, and then watched through the night shadows while the littlesquad bore his unconscious form over the crest of the low hill towardtheir quarters. Then I turned my face eastward and tramped resolutelyon. 

The excitement of the night, and especially the sharp, fierce strugglewith Brennan, had reawakened all my old military enthusiasm, and I feltevery nerve tingling anew as I breasted the long slope before me. Eventhe depression naturally resulting from my unhappy parting with EdithBrennan gave way for the time being to this sense of surroundingdanger, while the ardor of youth responded joyfully to the spirit ofadventure. I simply would not think of what I had lost; certainly wouldnot permit its memory to depress me. I was, first of all, a soldier, and nothing short of death or capture should prevent me reaching Leewith my message. Let what would happen, all else could wait!

The gleam of the stars fell upon the double row of buttons down thebreast of the coat I wore, and I stopped suddenly with an exclamationof disgust. Nothing could be gained by longer masquerade, and I feltinexpressible shame at being thus attired. Neither pass nor uniformwould suffice to get me safe through those outer picket lines, and if Ishould fall in the attempt, or be again made prisoner, I vastlypreferred meeting my fate clad in the faded gray of my own regiment. With odd sense of relief I hastily stripped off the gorgeous trappings, flung them in the ditch beside the road, and pressed on, feeling like anew man. 

There was small need for caution here, and for more than an hour Itramped steadily along, never meeting a person or being startled by asuspicious sound. Then, as I rounded a low eminence I perceived beforeme the dark outline of trees which marked the course of the WhiteBriar, while directly in my front, and half obscured by thick leaves ofthe underbrush, blazed the red glare of a fire. I knew the stream well, its steep banks of precipitate rock, its rapid, swirling current which, I was well aware, I was not a sufficiently expert swimmer to cross. Once upon the other bank I should be comparatively safe, but to passthat picket post and attain the ford was certain to require all thegood fortune I could ever hope for. 

But despair was never for long my comrade, and I had learned howdetermination opens doors to the courageous--it is ever he who triesthat enters in. It took me ten minutes, possibly, creeping much of theway like a wild animal over the rocks, but at the end of that time Ihad attained a position well within the dense thicket, and couldobserve clearly the ground before me and some of the obstacles to beovercome. 

As I supposed, it was a cavalry outpost; I could distinguish thecrossed sabres on the caps of the men, although it was some time beforeI was able to determine positively where their horses were picketed. There must have been all of twenty in the party, and I coulddistinguish the lieutenant in command, a middle-aged man with light-colored chin beard, seated by himself against the wall of a smallshanty of logs, a pipe in his mouth and an open book upon his knee. Hismen were gathered close about the blazing fire, for the night air wasdecidedly chill as it swept down the valley; a number were sleeping, afew at cards, while a little group, sitting with their backs toward me. Yet almost within reach of my hand, were idly smoking and discussingthe floating rumors of the camp. I managed to make out dimly the figureof a man on horseback beyond the range of flame, and apparently uponthe very bank of the stream, when some words spoken by an old gray-bearded sergeant interested me. 

"Bob, " he said to the soldier lounging next him, "whut wus it thetstaff officer sed ter ther leftenant? I didn't just git ther straightof it. "

The man, a debonair young fellow, stroked his little black moustachereflectively. 

"Ther cove sed as how Cole's division wud be along here afore daylight, an' thet our fellers wud likely be sent out ahead of 'em. "

"Whar be they agoin'?"

"The leftenant asked him, an' the cove sed as it wus a gineral advanceto meet ol' Hancock at Minersville. "

"Thet's good 'nough, lads, " chimed in the sergeant, slapping his knee. "It means a dance down the valley after Early. I'm a guessin' we'llhave a bang-up ol' fight 'fore three days more. "

"Pervidin' allers thet ther Johnnies don't skedaddle fust, " commentedanother, tartly. "Whut in thunder is ther matter with them hosses?" heasked suddenly, rising and peering over into the bushes beyond the hut, where a noise of squealing and kicking had arisen. 

"Oh, the bay filly is probably over the rope agin, " returned thesergeant, lazily. "Sit down, Sims, an' be easy; you're not on hossguard ternight. "

"I know thet, " growled the soldier, doubtfully, "but thet thar kid isno good, an' I don't want my hoss all banged up jist as we 're goin' oncampaign 'tain't no sorter way ter hitch 'em anyhow, to a picket rope;ruins more hosses than ther Rebs dew. "

This gave me inspiration, and before the speaker's sullen growl hadwholly ceased I was again upon hands and knees, silently groping my wayalong the bank toward the rear of the hut. It proved to be a tinystructure, containing but a single room--probably a mere fisherman'sshack, without windows, but possessing a door at either end. Meeting noopposition I crept within, where I felt somewhat safer fromobservation, and then peered warily forth into the darkness extendingbetween it and the river. The picket-rope stretched from one corner ofthe hut, where it seemed to be secured around the end of a projectinglog, out into the night, evidently finding its other terminus at a bigtree whose spreading top I could dimly perceive shadowed against thesky. Along it were tethered the horses, a few impatiently champingtheir bits and pounding with their hoofs on the trampled ground, butthe majority resting quietly, their heads hanging sleepily down. Theone nearest me appeared a finely proportioned animal of a dark color, and was equipped with both saddle and bridle. Of the soldier in chargeI could distinguish nothing--doubtless he was lounging on his back, half asleep upon some soft patch of grass. 

My plan was conceived instantly. It was a desperate one, yet it aloneseemed in the least feasible. If by chance it succeeded it would placeme in saddle once more, and to a cavalryman that means everything;while if it failed--ah, well, it was merely a toss-up of the coin. Iturned, impatient for the trial, when it suddenly occurred to me thatthe deserted hut might contain something I could use to advantage, --afirearm, perhaps, or even a stray box of matches. I felt about mecautiously, creeping along the hard earthen floor until I had nearlyreached the opposite entrance. The light from the fire without leapedup, and its glow revealed a saddle, with leather holster attached, hanging to a nail just within the doorway. Moving noiselessly I managedto extract a revolver, but could discover no cartridges. 

I was yet fumbling in the holster pocket when the lieutenant rose fromhis seat without, knocked the ashes from his pipe, yawned sleepily, standing directly between me and the fire, and then, turning sharply, walked slowly into the open door of the hut. I sprang to my feet, or hewould certainly have stepped upon me, and before he could realize thesituation I had him by the collar, with the cold muzzle of my stolenrevolver pressed hard against his cheek. 

"A single word or sound, and I fire!" I said sternly. 

I have no recollection of ever seeing any man more completelyastounded. He gasped like a fish newly landed, and I doubt if he couldhave made utterance even had he dared. 

"Come in a little farther, " I commanded. "Now look here, Lieutenant, you do exactly as I tell you and you will get out of this affair with awhole skin; otherwise--well, I'm playing this game to the limit. "

"Who in hell are you?" he gasped finally, recovering some slight powerof expression. 

"Never mind, friend. I am simply a man with a gun at your head, andsufficiently desperate to use it if necessary; that's enough for you toknow and reflect over. Now answer me: How many men have you mountedthis side the ford?"

He glared at me sullenly, and I drew back the hammer with an ominousclick, eying him fiercely. 

"Well, " I said shortly, "do you choose to answer, or die?"

"Two. "

"On the other bank?"

"None. "

Standing thus, covering him with the gun, and marking his slightestmovement, I thought quickly. Years of danger teach concentratedthought, prompt decision, and I soon chose my course. To kill in battleis soldierly, but, if possible to avoid it, there should be no killinghere. 

"Lieutenant, " I said, speaking low, but in a tone which left no doubtas to my exact meaning, "I am an escaped prisoner, and shall nothesitate to kill rather than be recaptured. It is your life or mine to-night, and I naturally prefer my own; but I'll give you one chance, andonly one--obey my orders and I will leave you here unhurt: disobey, andyour life is not worth the snap of a finger. Move back now until youface the door, and don't forget my pistol is within an inch of yourear, and this is a hair trigger. What is your sergeant's name?"

"Handley. "

"Order him to take ten men on foot one hundred yards west on the pike, and wait further orders. "

The lieutenant twisted his head about and looked at me, his eyesstubborn with anger. 

"If you have a wife up North, and care anything about seeing heragain, " I said coolly, "you will do exactly as I say. "

"Handley, " he called out, his voice so choked with rage as to make mefearful it might arouse suspicion, "take ten men on foot to the cross-roads, and wait there until you hear from me. "

I could plainly note the dark shadows of the fellows as they filed outpast the fire, but I never ventured to take eye or gun off the man Iwatched. 

"How many remain there now?"

"Seven. "

"Any non-com, among them?"

"A corporal. "

"Have him take them all south on the cross-roads. "

The man squirmed like an eel, and I was soldier enough to sympathizewith him; yet every time he turned his head he looked death squarely inthe face, and I doubt not thought of some one he loved in that distantNorth. I clicked the hammer suggestively. 

"Come, friend, " I said meaningly, "time flies. "

"Jones, " he called out huskily. 

"Yes, sir?"

"Take what men you have left a hundred yards south on the cross-road. "

We could hear them crunching their way through the bushes, until thesound finally died out in the distance. 

"Now, Lieutenant, you come with me--softly, and keep your distance. "

We moved back slowly, step by step, until we came to the rear door ofthe shed. I reached out into the darkness, but without turning my faceaway from him, and silently severed the picket-rope, retaining theloosened end in my grasp. It was so intensely dark where we stood thatI slipped the pistol unobserved into my belt. 

"Face to the rear, " I said sternly. 

As he turned to obey this order, with quick movement I tripped him, sprang backward, and shut the door. 

In a single bound I was upon the back of the black, and had flung thesevered rope's end at the flank of the next horse in line. There was arush of feet, a sharp snapping of cords, a wild scurrying through thebushes, as twenty frightened horses stampeded up the bank, and then, lying face down over the saddle pommel, I sent the startled blackcrashing down into the shallows of the ford. The fellow on guard triedhis best to stop us, but we were past him like the wind. He did notfire, and doubtless in the darkness saw merely a stray horse brokenfrom the picket-rope. The other fellow took one swift shot, but it wentwild, and I heard the voice of the enraged lieutenant damning in thedistance. Then with a rush we went up the steep bank on the easternshore, and I sat upright in the saddle and gave the black his rein. 

 CHAPTER XX

A DEMON ON HORSEBACK

I felt positively happy then. The thrill of successful achievement wasmine, and with the exultation of a soldier in having surmountedobstacles and peril, I nearly forgot for the moment the heart tragedyleft behind. The swift impetus of the ride, the keen night air sweepingpast me, the fresh sense of freedom and power engendered by thatreckless dash through the darkness, all conspired to render meneglectful of everything save the joy of present victory. The spirit ofwild adventure was in my blood. 

A dozen spits of fire cleaved the intense blackness behind, and I knewthe widely scattered patrol were sending chance shots across thestream. A clang of hoofs rang out upon the rocks, but I coulddistinguish nothing indicating a large pursuing party--probably the twowho were mounted at the ford, with possibly others following when theycaught their strayed horses. I had little to fear from such half-hearted pursuit as this was sure to be. The swift, powerful stride ofthe animal I rode assured me that I was not ill mounted, and there wassmall chance of contact with Federal outriders before I should reachthe protecting picket lines of our own army. I laughed grimly as Ileaned slightly back in saddle and listened; it was like a play, soswift and exciting had been the passing events, so unexpected theirending. I wondered what plausible story the discomfited lieutenantwould concoct to account for his predicament, and whether the othershad yet missed me back at the Mansion House. 

The stars appeared to be paling somewhat down in the east, for thecoming day-dawn was already whitening the horizon. I glanced at mywatch, venturing to strike a match for the purpose, and found the hourafter three o'clock. Early, I knew, was at Sowder Church, and hisadvance cavalry pickets ought to be as far west as the Warrentown road. The distance between, by hard riding, might be covered in three hours. My horse seemed fresh, his breath came naturally and without effort, and I pressed him along rapidly, for my whole ambition now centred uponbringing the information I possessed within our own lines. Bungay, beyond doubt, had been recaptured long since, for my own experiencetold me how extremely vigilant were the Federal guards. To oneunacquainted as he was with military customs it would prove impossibleto penetrate their lines; hence, everything must depend upon my gettingthrough in safety. 

Then my thoughts drifted to the one I had left in such seriouspredicament. If I had loved her before, I loved her doubly now, for shehad proven herself a woman among women in time of danger and trial. Howclearly her face, with those dark sweet eyes and the wealth of crowninghair, rose before me, while word by word I reviewed all that had passedbetween us, dwelling upon each look or accent that could evince herpossible interest in me. Then reason returned to my aid, andresolutely, determinedly, inspired by every instinct of soldierlyhonor, I resolved that I would put her from my thoughts for ever. Shewas not mine either to love or possess, unless the uncertain fate ofwar should chance to set her free. Even to dream of her, to cherish herin memory while she remained the wife of another, was but an affront toher purity and womanhood. I would prove myself a man entitled to herrespect, a soldier worthy my service and corps; if ever again my namechanced to find mention in her presence it should be spoken with honor. 

I was musing thus, lulled by the steady lope of my horse, and totallyinsensible to any possibility of peril, when clear upon my ears, instantly awakening me from such reverie, there rang through the nightsilence the sharp clang of iron on the road behind me. All sound ofpursuit had long since died away, and I supposed the effort torecapture me had been abandoned. But there was no mistaking now--atleast one horseman, riding recklessly through the black night, waspressing hot upon my trail. 

"The lieutenant, " I thought, "the lieutenant, burning with anger at thetrick played upon him, has pushed far ahead of his troop, doubtlessmounted upon a better horse, determined to risk everything if he mayonly bring me back dead or alive. "

This thought awoke me in an instant from my dreaming, and I spurred myhorse furiously, glancing anxiously backward as I rode, but unablethrough that dense gloom to distinguish the form of my pursuer. Yet thefellow was coming, coming faster than any speed I could possiblyconjure out of the weary black I bestrode, either by whip or spur. Closer and closer upon me came rushing down that pounding of iron hoofson the hard path. Heavens! how like a very demon the man rode! As atrooper I could not withhold admiration from the reckless audacity withwhich the vengeful fellow bore down upon me. In spite of my utmostefforts it almost seemed as if we were standing still. Surely nothingless than hate, and a thirst for vengeance bitter as death, implacableas fate, could ride like that through the black night on the track of ahunted man!

I was able to trace dimly his outlines now as he rose on an eminence inmy rear, his horse looming dark against the sky, like those giantsteeds that snorted fire in my child's picture-books at home, and then, with increasingly loud thunder of hoof-beats, he came charging straightdown toward me. In sheer desperation I glanced on either side, seekingsome avenue of escape, but the high banks were unscalable; my soleremaining hope lay in a shot which should drop that crazed brute beforehe struck and crushed me. Riding my best, with all the practised skillof the service, I swung my body sideways, bracing myself firmly in thedeep saddle, and took steady aim. The hammer came down with a dull, dead click, the revolver was chargeless, and with an exclamation ofbaffled rage I hurled the useless weapon full at the advancing brute. Almost at the instant we struck, my horse went down with the impetus, while over us both, as if shot from a cannon, plunged our pursuer, hishorse turning a complete somersault, the rider falling so close that Iwas upon him almost as soon as he struck the ground. 

A dip of the flying hoof had cut a shallow gash across my forehead, andmy hair was wet with blood, yet bruised and half stunned as I was fromthe hard fall, my sole longing was to reach and throttle that madmanwho had ridden me down in such demon style. 

"You unchained devil!" I cried savagely, whirling him over upon hisback, "I spared your life once to-night, but, by all the gods, I'LL notdo it again!"

"Gosh, Cap, is thet you?" asked the voice of the other, feebly. 

I started back, and lost my hold upon him. 

"Bungay?" in an astonishment that nearly robbed me of utterance. "GoodGod, man! is this really you?"

"It's whut's left o' me, " he answered solemnly, sitting up and feelinghis head as if expecting to find it gone. "Thet wus 'bout ther worstride ever I took. "

"I should think it likely, " I exclaimed, my anger rising again as Ithought of it. "What, in Heaven's name, do you mean by riding down onme like that?"

"Holy Gee, Cap, " he explained penitently, "ye don't go ter think I everdid it a purpose, do ye? Why, ther gosh-durned old thing run away. "

"Ran away?"

"Sure; I've bin a hangin' on ter ther mane o' thet critter fer nigh'pon three mile, an' a prayin' fer a feather bed ter light on. It's mylast 'listment en ther cavalry, ye bet. I never seed none o' yer steamkeers, but I reckon they don't go no faster ner thet blame hoss. Gosh, Cap, ye ain't got no call fer ter git mad; I couldn't a stopped herwith a yoke o' steers, durned if I cud. I sorter reckon I know now'bout whut Scott meant when he said, 'The turf the flying courserspurn'd, '--you bet this en did. "

Jed rubbed his cheek as if it stung him, and I looked at him in thefaint dawning light of day, and laughed. His peaked head and weazenface looked piteous enough, decorated as they were with the black loamthrough which he had ploughed; his coat was ripped from tail to collar, while one of his eyes was nearly closed where the bruised flesh hadpuffed up over it. 

"'It is a fearful strife, for man endowed with mortal life, '" he quotedmournfully. 

"You're right, " I assented. "No doubt you had the worst of it. But howcame you here?"

"Why, I wus a huntin' fer a hoss thar et ther picket post whin yescared up ther bunch, an' by some sort a fule luck I got hole o' thetone, an' tuke arter ye, tho' in course I didn't know who it wus raisedsich a rumpus, it wus so durned dark. Ther whole blame Yankee caboodletuke a blaze et me, I reckon, leastwise they wus most durn keerlesswith ther shootin' irons, an' I rode one feller over, knocked him plumoff his hoss down ther bank, kerslush inter ther water, by thunder, an'then ther derned critter I wus a straddlin' bolted. Thet's 'bout all Iknow, Cap, till I lit yere. "

There was no doubting the truth of his story, and I held out my hand. "You're a good man, Jed, " I said heartily, "and so long as we are bothalive, a few hard jolts won't hurt us. Let's see if the horses are inany condition for service. "

A single glance told the story. The black mare was browsing by theroadside, apparently little the worse for the shock, although a thinline of blood trickled slowly down her flank. But the big roan had notbeen so fortunate, and lay, head under, stone dead in the middle of thenarrow road. Bungay gazed at the motionless figure mournfully. 

"'Woe worth the chase, woe worth the day, that cost thy life, mygallant gray, '" he recited solemnly, "only it's a roan, an' I ain't sodurn sorry either. "

Regrets of any nature, however, were vain, and as the little manpositively refused to ride, I mounted again. He trudging along manfullybeside me, the two of us set forth once more, our faces turned towardthe red dawn. 

 CHAPTER XXI

REINFORCEMENTS FOR EARLY

"Come Wayne, wake up, man! Captain, I say, you must turn out of this. "

I opened my eyes with a struggle and looked up. The golden glow ofsunlight along the white wall told me the day must be already welladvanced, and I saw the lieutenant of my troop, Colgate, bending overme, attired in service uniform. 

"What is it, Jack?"

"We have been ordered north on forced march to join Early, and thecommand has already started. I have delayed calling you until the finalmoment, but knew you would never forgive being left behind. "

Before he had finished I was upon the floor, dressing with thatrapidity acquired by years of practice, my mind thoroughly aroused tothe thought of active service once more. 

"Was it the news I brought in yesterday, Colgate, which has stirredthis up?" I questioned, hastily dipping into a basin of water. 

"I imagine it must have been, sir, " replied the Lieutenant, leaningback comfortably upon a cracker-box, which formed our solitary chair. "Things have been on the move ever since, and it certainly resembles anadvance of some importance. Staff officers at it all night long, McDaniels division off at daylight, while we go out ahead of Slayton'stroops. Reede was in beastly good humor when he brought the orders;that usually means a fight. "

"Any artillery?"

"Sloan's and Rocke's batteries are with us; did not learn who went outwith McDaniel's. Longstreet has crossed the White Briar. "

"Yes, I know, " I said, drawing on the last of my equipments, andquickly glancing about to assure myself I had overlooked nothing likelyto be of value. "All ready, Jack, and now for another 'dance ofdeath. '"

Our regiment was drawn up in the square of the little town, and as wecame forth into the glorious sunlight, the stentorian voice of theColonel called them into column of fours. Staff officers, gray withdust from their all-night service, were riding madly along the curb, while at the rear of our men, just debouching from one of the sidestreets, appeared the solid front of a division of infantry. We hadbarely time to swing into the saddles of the two horses awaiting us, and ride swiftly to the head of our command, when the short, sternorders rolled along the motionless line of troopers, and the long, silent column swung out to the northward, the feet of the horsesraising a thick cloud of red dust which fairly enveloped us in itschoking folds. 

With the ardor of young manhood I looked forward to the coming battle, when I knew the mighty armies of North and South would once againcontest for the fertile Shenandoah. It was to be American pittedagainst American, a struggle ever worthy of the gods. Slowly I rodeback down the files of my men, marking their alignment andaccoutrements with practised eye, smiling grimly as I noted their eagerfaces, war-worn and bronzed by exposure, yet reanimated by hope ofactive service. Boys half of them appeared to be, yet I knew them asfire-tested veterans of many hard-fought fields, lads who would diewithout a murmur beneath their beloved Southern flag, as undaunted inhour of peril as were the Old Guard at Waterloo. In spite of frayed andragged uniforms, tarnished, battered facings, dingy, flapping hats, they looked stanch and true, soldiers every inch of them, and I markedwith the jealous pride of command their evenly closed ranks and uprightcarriage. How like some giant machine they moved--horses and men--intrained and disciplined power!

As I watched them thus, I thought again of those many other faces whoonce rode as these men did now, but who had died for duty even as thesealso might yet be called upon to die. One hundred and three strong, gayin bright new uniforms, with unstained banner kissing the breeze aboveour proud young heads, we rode hopefully forth from Charlottesvillescarce three years before, untried, undisciplined, unknown, to placeour lives willingly upon the sacred altar of our native State. Whatspeechless years of horror those had been; what history we had writtenwith our naked steel; what scenes of suffering and death lay along thatbloody path we travelled! To-day, down the same red road, our eyesstill set grimly to the northward, our flag a torn and ragged remnant, barely forty men wore the "D" between the crossed sabres on theirslouched brown hats, in spite of all recruiting. The cheer in my heartwas for the living; the tear in my eye was for the dead. 

"Colgate, " I said gravely, as I ranged up beside him at the rear ofthe troop, "the men look exceedingly well, and do not appear to havesuffered greatly because of short rations. "

"Oh, the lads are always in fine fettle when they expect a fight, " heanswered, his own eyes dancing as he swept them over that straight lineof backs in his front. "They'll scrap the better for being a bithungry, --it makes them savage. Beats all, Captain, what foolish notionssome of those people on the other side have of us Southerners. Theyseem to think we are entirely different from themselves; yet I reckonit would puzzle any recruiting officer up yonder to show a finer lot offighting men than those fellows ahead there. 'Food for powder?' Why, there isn't a lad among them unfit for command. "

In spite of the indignation in his tone, his voice had the lazy, Southern drawl, and somehow, as he spoke, I thought of my fair prisonerin the mountains, and of how disdainfully she treated me on theoccasion of our first meeting. I sincerely hoped her conception of theSoutherner had received partial revision since. 

"Well, yes, " I answered thoughtfully. "Doubtless those who have nevervisited the South, and who form their conception of us from Northernnewspapers and abolition orators, get hold of our worstcharacteristics, and judge accordingly. I sometimes feel that the wholetrouble between the sections is merely such a misunderstanding on alarge scale, and that had we only intermingled more freely, many of ourdifferences would have disappeared. In this we are fully as wrong asthose of the other side--narrowness of thought and life has been thesecret force behind this war. Partisans upon both sides have ignoredthe fact that we are all of one blood and one history. But in thisrespect the tendency of the conflict has been to broaden out the actualparticipants, and teach them mutual respect. I imagine women are atpresent more apt to retain this prejudice, women whose loved ones arein arms against us. "

"I was thinking about a woman when I spoke, " he explained gravely. "Shewas certainly a beauty, and nursed me in the hospital at Baltimore. Oh, you needn't smile; she was married, --her husband was on Sheridan'sstaff; I saw him once, a big fellow with a black moustache. Of coursewe all looked alike lying there in those cots, and she very naturallysupposed I was one of their wounded, until after the fever left me, andI became able to converse a bit, and then you ought to have seen theexpression in her eyes when I confessed the truth. Actually she criedout, 'You a Rebel?' and gazed at me as if I had been some dangerouswild animal. Truly I believe she nearly looked upon herself as atraitress because she had nursed me and saved my life. Yet she waswonderfully tender-hearted and kind. You see she wasn't a regular armynurse, and I was probably the first Confederate soldier she had evercome in close contact with. "

"Did you become friends?"

"Most certainly; at least in a way, for she undertook my conversion. Frankly, if it hadn't been for that inconvenient husband in the path, Iam not so certain you wouldn't have lost a lieutenant. The fact thatthe lady was already Mrs. Brennan alone saved me. "

"Mrs. Brennan!" Although the disclosure was not altogether unexpected, I could not help echoing the name. 

"Certainly, " in sudden surprise, and glancing aside at my face. "Can itbe possible that you know her? Not more than twenty, I should say, withgreat clear, honest eyes, and a perfect wealth of hair that appearsauburn in the sun. "

"I had the privilege of meeting her once or twice briefly while inSheridan's lines, " I answered hurriedly "and have reason to indorse allyou say regarding the lady, especially as to her dislike of everythingclad in gray uniform. But the men appear to be straggling somewhat, Lieutenant; perhaps it would be as well to brace them up a bit. "

I rode slowly forward to my own position at the head of the troop, wondering at the strange coincidence which had placed Edith Brennan'sname upon Colgate's lips. Her memory had been brought back to me withrenewed freshness by his chance words, and so strongly did it haunt meas to be almost a visible presence. As I swung my horse into ouraccustomed position I was too deeply buried in reflection to be clearlyconscious of much that was occurring about me. Suddenly, however, Ibecame aware that some one, nearly obscured by the enveloping cloud ofdust, was riding without the column, in an independence of militarydiscipline not to be permitted. In the state of mind I was then in thisdiscovery strangely irritated me. 

"Sergeant, " I questioned sharply, of the raw-boned trooper at the endof the first platoon, "what fellow is that riding out yonder?"

"It's ther pesky little cuss as come in with ye yesterday, sir, " hereturned with a grin. "He's confiscated a muel somewhar an' says he's agoin' back hum 'long o' we uns. "

Curious to learn how Jed had emerged from his arduous adventures, Ispurred my horse alongside of him. 

The little man, bending forward dubiously, as if fearful of accident, was riding bareback on a gaunt, long-legged mule, which, judging fromall outward appearances, must have been some discarded asset of thequartermaster's department. The animal was evidently a complete wreck, and drooped along, dragging one foot heavily after the other as ifevery move were liable to be the last, his head hanging dejectedly, while his long ears flopped solemnly over the half-closed eyes at eachstep. Altogether the two composed so melancholy a picture it was withdifficulty I suppressed my strong inclination to laugh. 

"Going home, Jed?" I asked, as he glanced up and saw me. 

"Jist as durn quick as I kin git thar, " he returned emphatically. "Bygum, Cap, I ain't bin 'way from Mariar long as this afore in twelveyear. Reckon she thinks I've skedaddled fer good this time, an' 'ill bea takin' up with some other male critter lest I git back thar mightysudden. Women's odd, Cap, durn nigh as ornary 'bout some things as amuel. "

"I have never enjoyed much experience with them, " I said, "but Iconfess to knowing something about mules. Now that seems to be ratheran extraordinary specimen you are riding. "

He eyed his mount critically. 

"Burned if ever I thought I'd git astraddle o' any four-legged critteragin, " he said, rubbing himself as if in sudden and painfulrecollection of the past. "But I sorter picked up this yere muel downet ther corral, an' he 's tew durn wore out a totin' things fer you unster ever move offen a walk. I sorter reckon it's a heap easier asittin' yere than ter take it afut all ther way ter ther mountings. "

"He certainly has the appearance of being perfectly safe, but you knowa mule is always full of tricks. "

"Oh, this en ain't, " confidently. "Why, he 's so durn wore out ayankin' things 'round thet he 's bin plum asleep all ther way out yere. Say, Cap, be it true thet a muel will wake up an' git a move on itselfif ye blow in his ear?"

"Who told you that?"

"The feller down et ther quartermaster's corral. He said as how thetwus ther way ther niggers got 'em ter go 'long whin they got tew durnlazy. Blamed if I don't b'lieve I'll try it jist fer onst, fer I 'dlike durn well ter git ahead out o' this pesky dust. "

I had never before seen such an experiment tried, but a slightknowledge of the nature of the animal involved induced me to rein backmy horse, and to that precaution I have no doubt I owe my life. Jedblew only once; he lacked opportunity to do more, for a shock ofelectricity could never have more quickly aroused that mule. His longears were erected with a snap, his short, spike tail shot out straight, while his heels cut the air in furious semicircles, as he backedviciously. I heard a yell from Jed, saw him clasp his arms lovinglyabout the animal's neck, caught a confused glimpse of the wildlycavorting figure amid the red dust cloud, and then, rear on, andlashing out crazily, that juggernaut of a mule struck the unsuspectingadvancing column of troopers, and plunged half through their close-setranks before they even realized what had happened. Horses plungedwildly to escape; here and there a man went down in the crush; oaths, blows, shouts of anger rang out, while beneath the dense dust cloudfrightened horses and startled riders struggled fiercely to escape. Forthe moment it was pandemonium in earnest, and I could only trace thedisastrous passage of Bungay by the shouts of angry men and the sharpcries of injured horses. 

"Captain Wayne, what does all this mean, sir? What is the cause of thedisorder in your troop?"

It was the Major's voice, stern, indignant, commanding. I dashed thetears of laughter from my eyes, and strove to face him decorously. 

"A mule, sir, which has taken a fit of kicking. I will straighten themout in a moment. "

I wheeled, and peered into the rolling, surging mass of dust, out ofwhich there arose such a hubbub of sounds as to make the noise ofbattle tame by comparison. 

"Catch the brute by the bridle, two of you, " I roared stoutly. "Craig, Whortley, what are you hanging back for? Go in there! Take hold of thedevil from in front; there is no danger at that end. "

The stern words of command, the return of discipline, seemed to steadythat seething, fighting mass in an instant; there was a squeal, acurse, a slight settling down of the dust cloud, and two red-faced, perspiring troopers emerged from the jam, dragging the yet reluctantmule by main strength behind them. As they cleared the line of thecolumn, Bungay rolled off the animal's back, and, in his eagerness, came down on all fours. 

"Well, " I said sarcastically, "what do you think of your mule now?"

"By Jinks, Cap, " and his face lit up with intense admiration as hesurveyed the animal, "durned if I don't take him hum. Gee! whut a scrapMariar an' thet muel kin have!"

The Major pushed through the curious line of troopers and faced himangrily. 

"What do you mean by running your dod-gasted old mule into thiscolumn?" he thundered. "Who are you, anyhow? Blamed if the little foolhasn't done more damage than a Yankee battery. "

Jed faced him ruefully. 

"I didn't go ter dew it, mister, " he explained. "Ther muel wus jistpinted ther wrong way. I never knowed ther mean ol' cuss wint back'ardslike thet. "

The wrath on the Major's face caused me to interfere. In a few words Imade everything clear, and substantial justice was attained by an orderfor Jed to move on with his animated battering ram. He disappeareddolefully in the dust cloud, the mule, once more asleep, trailinglazily behind him. The troop, slightly disfigured, closed up theirbroken ranks, and the weary march was resumed. 

It was long after dark the second day when, thoroughly wearied, weturned into an old tobacco field and made camp for the night. To rightand left of our position glowed the cheery fires, telling where Early'scommand bivouacked in line of battle. From the low range of hills infront of where we rested one could look across an intervening valley, and see far off to the northward the dim flames which marked theposition of the enemy. Down in the mysterious darkness between, dividedonly by a swift and narrow stream, were the blue and gray pickets. Theopposing forces were sleeping on their arms, making ready for the deathgrip on the morrow. 

As I lay there thinking, wondering what might be my fate before anothernightfall, seeing constantly in my half-dreams the fair face of awoman, which made me more of a coward than I had ever felt myselfbefore, I was partially aroused by the droning tones of a voice closeat hand. Lifting myself on one elbow I glanced curiously around to seewhere it originated, what was occurring. Clustered about a roaring fireof rails were a dozen troopers, and in the midst of them, occupying thepost of honor upon an empty powder keg, was Bungay, enthusiasticallyreciting Scott. I caught a line or two:

 "'At once there rose so wild a yell Within that dark and narrow dell, As all the fiends from heaven that fell Had pealed the battle-cry of hell. '"

and then the drowsy god pressed down my heavy eyelids, and I fellasleep. 

 CHAPTER XXII

THE BATTLE IN THE SHENANDOAH

To me it has always seemed remarkable that after all my other battleexperiences--Antietam, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, ay! even includingthat first fierce baptism of fire at Manassas--no action in which Iever participated should remain so clearly photographed upon memory asthis last desperate struggle for supremacy in the Shenandoah. Everyminute detail of the conflict, at least so far as I chanced to be apersonal participant, rises before me as I write, and I doubt not Icould trace to-day each step taken upon that stricken field. 

The reveille had not sounded when I first awoke and, rolling from myblanket, looked about me. Already a faint, dim line of gray, heraldingthe dawn, was growing clearly defined in the east, and making manifestthose heavy fog-banks which, hanging dank and low, obscured the valley. The tired men of my troop were yet lying upon the ground, wrappedtightly in their blankets, oblivious of the deadly work before them;but I could hear the horses already moving uneasily at their picket-ropes, and observed here and there the chilled figure of a sentryleaning upon his gun, oddly distorted in form by the enveloping mist. 

Directly in advance of where we rested, a long hill sloped gentlyupward for perhaps a hundred yards, its crest topped with a thickgrowth of young oak-trees, yet seemingly devoid of underbrush. Notroops were camped in our immediate front, and feeling curious toascertain something of our formation, as well as to examine the lay ofthe land between us and the position occupied by the enemy, I walkedslowly forward, unhindered, until I attained the crest. Numberlessbirds were singing amid the branches overhead, while the leaves of thelow bushes I passed on my way were glistening with dew. Except forthose long rows of sleeping soldiers, I seemed utterly alone withinsome rural solitude upon a quiet Sabbath morning. Not an unwonted soundreached me to make discord; so quiet, indeed, was all the earth that Ibecame startled by the sudden chatter of a squirrel disturbed at myapproach, and unthinkingly I stooped to pluck a delicate pink flowerblooming in the grass, and placed it in a ragged buttonhole of my oldgray jacket. 

The fog yet held the secrets of the valley safely locked within itsbrown hand, and I could penetrate none of its mysteries. It was likegazing down from some headland into a silent, unvexed sea. But directlyacross from where I stood, apparently along the summit of another chainof low hills similar to those we occupied, I could perceive the flamesof numerous camp-fires leaping up into sudden radiance, while againstthe brightening sky a great flag lazily flapped its folds to thefreshening breeze. Evidently our opponents were first astir, and theheadquarters of some division of the enemy must be across yonder. As Igazed, other fires burst forth to left and right, as far as the unaidedeye could carry through the gloom, and I was thus enabled to tracedistinctly those advanced lines opposing us. Experience told me theirposition must be a strong one, and their force heavy. 

As I turned to mark our own formation, the roll of drums rang out, while the quickening notes of the reveille sounded down the long linesof slumbering men. Life returned, as if by magic, to those motionlessforms, and almost in a moment all below me became astir, and I couldclearly distinguish the various branches of the service, as theystretched away commingled upon either hand. We were evidently stationedclose to the centre of our own position. Our battle-line was not soextended as the one across the valley; apparently there were fewertroops along our front than theirs, nor could I perceive to thesouthward, now that dawning day somewhat clarified the scene, anyevidence of reserve force; yet what I saw looked extremely well, and myheart bounded proudly at the sturdy promise of our fighting men. Thecavalry appeared to be principally concentrated at the foot of the hillupon which I stood, although at the distant wings I was able toperceive some flying guidons that told me of the presence of numeroustroops of horse. I marked it all with eager, kindling eyes, for it wasa sight to cheer the heart of any soldier--those dark, dense squareswhere the infantry were massed, and battery after battery of flyingartillery ranged along the ridge. But it seemed to me the larger, heavier force had been concentrated upon our left, massed there indeeper lines, as if that were the point selected from whence theattacking wedge was to be driven. The intervening ground sloped sogently forward, while the hill crest was so thickly crowned with trees, it looked an ideal position from which to advance in line of attack. Upon my right there appeared a break in the solidity of our line, buteven as I noted it, wondering at the oversight, the dense front of aninfantry column debouched from a ravine and, marching steadily forward, filled the gap. I could distinctly mark the wearied manner in which themen composing it flung themselves prostrate on the hard ground themoment they were halted--doubtless all through the long hours of theblack night they had been toiling on to be in time. 

Aides were galloping furiously now among the scattered commands. Theobscuring fog slowly rose from off the face of the valley, but all thecentral portion remained veiled from view. Suddenly, as I watched, thebrown cloud beneath me was rent asunder here and there by little spitsof fire, and it was curious to observe how those quick, spiteful dartsof flame swept the full length of my vista. I could distinguish noreports, --it was too far away, --but realized that the opposing picketshad caught sight of each other through the gloom. Then a big gun boomedalmost directly opposite me, its flame seeming like a red-hot kniferending the mist. This had barely vanished when a sudden cheer rang outupon my left, and I turned in time to behold a thin, scattered line ofgray-clad infantrymen swarm down the steep slope into the valley. Withhats drawn low, and guns advanced, they plunged at a run into the mistand disappeared. Our skirmishers had gone in; the ball had opened. 

I had tarried long enough; any moment now might bring "boots andsaddles, " and if I possessed the slightest desire for a breakfast tofight on, it behooved me to get back within our lines. The memory ofthat animated scene in front still fresh upon me, how quiet andcommonplace everything appeared down there in the hill shadow. No onewould have dreamed it to be a battle-line. The fires crackled gayly, while the men lounged about them, smoking or eating. There was no soundsave the gentle rustling of leaves overhead, or the light laughter ofsome group of story-tellers. Horses munched their grain just at ourrear, and now and then some careful trooper sauntered back to make surehis mount was not neglected. One or two of the men were cleaning theirrevolvers, and an old corporal was polishing his sabre where a spot ofrust disfigured its gleaming blade. You might have dreamed it a picnic, a military review, possibly, were it not for the travel-soiled andragged uniforms, but a line held there for the stern purpose of deadlyconflict--it scarcely seemed credible. 

"Captain, " said a white-faced lad of seventeen, as I sat down on theground to my coffee and corn bread, "did you see anything of the blue-bellies out there?"

"Plenty of them, my boy, " I answered, noting the curls that clusteredupon his forehead, and wondering what mother prayed for him. "We haveplenty of hot work cut out for us to-day. "

"I hope they'll give us a charge before it's all over. " His blue eyesdanced as he strode off, whistling gayly. 

"What has become of Bungay?" I questioned of Colgate, who was lyingupon his back with eyes fastened on a floating cloud. 

"Do you mean the little mountaineer who came in with us last night?"

I nodded. 

"Oh, his mule bolted at the first shot over yonder, and the littlefellow is after it. He's down the field there somewhere. "

How time dragged! The battery to left of us went into action, and beganfiring rapidly; we could mark the black figures of the cannoneers atthe nearer guns, outlined against the sky over the crest, as they movedquickly back and forth. Twice they bore motionless bodies to the rear, and laid them down tenderly beyond the fierce zone of fire. Then theheavier pieces of artillery farther down the line burst into thunder, and we silently watched a large force of infantry move slowly past usup the long slope until they halted in line of battle just behind itssummit, the advanced files lying flat upon their faces and peeringover. But no orders came for us. 

The eagerly expectant men moved back toward their picketed horses inanticipation of a hurried call, but as the minutes slowly passed andnone came, they broke into little groups, sitting about on the ground, seemingly careless as to the dread rumbling in front, and thecontinuous zip of Minié bullets through the trees overhead. One or two, I noticed as I walked about, were writing what, possibly they dreamed, might be final words of love to dear ones far away; one more carelessgroup were playing poker upon an outspread blanket; while a grizzledold sergeant, a God-fearing man, had drawn forth his well-worn pocketTestament, and was reading over again the familiar story of theNazarene. The sullen boom of the great guns, deep, ominous, began toblend with the sustained rattle of musketry, telling plainly of heavyfighting by massed infantry; the smoke clouds, obscuring the blue sky, rolled high above the fringe of trees; the battle-line lying along thecrest at our front swept down the hill out of our sight into that hailof death below; but we seemed to be forgotten. 

Nearly noon by the red sun hiding behind the drifting powder cloud. Theever-deepening roar of ceaseless contest had moved westward down thevalley, when an aide wheeled his smoking horse in front of the Colonel, spoke a dozen hasty words, pointed impetuously to the left, and dashedoff down the line. The men leaped to their feet in eager expectancy, and as the "Fall in, fall in there, lads, " echoed joyously from lip tolip, the kindling eyes and rapid movements voiced unmistakably thesoldier spirit. We moved westward down the long, bare slope in thesunshine, through a half-dozen deserted, desolate fields, and along anarrow, rocky defile leading into a deep ravine. Every step of ourhorses brought us closer to that deep roar of surging battle; the airwe breathed became pungent with powder smoke, and once or twice weheard the deep hurrah of the North, the wild answering yell of theSouth, as victory rolled from flag to flag. Streams of wearied andwounded men began to pass us, white-faced and terror-stricken, orhaggard and silent, but all alike seeking the rear. The head of ouradvancing column pushed them sternly aside, the troopers chaffing theuninjured without mercy, but tender as women to those who suffered. Back among the rocks, out of reach from plunging shells, a fieldhospital had been hastily set up; the ground was already thickly strewnwith bodies, while surgeons labored above them, elbow-deep in blood. With averted, stern, set faces, paling to the cries of agony, we rodepast, more eager than ever to strike the enemy. 

At the mouth of the ravine we came forth into the broad valley, andhalted. Just in front of us, scarcely a half-mile distant, were thefighting lines, partially enveloped in dense smoke, out from whichbroke patches of blue or gray, as charge succeeded charge, or the windswept aside the fog of battle. The firing was one continuous crash, while plunging bullets, overreaching their mark, began to chug into ourown ranks, dealing death impartially to horse and man. The captain ofthe troop next mine wheeled suddenly, a look of surprise upon his face, and fell backward into the arms of one of his men; with an intensescream of agony, almost human, the horse of my first sergeant rearedand came over, crushing the rider before he could loosen foot fromstirrup; the Lieutenant-Colonel rode slowly past us to the rear, hisface deathly white, one arm, dripping blood, dangling helpless at hisside. This was the hardest work of war, that silent agony which triedmen in helpless bondage to unyielding discipline. I glanced anxiouslyalong the front of my troop, but they required no word from me; withtightly set lips, and pale, stern faces, they held their line steady asgranite, closing up silently the ragged gaps torn by plunging balls. 

"Captain, " said Colgate, riding to where I sat my horse, "you will seethat the paper I gave you reaches home safe if I fail to come out ofthis?"

I reached over and gripped his hand hard. 

"It will be the first thing I shall remember, Jack, " I answeredearnestly. "But we may have it easy enough after all--it seems to be aninfantry affair. "

He shook his head gravely. 

"No, " he said, pointing forward, "they will need us now. "

As he spoke it seemed as though the sharp firing upon both sidessuddenly ceased by mutual consent. The terrible roar of small arms, which had mingled with the continuous thunder of great guns, died awayinto an intermittent rattling of musketry, and as the heavy smokeslowly drifted upward in a great white cloud, we could plainlydistinguish the advancing Federal lines, three ranks deep, stretchingto left and right in one vast, impenetrable blue wall, sweeping towardus upon a run. Where but a brief moment before the plain appeareddeserted, it was now fairly alive with soldiery, the sun gleaming onfixed bayonets, and faces aglow with the ardor of surprise. Some onehad blundered! The thin, unsupported line of gray infantry directly inour front closed up their shattered ranks hastily in desperate effortto stay the rush. We could see them jamming their muskets for volleyfire, and then, with clash and clatter that drowned all other sounds, abattery of six black guns came flying madly past us, every horse on therun, lashed into frenzy by his wild rider. With carriage and caissonleaping at every jump, the half-naked, smoke-begrimed cannoneersclinging to their seats like monkeys, they dashed recklessly forward, swung about into position, and almost before the muzzles had been wellpointed, were hurling canister into that blue, victorious advance. Howthose gallant fellows worked! their guns leaping into air at eachdischarge, their movements clockwork! Tense, eager, expectant, everyhand among us hard gripped on sabre hilt, we waited that word whichsurely could not be delayed, while from end to end, down the fulllength of our straining line, rang out the yell of exultant pride. 

"Steady, men; steady there, lads!" called the old Colonel, sternly, hisown eyes filled with tears. "Our turn will come. "

Torn, rent, shattered, bleeding, treading upon the dead and mangled inrows, those iron men in blue came on. They were as demons laughing atdeath. No rain of lead, no hail of canister, no certainty ofdestruction could check now the fierce impetus of that forward rush. God knows it was magnificent; the supreme effort of men intoxicatedwith the enthusiasm of war! Even where we were we could see and feelthe giant power in those grim ranks of steel--the tattered flags, thestern, set faces, the deep-toned chorus of "Glory, glory, hallelujah, "that echoed to their tread. Those men meant to win or die, and theyrolled on as Cromwell's Ironsides at Marston Moor. Twice theystaggered, when the mad volleys ploughed ragged red lanes through them, but only to rally and press sternly on. They struck that crouching grayline of infantry, fairly buried it within their dense blue folds, and, with one fierce hurrah of triumph, closed down upon the guns. Even asthey blotted them from sight, an aide, hatless and bleeding, his horsewounded and staggering from weakness, tore down toward us along thecrest. A hundred feet away his mount fell headlong, but on foot anddying he reached our front. 

"Colonel Carter, " he panted, pressing one hand upon his breast to keepback the welling blood, "charge, and hold that battery until we canbring infantry to your support. "

No man among us doubted the full meaning of it--_we were to save thearmy!_ The very horses seemed to feel a sense of relief, handsclinched more tightly on taut reins to hold them in check; under theold battered hats the eyes of the troopers gleamed hungrily. 

"Virginians!" and the old Colonel's voice rang like a clarion down thebreathless line, "there is where you die! Follow me!"

Slowly, like some mighty mountain torrent gaining force, we rode forthat a walk, each trooper lined to precision of review, yet instinctivelytaking distance for sword-play. Halfway down the slight slope our linebroke into a sharp trot, then, as the thrilling notes of the chargesounded above us, we swept forward in wild, impetuous tumult. 

Who can tell the story of those seconds that so swiftly followed?Surely not one who saw but the vivid flash of steel, the agonizedfaces, the flame of belching fire. I recall the frenzied leap of myhorse as we struck the line ere it could form into square; the blowsdealt savagely to right and left; the blaze of a volley scorching ourfaces; the look of the big infantryman I rode down; the sudden thrustthat saved me from a levelled gun; the quick swerving of our horses asthey came in contact with the cannon; the shouts of rage; the blows;the screams of pain; the white face of Colgate as he reeled and fell. These are all in my memory, blurred, commingled, indistinct, yetdistressful as any nightmare. In some way, how I know not, I realizedthat we had hurled them back, shattered them by our first fierce blow;that the guns were once again ours; that fifty dismounted troopers weretugging desperately at their wheels. Then that dense blue mass surgedforward once again, engulfed us in its deadly folds, and with steel andbullet, sword and clubbed musket, ploughed through our broken ranks, rending us in twain, fairly smothering us by sheer force of numbers. Isaw the old Colonel plunge head-down into the ruck beneath the horses'feet; the Major riding stone dead in his saddle, a ghastly red stain inthe centre of his forehead; then Hunter, of E, went down screaming, andI knew I was the senior captain left. About me scarce a hundred menbattled like demons for their lives in the midst of the guns. Even as Iglanced aside at them, shielding my head with uplifted sabre from theblows rained upon me, the color-sergeant flung up his hand, and graspedhis saddle pommel to keep from falling. Out of his opening fingers Isnatched the splintered staff, lifted it high up, until the rent foldsof the old flag caught the dull glow of the sunlight. 

"----th Virginia!" I shouted. "Rally on the colors!" I could see themcoming--all that was left of them--fighting their way through thepress, cleaving the mass with their blows as the prow of a ship cutsthe sea. With one vicious jab of the spur I led them, a thin wedge oftempered gray steel, battering, gouging, rending a passage into thatsolid blue wall. Inch by inch, foot by foot, yard by yard, slashingmadly with our broken sabres, battling as men crazed with lust ofblood, our very horses fighting for us with teeth and hoofs, weploughed a lane of death through a dozen files. Then the vast massclosed in upon us, rolled completely over us. There was a flash, avision of frenzied faces, and I knew no more. 

 CHAPTER XXIII

FIELD HOSPITAL, SIXTH CORPS

My head ached so abominably when I first opened my eyes that I wascompelled to close them again, merely realizing dimly that I looked upat something white above me, which appeared to sway as though blowngently by the wind. My groping hand, the only one I appeared able tomove, told me I was lying upon a camp-cot, with soft sheets about me, and that my head rested upon a pillow. Then I passed once more intounconsciousness, but this time it was sleep. 

When I once more awakened the throbbing pain had largely left my hottemples, and I saw that the swaying white canopy composed the roof of alarge tent, upon which the golden sunlight now lay in checkered masses, telling me the canvas had been erected among trees. A faint moan causedme to move my head slightly on the gratefully soft pillow, and I couldperceive a long row of cots, exactly similar to the one I occupied, each apparently filled, stretching away toward an opening that lookedforth into the open air. A man was moving slowly down the narrow aisletoward me, stopping here and there to bend over some sufferer withmedicine or a cheery word. He wore a short white jacket, and waswithout a cap, his head of heavy red hair a most conspicuous object. Ashe approached I endeavored to speak, but for the moment my throatrefused response to the effort. Then I managed to ask feebly: "Where amI?"

The blue eyes in the freckled, boyish face danced good-hurnoredly, andhe laid a big red hand gently upon my forehead. 

"Field hospital, Sixth Corps, " he said, with a strong Hibernian accent"An' how de ye loike it, Johnny?"

"Better than some others I've seen, " I managed to articulate faintly. "Who won?"

"Divil a wan of us knows, " he admitted frankly, "but your fellows didthe retratin'. "

It was an old, old story to all of us by that time, and I closed myeyes wearily, content to ask no more. 

I have no way of knowing how long I rested there motionless althoughawake, my eyes closed to keep out the painful glare, my sad thoughtsbusied with memory of those men whom I had seen reel and fall upon thatstricken field we had battled so vainly to save. Once I wondered, withsudden start of fear, if I had lost a limb, if I was to be crippled forlife, the one thing I dreaded above all else. Feeling feebly beneath mybed-clothing I tested, as best I could, each limb. All were apparentlyintact, although my left arm seemed useless and devoid of feeling, broken no doubt, and I heaved a sigh of genuine relief. Then I becamepartially aroused to my surroundings by a voice speaking from the cotnext mine. 

"You lazy Irish marine!" it cried petulantly, "that beef stew was tohave been given me an hour ago. "

"Sure, sor, " was the soothing reply, "it wasn't to be given yer honortill two o'clock. "

"Well, it's all of three now. "

"Wan-thirty, on me sowl, sor. "

That first voice sounded oddly familiar, and I turned my face that way, but was unable to perceive the speaker. 

"Is that Lieutenant Caton?" I asked doubtfully. 

"Most assuredly it is, " quickly. "And who are you?"

"Captain Wayne, of the Confederate Army. "

"Oh, Wayne? Glad you spoke, but extremely sorry to have you here. Badlyhurt?"

"Not seriously, I think. No limbs missing, anyhow, but exceedinglyweak. Where did they get you?"

"In the side, a musket ball, but extracted. I would be all right ifthat lazy Irish scamp would only give me half enough to eat. By theway, Wayne, of course I never got the straight of it, for there arehalf-a-dozen stories about the affair flying around, and those mostinterested will not talk, but one of your special friends, and to mynotion a most charming young woman, will be in here to see me sometimethis afternoon. She will be delighted to meet you again, I'm sure. "

"One of my friends?" I questioned incredulously, yet instantly thinkingof Edith Brennan. "A young woman?"

"Sure; at least she has confessed enough to me regarding that night'swork to make me strongly suspicion that Captain Wayne, of theConfederate Army, and Colonel Curran, late of Major-General Halleck'sstaff, are one and the same person. A mighty neat trick, by Jove, andit would have done you good to see Sheridan's face when they told him. But about the young lady--she claims great friendship with the gallantColonel of light artillery, and her description of his appearance atthe ball is assuredly a masterpiece of romantic fiction. Come, Captain, surely you are not the kind of man to forget a pretty face like that? Ican assure you, you made a deep impression. There are times when I amalmost jealous of you. "

"But, " I protested, my heart beating rapidly, "I met several thatevening, and you have mentioned no name. "

"Well, to me it chances there is but one worthy of mention, " he saidearnestly, "and that one is Celia Minor. "

"Miss Minor!" I felt a strange sense of disappointment. "Does she comealone?"

"Most certainly; do you suppose she would expose me in my present weakstate to the fascinations of any one else?"

"Oh, so the wind lies in that quarter, does it, old fellow? Icongratulate you, I'm sure. "

My recollection of Miss Minor was certainly a most pleasant one, and Irecalled to memory the attractive picture of her glossy black hair andflashing brown eyes, yet I felt exceedingly small interest in againmeeting her. Indeed I was asleep when she finally entered, and it wasthe sound of Caton's voice that aroused me and made me conscious of thepresence of others. 

"I shall share these grapes with my cot-mate over yonder, " he saidlaughingly. "By the way, Celia, his voice sounded strangely familiar tome a short time ago. Just glance over there and see if he is any oneyou know. "

I heard the soft rustle of skirts, and, without a smile, looked up intoher dark eyes. There was a sudden start of pleased surprise. 

"Why, " she exclaimed eagerly, "it is Colonel Curran! Edith, dear, hereis the Rebel who pretended to be Myrtle Curran's brother. "

How the hot blood leaped within my veins at mention of that name; butbefore I could lift my head she had swept across the narrow aisle, andwas standing beside me. Wife, or what, there was that within her eyeswhich told me a wondrous story. For the instant, in her surprise andagitation, she forgot herself, and lost that marvellous self-restraintwhich had held us so far apart. 

"Captain Wayne!" she cried, and her gloved hands fell instantly upon myown, where it rested without the coverlet. "You here, and wounded?"

I smiled up at her, feeling now that my injuries were indeed trivial. 

"Somewhat weakened by loss of blood, Mrs. Brennan, but not dangerouslyhurt. " Then I could not forbear asking softly, "Is it possible you canfeel regret over injuries inflicted upon a Rebel?"

Her cheeks flamed, and the audacious words served to recall her to oursurroundings. 

"Even although I love my country, and sincerely hope for the downfallof her enemies, " she answered soberly, "I do not delight in suffering. Were you in that terrible cavalry charge? They tell me scarcely a manamong them survived. "

"I rode with my regiment. "

"I knew it was your regiment--the name was upon every lip, and even ourown men unite in declaring it a magnificent sacrifice, a most gallantdeed. You must know I thought instantly of you when I was told it wasthe act of the ----th Virginia. "

There were tears in my eyes, I know, as I listened to her, and my heartwarmed at this frank confession of her remembrance. 

"I am glad you cared sufficiently for me, " I said gravely, "to hold mein your thought at such a time. 

"Our command merely performed the work given it, but the necessity hascost us dearly. You are yet at General Sheridan's headquarters?"

"Only temporarily, and simply because there has been no opportunity toget away, the movements of the army have been so hurried and uncertain. Since the battle Miss Minor has desired to remain until assured ofLieutenant Caton's permanent recovery. He was most severely wounded, and of course I could not well leave her here alone. Indeed I am herguest, as we depart to-morrow for her home, to remain indefinitely. "

"But Miss Minor is, I understand, a native of this State?"

"Her home is in the foot-hills of the Blue Ridge, along the valley ofthe Cowskin, --a most delightful old Southern mansion. I passed onesummer there when a mere girl, previous to the war. "

"But will it prove safe for you now?"

"Oh, indeed, yes; everybody says so. It is entirely out of the track ofboth armies, and has completely escaped despoliation. "

"I was not thinking of the main combatants, but rather of thoseirregulars who will be most certain to invade promptly any section notpatrolled by disciplined troops. I confess to fearing greatly thatthere will be an early outpouring of these rascals from the mountainsinto the adjacent lowlands the moment we are compelled to fall back andlet loose the iron grip with which we have held them thus far partiallyin check. Yet I do not say this to frighten you, or in any way spoilthe pleasure of your contemplated visit. "

"Indeed I shall not permit it. So many have assured me it would beperfectly safe that I do not mean to worry. I expect to be very happythere until the war is over. Surely, Captain Wayne, it cannot longcontinue now?"

Her voice was low, earnest, almost supplicating. 

"It looks hopeless, even from our standpoint, I admit, " I returned, watching the straying sunlight play amid the dusky coils of her hair. "Yet we are not likely to yield until we must. "

"But you, Captain Wayne; surely you have already risked enough?"

"I presume I am a prisoner, " I answered, smiling, "and therefore unableat present to choose my future; but were I free to do so, I shouldreturn to my command to-morrow. "

"Yet surely you do not consider that this terrible rebellion isjustified, is right?"

"I think there is, undoubtedly, much wrong upon both sides, Mrs. Brennan; but I am a soldier, and my duty is very simple--I follow myflag and, as a Virginian, am loyal to my State and to the principlestaught me in my childhood. "

Her beautiful eyes filled with tears, and as she bent down her headthat the others might not perceive her agitation, one salty drop fellupon my hand. 

"It is all so very, very sad, " she said softly. 

"There is much suffering upon both sides, but surely even you would notwish me to be other than true to what I look upon as a duty?"

"No; I--I think I--I respect you the more. "

"Then you do respect me?"

Another word, a far stronger one, trembled upon my lips, yet Irestrained it sternly, and asked all I dared. 

"I do, " earnestly, her eyes dwelling upon my face. 

"I may not comprehend how you can view matters from your standpoint, for I am in full sympathy with the Union, and am a woman. But I believeyou to be honest, and I know you to be a gallant soldier. "

I clasped her hand close within my own. 

"Your words encourage me greatly, " I said earnestly. "I have done somuch to bring you trouble and sorrow that I have been fearful lest ithad cost me what I value more highly than you can ever know. "

These words were unfortunate, and instantly brought back to her amemory which seemed a barrier between us. I read the change in heraverted face. 

"That can never be, Captain Wayne, " she returned calmly, yet risingeven as she spoke. "You have come into my life under circumstances sopeculiar as to make me always your friend. Celia, " and she turnedtoward the others, "is it not time we were going? I am very sure thedoctor said you were to remain with Lieutenant Caton but a brief time. "

"Why, Edith, " retorted the other, gayly, "I have been ready for half anhour--haven't I, Arthur?--but you were so deeply engrossed with yourRebel I hadn't the heart to interrupt. "

I could see the quick color as it mounted over Mrs. Brennan's throat. 

"Nonsense, " she answered; "we have not been here that length of time. "

"Did the Major emerge from out the late entanglement unhurt?" It wasCaton's voice that spoke. 

"Much to his regret, I believe, he was not even under fire. " The tonewas cool and collected again. "I will say good-bye, Lieutenant;doubtless we shall see you at Mountain View so soon as you are able totake the journey. And, Captain Wayne, I trust I shall soon learn ofyour complete recovery. "

My eyes followed them down the long aisle. At the entrance she glancedback, and I lifted my hand. Whether she marked the gesture I do notknow, for the next instant both ladies had disappeared without. 

Caton endeavored to talk with me, but I answered him so briefly, andwith such vague knowledge of what had been said, that he soon desisted. I could see only the face that had so lately bent above me, and reflectupon the fate which held me helpless in its grasp. I felt that hadcircumstances been other than they were, this proudly tender womanmight have learned from me the lesson of love, and in my weakness, bothof spirit and body, I rebelled against the impassable barrier holdingus apart. She was the wife of another, yet, in spite of everydetermination, I loved her with all my soul. 

The night drew slowly down, and as it darkened, only one miserable lampshed its dim rays throughout the great tent; nurses moved noiselesslyfrom cot to cot, and I learned something of the nature of my owninjuries from the gruff old surgeon who dressed the wound in my chestand refastened the splints along my arm. Then silence followed, excepting for the heavy breathing of the sleepers and the restlesstossing of sufferers on their narrow cots. Here and there echoed wildwords of delirium, but soon even these faint sounds died away inslumber, while the drowsy night-watch dozed in a chair. I could seefrom where I lay a blazing fire without, while in its glow along theside of the tent there was cast the black shadow of a sentinel, as hepaced back and forth along his beat. So clear were the shaded lines Iwas able to trace his gun, and even the peculiar turn-up to the visorof his forage-cap. The pain I had experienced earlier in the day grewless acute, and at last I also fell asleep. 

It must have been midnight, possibly even later, when a number of rapidshots fired outside the tent aroused me, and I heard many voicesshouting, mingled with the tread of horses' feet. The night-watch hadalready disappeared, and the startled inmates of the tent were in astate of intense confusion. As I lifted myself slightly, dazed by thesudden uproar and eager to learn its cause, the tent-flap, which hadbeen lowered to exclude the cold night air, was hastily jerked aside, and a man stepped within, casting one rapid glance about that diminterior. The flaring lamp overhead revealed to me a short, heavy-setfigure, clad in a gray uniform. 

"No one here need feel alarm, " he said quietly. "We are not making warupon the wounded. Are there any Confederates present able to travel?"

A dozen eager voices answered him, and men began to crawl out of theircots onto the floor. 

He started down the aisle. 

"We can be burdened with no helpless or badly wounded men, " he saidsternly. "Only those able to ride. No, my man, you are in too bad shapeto travel. Very sorry, my boy, but it can't be done. Only your leftarm, you say? Very well, move out in front there. No, lad, it would bethe death of you, for we must ride fast and hard. "

He came to a pause a half-dozen cots away from me, and seemed about toretrace his steps. Dim as the light was, I felt convinced I hadformerly seen that short figure and stern face with its closely croppedbeard. 

"Mosby, " I called out, resolved to risk his remembrance, "ColonelMosby, isn't it possible to take me?"

"Who are you?" he questioned sharply, turning in the direction of myvoice. 

"Wayne, " I answered eagerly, "Wayne, of the ----th Virginia. "

In an instant he was standing beside my cot, his eyes filled withanxious interest. 

"Phil Wayne, of Charlottesville? You here? Not badly hurt, my boy?"

"Shot and bruised, Colonel, but I'd stand a good deal to get out ofthis. "

"And, by the Eternal, you shall; that is, if you can travel in a wagon. Here, Sims, Thomas; two of you carry this officer out. Take bed-clothesand all--easy now. "

The fellows picked me up tenderly, and bore me slowly down the centralaisle. Mosby walked beside us as far as the outer opening. 

"Put him down there by the fire, " he ordered, "until I look over therest of these chaps and divide the wheat from the chaff. "

 CHAPTER XXIV

A NIGHT RIDE OF THE WOUNDED

It was a wild, rude scene without, yet in its way typical of a little-understood chapter of Civil War. Moreover it was one with which I wasnot entirely unacquainted. Years of cavalry scouting, bearing me beyondthe patrol lines of the two great armies, had frequently brought meinto contact with those various independent, irregular forces which, co-operating with us, often rendered most efficient service by preyingon the scattered Federal camps and piercing their lines ofcommunication. Seldom risking an engagement in the open, their policywas rather to dash down upon some outpost or poorly guarded wagontrain, and retreat with a rapidity rendering pursuit hopeless. It waspartisan warfare, and appealed to many ill-adapted to abide thestricter discipline of regular service. These border rangers wouldrendezvous under some chosen leader, strike an unexpected blow whereweakness had been discovered, then disappear as quickly as they came, oftentimes scattering widely until the call went forth for some freshassault. It was service not dissimilar to that performed during theRevolutionary struggle by Sumter and Marion in the Carolinas, and addedin the aggregate many a day to the contest of the Confederacy. 

Among these wild, rough riders between the lines no leader was morefavorably known of our army, nor more dreaded by the enemy, than Mosby. Daring to the point of recklessness, yet wary as a fox, countingopposing numbers nothing when weighed against the advantage ofsurprise, tireless in saddle, audacious in resource, quick to plan andequally quick to execute, he was always where least expected, and itwas seldom he failed to win reward for those who rode at his back. Possessing regular rank in the Confederate Army, making report of hisoperations to the commander-in-chief, his peculiar talent as a partisanleader had won him what was practically an independent command. Knowinghim as I did, I was not surprised that he should now have sweptsuddenly out of the black night upon the very verge of the battle todrive his irritating sting into the hard-earned Federal victory. 

An empty army wagon, the "U. S. A. " yet conspicuous upon its canvascover, had been overturned and fired in front of the hospital tent togive light to the raiders. Grouped about beneath the trees, and withinthe glow of the flames, was a picturesque squad of horsemen, hardy, tough-looking fellows the most of them, their clothing an odd mixtureof uniforms, but every man heavily armed and admirably equipped forservice. Some remained mounted, lounging carelessly in their saddles, but far the larger number were on foot, their bridle-reins wound abouttheir wrists. All alike appeared alert and ready for any emergency. Howmany composed the party I was unable to judge with accuracy, as theyconstantly came and went from out the shadows beyond the circumferenceof the fire. As all sounds of firing had ceased, I concluded that thework planned had been already accomplished. Undoubtedly, surprised asthey were, the small Federal force left to guard this point had beenquickly overwhelmed and scattered. 

The excitement attendant upon my release had left me for the time beingutterly forgetful as to the pain of my wounds, so that weakness aloneheld me to the blanket upon which I had been left. The night wasdecidedly chilly, yet I had scarcely begun to feel its discomfort, whena man strode forward from out the nearer group and stood looking downupon me. He was a young fellow, wearing a gray artillery jacket, withhigh cavalry boots corning above the knees. I noticed his firm-set jaw, and a pearl-handled revolver stuck carelessly in his belt, but observedno symbol of rank about him. 

"Is this Captain Wayne?" he asked, not unpleasantly, I answered by aninclination of the head, and he turned at once toward the others. 

"Cass, bring three men over here, and carry this officer to the samewagon you did the others, " he commanded briefly. "Fix him comfortably, but be in a hurry about it. "

They lifted me in the blanket, one holding tightly at either corner, and bore me tenderly out into the night. Once one of them tripped overa projecting root, and the sudden jar of his stumble shot a spasm ofpain through me, which caused me to cry out even through my clinchedteeth. 

"Pardon me, lads, " I panted, ashamed of the weakness, "but it slippedout before I could help it. "

"Don't be after a mentionin' av it, yer honor, " returned a rich brogue. "Sure an me feet got so mixed oup that I wondher I didn't drap yeentoirely. "

"If ye had, Clancy, " said the man named Cass, grimly, "I reckon as howthe Colonel would have drapped you. "

At the foot of a narrow ravine, leading forth into the broader valley, we came to a covered army wagon, to which four mules had been alreadyattached. The canvas was drawn aside, and I was lifted up and carefullydeposited in the hay that thickly covered the bottom. It was sointensely dark within I could see nothing of my immediate surroundings, but a low moan told me there must be at least one other wounded manpresent. Outside I heard the tread of horses' hoofs, and then the soundof Mosby's voice. 

"Jake, " he said, "drive rapidly, but with as much care as possible. Take the lower road after you cross the bridge, and you will meet withno patrols. We will ride beside you for a couple of miles. "

Then a hand thrust aside the canvas, and a face peered in. I caught afaint glimmer of stars, but could distinguish little else. 

"Boys, " said the leader, kindly, "I wish I might give you bettertransportation, but this is the only form of vehicle we can find. Ireckon you'll get pretty badly bumped over the road you are going, butI'm furnishing you all the chance to get away in my power. "

"For one I am grateful enough, " I answered, after waiting for some oneelse to speak. "A little pain is preferable to imprisonment. "

"After you pass the bridge you will be perfectly safe on that score, "he said heartily. "Anything more I can do for any of you?"

"How many of us are there?" asked some one faintly from out thedarkness. 

"Oh, yes, " returned Mosby, with a laugh, "I forgot; you will want toknow each other. There are three of you--Colonel Colby of NorthCarolina, Major Wilkins of Thome's Battery, and Captain Wayne, ----thVirginia. Let that answer for an introduction, gentlemen, and now good-night. We shall guard you as long as necessary, and then must leave youto the kindly ministrations of the driver. "

He reached in, leaning down from his saddle to do so, drew the blanketsomewhat closer about me, and was gone. I caught the words of a sharp, short order, and the heavy wagon lurched forward, its wheels bumpingover the irregularities in the road, each jolt sending a fresh spasm ofpain through my tortured body. 

May the merciful God ever protect me from such a ride again! It seemedinterminable, while each long mile we travelled brought with it new andgreater agony of mind and body. That I did not suffer alone was earlyevident from the low moans borne to me from out the darkness. Once aweak, trembling voice prayed for release, --a short, fervent prayer, which so impressed me in the weakness of my own anguish that I added toit "Amen, " spoken unconsciously aloud. 

"Who spoke?" asked the same voice, faintly. 

"I am Captain Wayne, " I answered, almost glad to break the terriblesilence by speech of any kind; "and I merely echoed your prayer. Deathwould indeed prove a welcome relief from such intensity of suffering. "

"Yes, " he acquiesced gently. "I fear I have not sufficient strength tobear mine for long; yet I am a Christian, and there are wife and childwaiting for me at home. God knows I am ready when He calls, but my dutyis to live, if possible, for their sake. They will have nothing left ifI pass on. "

"The road must grow smoother as we come down into the valley. Are yourwounds serious?"

"I was struck by fragments of a shell, " he answered, and I could tellhe spoke the words through his clinched teeth, "and am wounded in thehead as well as the body--oh, my God!" The cry was wrung from him by asudden tilting of the wagon, and for a moment my own pain preventedutterance. 

"I hear nothing from the other man, " I managed to say at last. "ColonelMosby said there were three of us; surely the third man cannot bealready dead?"

"Mercifully unconscious, I think; at least he has made no sound since Iwas placed in here. "

"No, friends, " spoke another and deeper voice from farther back withinthe jolting wagon, "I am not unconscious, but less noticeably in pain. I have lost a leg, yet the stump seems seared and dead, hurting melittle unless I touch it. "

We lapsed into solemn silence, it was such an effort to talk, and wehad so little to say. Each man, no doubt, was struggling, as I know Iwas, to withhold expression of his agony for the sake of the others. Ilay racked in every nerve, my teeth tightly clinched, my temples beadedwith perspiration. I could hear the troopers riding without, thejingling of their accoutrements, and the steady beat of their horses'feet being easily distinguishable above the deeper rumble of thewheels. Then there came a quick order in Mosby's familiar voice, acalling aloud of some further directions to the driver, and afterwardsnothing was distinguishable excepting the noise of our own rapidprogress. 

Jake drove, it seemed to me, most recklessly. I could hear the almostconstant crack of his lash and the rough words of goading hurled at thestraining mules. The road appeared to be filled with roots, whileoccasionally the wheels would strike a stone, coming down again with ajar that nearly drove me frantic. The chill night air swept in throughthe open front of the hood, and made me feel as if my veins were filledwith ice, even while the inflammation of my wounds burned and throbbedas with fire. The pitiful moaning of the man who lay next me grewgradually fainter, and finally ceased altogether. Tortured as I was, yet I could not but think of the wife and child far away praying forhis safe return. For their sake I forced back the intensity of my ownsufferings and spoke into the darkness. 

"The man who prayed, " I said, not knowing which of my two companions itmight be. "Are you suffering less, that you have ceased to moan?"

There was no answer. Then the loose hay rustled, as though some one wasslowly dragging his helpless body through it. A moment later the deepvoice spoke:

"He is dead, " solemnly. "God has answered his prayer. His hand alreadybegins to feel cold. "

"Dead?" I echoed, inexpressibly shocked. "Do you know his name?"

"As I am Major Wilkins, it must be Colonel Colby who has died. May Godbe merciful to the widow and the orphan. "

The hours that followed were all but endless. I knew we had reached thelower valley, for the road became more level, yet the slightest joltingnow was sufficient to render me crazed with pain, and I had lost allpower of restraint. My tortured nerves throbbed; the fever gripped me, and my mind began to wander. Visions of delirium came, and I dreameddreams too terrible for record: demons danced on the drifting cloudsbefore me, while whirling savages chanting in horrid discord stuck myfrenzied body full of blazing brands. At times I was awake, calling invain for water to quench a thirst which grew maddening, then I lapsedinto a semi-consciousness that drove me wild with its deliriousfancies. I knew vaguely that the Major had crept back through thedarkness and passed his strong arm gently beneath my head. I heard himshouting in his deep voice to the driver for something to drink, butwas unaware of any response. All became blurred, confused, bewildering. I thought it was my mother comforting me. The faint gray daylight stolein at last through the cracks of the wagon cover; I could dimlydistinguish a dark face bending over me, framed by a heavy gray beard, and then, merciful unconsciousness came, and I rested as one deadbeside the corpse of the Colonel. 

 CHAPTER XXV

A LOST REGIMENT

IT was a bright, sunshiny day in early spring. Birds were sweetlysinging in the trees lining the road I was travelling, the grass oneither side was softly green, and beautified by countless wild-flowersblooming in great variety of coloring. Nothing seemed to speak of war, although I was amid the very heart of its desolation, save the desertedhouses I was continually passing, and the fenceless, untilled fields. Imust have shown my late illness greatly, for the few I met, as Itramped slowly onward, mostly soldiers, gazed at me curiously, as ifthey mistook me for the ghost of some dead comrade; and I doubt not mypale face, yet bearing the deep imprint of pain, with the longuntrimmed hair framing it, and the blood-stained, ragged uniform, thesame I wore that fierce day of battle, rendered me an object of wonder. 

All through those long, weary winter weeks I had been hovering betweenlife and death in an obscure hospital at Richmond. How I first camethere I know not, but when at length I struggled back to recollectionand life, there I found myself, and there I remained, slowlyconvalescing, a prisoner to weakness, until finally discharged but twodays before. During those months little that related to the progress ofthe war reached me. My nurses were black-robed nuns, kind-hearted andtender of touch, but feeling slight interest in affairs of the worldwithout. I saw no old-time familiar faces, while the few wounded aboutme were fully as ignorant of passing events as myself. The moment thedoor was opened to permit of my passing forth into the world again, Isought eagerly to discover the present station of my old comrades inarms, yet could learn only that the cavalry brigade with which I hadformerly served was in camp somewhere near Appomattox Court House. Onfoot and moneyless, I set off alone, my sole anxiety to be once morewith friends; and now, at the beginning of the second day, I wasalready beyond Petersburg, and sturdily pushing westward. 

A battery of light artillery was parked in a field upon my right, butso far away from the road that I hesitated to travel that distancesimply to ask a question which it was extremely doubtful if they wouldbe able to answer. Instead I pushed on grimly, and as the road swervedslightly to the left, passing through a grove of handsome trees, I camesuddenly opposite a large house of imposing aspect. A group ofConfederate officers stood in converse beside the gate leading into theopen driveway, and as I paused a moment, gazing at them and wonderingwhom I had better address, --for I recognized none of the faces frontingme, --one among the group turned suddenly, and took a hurried step in mydirection, as though despatched upon an errand of importance. He was atall, slender man, wearing a long gray moustache, and I no soonerviewed his face than I recognized him as having been one of thoseofficers present in General Lee's tent the day I was sent out withdespatches. He glanced at me curiously, yet with no sign ofrecognition, but before he could pass I accosted him. 

"Colonel Maitland, " I said, "you doubtless remember me. I am seeking myold command; would you kindly inform me where it may be found?"

He stopped instantly at sound of my voice, and stared at me in oddbewilderment; but my words had already reached the ears of the others, and before he had found an answer another voice spoke sternly: "What isall this? Who are you, sir? What masquerade puts you into that parodyof a captain's uniform?"

I turned and looked into the flushed, indignant face of General Lee. 

"It is no masquerade, sir, " I answered, instantly removing my hat; "itis the rightful uniform of my rank, greatly as I regret its presentcondition. "

He gazed at me keenly, evidently doubtful as to his best course ofaction, and I heard an officer behind him laugh. 

"Where are you from?"

"I was discharged from St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond day beforeyesterday, and am now seeking to rejoin my regiment. "

I almost imagined I was looked upon as a soldier crazed by hissufferings; I heard a whisper, "Out of his head, " yet as I gazedearnestly into those stern gray eyes which fronted me, they suddenlygrew moist. 

"Surely, " he said gravely, "I have seen your face before. To whatregiment were you attached?"

"The ----th Virginia Cavalry. "

The buzzing of voices about me instantly ceased, and General Lee took astep nearer. 

"The ----th Virginia? You were a captain? Surely this is not PhilipWayne?"

So deeply surprised was his tone, so uncertain his recognition, Iscarcely knew what to answer. Had I lost my very identity? was this alla dream?

"I am Captain Wayne, Troop D, ----th Virginia. "

He grasped my hand warmly between both his own, and his kindly face litup instantly with a rare smile. 

"Captain Wayne, I cannot tell you how greatly I rejoice at your safereturn. We certainly owe you an apology for this poor reception, butyou were reported as killed in action many months ago. I doubt notColonel Maitland truly believed he looked upon a ghost when you firstaccosted him. "

For the moment I was unable to speak, so deeply did his words affectme. 

"I fear, Captain Wayne, " he continued gravely, yet retaining my handwithin his own, "that I must bring you sad news. "

"Sad news?" Instantly there came to me the thought of my widowedmother. "Not from home, I trust, sir?"

"No, " with great tenderness, "your mother, I believe, remains well; yetthe words I must speak are nevertheless sad ones, and must prove asevere shock to you. There is no ----th Virginia. "

"No ----th Virginia?" I echoed, scarce able to comprehend his meaning, "no ----th Virginia? I beg you to explain, sir; surely"--and I lookedabout me upon the various uniforms of the service present--"the war hasnot yet ceased--we have not surrendered?"

"No, my boy, " and the old hero reverently bared his gray head in thesunlight, "but the ----th Virginia gave itself to the South that day inthe Shenandoah. "

I must have grown very white, for a young aide sprang hastily forwardand passed his arm about me. Yet I scarcely realized the action, for mywhole thought was with the dead. 

"Do you mean they are all gone?" I questioned, tremblingly, hardly ableto grasp the full dread import of such ghastly tidings. "Surely, General Lee, some among them must have come back. "

"So few, " he responded soberly, his hat still retained in his hand, "sovery few that we could only scatter them in other commands. But youhave not yet fully recovered your strength. You must not remain longerstanding here. Major Holmes, will you kindly conduct Captain Wayne tomy headquarters, and see that he is furnished with a uniform suitableto his rank. For the present he will serve as extra aide upon mypersonal staff. "

I turned away, the Major leading me as if I had been a child. I walkedas a man stunned by some sudden, unexpected blow. Speech wasimpossible, for all sensation seemed dead within me, save the one vividmemory of those loved comrades who had perished on the field. I couldnot realize, even dimly, in that awful hour, that of all those gallantfellows who had ridden so often at my side not enough remained alive toretain the old regimental name and number. The officer with me, himselfa tried, true soldier, comprehended something of the agitation whichswayed me, and respecting my silence, made no attempt to break mysorrowful reverie by speech. At the door of the room assigned me forpresent quarters, he left me with a warm, sympathetic pressure of thehand, and feeling utterly worn out, disheartened to a degree I hadnever before known, I flung myself face downward upon the cot and burstinto tears. 

With true soldierly kindness they left me to conquer my own sorrow anddepression, and when I finally joined the mess upon the following day, clad now in fit uniform, I had regained no small measure of self-restraint, and with it came likewise renewal of the military spirit. Mywelcome proved extremely cordial, and the conversation of the otherspresent soon placed in my possession whatever of incident had occurredsince that disastrous day of battle in the valley. It was not much, other than a variety of desultory skirmishing, together with the steadyclosing in upon our lines of the overwhelming masses of the enemy, butI noted that the officers of the staff no longer hesitated to voicefrankly the prevailing sentiment that the vast and unequal struggle wasnow rapidly drawing to its close. No attempt was made to conceal ourweakness, nor to disguise the fact that we were making a last desperatestand. It was evident to all that nothing now remained but to fold ourtattered battle-flags with honor. 

Directly opposite me, at the long and rather scantily furnished mess-table, was seated a captain of infantry, quite foreign in appearance, --a tall, slender man, wearing a light-colored moustache and goatee. Hisname, as I gathered from the conversation, was Carlson, and I wasconsiderably surprised at the fixedness with which his eyes werefastened upon me during the earlier part of the meal. Thinking we mighthave met somewhere before, I ransacked my memory in vain for anyrecollection which would serve to account for his evident interest inme. Finally, not a little annoyed by the persistency of his stare, Iventured to ask, as pleasantly as possible:

"Captain Carlson, do I remind you of some one, since you regard me sointently?"

The man instantly flushed all over his fair face at this directinquiry. 

"It vas not dat" (he almost stammered in sudden confusion, speakingquite brokenly), "bot, sair, it haf come to me dat you vos an insulterof womens, an' had refuse to fight mit mens. I know not; it seems notso. "

I was upon my feet in an instant, scarcely crediting my own ears, yeton fire with indignation. 

"I know not what you may mean, " I said, white with anger. "But I holdyou personally accountable for those words, and you shall discover thatI will fight 'mit mens. '"

He pushed his chair hastily back, his face fairly crimson, and began tostammer an explanation; but Maitland interfered. 

"What does all this mean, Carlson?" he exclaimed sternly. "Sit down, Wayne--there is some strange mistake here. "

I resumed my chair, wondering if they had all gone crazy, yet resolvedupon taking instant action if some satisfactory explanation were not atonce forthcoming. 

"Come, Carlson, what do you mean by addressing such language to CaptainWayne?"

"Veil, " said the Swede, so agitated by the excitement about him hecould scarcely find English in which to express himself intelligibly, "it vos dis vay. I vould not insult Captain Vayne; oh, no, bot it vostold to me, an' I vould haf him to know how it all vos. It vos twomonths ago I go mit de flag of truce into de Federal lines atMinersville. You know dat time? I vos vaitin' for answer ven a Yankeerides oop, an' looks me all ofer like I vos a hog. 'Veil, ' I say, plainlike, 'vot you vant?' He say, 'I heard der vos Reb officer come in derlines, an' I rides down to see if he vos der hound vot I vanted tohorsevip. ' 'Veil, ' I say, for it made me much mad, 'maybe you like tohorsevip me?' 'No, ' he says, laughing, 'it vos a damn pup in der ----thVirginia Cavalry, named Vayne, I am after, ' I say, 'Vot has he done?'He says, 'He insult a voman, an' vould not fight mit me. '"

He looked about him anxiously to see if we comprehended his words. 

"And what did you say?" from a dozen eager voices. 

The Swede gazed at them in manifest astonishment. 

"I say I knowed netting about der voman, but if he say dat an officerof der ----th Virginia Cavalry vould not fight mit him he vos a damnedliar. I vould have hit him, but I vos under der flag of truce. "

I reached my hand out to him across the table. 

"I thank you, Captain Carlson, " I said, "for both your message and youranswer. What did this man look like?"

"He vos a pig vellow, mit a black moustache and gray eyes. "

"Do you know him?" questioned Maitland. 

"His name is Brennan, " I answered slowly, "a major in the Federalservice. We have already met twice in rough and tumble contests, butthe next time it will be with steel. "

"There is a woman, then?"

"It seems from Captain Carlson's report he has seen fit to connect onewith our difficulty. "

There was a pause, as if they waited for me to add some furtherexplanation, but I could not--her name should never be idly discussedabout a mess-table through any word of mine. 

"Gentlemen, " said Maitland at last, gravely, "this is evidently apersonal matter with which we have no direct concern. Captain Wayne'sreputation is not one to be questioned, either as regards his chivalrytoward women or his bravery in arms. I pledge you his early meetingwith this major. "

They drank the toast standing, and I read in each face before me afrank, soldierly confidence and comradeship which caused my heart toglow. 

 CHAPTER XXVI

THE SCOUTING DETAIL

This premeditated insult, which Brennan had evidently despatchedbroadcast in hope that through some unknown channel it might reach me, changed my entire relationship with the man. Heretofore, while feelingdeep resentment toward him, I yet was strongly inclined to avoid anypersonal meeting. Fear had nothing whatever to do with this shrinkingon my part, nor would I have deliberately avoided him, yet as thehusband of Edith Brennan I realized that if he suffered seriously at myhands it must for ever separate us. I felt more and more deeply theshame of loving the wife of another, and certainly I could never bringmyself to advertise her as in any way the cause of so disgraceful abrawl. Far better was it for me to suffer in silence any taunts anddegradations he chose to place upon me. Surely I loved her well enoughto remain patient for her sake. 

But now all this had been changed by a word. His deliberate attempt tosoil my reputation among officers of my own corps left me no choice butthat of a resort to arms. I have never felt that Brennan was at heart abad man; he was hard, stern, revengeful, yet I have no doubt underdifferent circumstances I might even have valued him highly as acomrade or a friend. There is no demon like jealousy; and his earlydistrust of me, fostered by that mad disease, had apparently warped hisentire nature. Yet not even for love could I consent to leave my honorundefended, and after those hateful words there could be no rest for meuntil our differences were settled by the stern arbitrament of thenaked blade. All prudence to the winds, no opportunity of meeting himshould now be cast aside. 

I decided this carefully before falling asleep, and had almostdetermined upon seeking release from immediate duty that I might hunthim out even within the fancied security of his own camp. This latterplan, however, was instantly halted by those events which crowdedswiftly upon me. The coming day was barely gray in the east when I wasawakened by a heavy pounding upon the door. A smart-looking orderlystood without. 

"Captain Wayne?" he asked. 

"That is my name. What have you, my man?"

"Compliments of Colonel Maitland, chief of staff, sir, " he said, handing me a folded paper. 

I opened it eagerly, for I was more than ready to welcome anyoccurrence which would help to change the tenor of my thought. 

"Dear Wayne:" the private note read, "Believing you would be glad tohave the detail, I have just arranged to send you at once upon someactive service. Please report at these quarters immediately, fullyequipped for the field. "

Glad! It was the very medicine I most needed, and within twenty minutesof my receipt of this communication I was with Maitland, thanking himwarmly for his thoughtfulness. 

"Not another word, Wayne, " he insisted. "It is not much, a merescouting detail over neutral territory, and will probably prove dullenough. I only hope it may help to divert your mind a trifle. Nowlisten--you are to proceed with twenty mounted men of the escort westas far as the foot-hills, and are expected to note carefully threethings: First, the condition of forage for the sustenance of a wagontrain; second, what forces of Federal troops, if any, are along theHoneywell; and third, the gathering of all information obtainable as tothe reported consolidation of guerillas for purposes of plunder betweenthe lines. If time suffice, you might cross over into the valley of theCowskin and learn the condition of forage there as well. A guide willaccompany your party, and you are to avoid contact with the enemy asfar as possible. Your men carry five days' rations. You understandfully?"

"I do, sir; I presume I am to start at once?"

"Your squad, under command of Sergeant Ebers, is already waitingoutside. "

I found them a sturdy looking lot, but, as they composed a portion ofthe commander's personal guard, somewhat better attired than I wasaccustomed to seeing Confederate soldiers. I possessed a fieldofficer's prejudice relative to escort soldiery, yet their equipmentlooked well, they sat their horses easily, and I could find nothingworthy of criticism. I should have preferred riding at the head of menfrom my old troop, but in all probability we would none of us be calledupon to draw a sabre. 

"Are you all ready, Sergeant?" I asked of the rather heavy-weightGerman who stood fronting me, his broad, red face as impassive asthough carved from stone. 

"Ve vos, Captain. "

"Where is the guide?"

"Dot is him, mit der mule, ain't it?" he answered, pointing with onehuge hand down the road. 

"Very well, we will pick him up then as we go. " I cared so little as towhether or not he accompanied us at all, that we had advanced somedistance before the thought of him again occurred to me. I knew thegentry fairly well, and had experienced in the past so many evidencesof their stupidity, if not actual disloyalty, as to prefer my ownknowledge of the country to theirs. My thought, indeed, for severalmiles was not at all with the little party of troopers jogging steadilyat my heels, nor, in truth, was it greatly concerned with the fate ofthe expedition. That was but service routine, and I rode forwardcarelessly enough, never once dreaming that every hour of progress wasbearing me toward the most important adventure of my life. So I feel weconstantly advance into the future; and it is well that we do not know, for few would possess the necessary courage if beforehand we mightperceive the sorrows and the dangers. 

Outside my military duties I had but one thought in those days--EdithBrennan. The great struggle was rapidly drawing to its close; hope offuture military preferment could no longer inspire a Confederatesoldier, for we realized fully we were battling in a lost cause. Allambition which I might otherwise have experienced was thereforeconcentrated by this fate upon the woman I loved. And how earnestly Iendeavored not to love her; how I sought to stifle such feeling, toremain true to what I deemed my highest duty to her and to my ownhonor! And yet she remained my constant dream. I thought of her now asI rode into the west. Somewhere out yonder, amid those distant bluehills--ay! even within the very zone of my present duty--it waspossible she yet waited for the war to cease. I wished in my heart Imight again meet her, and then roundly denounced myself as a cur forhaving such a desire. Yet again and again would the fond hope recur, surging up unbidden into my brain as I rode steadily forward, obliviousof both distance and pace, the sinking sun full in my eyes, yet utterlyforgetful of the hoof-beats pounding along behind me. It was the Germansergeant who recalled me to the responsibilities of command. 

"Captain, " he exclaimed apologetically, riding up to my side, andwiping his round perspiring face with great energy, "ve are riding toohard, ain't ve? Mein Gott, but der horses vill give out ontirely, already. "

"Is that so?" I asked in surprise at his words. A single swift glancearound convinced me he was correct, for the mounts were exceedinglysoft, and already looked nearly played out from our sharp pace. "Verywell, Ebers, we will halt here. "

With a sigh of relief he drew back, and as he did so my eyes fell forthe first time upon the guide. As I live, it was Jed Bungay, and when Istared at him in sudden amazement he broke into a broad grin. 

 "'It trickled still, the starting tear, When light a footstep struck her ear, And Snowdoun's graceful knight was near, '"

he quoted gravely, his eyes brightening at my recognition. "Durn if Ididn't begin ter think as how ye'd gone an' clar fergot me, Cap. "

"Not a bit of it, Jed, " and I rode up to him and extended my hand. "Buthow came you here? Are you the guide?"

"Sure thing, Cap; know this yere kintry like a buk. 'Jaded horsemenfrom the west, at evening to the castle pressed. ' By gum, you putBeelzebub an' me through a blamed hard jolt of it so fur. "

"Beelzebub?"

"Ye bet, ther muel; I reckon as how ye ain't gone an' fergot him, hevye?" and the little man squirmed in the delight of his vividrecollection. "'One blast upon his bugle horn is worth a thousand men. 'But ye did ride like thunder, Cap, that's a fac', an' I ain't ther onlyone done up, neither. Jist take a squint et thet fat Dutchman thar. "

The fleshy Sergeant was undoubtedly fatigued, yet he was a thoroughsoldier, a strict disciplinarian, and although he moved as if hiscoarse army trousers were constant torture, he was not guilty ofomitting any known requirement of his office. 

"Chones", he shouted impressively, "dot is not a good vay to tie dothorse. By Chiminy, he vould break his neck mit der rope. Glen, vy youmakes play mit der gun dot vay? Donnerwetter! ven I speak mit you, stand op mit der little finger to der seam of der pantaloons. You villnever be no good. "

"Ebers, " I interrupted, "let the men rest as they please. I regrethaving ridden so hard, but I am used to soldiers who are toughened infield work. Are you pretty sore, Sergeant?"

"By Chiminy, I am, Captain; der skin vos rubbed off me by der saddle, "he answered, touching the afflicted part tenderly. "It vos der rackin'gait mit der horse vot did it. He is der vorst horse dot ever I ride. "

"Well, get as comfortable as you can, and I'll try to be morethoughtful in the future. Bungay, what has become of Maria?"

The little man's eyes suddenly filled with tears. 

"I jist don't know, Cap, " he answered mournfully. 

 "'No more at dawning morn I rise And sun myself in Ellen's eyes. That life is lost to love and me. '

"Whin I got hum ther ol' cabin hed bin plum burnt down, nary stick o'it left, by gum! an' Mariar she wus clean gone. Hain't seed neitherhide ner hair o' her since, thet's a fac'. An' I sorter drifted backter you uns 'cause I didn't hev nowhar else ter go. "

"Did you hunt for her among the old plantations along the valley?" Iasked, deeply touched by his evident feeling. "She very likely soughtrefuge in some of those houses. "

He looked at me in surprise. "I reckon, Cap, as how ye don't know much'bout whut's a goin' on in ther valley fer ther las' few months, " hesaid soberly, rubbing down his mule as he spoke. "Tell ye whut, tharjist hain't no plantation houses left thar now, thet's a fac', leastwise not north o' ther lines we uns sorter hol' onto yit. Sheridanhe played hell with his cavalry raids, an' whut the blue-bellies leftther durned guerillas an' bushwhackers wiped up es clean es a slate. Durn if a crow wudn't starve ter deth in ther valley now. Why, Cap, them thar deserters an' sich truck is organized now till they're mightynigh an army, an' they don't skeer fer nuthin' les' ner a reg'ment. Isee more ner a hundred an' fifty in one bunch up on ther White Briartwo week ago, an' they're worse ner a parcel er pirates. I reckon ashow they got Mariar, but I 'll bet she giv 'em a hot ol' time afore shedone quit. "

Rumors of this state of affairs to north and west of our defendinglines had already reached me, --indeed, the verification had formed partof my instructions; but Bungay's homely yet graphic description madethe situation appear terribly real, and my thought went instantly forthto those I knew who might even then be exposed to this great andunexpected danger. That it was indeed menacing and constantly growingworse I could not doubt; the certainty of our early defeat was leadingto almost wholesale desertions, and doubtless many of these went toswell those lawless ranks, whose sole purpose was plunder, and whosesafe rendezvous was the inaccessible mountains. Wherever the guardingarmies left neutral ground, there these bands overflowed andinaugurated a reign of terror. What they had been in their weakness Iknew well through experiences of the past; what they might become instrength I could readily conjecture, --wild wolves of the hills, to whomhuman life was of no account, the fierce spawn of civil war. The veryconception of Edith Brennan in such hands as these was agony. I felt Icould never rest until assured of her safety, and since my ordersgranted me full authority to prolong my journey, I might ascertainwhether or not she yet remained within the valley. 

"Jed, " I asked, my mind finally settled, "do you know the old Minorplantation?"

"Ol Jedge Minor's place? Sure; it's up on ther south branch of therCowskin, an' used ter be quite a shebang afore ther war, an' afore therol' Jedge died. I reckon as how he hed ther biggest gang o' niggers inther whole county, an' he wus allers durn gud ter 'em tew. Never nonigger ever run 'way from ol' Jedge Minor, ye bet. Mariar she used terlive thar whin Mis' Celie wus a baby. "

"Have those fellows got down that far yet?"

"Wal, I reckon not, but durn if I know fer sure, Cap. Ther whole valleyis mighty bare north o' thar, fer I rid through it, an' Beelzebub hedter live on clay, fer sure. Gee! but he wus hot. So them thar vultureshes got ter either work south er quit, an' I reckon as how they hain'tlikely ter quit till they hes tew. 'Sides, they're strong 'nough by nowter laugh et any sojers thar'bouts, an' ther ol' Minor place u'd makemighty gud pickin'. Thar hain't neither army ever bin up thar durin'ther war. "

"How long would it take us to reach there?"

"'Bout two days, I reckon, pervidin' ye shuck ther Dutchman. "

I turned and looked at my men in some perplexity. They were scatteredalong the edge of the road, and only one group had taken the precautionto build a fire. The Sergeant lay flat upon his back on a grassy knoll, his stomach rising and falling with a regularity which convinced me hewas sleeping. 

"Ebers, " I said sternly. 

There was no response, and I could distinguish clearly his heavybreathing. 

"One of you stir up the Sergeant, will you? I want to speak with him. "

A young fellow came forward grinning, and laid one hand heavily on hisofficer's shoulder. 

"Come, Dutchy, " he said with easy familiarity, "get up!"

The Sergeant shot to an upright position like a jack-in-the-box. "MeinGott, " he asked anxiously, "is it der Yanks vot come already?"

"Hell, no; but the Captain wants you. "

"Der Captain?" He arose ponderously, and came forward with a decidedlyhalting gait. 

"Vos I sent for?" he asked. 

"Yes, " I said; "I want you to have the men get their supper at once, aswe shall be obliged to ride a good portion of the night. "

"Ride?" and his face took on an expression of genuine horror. "ByChiminy, Captain, it vos impossible. Mem Gott! it could not be done. "

"Why, what is the difficulty, Sergeant?"

"I am vounded vare I sets me down on der saddle. I am all--vot youcalls it?--rare. Dunder, but it could not be. "

"I am exceedingly sorry, Ebers, and if you are unable to travel weshall be compelled to leave you behind, " I said, tired of it all bythis time. "Get the men to their supper. We shall go on in an hour. "

How often since have I smiled at the expression upon his solemn roundface as he turned ruefully away!

 CHAPTER XXVII

AN EMBARRASSING SITUATION

IT was well into the third day when we came down into the fertilevalley of the Cowskin. It had proven an uneventful ride thus far, forwe had met with no adventures and had observed little worthy ofconsideration from a military standpoint. We had travelled slowly, carefully watchful of our horses, not only because we felt they mightbe greatly needed farther on, but owing to the impoverished and almostdeserted country through which we rode. Abandoned houses, many of themdevastated by fire, deserted negro quarters, and uncultivated fieldsgreeted our eyes constantly, and told us we were in the track ofarmies. Forage there was absolutely none, while even the pasture-landgave small return. The men had done well, however, and were stiffeningnicely into field soldiers, while my Teutonic second in command hadsufficiently recovered from his wounds to sit his saddle with someelephantine grace. He early proved himself a good soldier, and Ilearned he had seen considerable active service in Europe. 

While constantly observant of those points regarding which I had beendespatched, my one overmastering thought during all those hours was thepossibility of again meeting with Edith Brennan and proving of someassistance to her. Her greeting of me in the Federal hospital had beenso sweetly gracious, so marked with tender sympathy, while the memoryof her words, and even more of the look which accompanied them, had soremained with me in encouragement that I longed to encounter her again. God knows what I hoped for, for I knew well it must all inevitably endin despair, yet like the moth I must continue to singe my wings untilthe flame devoured me. Now, however, as we actually drew near to whereI supposed she might be, I felt my earlier courage fast deserting me. Nor was I furnished with even the slightest excuse for pressing on; myorders did not positively compel me to proceed, and nothing appearedalong the way to lead me to suppose that harm of any kind threatenedthat peaceful valley. Everything meeting my eyes evidenced that here, at least, war with its attendant horrors had not come. Totally withoutthe beaten track of those great armies which had battled so fiercelyfor the Shenandoah, it had been traversed only by a few scouting andforaging parties, and so short had been their stay that even the railfences remained undisturbed to guard the fields, and nowhere did I noteoutward signs of devastation. It was Virginia as I recalled it in thoseold days of peace and plenty, before civil strife had sown the landwith dead. 

What possible excuse, then, had I for going there? In my own heart Iknew I had none, or one so poor and selfish I scarcely durst whisper iteven to myself; yet I rode steadily on. Impelled by my own weakness, ordrawn irresistibly by fate, --whichever the real cause I know not, --Iwould at least look upon those walls that had once sheltered her, wouldlearn if possible if she was yet there. Then--well, in the bondage ofmy passion I hoped for what might happen, as every lover does. 

It must have been two o'clock; we had baited our horses, I remember, anhour previous; and the Sergeant had enjoyed his noonday siesta beneaththe shade of a great bush bearing purple blossoms. The road we had beentravelling since early morning wound in and out among great trees, andcrossed and recrossed the little stream called the Cowskin until Ialmost thought we had lost our way. We met with no one in all the longday's riding, not even a stray negro, and indeed it was some hourssince we had passed a house of any kind. Leaving the brook behind us wetoiled slowly up a long hill, and at the top Bungay, riding beside me, pointed to the westward. 

"Cap, " he said, "thar is ther Minor place. "

The very sight of it in the distance was a thrill--a great white houseplaced well back from the road and almost hidden from sight by fine, large trees; an old-fashioned, big-roomed house it looked to be, builtafter the colonial type, a wide veranda upon three sides, with flutedcolumns to support the overhanging roof. 

"Hain't no signs es fer es I kin see of any trouble havin' 'curredthar, " Jed said slowly, his shrewd gray eyes roaming over the peacefulscene. "Somebody ter hum tew, fer ther chimley is a smokin'. "

Of course, now I was there, the only sensible thing for me to do wouldhave been to ride openly to the front door, and thus learn all Idesired. But what man who loves, who is continually swayed by hopes andfears, by strength and weakness, ever does the sensible thing? I hadcertainly intended doing so at the start, but now my nerve failed me. She was the wife of another. I could not confess I had ventured to cometo her in love, nor could I look into those clear, honest, questioningeyes and lie. 

"Halt!" I ordered. "Sergeant!"

"I am here, Captain. "

"Take your men down into that hollow yonder, and remain there until Ireturn. Better post a sentry on the hill here. "

"It vill be done, Captain. "

"I shall not, probably, be absent more than an hour, so don't permitthe men to stray. "

"Dot is it, Captain. I vill be mit dem all over. "

I rode down alone into the thick woods at the foot of the hill, anddismounting, tied my horse to a sapling. Then on foot I struck acrossthe fields, my intention being to come in by way of the negro quartersat the rear, in hope of meeting some one from whom I might inquirerelative to the great house and its inmates. 

It was a slight upward trend of land I had to traverse, and althoughthe house was a most sightly object and stood upon the very summit ofthe elevation, yet so surrounded was it with trees, both fruit andornamental, I was enabled to make but little of its situation until Iapproached the out-buildings. I met with no one, nor could I perceiveany negroes about the slave quarters. Yet the place did not bear theappearance of desertion. There were horses in the stable, a cat wascurled up on one of the cabin doorsteps, and smoke continued to pour ina dull yellow cloud from the kitchen chimney. Altogether there was muchin the situation to puzzle over, and I no longer regretted that I hadexercised some caution in my approach. 

The orchard, with the remains of a garden, lay between the house andthe stable, protected by a low fence of whitened pickets. So far as Icould observe, it contained no occupant, and I pushed open the gate andstarted down a narrow cinder-path which led between two rows of lowbushes. To right of me was an extensive grape-arbor completely coveredwith vines, the fresh green leaves forming a delightful contrast to thedeep blue sky beyond. As I came opposite an opening leading into thisarbor I suddenly caught the flutter of drapery and stopped instantly, my heart throbbing like a frightened girl's. It was quite dark beneaththe vine shadow, and I could make out no more than that a woman stoodthere; her back toward me, busied at some task. Possibly she felt mypresence, for all at once she glanced around, and upon perceiving megave vent to a quick exclamation of terror. 

"Pardon me, " I said hastily, and removing my hat, "but you have nothingto fear. "

There was a moment's hesitancy on her part, and I knew I was beingscrutinized by a pair of bright eyes. 

"Surely, " said a familiar voice, "I cannot be mistaken--you are CaptainWayne. "

Before I could even answer she stepped forth from her partialconcealment and advanced toward me with cordially extended hands. Itwas Celia Minor. 

"Well, of all men!" she cried gayly, her dark eyes smiling a mostkindly welcome. "And Edith and I were speaking about you onlyyesterday. That is, I was, for really I do not recall now that Edithmade any remark apropos of the subject. You have no idea, CaptainWayne, what a hero I have made you out to be. It would make youpositively vain if I should confess; why, Arthur has actually become sojealous that he has almost forbidden me even to mention your name inhis presence. So when I want to talk about you I am compelled to go toEdith. She hasn't power to stop me, you know, but I'm sure I must boreher awfully. And then to think that when you stood there just now, andI saw your gray uniform, I actually thought the guerillas had come. Myheart beats so now I can hardly talk. But how pale and haggard youlook--is it that horrible wound which troubles you still?"

"I have been discharged from the hospital only a short time, " Ianswered, as she paused to take breath. "Indeed, this is my firstmilitary service for several months, yet I am feeling quite strongagain. Mrs. Brennan, then, is still with you?"

"Oh, yes; we have been here all winter long. It has been so dull, forreally nothing has happened, and the valley is quite devoid ofinhabitants--even the negroes have gone hunting freedom. But MajorBrennan and Arthur are to be here this afternoon, and sometime to-nightwe are all of us going away together. How glad I am you arrived beforewe left! I wouldn't have missed meeting you for worlds. Do you know, itis so hard for me not to call you Colonel Curran, but Edith alwaysinsists on my saying Captain Wayne, so that it comes more natural now. Really, sometimes I actually believe she has corrected me a dozen timesa day, for you know we have so little to talk about here that we arealways drifting back to what occurred to us while we were with thearmy. I often wonder Edith can be contented here at all, but she reallyseems to regret that we must leave. I'm sure I don't, even if I wasborn here; it's an awful poky old place. "

I gave heed to but little of her good-humored chatter after the firstsentence. Eager as I was to meet Brennan, I had no desire that weshould meet in the presence of his wife. Better, far better, would itbe for me to leave at once and without even seeing her. 

"You say you are about to depart?" I asked, determined to learn allpossible regarding their plans. "Do you go North?"

"Yes, to Baltimore and Washington. The guerillas are becoming sodesperate in this neighborhood that we are actually afraid to remainhere longer. They attacked the Cuyler plantation, only ten miles fromhere, two weeks ago, killed old Mr, Cuyler, turned his wife outpartially dressed in the middle of the night, looted the house ofeverything it contained of value, and then set it on fire. You see wehave no men folks here, except two negroes, who have clung to usbecause they were so aged they were afraid to leave--just mamma, Edith, my old nurse, and myself. It seems so lonely, and Major Brennan andArthur both insist it is no longer safe. So they are coming with acavalry escort to take us all North. I am sure we shall have a splendidtime. "

"You have experienced no trouble, then, thus far?"

"Oh, none at all--we have not even been bothered by scouting parties. Oh, I do not mean you; you are no bother. But yesterday there was ahorrible man here; he came to the kitchen door, and asked all sorts ofimpudent questions. Mrs. Bungay actually had to threaten him with a gunbefore he would leave. "

"Is Maria Bungay here, then?"

"Why, certainly; do you know her? Isn't she a delightful old dear, --just as good as a man?"

"Her husband is with my party. "

"Jed--really? Why, do you know, Maria has got it into her head that hehad run away from her. I should so love to witness their meeting; itwould be most interesting. But you must come into the house, CaptainWayne; Edith will be overjoyed to see you again, although you know sheis never demonstrative, as I am. It must be awfully nice to be alwayscool and calm, don't you think?"

Determined that I would not be tempted, I yet hesitated, and myvivacious companion took everything for granted at once. 

"Oh, before we go in, won't you do me a favor?" she asked. "But ofcourse you will. I was trying to tie this grapevine into place when yousurprised me, but I could not hold on with one hand and tie with theother. See what I mean?" And placing one slender foot upon a slat ofthe trellis she lifted herself up until she could barely reach therefractory branch. "Now, " she said, smiling down upon me, "please justhold me here for a moment until I secure this end. "

My hand was scarcely upon her in support when the slender slat snappedbeneath her weight. As she fell I caught her with both arms. For amoment she lay, panting and startled, on my breast; then, as with alittle laugh she disengaged herself from my embrace, we stood therehand in hand and face to face with Edith Brennan. 

Shall I ever forget the look within her eyes? How plainly I saw it, although she stood half hidden beneath the shadow of the vines. Amazement, incredulity, scorn were expressed there, yet even as Imarked them all became merged into proud unconsciousness. She wouldhave turned away without a word, but my companion stopped her. 

"Edith, " she cried eagerly, "do you not see? This is Captain Wayne. "

She turned toward me and slightly inclined her head. 

"I recognized Captain Wayne, " was her calm answer, "and regret greatlyhaving intruded upon him. It was entirely unintentional, and I have nodesire to remain. "

I could not have spoken at that moment to save my life. It fairlystunned me to realize the construction she so plainly placed upon thescene just enacted. Not so the girl at my side. Her cheeks flushed withindignation, and her audacity gave her speech which made matters evenworse than before. 

"You are exceedingly free with your criticisms, Edith, " she exclaimedsharply, as the latter turned her back upon us. "Perhaps it would be aswell for you first to ascertain the truth. "

"You wholly mistake, " was the calm reply. "I have not presumed tocriticise. Why should I? It is not a matter which interests me in theleast. I presume you have no further objection to my returning to thehouse?"

She did not so much as deign to look again at either of us, but as shemoved slowly out of sight Miss Minor turned and looked into my facewith questioning eyes. What she may have read there I know not, but shesank back upon a bench and burst into a merry peal of laughter. 

"Isn't it perfectly ridiculous!" she cried, as soon as she was able tospeak. "Only I do hope she won't tell Arthur. "

 CHAPTER XXVIII

WE CAPTURE A COURIER

THE girl's light burst of laughter aroused me thoroughly to a sense ofour situation. "You seem to derive much amusement from a condition ofaffairs almost intolerable to me, " I said bitterly. "I have alwaysvalued most highly the friendship of Mrs. Brennan, but this unfortunateoccurrence will doubtless end it. "

She glanced up at me, her long lashes wet, but her dark eyes sparklingwith mischief. 

"Oh, she won't care so far as you are concerned, " she exclaimedindifferently. "But I suppose she will think I am perfectly horrid. Well, I don't care if she does; she might have waited and learned thetruth first. Wasn't her face a study? And how shall I ever explain toArthur so that he will understand? I'm sure I have got the worst of it. Oh, Captain Wayne, is my hair all ruffled up? I know I look like afright. You must come in now, and we will explain to Mrs. Brennan thewhole matter. She cannot help believing us both, while I know she wouldbe so cold and proud with me alone. "

I shook my head decisively. Perhaps it was better ended so; at least Ipossessed no courage just then to face her indignation. She might butdeem we had concocted our explanation, and would very likely receive itwith all the scorn she felt it deserved. Besides, it was clear therewas nothing I could do to aid them. I should be now merely an unwelcomeintruder. An escort was to be there shortly to convoy them northward, and for me to be found in their company by Brennan would only inflamehim and add greatly to the embarrassment of his wife's position. Muchas I might long for immediate vindication in her sight, the plain dutyof true love was to depart at once, and permit time to straighten outthe tangle. 

"You must pardon me, " I hastened to say, standing hat in hand beforeher, "but it would not be best for me to intrude upon Mrs. Brennanafter her late reception. I merely halted here in order to assuremyself of your presence and safety. My men are even now waiting for mea few hundred yards away. "

"But I wish you to meet Arthur. "

"Oh, I think not, Miss Minor. I feel warm friendship for LieutenantCaton, but we wear different uniforms, serve under different flags, anda meeting here, both with armed forces behind us, would naturally haveto be a hostile one. However the Lieutenant and I might consent to atemporary truce, his superior officer, Major Brennan, would not likelyprove of the same mind. "

"Then you really must go?"

"Unless you specially desire to witness a cavalry skirmish in yourfront dooryard, I certainly consider it best, " and I held out my hand. "Surely we part as friends, and I may hope that you will intercede inmy behalf with Mrs. Brennan?"

She rose up impulsively. 

"How ridiculous; how supremely ridiculous! Why, of course I will, though I don't suppose Edith really cares very much, but she believedit would be highly proper to be shocked. I don't think she likes you sovery well anyway, Captain Wayne, for she never will talk about you. "

With these cheering words ringing in my ears, and feeling thoroughlydefeated in every cherished hope, I strode savagely down the long hilland mounted my horse. How roughly fortune had buffeted me, to be sure, and how extremely small the inspiration left. Well, perhaps I deservedit for ever permitting myself to love one whom I knew to be the wife ofanother. Doubtless she had seized upon this slight pretext to be rid ofme, and was already rejoicing over its easy accomplishment. 

In my agitation I forgot entirely the presence of Maria Bungay at thehouse, and ordering my men into saddle prepared for departure withoutgiving a thought to the little fellow and his domestic troubles. Ichose the road leading toward the northwest, for although I had notasked the question I conceived it highly probable that Brennan and hisparty would ride from the Federal cavalry quarters at Colter's Church, and I had no desire to meet them. They were upon an errand of mercy offar greater importance than my revenge. 

As we swung along through the heavily timbered land fringing our road, Bungay pressed his mule into a trot and finally succeeded in ranging upat my side. Even in my disturbed mental condition I was amused at hisunique style of riding, although I would not wound him by laughing. 

"I say, Cap, " he said, jerking the words out to the mule's hard trot, and grasping his saddle pommel desperately, "I sorter reckon as howther'll be some fun back thar afore long, 'less all signs fail. "

"Why?" I stared at him, now thoroughly aroused to the thought that hehad important news to communicate. 

"Wal, " he explained slowly, "whin ye wint off, I sorter tuk a notionter look 'bout a bit. Used ter be an ol' stompin' ground o' mine. SoDutchy an' me clumb thet big hill back o' whar we halted, an' by gum, down thar in ther gully on t' other side thar's a durned big camp o'fellers. "

I reined up short, and with uplifted hand signalled the men behind tohalt. 

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" I questioned sternly. "How manywere there? and what did they look like?"

He scratched the back of his head thoughtfully, and answered withcareful deliberation. "Durn it, I didn't jine ye till after ye'dstarted, an' I reckon as how it took me all o' tew mile ter git thisyere blame muel up ter whar I cud talk. Thar's quite a smart bunch, butthey hed some pickets out, an' I cudn't git close 'nough ter tellzackly. Dutchy thought thar wus nigh onter two hunderd o' 'em, but Ijist don't know. They wusn't dressed like sojers o' either army, an' Ireckon they're out o' ther hills. "

I glanced at my little handful of men, scarcely knowing what decisionit might be wise to make. Undoubtedly they would fight if occasionarose, but the odds were terribly heavy; besides, if Brennan came, andhis party got away that same evening, as was planned for them to do, then it might not be necessary for us to strike a blow. I was certainlyin no mood to expose my small command merely to save the empty housefrom destruction. 

"Ebers, " I said, turning toward the Sergeant, who sat his horse withexpressionless face, "you were with the guide when he discovered thiscamp. How many do you think it contained? and who were they?"

"Vel, dere vos more as two gompanies, Captain, und dere vos somehorses, but dey vos dressed--vot you calls it?--all ober not der same. "

"Not in uniform?"

"Dot vos it. "

"Have any of the rest of you seen anything that looked suspicious?" Iasked, glancing around into the different faces. 

"Maybe I did, " answered one of the troopers named Earl. "As we rode upthe first hill after leaving the house my horse picked up a stone, andI had to stop and get it out. I reckon I fell behind a quarter of amile or more, and just as I started I looked back, and a party of tenor twelve fellows was just riding in through them big gates onto thefront lawn. But them fellows was soldiers for sure; they rode regularlike, and all of them wore caps. It was so far off I couldn't tell thecolor of their clothes, but them caps made me think they was Feds. "

I chose my course at once. This undoubtedly must have been Brennan'sparty. 

"Thank you, my man; it would have been better if you had reported thatto me at once, " I said. "However, I understand the situation muchbetter now. Sergeant, we will go into camp here. Post pickets in bothdirections, but put your most careful men on that hill yonder. Let themreport promptly any signs of fire to the southeast, or any sound ofguns. "

We completed all our cooking before dark, and when the night finallyclosed down about us it proved to be an exceedingly black one, althoughthe skies were clear. Sleep was an impossibility for me, as my mind wasin constant turmoil. I felt hampered, prisoned, shut in, unable to dowhat I most desired. I wondered where she was--probably ridingnorthward beside her husband, and I bit my lip savagely at thought ofit; possibly she was even then laughing merrily in memory of myunfortunate predicament in the garden. So she cared nothing for me, exhibited her indifference clearly in presence of others, disliked evento hear my name mentioned. Very well, I would take exceeding good carenever again to intrude myself upon her. Then my thoughts swerved to thebig house out yonder in the darkness. If signs of attack came to us, what should I do? The question truly puzzled me, for I was unwilling toexpose the lives of my men merely to save property--Confederatesoldiers were far too valuable at that stage of the war. If I only knewpositively that the women were safely away, I would tarry no longer inthe neighborhood. But I did not know; I merely hoped. 

Ebers was lying next me upon the grass, solemnly puffing at his hugepipe, and I held my watch to the glow in its bowl in order to see thetime. It was nearly midnight. 

"Those fellows ought to be at it before this, " I said to him, "if theyintend to accomplish anything to-night. "

"I dink so too, " he answered slowly. "I vill see dot der guard is allright, an' den vill get some sleep, for I am pretty moch done opalready. "

He arose ponderously to his feet, and stretched out his short arms in aprodigious yawn. As he stood there, his pudgy figure outlined againstthe sky, there was borne to our ears the sound of a furious struggle onthe hilltop to the south--a shout, blows, a volley of cursing, thensilence. An instant later we were both running through the darknesstoward the scene of trouble. 

"What is it, Sands?" I questioned breathlessly, as I came suddenly uponthe little group. 

"A fellar on hossback, " was the answer. "He come up on us like a streakout o' thet black hollor, an' he'd a sure got away of Mason hed n'tclubbed him with his gun. I've got the cuss safe collared now. "

"Who are you?" I asked sternly, striving in vain to see something ofhim through the darkness. "Where were you riding?"

He maintained a sullen silence, and Sands kicked him. 

"None of that, " I commanded. "Ebers, strike a match, will you, and letme see this chap. "

I had scarcely spoken when our prisoner thrust Sands roughly aside andtook one hasty step toward me. 

"My God, Wayne! Is it possible this is you?" he cried excitedly. 

"Caton?" I exclaimed, as surprised as himself. "Caton? What is it? Whatis wrong?"

"Am I to do dot?" asked the Sergeant, anxiously. 

"No, " I answered. "I know this man, and we shall need no fire. Caton, are you from the Minor house? Has it been attacked?"

"Yes, " he answered, panting yet from his exertion and excitement. "Wewere to start North with the ladies at nine o'clock, but the house wassurrounded as soon as it became dark. Those devils supposed it to beunguarded, and advanced without precautions. We fired and drove themback. We had repulsed three attacks when I left at eleven, but three ofour men were already hit. "

"You were after aid?"

"I was striving to reach our advance pickets at McMillan. It seemed theonly possible chance, and none of the men would volunteer to make theride. One was killed trying it before I started. God knows how I hatedto leave them, but it had to be done. How many have you?"

"Only twenty; but if we could once get inside along with your fellows, we might hold the house until reinforcements came. "

"Thank God! I knew you would!" he cried joyfully, grasping me againfervently by the hand. "You are not one to hesitate over the color of auniform at such a time as this. I have been proud all through this warto feel that we on both sides were of the same blood, and have feltlike cheering your gray lines more than once. Only, Wayne, " and hehesitated an instant, "it is right I should tell you that Brennan isthere, and in command. "

"I know it, but those women must be saved nevertheless, " I answeredfirmly, my mind settled. "This is no time for personal quarrelling, andwhatever color of cloth we wear those outlaws are our common enemies, to be hunted down like wild beasts. I have seen specimens of theirfiendish cruelty that make my blood run cold to remember. The verythought of those who are now exposed falling into such hands is enoughto craze one; death would be preferable a thousand times. How manyfighting men have you?"

"Seven fit for duty. "

"Will you ride forward, or go back with us?"

"We must send word, "--and the gallant fellow's voice shook, --"but Godknows, Wayne, I want to go back. If we both live I am to marry CeliaMinor. "

"I understand, " I said gravely. "Ebers, who is your best rider?"

"It vos dot funny leetle vellow Glen, Captain. "

"Glen, come here. "

The trooper, a mere boy, with freckled face and great honest gray eyes, but wiry and tough as steel, pushed his way through the group and facedme. 

"Glen, " I said, "your Sergeant tells me you are the best rider in thetroop. I am going to intrust you with the most important duty of all. The lives of every one of us and of four helpless women depend entirelyupon your riding. You will take two horses, kill both if necessary, butstop for nothing until your duty is done. You are to carry a note fromme, and another from this gentleman, who is an officer in the Federalarmy, and deliver them both to the commandant of the first militarypost you find. Insist upon reaching him in person. It makes nodifference which army the post belongs to, for this is a matter ofhumanity. The Federal outpost at McMillan is the nearest to us; makefor there. You understand?"

The boy saluted gravely, all mischief gone from his face. 

"I do, sir, " he said. "But I'd a darn sight rather stay here andfight. "

"You will be back in plenty of time to take a hand, my lad. Now, men, "--and I turned to the dark, expectant ring about me, --"this is noordinary duty of your enlistment, and I wish no one to accompany me to-night who does not volunteer for the service. Seven Federal soldiersand four women, three of them Virginians, are attacked at the house wehave just left by a large party of bushwhacking guerillas, theoffscourings of hell. Every one of you knows what that means. Will yougo with me to their rescue?"

No one seemed anxious to be first to speak. I could see them look asideuneasily at one another. 

"Bungay, " I said, "I feel sure you will go, for your wife is there. "

"Mariar?"

"Yes; Miss Minor told me this afternoon, but I had forgotten to mentionit. "

The little man sprang into the air and came down with a whoop. 

"The bloody devils!" he cried excitedly. "Ye bet I'll go. "

"Come, Sergeant, speak up; what do you men say?"

"I like not to fight mit der Yankees, " he admitted candidly, "but dervomens, py Chiminy, dot vos anoder ting. I vill go, Captain; mein Gott, yaw. "

"We 're with you, sir, " spoke voice after voice gravely around the darkcircle, and then Sands added: "We'll show them thar Yanks how theJohnny Rebs kin fight, sir. "

Ten minutes later Glen, bearing his two messages to the Blue and Gray, was speeding recklessly through the black night northward, while mylittle squad was moving cautiously back over the road we had so latelytraversed. 

 CHAPTER XXIX

A MISSION FOR BEELZEBUB

AS we picked our way slowly forward through the gloom I gleaned fromCaton all he knew regarding the situation before us. My own knowledgeof the environments of the Minor house helped me greatly to appreciatethe difficulties to be surmounted. He had succeeded in his escape bydodging among the negro cabins where the attacking line appearedweakest, but expressed the conviction that even this slight gap wouldbe securely closed long before we reached there. 

"Have they sufficient men, then, to cover thoroughly all four sides?" Iasked. 

"To the best of my judgment there must be fully two hundred and fiftyin the gang, and apparently they operate under strict militarydiscipline. It is a revelation to me, Wayne, of the growing power ofthese desperate fellows. I knew they were becoming numerous and bold, but this surpasses anything I could imagine. More, they are beingconstantly recruited by new arrivals. A party of at least a dozen camein while I was hiding behind the stables. I heard them asking for theleader. "

"What did they call him?"

"Lory, or Laurie, something like that. They claimed to be desertersfrom Lee's army, but two or three of them wore our uniforms. "

"It's Red Lowrie, " I said gravely, more impressed than ever with theseriousness of the situation. "I heard of him two years ago--he killeda man in the Sixth North Carolina, and took to the hills. Since then hehas developed into quite a leader for such scum, and has proven himselfa merciless monster. You have no suggestion to offer as to how we hadbetter attempt to get in?"

He shook his head despondingly. 

"What station does Brennan defend?" I asked. 

"The front of the house; the main point of attack has been there. "

We could distinguish the sound of firing by this time, and itscontinuous volume convinced me that Caton's estimate of the numberengaged was not greatly overdrawn. As we topped the summit of the hilla great burst of red fire leaped suddenly high into the sky. 

"Great God, Wayne! we are too late!" he cried wildly. "Those devilshave fired the house. "

With fiercely throbbing heart I gazed down at the flames far below inthe black valley. 

"No, " I said with eager relief. "It is the stable which is ablaze. See, the light falls full upon the white sides of the house. Thank Heaven, we are not too late. "

As I sat my horse there, gazing down upon that scene of black rapine, unwilling to venture into its midst until I could formulate somedefinite plan of action, fully a dozen wild schemes thronged into mybrain, only to be cast aside, one after another, as thoroughlyimpracticable. 

"We shall have to make a dash for it, and trust in God, " said Caton, guessing at my dilemma. 

"No, " I answered firmly, "there would be no possibility of success insuch a course. Those fellows are old hands, and have pickets out. See, Caton, that is certainly a picket-fire yonder where the road dips. Every man of us would be shot down before we penetrated those guardlines and attained the house. We have got to reach their inner linesomeway through strategy, and even then must risk being fired upon byour own people before we get within cover. "

Even as I was speaking I evolved a plan of action--desperate itcertainly was, yet nothing better occurred to me, and time was golden. 

"Ebers, " I said, "didn't I see an extra jacket strapped back of yoursaddle?"

"It is no good, " he protested vehemently. "It vos for der rain come. "

"All right; hand it over to the Lieutenant here. Caton, throw thatuniform coat of yours into the ditch, and don honest gray for once. Sands, come here. Take your knife and cut away every symbol of rank onmy jacket; tear it off, any way you can. "

In another moment these necessary changes had been accomplished. 

"Now, " I ordered, "pile your sabres there with mine beside the road;then hobble your horses, all but the mule; I shall want him. "

"Does we go der rest of der vay on foot?" questioned the Sergeant, anxiously. 

"Certainly; and I desire you to remember one important thing: let me dothe talking, but if any of you are asked questions, we are desertersfrom Hills's corps, tired of the war. "

"Mein Gott!" muttered the German, disconsolately. "I hope it vos notlong off, Captain; I am no good on foot in der dark, by Chiminy. "

"You had better manage to keep up to-night, unless you are seeking tocommit suicide. Now, men, mark me carefully! Load your carbines. Areyou all ready? Sergeant, see that each man has his gun properly chargedand capped. You are to carry your arms as thoroughly concealed aspossible; keep close to me always; obey my orders instantly, and to theletter. We are but twenty men pitted against over two hundred, remember, and when we strike, it must be both quick and hard. "

I mounted the mule, counted the dim figures in the darkness, and thengave the order to march. As we moved slowly down the hill I was awarethat Caton walked upon one side of me, while Bungay plodded along uponthe other; but my mind was so filled with the excitement of ouradventure and all that depended upon its successful culmination, asscarcely to realize anything other than the part I must personallyplay. Good fortune and audacity alone could combine to win the game wewere now engaged upon. 

A tall, heavily bearded mountaineer stood squarely in the middle of theroad to the north of the picket-fire. I could make but little of him asthe light shone, excepting that he wore a high coonskin cap and bore along rifle. 

"Stop right thar!" he called out hoarsely, upon hearing us. "Who areyou uns?"

As he challenged, a dozen others sprang up from about the flame and, guns in hand, came toward us on a run. 

"We uns are doggoned tired o' soldierin', an' a gittin' nuthin' ferit, " I said in the slow Southern drawl, "an' wanter jine yer gang, pervidin' thar's any show fer it. "

"How many are ye?" asked one of the newcomers, striding forward betweenus and the sentry. 

"A right smart heap o' a bunch; bin a pickin' o' 'em up ever since weleft Charlotte, " I returned evasively. 

"They be dandies ter fight, an' I reckon as how ye kin use 'em, can'tye?"

"Maybe; who did ye want ter see?"

"Wal, they sed as how a feller named Lowrie wus a runnin' this yeregang, an' if thet 's ther way o' it, I reckon as how it's Lowrie we 'reafter. Be you Lowrie?"

"Naw. "

The answer was so gruff and short, and the fellow hesitated so long inadding anything to it, I began to think it was all off. 

"Wal, " he consented to say at last, ungraciously, "thar 's a blame pileo' ye kim in lately, an' I calcalate we got 'bout 'nough fer ourbusiness, but I reckon as how Red will use ye somewhar. Anyhow you unskin come 'long with me an' find out, but ye'll diskiver him 'bout therornerest man jist now ever ye run up agin. He 's plum mad, Red is, fersartain. "

He turned and strode off, without so much as giving us a backwardglance, and, with a hearty congratulatory kick to the mule, I and mycompany followed him. A hundred yards further in we passed through thefringe of trees and emerged into an open space from whence we could seeplainly the great white house still illumined by the flames whichcontinued to consume the stables. Shots were flashing like firefliesout of the darkness on every side of us, the smell of burning powderscented the air, and I could distinguish the black forms of men lyingprone on the grass in something resembling a skirmish line. 

"Makin' a fight o' it, ain't they?" I asked of our taciturn guide, aswe picked our way carefully among the recumbent forms. 

"Damn 'em, yes; a hell o' a fight, " he admitted bitterly. "Reckoned wehed a soft job yere, an' lots o' ther stuff fer ther boys. They've gotsome Yanks in thar with repeatin' rifles, but I reckon as whin Red oncegits hold on 'em, they'll dance ter another tune. "

"Ye mean ter stick it out, then?"

"Stick it out? I reckon ye don't know Red, er ye wouldn't be askin'sich a fule question. He'll hev them Yanks now, if it wur ter costevery man he's got. He ain't no quitter, Red ain't. "

Just beyond musket-shot from the house, and nearly opposite the frontentrance, quite a group of men were standing beneath the black shadowsof a grove of trees. In spite of the gleam from the fire I could makelittle of them, but as we approached from the direction of the rear, one of them exclaimed suddenly:

"Who comes thar? What body o' men is thet?"

"It's 'nother party o' deserters, as wants ter jine us, " said theguide, sourly. "They's Johnnies from Lee's army. "

"Oh, they dew, dew they? Hain't got 'nough o' fightin' yit, I reckon, "and the speaker strode forward, with a rough, mirthless laugh. "Wal, damn 'em, they will yere 'fore I 'm done. We 're a goin' ter rush thetthar house 'fore long, an' hang 'bout a dozen Yanks, an' these yerelads will come in right handy ter go in first. If you uns like fightin'so durn well we'll give ye your bellies full. Who's ther boss o' thisyere crowd?"

I swung down from my seat on the mule's back, and stood facing him. 

"We uns hain't got no boss, " I answered, "but they sorter fell in ahindo' me 'cause I wus astraddle o' this muel. Be you named Lowrie?"

"I reckon; I'm Red Lowrie, " proudly. "'Spect, maybe, ye've heerd tello' me, an' if ye hev, ye know ye 've got ter step damn lively whin Ihowl. Whut wus ye in ther army?"

"Corporal. "

The flames of the burning barn leaped suddenly upward, as if fed bysome fresh combustion, and flung a brighter glare over the rough facesclustered about us. I saw Red Lowrie plainly enough now, as he peeredeagerly forward to scan my face, a heavy-set, coarse-featured man, withprominent nose, and thick, matted red beard. He wore a wide-brimmedsoft army hat, under which his eyes shone maliciously, and he grasped along rifle in one big, hairy hand. As I gazed at him curiously, someone hastily pushed a way through the group at his back, and the nextinstant a tall figure stood at his side. I recognized the newcomer at asingle glance, and for the moment my heart fairly choked me--it wasCraig. 

"Lowrie, " he said, pointing straight at me, "thar's somethin' wrongyere. That feller thar is Captain Wayne, o' my ol' reg'ment. "

All that occurred next was but the impulse of a second. I stood withhand resting lightly upon the mule's neck, his long head droopingsleepily beside my shoulder. I saw Red Lowrie throw up his gun, all hisevil nature written in his face, his cruel eyes instantly aflame withanger, and, inspired by the desperation of our case, I stoopedsuddenly, and blew with all my force into that long, pendant ear. Beelzebub gave vent to one snort of mingled rage and terror, and thenlet drive, backing into that cluster of choice rascals like a verythunderbolt of wrath, cleaving his way by every lightning blow of thosenimble legs, and tumbling men to right and left. 

There was a yell of fright, a wild scramble for safety, a perfectvolley of cursing--I saw Red Lowrie go tumbling backward, a heelplanted fairly in the pit of his stomach, and the next instant Craig, swearing like a pirate, was jammed down on top of him, a red gashacross his forehead. It was all accomplished so speedily, that itseemed but a medley of heels, of wildly cavorting mule, of scrambling, falling men. 

"Fire!" I cried excitedly. "Sock it into them, lads, and follow me!"

There was a quick outburst of flame, a thunderous report, and, withoutwaiting to see or hear more, I sprang forward through the dense smoke, and raced madly toward the front door. Caton panted at my side, and Icould hear the heavy feet of a score of men pounding the turf behindus. The rush was so rapid, the noise so great and confusing, I couldnot distinguish whether we were even fired upon from the rear, but Imarked a red flash at one of the windows in our front, and heard behindme a sharp wail of agony. 

"If any man drops, pick him up!" I called, and at that moment we sprangup the steps, and began pounding loudly against the door. 

"Open up!" shouted the Lieutenant, anxiously. "Brennan, open up, quick!It's Caton with help. "

I thought it never would open. A volley crashed into us, and Sandspitched down upon his face, clutching at the man next him as he fell. Iglanced back anxiously--a dark, confused mass of men, without militaryformation, were running across the open space toward us. 

"'Bout face!" I shouted. "Load at will--fire!"

We poured one scattering volley into them. It halted their movement fora moment, and then the door opened a scant crack. 

"Is this you, Caton?"

"Yes; for God's sake, open up!"

The heavy door swung slowly inward, and with a wild rush to be first, we surged headlong into the hall. 

 CHAPTER XXX

A UNION OF YANK AND REB

As the heavy door clanged behind us some one upon the outside beganpounding upon it, while with deadly chug a bullet crashed into theoaken panel. 

"Donnerwetter!" shouted a deep voice, wildly. "Captain, I am yet outmit der bullets. "

With a crash I flung aside the thick iron bar which answered as a lock, and drew in the Sergeant, yet panting heavily from his hard run. 

"By Chiminy, dot vas a narrow squeak, " he exclaimed, as I released mygrasp upon him and hurled the door back into its place. 

A dim light swinging suspended from the ceiling of the great wide hallrevealed clearly the scene within. As I turned I beheld Brennan for thefirst time, and his face remains a memory. Standing with his back tothe stair-railing, a revolver grasped tightly in either hand, his eyesburning, his countenance flushed with anger, and clouded by doubt, heappeared almost like one distracted. At sight of me he gave up allattempt to control his raging temper. 

"What does all this mean?" he demanded hoarsely. "Who are these men?Caton, if you have betrayed us, by God, I will shoot you dead. "

"There is no betrayal, " returned the Lieutenant, coolly. "These men arefriends. "

"Friends?" he laughed cynically. "Friends? in that uniform, and youattired in a Rebel cavalry jacket? Friends? that fellow over there?"and he pointed derisively at me with his pistol barrel. "Damn you, butI believe you are all a pack of lying thieves!"

Caton's face burned. He took one step toward him, his hands clinched, and when he spoke his clear voice shook with intense indignation. 

"Major Brennan, " he said, coldly deliberate, "you are my superiorofficer, but you go beyond all privilege of rank in those words. I saythese men are friends; they have sunk the issues of war in order thatthey may answer the call of humanity. If you dare impeach my motivesany further, I shall hurl back the cowardly insult in your face. I willtake no such words, sir, from any living man. "

Brennan looked at him, his lips struggling with the utterance thatwould not come. Knowing well the danger of such delay, I hastily pushedaside the ring of men, and fronted him, determined to end thisfoolishness then and there. 

"Major Brennan, " I said firmly, ignoring his efforts to silence me, "you must listen to reason whether you wish to do so or not. Mytroopers are all around you; I have two men to your one in this house, and can enforce my will if necessary. Now mark what I say--we are nothere in anger or in war, but to help you in the protection ofendangered women. We captured your courier, have despatched one of ourown number into the Federal camp for aid, and have fought our way inhere to stand beside you and your men in defence of this house againstthose ruffians without. You can use us or not, just as you please; itrests with you to say whether we shall be comrades in arms on thisoccasion, or whether I shall assume command by the power of force whichI chance to control. "

He seemed utterly unable to grasp my full meaning, to comprehend thesituation. 

"You mean, you would fight with us? under my command?" he askedincredulously. 

"I offer my services under your orders, " I replied clearly, "and thesemen in gray will obey mine. "

I actually thought he would extend his hand, but some remembrancesuddenly restrained him. 

"I--of course, Captain Wayne, " he stammered, at length, "I--I mustaccept your offer. I--I am grateful for it, but I shall insist upon onething; there must be a final settlement of the personal matter existingbetween us. I am not willing to waive my rights in this. "

"There is no occasion for your doing so, sir, " I answered coldly, for Iconsidered the reference at that moment in extremely ill taste. "Whenour work here has been accomplished, you will find me very much at yourservice. "

He bowed gravely. 

"I am exceedingly glad we understand each other, " he said. "May I askthe size of your command?"

"Sergeant, " I questioned, "whom have we lost?"

"Nelson vos kilt, I dinks; der Kid is not here yet, und Sands vosvounded bad. "

"Very well; then, Major Brennan, I tender you sixteen men fit for duty, besides myself. You are doubtless acquainted with the house, and canassign us to positions where our services will prove of greatestvalue. "

He had completely recovered his self-control by this time, and spokenow with the terse sentences of a tried soldier. 

"I thank you, Captain Wayne, and will ask you to choose four men andassume command of the east side of the house. Caton, you will take thesame number for defence of the rear. Captain, what is your sergeant'sname?"

"Ebers, an experienced German soldier. "

"I should have suspected his nationality. Let him have command of fourmore, and cover the west windows. I shall defend the front myself, as Ihave been doing. "

"Very well, " I answered shortly, for his eyes had remained fixed uponme all the time he was talking. "Take the positions assigned you, lads, and do not permit a man from without to put foot on the veranda. Ifthey once succeed in getting under cover of the porch roof, they willgive us plenty of trouble. "

"They have remained remarkably quiet since you came in, " interposed theMajor. "Even my men seem to see nothing to shoot at. "

"Probably they haven't recovered as yet from our little surpriseparty, " I said, with a smile of remembrance. "We left a mule out therewho will entertain them for some time, unless they adopt heroicmeasures. "

The position for defence assigned to my care took me into the dining-room of the mansion, --a spacious, almost square apartment, containingthree large windows reaching nearly to the floor. The outside blindshad been closed, but the glass in the panes was mostly broken, andthere were other evidences that the firing had been both heavy andcontinuous. I found two soldiers of Brennan's party within, both lyingupon the floor, and peering cautiously through the apertures of theblinds. They glanced up at us with undisguised amazement. 

"It's all right, lads, " I said heartily. "Never mind our colors to-night; we are all fighting the same way. "

I had taken with me Bungay, together with three of my troopers, andafter placing them as advantageously as possible, I stretched myselfout on the floor, and applying an eye to a convenient opening tookcareful survey of the situation without. There was little to beobserved, for darkness securely hid the movements of the enemy. Everything upon our side of the house, however, appeared comparativelyquiet, yet it was clearly evident that the besiegers had no presentintention of withdrawing from the attack; the flame of the stables hadalready largely died away, but what little light remained enabled me toperceive unmistakable signs of their presence. I could distinguishfrequent moving figures in the background, but was unable to determinetheir distance from the house. Occasionally a flash out of the nightwould evidence the discharge of a gun, and I heard a gruff voiceshouting forth an order. One shot struck the window just above me, showering my shoulders with fragments of broken glass, and I noticedone of the Federal soldiers in the room carried his arm in a rudesling. 

This present cessation of activity was, I felt convinced, onlytemporary. I did not expect, from all I could now see, that the finalassault would take place upon my side of the building. The massing ofthe main body of the besiegers before the front entrance, together withthe presence there of their leaders, was sufficient to convince me thatthis was to prove the principal point of attack, and from my knowledgeof such affairs I decided that probably the first signs of returningdaylight would be the signal for a determined assault. The darkinterior of such a house as this offered too many defensive advantageswhich the daylight would largely overcome. 

"Have you had some hard fighting?" I asked of the man lying next me, amanly-looking fellow, wearing the yellow chevrons of a corporal ofcavalry. 

"They pitched in mighty strong at first, sir, " he answered civilly. "An' we had so few men they pretty nearly rushed us, fer sure. It wasour repeatin' rifles thet drove 'em back. "

"You suffered to some extent?"

"Two killed, sir, and three or four wounded. It wus hot 'nough fer awhile, I tell you; as lively a little jig as I've ever bin in. McNeal, there, got a lump of lead in his arm. Would you mind explainin' 'boutyou fellows comin' in here to help us, sir? It seems kinder odd to befightin' longside of gray-backs. "

I told him briefly the circumstances, and his eyes danced merrily atthe recital. 

"Be a rum story to tell if ever we get out of here, sir, " he commented, patting his gun. "I've mostly seen you fellows from the t'other side, but, dern it all, this is more the way it ought to be. "

I agreed with him thoroughly as to that, and we relapsed into silence, each intent upon the uncertainty without. 

As I lay there, gazing anxiously into the darkness, I could not forbearwondering where Brennan had concealed the women to keep them from harm. Would he inform them of our arrival? He could scarcely hope to keep thefact long hidden, for they would certainly see some of my gray-jackets, and ask questions. I doubted, however, if he would mention my name, yetCaton surely would, and Caton could not be kept long away from MissMinor, unless serious attack was imminent. Unquestionably, I should becompelled to meet them before this duty was concluded; how should I bereceived, and how should I conduct myself? There was but one way--adignified courtesy, seemingly ignoring all that had previouslyoccurred. Any explanation at present was apparently out of thequestion, and I certainly could not venture to intrude after thecoldness of my last reception. Besides, there was Brennan to beconsidered. He would make use of my services in this emergency, but Ihad been distinctly informed it could make no difference in the feudexisting between us. I had no wish that it should, and I couldconsistently hope for very little consideration from the wife of a manwhom I was destined to meet upon the field of honor. No, the far betterway was to see as little of her as possible, to meet almost asstrangers, and then to part for ever. Difficult as this programmeassuredly was, it seemed the only honorable course left me. Even hadshe loved me as truly as I did her, I could yet do no less. 

"They seem to be peckin' away pretty lively out in front, " said thecorporal, interrupting my reverie. 

"Yes, " I admitted. "In my judgment that will prove the main point ofattack. How many men did the Major have there before we came?"

"Same as here, sir. "

"And four of mine; that makes seven altogether, counting himself, andtwo of these ought to be posted in the upper story. He's bound to needmore; that firing is very steady. "

"He's got the women loadin' for him, and that helps some. "

"The women?" I asked, staring at him in amazement, "Do you mean to sayMrs. Brennan and Celia Minor are there in that front room?"

"Don't know who they are, sir--two mighty fine lookin' young ladies, anold lady with white hair, an' a big, rough-lookin' female, sir. Thelast one wus handlin' a gun to beat the band just afore you came. "

"And he keeps them there, exposed to all this heavy fire? What can theman mean? Why, Corporal, that constant shooting must have completelyshattered the windows. There could be no safety for any one exceptlying flat upon the floor. "

"Well, 't aint quite so bad as that, sir, " he protested, seeminglyanxious to shield his officer from adverse criticism. "You see it's adouble parlor, with a wall an' foldin' doors atween, an' the women areall in the rear room. Of course, it's almighty dark back there, an'they has to lie pretty close, but blamed if I know of any better placefor them. This house hain't got no cellar. "

It certainly was not my place to interfere. Her husband was the one whoshould be most solicitous as to her safety, yet it worried me greatlyto think of Edith Brennan lying helpless in the dark, exposed toconstant danger, with the deadly rifles crackling all about her. Surelysomewhere in this great house there would be an interior apartmentwhere greater protection could be assured. Doubtless Brennan wasunwilling to have them away from him; possibly he even continued tohold them where they were to prevent all possibility of their meetingwith me. It was this last thought, improbable as it surely was, whichput me on my mettle. If that was has little scheme, and to my suspicionit looked like it, I was not unwilling to play a hand in the game. Imight not hold trumps, yet I could bluff as well as any one. 

I had barely arrived at this point in my musing when opportunity foraction came. A man groped his way in from the lighted hall, but haltedclose beside the door, unable to perceive us in the darkness. 

"Is Captain Wayne here?" he asked. 

"Yes; what is it?"

"Major Brennan has had two of his men hit, sir, and wishes you to sparehim three of yours, unless you are hotly pressed. "

"All right; there 's nothing doing here, " I answered, instantlydetermining upon my course. "Corporal, I shall leave you in command ofthis side for a few minutes. I believe I can be of more immediate valueelsewhere, Bungay, you and Elliott come with me. "

The lower hall, having no windows in it, was the only safe place in thebuilding, and here a light had been kept burning. The door which, as Ijudged, must lead into the back parlor, was closed, and fastened uponthe inside. At least it refused to yield to my hand when tried. Anotherin front stood very slightly ajar. 

"Report to Brennan, " I whispered into Jed's ear, "and forget to mentionI am with you. I desire to investigate matters for myself a fewmoments. "

He nodded to intimate that he understood, and then we crept, one at atime, into the front apartment, hugging the floor closely to keepbeneath the range of the bullets which swept every now and then throughthe broken windows, and chugged into the wall behind us. I was the lastto wriggle in through the narrow opening, and rolling instantly out ofthe tiny bar of light, I lay silent for a moment, endeavoring to get mybearings. I was determined upon just one thing--to obtain speech withthe women, learn, if possible, their exact situation, and, if I foundit necessary, insist upon their better protection. An insane jealousyof me should not continue to expose them to unnecessary peril. 

Brennan was directly across the room from where I lay. I could hear hisvoice issuing low, stern orders. 

"If you'll only keep down you're safe enough, " he said gruffly. "Therehasn't a shot come within a foot of the sill. The ground slopes outyonder, and those fellows can't fire low. Put the new men at thecentral window, and let them shoot at every flash they see. Bradleywill pass back their empty guns. "

I wondered how long our supply of ammunition would hold out with such afusillade kept up, but ventured upon no protest, for I was alreadygroping my way through the darkness along the inner wall. Furniture layoverturned in every direction, and I experienced considerabledifficulty in making progress through the debris without attractingattention. A great square piano stood directly across the entrance tothe back parlor, left by the drawing nearly together of the slidingdoors. I waited until Bradley had crawled through with an armful ofloaded guns, and then entered also, creeping silently between the pianolegs. As I did so a bullet struck the case above me, and the wholeinstrument trembled to the impact, giving forth a strange moan, as ifin pain. 

Some one was groaning in the corner at my left, and supposing thewounded to be lying there, I turned more toward the right, keeping asclose as possible to the wall, hopeful I might come in contact with oneof the women. I do not honestly know why I did this--really I had noexcuse, except my natural distrust of Brennan, coupled with an eagerdesire to be of service to the woman of my heart. There was little toguide me in the search, as the flame of the discharging rifles did notpenetrate here. Once I heard the rustle of a skirt, while a faint soundof whispering reached me from the rear of the room. Then my hand, groping blindly along the wall, touched the lower fold of a dress. Itfelt like coarse calico to my fingers. 

"Mrs. Bungay, " I whispered cautiously, "is this you?"

The woman started at sound of my voice, but replied in the same lowtone: "Thet's my name; who mought ye be?"

"A friend of yours, and of your husband, " I answered, for I doubted ifshe would recall my name. "Did you know Jed was here?"

"My man? Hiven be praised! But I'll knock ther head off ther littledivil if ever I git my hand on him, I will thet. Whar's ther little impbin all ther time?"

"Hunting for you, and crying his eyes out, " I answered, smiling tomyself in the darkness. "Where is Mrs. Brennan?"

"Jist beyond me, thar in ther corner. "

As she spoke a bullet whizzed past us, having missed the obstruction ofthe piano. I could feel the wind stirred by its passage, while itspeculiar hum told me it was a Minié ball. 

"You are too far out from the wall, " I protested. "You are in range. "

"Can't help it if I be. I 'm yere ter take ther guns from ther sojer, an' pass 'em back. "

I crept slowly along beyond her, keeping close to the wall, but hadprogressed hardly more than a couple of yards, when I felt a handlightly touch me. 

"I recognize your voice, " said a soft whisper, "and am so glad you arehere. "

Who can guess the motives that inspire a woman? This was my welcome, where I had anticipated coldness and repellant pride. 

 CHAPTER XXXI

A CONVERSATION IN THE DARK

In my extreme surprise at the intimate cordiality expressed by herwords and manner I failed in utterance. Anticipating coldness, indifference, possibly even resentment at my presuming to approach her, I was instead greeted by an unstudied warmth of welcome that made myheart beat fiercely. 

"Surely I am not mistaken, " she questioned, rendered doubtful by mysilence. "Is not this Captain Wayne?"

"There is no mistake, " I hastened to assure her, "but I had anticipatedfrom our last meeting a far less cordial greeting. "

"Oh, " she exclaimed, with a light laugh, "and is that all? Yet surely, if I was to believe my own eyes I was perfectly justified in my actionsthen. However, Captain, I have been forced to realize the truth of thatsituation, and am now disposed to make up to you in kindness for all myunjust suspicions. "

"I am more than delighted to learn that cloud is no longer toovershadow us. Miss Minor has made a full explanation, then?"

"You have been completely exonerated, and restored to my good graces. "

As she spoke, I became aware that she was busily engaged upon sometask, and when she ended I felt the steel of a gun-barrel touch myhand. 

"Please pass this to Maria, " she said calmly, "and hand me back the oneshe has. "

"You are loading, then?" I asked, as I complied with her request. 

"We have all been busy. Isn't it terrible? I was so frightened atfirst, but now they tell me that you and your men have come, there isno longer danger of those horrible creatures getting in here. "

"You knew, then, that I was in the house?"

"I was told some noble Confederates had accompanied Lieutenant Catonback to aid us, but your name was not mentioned. "

"Then my appearance must have proven a complete surprise?"

"Yes, and no, " she answered frankly. "I was not sure it was you, ofcourse, and I did not venture to ask, but I knew you were in theneighborhood, and that such an act would be in every waycharacteristic. I was certain you would come if you knew, and I--I, well really, I hoped it was. "

In spite of a slight effort at restraint I groped in the darkness untilI touched her hand. For the moment she permitted me to retain it, as ifunconsciously, within my grasp. 

"Why?" I questioned, scarcely relying upon my own voice. 

"Oh, one always trusts friends more readily than strangers, and I haveseen you in danger before, and possess such confidence in your courageand resource. "

"But Miss Minor took particular care to inform me you felt little or nointerest in me--that you never even spoke of me except as she compelledyou to do so. "

For a moment she did not answer, and then with a light laugh said: "Didshe, really? How very kind of her, and how extremely intimate you musthave become to draw forth so frank a confession. However, CaptainWayne, you must not give credence to all you hear about me, even fromCelia. You know one does not usually give public expression to one'smore secret thoughts, and I can assure you I have always been mostdeeply interested whenever you were the subject of our conversations. "

"Her words made me feel I might be an intruder on your privacy. "

"You are never that. Cold as I appeared only a few hours ago, I was yetthinking of you as I entered the arbor. Perhaps that was why the sightmeeting my eyes proved such a shock. "

Possibly she felt our conversation growing dangerously intimate, for inthe silence which ensued she gently withdrew her hand. As she did so myfingers chanced to touch the plain gold ring she wore. It was like adash of water in my face, and instantly brought back to me our commondanger. 

"How constant the firing continues, " she said at last, as I satstruggling dumbly with temptation. 

"A mere waste of powder, I fear, " was my reply, given thoughtlessly. "When the rush finally comes we are likely to be without sufficientammunition to repel it. "

"When the rush comes?" she echoed in startled tone. "Do you expect anassault?"

"I hardly expect those fellows out there will ever leave without a mostdetermined effort to carry the house by storm. They are here forplunder, and will not be baffled easily, nor will the leaders hesitateto sacrifice any number of lives to gain their end, especially now thata desire for revenge has been added to the original lust for spoils. Ihave been among them, you know, and learned enough of their power, organization, and leadership to convince me they will never raise thesiege until they exhaust every resource. I have no doubt they aresimply drawing all this fire in the hope that our ammunition will thusbe uselessly expended. It is an old army trick, and one I am surprisedto see so experienced an officer as Major Brennan yield to. In myjudgment they will make an effort to rush us as soon as there issufficient light. "

"But why not warn him?"

I smiled to myself at the naive question. Surely it could not bepossible she remained ignorant of the feud existing between us. She hadtwice witnessed our hostile meetings, and certainly could not forgethow we had last parted. 

"Major Brennan would scarcely welcome any interference on my part. "

"But surely, as a soldier, he must value the advice of anothersoldier?"

"Possibly you forget, " I explained, striving to speak as lightly of itas might be, "that there is a lack of friendship between Major Brennanand myself. "

"Still?" she asked. "Truly I thought that might all be over. Even if itsurvived until now, this noble act of yours in coming to our defenceshould have earned you his gratitude. He--he has never once mentionedyour name to me since that night. "

"Not even when I came here with my troop, I believe?"

"No; yet I did not connect that fact with the other. I supposed it amere oversight, or that he believed the mention of your name would notgreatly interest me. Surely, Captain Wayne, you are not keeping openthis unhappy wound?"

"On my word, no; but I regret to confess it is very far from beingclosed. "

"He--Major Brennan does not know, then, that you are here now with me?"She evidently hesitated to ask this question. 

"Certainly not, " in surprise at her apparent innocence. "You cannothave supposed I had been sent here by him to talk with you?"

"I--I did not know. I do not think I realized, " she stammered, vainlyseeking for words with which to make clear her bewilderment. "Iimagined you might have come at his suggestion to see that we wereamply protected. This is all so very strange. He does not even know youare here with us?"

"No, " I admitted reluctantly. "Perhaps I have no excuse even for beinghere at all. My duty as a soldier is certainly elsewhere, but I couldnot rest content until I knew you were in a position of safety. Believeme, Mrs. Brennan, I have intended no indiscretion, but I was informedby a soldier that you were being held here under fire. It would havebeen useless for me to appeal to the Major for information, and I feltI must know the truth. If I have erred in this I can only plead thedeep interest I have always had in your welfare. "

Her hand touched mine impulsively, and it was warm and throbbing. 

"I can merely thank you with all my heart, Captain Wayne, and assureyou I both understand and appreciate your purpose. But truly I do notwish any trouble to occur again--you will go back to your post, willyou not? You can serve me best in that way, and retain the gratitudeand admiration I have ever felt for you. "

There was a pathetic pleading in her voice, low as she spoke, impossible to resist. It made me feel thoroughly ashamed of myimpulsive, ill-considered action. 

"At once, Mrs. Brennan, " I returned earnestly. "I realize I have donewrong in ever coming here as I have. It is my first act of disobedienceto orders in all my military life. But tell me first that I haveforfeited neither your confidence nor your friendship?"

Her warm hand closed frankly over mine, and as I bent above it her hairsoftly brushed my cheek. 

"You have not, " she answered, so soft and low I could barely catch thewords. "I appreciate your motive, and shall always respect and honoryou. " She paused a moment, then added quickly, as though in sudden rushof feeling: "No friend stands higher in my esteem than you--now pleasego, Captain Wayne. "

As I crept back through the darkness, passing beneath the piano intothe front room, which was filled with the choking fumes of powder, mymind was a chaos of emotions impossible to analyze. The touch of hersoft hand was yet warm upon me, and her manner as well as her wordscaused my blood to leap riotously in my veins. What did this womanmean? Was it possible she loved me, and was fighting, even as I, toconquer a passion that could never be realized? which had no right toexist? Surely, young and fair as she was, she could be no vain andshallow coquette, venturing upon flirtation for the mere excitement ofit? The calm self-possession of her nature, her marked pride andstrength of character, stamped this as impossible. Honesty and pure, true womanhood were woven into her every word and act; that indefinablesomething which all men feel and respect was about her like anatmosphere; to doubt her for an instant was beyond my power. Yet shehad made me feel I was more to her than a mere friend. I longed to goback, to pour forth those words I had struggled so hard not to speak, to urge the high law of mutual love as final arbiter of our destiny--but no! I simply could not. Honor chained me, and the depth of myrespect would never permit of her humiliation. If she had become weak, all the more reason why I should remain strong. The very depth of lovewhich drew me to her operated now in restraint. God alone knows thestruggle in the darkness as I continued to move slowly away from herand toward the door. 

So deep indeed was my agitation, so intense my thought, that I scarcelyrealized I was creeping along barely beneath the dead line of thosebullets which constantly swept the apartment. Their crashing into thewall was almost meaningless, and I barely noted either the dense smokeor the fitful flashes of flame as the little garrison returned shot forshot. It was Brennan's voice--how hateful it sounded then--whichrecalled my attention. 

"Mapes, " he said, with the sharp tone of wearied command, "take a crackat that fellow over yonder by the big tree; he must be in range. Youmen, I verily believe, shut your eyes when you shoot, for there hasn'ta man dropped out there in the last half hour. "

I had reached the door by this time, but paused now, determined toventure one word of expostulation at his recklessness. 

"Major Brennan, " I said, speaking sufficiently loud to be audible abovethe uproar, "do you not think they will attempt to charge the house?"

"Not while we keep up this fire, " he returned coldly, evidentlyrecognizing my voice. 

"I grant that, at least while darkness lasts. But you have justcomplained that your men were doing but small execution, and is therenot danger of exhausting our stock of ammunition by such a uselessfusillade?"

"It will last until our fellows get here--that is, if your man was everreally sent for aid, as you say. "

There was a thinly veiled sneer in the words as he spoke them, but Icurbed my temper. 

"Well, in my judgment, sir, --and I tell it you because I deem it aduty, --" I retorted plainly, "you are making a grave mistake which youmay realize when it becomes too late to rectify it. Possibly I have noright to criticise one who is technically in command; yet I am servingas a volunteer, and the conditions are peculiar. I not only rememberthe scene witnessed by me in the lines out yonder, but also recall thefact that we are here to fulfil a sacred duty--the defence of helplesswomen from outrage. A fatal mistake upon our part would be horrible. "

"Your deep interest in the welfare of the ladies is purely chivalric, Ipresume?"

"It is merely the interest a true soldier must always feel, " Iresponded, determined not to be goaded into quarrel. "I have neitherwife nor sister, but I have a mother. "

"Very well, sir, "--and his tone was rough and overbearing, --"thenkindly recall your soldierly instincts to another little matter. Ichance to command here by authority of rank, and hold myselfresponsible for the proper defence of this portion of the house. Ibelieve you have already been assigned your duties; if you will attendto them I shall be greatly obliged, and whenever I may desire yourvaluable advice I shall take pleasure in sending for you. "

I have often wondered since how I controlled myself; yet I did, bitingmy lip till the blood came, a fair, reproachful face ever before myeyes. 

"I shall obey your orders, " I managed to say with calmness, so soon asI could control my voice to speak at all, "but shall hold myself, andmy men, prepared for a call here at any moment. "

"As you please, " with an ill-suppressed sneer. "I have always found youexceedingly anxious to be with the ladies. Indeed I have wondered ifyou might not prove a modern illustration of that ancient worthy 'whosebest boast was but to wear a braid of his fair lady's hair. '"

I turned away in silence and strode back to my post, white with anger. The dining-room remained as I had left it, and when I lay down in myold position and peered out throught the broken blind, I could mark nochange in the appearance of our besiegers. 

 CHAPTER XXXII

HAND TO HAND

I have never been willing to believe I slept during the next hour. Wearied as I have often been, duty has ever held my eyes wide open, andI prefer to think I merely plunged so deep in reflection as to becomeoblivious of all occurring about me. Surely I had sufficient excuse. 

However this may be, when I once again aroused to observe mysurroundings, the faint gray light of early dawn rested upon theoutside world, and through the fleeting shadows of the mist I was ableto distinguish much which before had been shrouded by the blackcurtain. In front of the window where I rested, the grass-covered lawnsloped gradually downward until it terminated at a low picket fence, thickly covered with vines. A great variety of shrubs, which during thenight had doubtless afforded shelter for sharpshooters, dotted thisgrass plot, while beyond the fence boundary stood a double row of largetrees. To the far left of our position the burnt stable yet smouldereddully, occasionally sending up a shower of sparks as a draught of airfanned the embers, but there were few signs of life visible. For themoment I even hoped our enemies might have grown discouraged andwithdrawn. 

"What has become of the guerillas?" I asked in wonderment, turning as Ispoke to face the Federal corporal who lay on the other side of me. "Isit possible they have given up?"

"I think not, Captain, " he replied respectfully, saluting as he wouldone of his own officers. "They were there just before the light came, and I saw a dozen or more stealing along behind the fence not fiveminutes ago. See, there is a squad of them now, huddled together backof where the stable stood. "

I noticed them as he spoke, and their movements instantly aroused mysuspicion. 

"Screw your eye close to the corner of the pane, " I ordered hurriedly, "and see what you make out toward the front of the house. "

He did as directed, and for a moment continued to gaze silently intothe gray dawn. 

"Well?" I asked impatiently. 

"There's men out there sure, plenty of 'em, " he reported slowly. "Itlooks to me mighty like the end of a line of battle, right there bythat big magnolia-tree. Anyhow, there must be all of twenty fellowslying close together between there and where the corner of the houseshuts off my view. I don't see none this side anywhere, unless it's ashooter or two hiding along the fence where the vines are thick. "

"That's it, my lad, " I exclaimed heartily, getting upon my feet as Ispoke. "We can stand up now, there's no danger here, but there will bemusic for all of us presently. Those fellows are getting ready tocharge us front and rear. "

There were five in the room. I could see them only indistinctly, as themorning light was not yet sufficiently strong to penetrate clearly towhere we were, but I was able to note those present--the corporal andhis wounded companion, with Hollis and Call of my troop. 

"Let the wounded man remain and guard these windows, " I commanded. "Hewould prove of small value in a hand to hand struggle, but can probablydo some shooting. The rest come with me. "

I led them forth into the wide hallway, which extended the full lengthof the house, with a broad flight of stairs just forward of the centre, gradually curving and leading to the second story. 

I was fully determined as to my duty--whether orders reached me or not, the moment an assault was launched I should throw all the force Icommanded beside Brennan, and between our assailants and the imperilledwomen. The suspended light was yet burning as we came out, butflickered wildly as if in a strong draught of air, and I noticed thatthe constant rain of bullets during the night had badly splintered anupper panel of the door. Halfway down the broad hallway, and partiallyobscured by the turn of the stairs, a door stood slightly ajar upon theright hand. Conjecturing this might be where the defenders of theeastern exposure were lying, I peered within. The blinds were tightlydrawn and I was able to perceive little of its interior, excepting thatthe walls were lined with books. 

"Ebers, " I called, thinking he must be there, "are you in charge here?"

"I vos, Captain, " came the instant reply, and he at once emerged fromthe darkness, his honest face full of interest. "Is it der preakfastvot is already?"

"Hardly, my man. I imagine we may enjoy a fight first, to give usbetter appetites. "

"Mein Gott, but I am vurnished mit der abbetite already. I vould fightmit more fun if I vos full. "

"So no doubt would all of us; but I have no time for mere talk. Did youmeet with any trouble during the night?"

"Troubles? By Chiminy, yes, Captain, I vos hongry for six hour. I havetook der belt oop dree time already, an' I vos empty yet. Troubles?Donnerwetter, it is all troubles. "

"Not that, " sternly. "I mean, have the enemy kept you busy?"

"Der vos some shooting, und Hadley he got hurt bad, but der fellers isall gone. Dis is der right time to eat in der bantry, ain't it?"

"Bring your men fit for duty out here in the hall, and have them joinmy party, " I said, ignoring his pathetic appeal. "How many have you?"

"Der is four, und, Captain, dey vos most as veak as I am mit netting toeat. "

Seeing I was not to be moved by thought of their pitiable condition, hedrew back with a profound sigh, and as he disappeared some one camehastily toward us along the hallway from the rear. 

"What is it, Caton?" I asked anxiously, as I recognized him. 

"They are forming to rush me, I think, " he answered. "I need a few moremen if I can get them. "

"They are preparing to assault front and rear at the same time, " Ianswered. "They are massing now, and in my judgment Brennan will haveto face the brunt of it. The front of this house is greatly exposed, and will prove extremely difficult to defend if they come against itwith any force. How many men do you absolutely require in order to holdyour position? Remember, the women are all in the front part of thehouse, and we must protect them at all hazards. "

"Good God, Wayne! Do you think I am likely to forget, with Celia Minoramong them?" he exclaimed indignantly. "Nothing but a strict sense ofduty holds me one moment where I am. Heaven knows I wish to be withher, and, by thunder, Brennan is aware of it. "

"Then come with me, " I cried. "There are times when a higher law thanthat of military despotism should control our actions. I am goingthere, orders or no orders. Ebers can command your detachment andaccomplish all the service you possibly could. Your rightful place isbetween these ruffians and the woman you love. How many additional menwill be required to make the back of the house secure?"

His face brightened as I was speaking, and the haggard look vanishedfrom his eyes. 

"I feel like a new man, Wayne, " he said thankfully, "and I know you areright. Four more would be sufficient, besides the one in command. Thewainscoting is high and of solid oak, the windows are small, there isno porch, while the guns have a perfectly clear range for nearly ahundred yards. "

"Good! Ebers, " I said, as my portly Sergeant again emerged from out thedarkness, "take your four men back to the kitchen and assume command. The guerillas are preparing to make a rush there, and you must drivethem back by rapid fire. Hurry along now. "

"By Chiminy, but I vos glad to git in der kitchen, anyhow. Is deranyting cold to put in der stomach in dot bantry?" he asked anxiously. 

"You will have something exceedingly hot in your stomach unless youmove more lively, " I said sternly. 

The little group had barely vanished beyond the glow of the light whenfrom without our ears were suddenly assailed by a wild, exulting yellthat bespoke the charge. 

"There they are!" I cried. "Now, lads, come with me!"

The dull, gray, chilling dawn revealed a room in utmost disorder, thewindows shattered, the blinds cut and splintered, the walls scarredwith bullets and disfigured with stains of blood, the furnitureoverturned and broken. A dead soldier in gray uniform lay in the centreof the floor, his life-blood a dark stain upon the rich carpet; a manwith coat off, and blue shirt ripped wide open, was leaning against thefurther wall vainly endeavoring to stanch a wound in his chest. Brennanwas upon one knee near the central window, a smoking gun in his hand, ared welt showing ghastly across his cheek. All this I saw in a singleglance, and then, with the leap of a panther, I was beside him, gazingout into the morning mist, and firing as fast as I could handle my gun. 

Through the shifting smoke clouds we could see them advancing on arun, --an ugly, motley line, part blue, part gray, part everything, --yelling as they swept forward like a pack of infuriated wolves, theirfierce faces scowling savagely behind the rifles. It was half war, halfriot--the reckless onslaught of outcasts bent on plunder, inspired bylust, yet guided by rude discipline. 

I knew little of detail; faces were blurred, unrecognizable; all Iseemed to note clearly was that solid, brutal, heartless, blasphemingline of desperate men sweeping toward us with a relentless fury ourpuny bullets could not check. Reckless ferocity was in that mad rush;they pressed on more like demons than human beings. I saw men fall; Isaw the living stumble over the dead. I heard cries of agony, shouts, curses, but there was no pause. I could mark their faces now, cruel, angry, revengeful; the hands that grasped the veranda railings; theleaping bodies; the rifle-butts uplifted to batter down our fraildefences. 

As trapped tigers we fought, hurling them back from the windows, slashing, clubbing, striking with fist and steel. Two lay dead acrossthe sill before me, cloven to the very chin, but their bleeding bodieswere hurled remorselessly aside, while others clambered forward, madfrom lust of blood, crazed with liquor. With clubbed guns we cleared itagain and again, battering mercilessly at every head that fronted us. Then a great giant of a fellow--dead or alive I know not--was hurledheadlong through the opening, an inert, limp weight, that bore the twosoldiers beside me to the floor beneath his body. With wide sweep of mygun I struck him, shattering the stock into fragments, and swung backto meet the others, the hot barrel falling to right and left like aflail. They were through and on me! Wild as any sea-rover of the northI fought, crazed with blood, unconscious of injury, animated solely bydesire to strike and slay! Back I had to go; back--I trod on deadbodies, on wounded shrieking in pain, yet no man who came within sweepof that iron bar lived. I loved to hear the thud of it, and I frontedthose glaring eyes, my blood afire, my arms like steel. Through the redmist I beheld Caton for an instant as twenty brutal hands uplifted, andthen hurled him into the ruck beneath their feet. Whether I foughtalone I knew not, cared not. Then some one pressed next to me, facingas I did, wielding a sword like a madman. We had our backs against thepiano, our shoulders touched; before us that mob swayed, checked forthe moment, held fast by sudden overpowering dread. I glanced aside. Mycompanion was Brennan, hatless, his deep-set eyes aflame, his coat tornoff, his shirt ripped open to the waist, his bare breast red withblood. 

"No shootin', damn ye!" shouted a voice, hoarsely. "No shootin'; I wantthat Reb alive!"

Through the swirling smoke I recognized the malicious face of RedLowrie as he pushed his way to the front. To me it was like a personalchallenge to combat. 

"Rush them!" I muttered into Brennan's ear. "Hurl them back a bit, andthen dodge under into the next room. "

I never waited to ascertain if he heard me. With one fierce spring Istruck their stunned line, and my iron bar swept a clear space as itcrashed remorselessly into them. The next instant Lowrie and I wereseemingly alone and fronting each other. A wild cat enraged by painlooks as he did when he leaped to meet me. Hate, deadly, relentless, glared in his eyes, and with a yell of exultation he swung up his longrifle and struck savagely at my head with the stock. I caught itpartially on my barrel, breaking its full force, and even as itdescended upon my shoulder, jabbed the muzzle hard into his leeringface. With a snarl of pain he dropped his gun and grappled with me, butas his fingers closed about my throat, something swirled down throughthe maze, and the maddened brute staggered back, his arms uplifted, hisred beard cloven in twain. 

"Now for it, Wayne!" shouted Brennan. "Back with you!"

With a dive I went under the piano. I heard the sliding doors shutbehind us, and almost with the sound was again upon my feet. 

"To the stairs!" I panted. "Brennan, take the women to the stairs;those fellows are not in the hallway yet, and we can hold them there awhile. "

In our terrible need for haste, and amid the thick, swirling smokefilling that inner room almost to suffocation, I grasped the womanchancing to be nearest me, without knowing at the moment who she was. Already the rifle-butts were splintering the light wood behind us intostaves, and I hastily dragged my dazed companion forward. The otherswere in advance, and we groped our way like blind persons out into thehall. By rare good fortune it was yet unoccupied, and as we took thefew hurried steps toward the foot of the stairs I found my arm wasencircling Celia Minor. The depth of despair within her dark eyes, andthe speechless anguish of her white face, swept for an instant thefierce rage of battle from my brain. 

"Do not fail us now, Miss Minor, " I urged kindly, "we may yet hold outuntil help comes. "

"Oh, it is not that!" she cried pitifully. "But Arthur; where isArthur?"

"God knows, " I was compelled to answer. "I saw him fronting the firstrush when it struck us. I think he went down, yet he may not beseriously hurt. "

She burst into tears, but I had no time to comfort her, for at thatmoment the mob, discovering our direction of escape, jammed bothdoorways and surged forth howling into the hall. 

"Up!" I cried, forcing her forward. "Up with you; quick!"

I paused a scant second to pluck a sabre from beside a dead soldier onthe floor, and then with a spring up the intervening steps, faced aboutat Brennan's side on the first landing. 

"We ought to leave our mark on those incarnate devils here, " he saidgrimly, wiping his red blade on the carpet. 

"Unless they reach the second story from without, and take us in therear, " I answered, "we ought to hold back the whole cowardly crew, solong as they refuse to fire. "

It was a scene to abide long with a man--a horrible nightmare, never tobe forgotten. Above us, protected somewhat by the abrupt curve of thewide staircase, crouched the women. Two were sobbing, their headsburied in their hands, but Maria and Mrs. Brennan sat white of face anddry-eyed. I caught one quick glance at the fair face I loved, --my sweetlady of the North, --thinking, indeed, it might prove the last on earth, and knew her eyes were upon me. Then, stronger of heart than ever forthe coming struggle, I fronted that scene below. 

Through the rising haze of smoke I looked down into angry faces, unkempt beards, and brandished weapons. The baffled rascals poured outupon us from both doors, crowding into the narrow space, cursing, threatening, thirsting for revenge. Yet they were seemingly leaderless, and the boldest among them paused at the foot of the stairs. They hadalready felt our arms, had tested our steel, and knew well that grimdeath awaited their advance. 

But they could not pause there long--the ever increasing rush of thosebehind pressed the earlier arrivals steadily forward. Grim necessityfurnished a courage naturally lacking, and suddenly, giving vent to afierce shout, they were hurled upward, seeking to crush us at whateversacrifice, by sheer force of numbers. We met them with the point, inthe good old Roman way, thrusting home remorselessly, fighting withsilent contempt for them which must have been maddening. I even heardBrennan laugh, as he pierced a huge ruffian through the shoulder andhurled him backward; but at that moment I saw Craig knock aside alevelled gun and press his way to the front of the seething mass toassume control. His face was inflamed, his eyes bloodshot; drink hadchanged him into a very demon. 

"Damn ye, Red told you not to fire!" he yelled. "Come on, you dogs! Youcould eat 'em up if ye wasn't sich blamed cowards. There's only two, and we'll hang them yet. "

He leaped straight up the broad steps, his long cavalry sabre in hand, while a dozen of the boldest followed him. Brennan swung his sword highover head, grasping it with both hands for a death-blow, even as Ithrust directly at the fellow's throat. The uplifted blade struck thechain of the hanging lamp, snapped at the hilt, and losing his balancethe Major plunged headlong into the ruck beneath. The downward fall ofhis body swept the stairs. 

As I stood there, panting and breathless, a woman rushed downward. Believing she would throw herself into that tangled mass below, Iinstantly caught her to me. 

"Don't, " I cried anxiously. "You cannot help him. For God's sake goback where you were. "

"It is not that, " she exclaimed, her voice thrilling with excitement. "Oh, Captain Wayne, do you not hear the bugles?"

As by magic those hateful faces vanished, disappearing by means ofevery opening leading out from the hall, and when the cheering blue-coats surged in through the broken door, I was yet standing there, apparently alone but for the dead, leaning weak and breathless againstthe wall, my arm about Edith Brennan. 

 CHAPTER XXXIII

A BELLIGERENT GERMAN

A young officer, whose red face was rendered extremely conspicuous bythe blue of his uniform, led the rush of his soldiers as they cametumbling gallantly into the hall. 

"Up there, men!" he cried, catching instant sight of me, and pointing. "Get that Johnny with the girl. "

As they sprang eagerly forward over the dead bodies littering the floorat the foot of the stairs, Brennan scrambled unsteadily to his feet, and halted them with imperious gesture. 

"Leave him alone!" he commanded. "That is the commander of theConfederate detachment who came to our aid. The guerillas have fleddown the hallway, and are most of them outside by now. Wayne, " heturned and glanced up at us, his face instantly darkening at thetableau, "kindly assist the ladies to descend; we must get them out ofthis shambles. "

He lifted them one by one and with ceremonious politeness across theghastly pile of dead and wounded men. 

"Escort them to the library, " he suggested, as I hesitated. "That roomwill probably be found clear. "

I was somewhat surprised that Brennan should not have come personallyto the aid of his wife, but as he ignored her presence utterly, I atonce offered her my arm, and silently led the way to the roomdesignated, the others following as best they might. The apartment wasunoccupied, exhibiting no signs of the late struggle, and I foundcomfortable resting places for all. Miss Minor was yet sobbing softly, her face hidden upon her mother's shoulder, and I felt constrained tospeak with her. 

"I shall go at once" I said kindly, "to ascertain all I can regardingLieutenant Caton, and will bring you word. "

She thanked me with a glance of her dark eyes clouded with tears, butas I turned hastily away to execute this errand, Mrs. Brennan laidrestraining hand upon my arm. 

"Captain Wayne, " she said with much seriousness, "you are veryunselfish, but you must not go until your own wounds have been attendedto; they may be far more serious than you apprehend. "

"My wounds?" I almost laughed at the gravity of her face, for althoughexhausted, I was unconscious of any injury. "They must be trivialindeed, for I was not even aware I had any. "

"But you have!" she insisted, her eyes full upon me. "Your hair isfairly clotted with blood, while your shoulder is torn and bruiseduntil it is horrible to look upon. "

As I gazed at her, surprised by the anxiety she so openly displayed, Ichanced to behold myself reflected within a large mirror directlyacross the room. One glance was sufficient to convince me her wordswere fully justified. My remains of uniform literally clung to me inrags, my bare shoulder looked a contused mass of battered flesh, myhair was matted, and my face blackened by powder stains and streakedwith blood. 

"I certainly do appear disreputable enough, " I admitted; "but I canassure you it is nothing sufficiently serious to require immediateattention. Indeed a little water is probably all I need. Besides, whyshould I care--was it not all received for your sake?"

I spoke the pronoun so strongly she could not well ignore my obviousmeaning, nor did she endeavor to escape the inference. Her face, yetwhite from the strain of the past few hours, became rosy in an instant, and her eyes fell. 

"I know, " she answered softly. "Perhaps that may be why I am soexceedingly anxious your injuries should be attended to. "

As I stepped without, and closed the door behind me, I was at oncestartled by the rapid firing of shots from the rear of the house, andthe next moment I encountered the young, red-faced officer hurryingalong the hallway at the head of a squad of Federal cavalrymen. Recognizing me in the gloom of the passage he paused suddenly. 

"I owe you a belated apology, Captain, " he exclaimed cordially, "forhaving mistaken you for one of those miscreants, but really yourappearance was not flattering. "

"Having viewed myself since within a mirror, " I replied, "I am preparedto acknowledge the mistake a most natural one. However, I am gratefulto be out of the scrape, and can scarcely find fault with my rescuers. Five minutes more would have witnessed the end. "

"We rode hard, " he said, "and were in saddle within fifteen minutesafter the arrival of your courier. You evidently made a hard fight ofit; the house bears testimony to a terrible struggle. We are rejoicingto learn that Lieutenant Caton was merely stunned; we believed him deadat first, and he is far too fine a fellow to go in that way. "

"He is truly living, then?" I exclaimed, greatly relieved. "Miss Minor, to whom he is engaged, is sorrowing over his possible fate in thelibrary yonder. Could not two of your men assist him to her? She woulddo more to hasten his recovery than any one. "

"Certainly, " was the instant response. "Haines, you and McDonald getthe officer out of the front room; carry him in there where the ladiesare, and then rejoin us. "

His face darkened as the men designated departed on their errand. 

"I really require all the force I possess, " he said doubtfully. "Itseems impossible to dislodge those rascals back yonder. What we need isa field howitzer. "

"I have been wondering at the firing; pretty lively, isn't it? Havesome of those fellows made a stand?"

"Yes; quite a crowd of them have succeeded in barricading themselves inthe kitchen, and it is so arranged as to prove an exceedingly awkwardplace to attack. We have had three men hit already, in spite of everyprecaution, and I am seeking now to discover some means of forcingtheir position from the hall. Their leader appears to be a bullet-headed Dutchman about as easy to manage as a mule. "

The words aroused me to a possibility. 

"A Dutchman, you say? and in the kitchen? Have you had sight of thefellow?"

"Merely a glimpse, and that over a rifle-barrel. He has a round, dullface, with a big flat nose. "

"That idiot is my sergeant, Lieutenant, and supposes he is stillfighting guerillas. "

The Lieutenant looked at me in surprise, then burst into a peal oflaughter. "Well, if that is true, " he cried, "I most sincerely hope youwill call him off before he succeeds in cleaning out our entire troop. "

I started down the hallway toward the point of firing. There was asharp jog in the wall leading to the kitchen door, and as I approachedit some soldiers stationed there warned me to be careful. 

"They're perfect devils to shoot, sir, " said one respectfully, "an' theDutchman fetches his man every time. "

"Oh, it will be all right, boys, " I replied confidently. "He'll knowme. "

Before me as I stepped forth was a double door of oak, the upper halfpartially open. 

"Sergeant, " I cried, "come out; the fight is all over. "

For answer a bullet whizzed past me, chugging into the wall at my back, and I skipped around the corner with a celerity of movement whichcaused the fellows watching me to grin with delight. 

"Find me a white cloth of some kind, " I demanded as soon as I reachedcover, and now thoroughly angered. "We shall see if that wooden-headedold fool knows the meaning of a flag of truce. "

They succeeded in securing me a torn pillow-slip from somewhere, andsheltering my body as best I might behind the wall angle I waved itviolently in full view of the kitchen door. For a few moments itremained apparently unnoted, and then Ebers's round, placid countenancelooked suspiciously through the slight aperture. 

"Did you give op?" he questioned anxiously. 

"Give up nothing, " I retorted, my temper thoroughly exhausted. "Comeout of that! You are firing on your own friends. "

He put his fat fingers to his nose and wiggled them derisively. 

"Dot is too thin, " he said meaningly. "You dink me von ol' fool, but Ishow you. By Chiminy, I want no friends--you shoot me der ear off, andI fights mit you good and blenty. Der is dings to eat in der bantry, and you be damned. "

He drew back, leaving merely the black muzzle of his gun projectingacross the top of the lower door. 

"Ebers, " I called out at the top of my voice, "unless you obey myorders I'LL have you strung up by your own men. Open that door!"

The fat, puzzled face peered once more cautiously over the menacinggun-barrel. 

"Is dot you, Captain?"

"Yes, come out; the fight is all over. "

"No, vos it?" and he flung open the lower half of the door. "Veil, Ivos not sorry. Have ve vipped dem already?"

"Yes, it's all done with. Take your men out of there, and go into campsomewhere in the yard. Seek out our wounded and attend to them as soonas possible. Are your men hungry?"

"Veil, maybe dey vos not quite full, but dere is a ham in der bantrydot vould pe bretty good mit der stomach. "

"Take it along with you; only hurry up, and attend at once to what Ihave told you. "

I watched closely until they had all passed out, and then turned to thehighly amused Federal lieutenant. 

"You surely have a character in that fellow, " he said good-humoredly, "and I can bear witness he is a fighter when the time comes. "

I left them, remembering then my own need. By using the back stairway Iavoided unpleasant contact with the traces of conflict yet visible atthe front of the house, and finally discovered a bathroom whichafforded facilities for cleansing my flesh wounds and making my generalappearance more presentable. I found I could do little to improve thecondition of my clothing, but after making such changes for the betteras were possible, soaking the clotted blood from out my hair, andwashing the powder stains from my face, I felt I should no longer provean object of aversion even to the critical eyes of the women, who wouldfully realize the cause for my torn and begrimed uniform. 

A glance from the window told me the Federal cavalrymen were bearingout the dead and depositing them beyond view of the house in thedeserted negro cabins. Ebers and one or two of my own men were standingnear, carefully scanning the uncovered faces as they were borne past, while scraps of conversation overheard brought the information that thelong dining-room where I had passed the night on guard had beenconverted into a temporary hospital. 

Irresolute as to my next action, I passed out into the upper hall. Itwas deserted and strangely silent, seemingly far removed from all thoseterrible scenes so lately enacted in the rooms beneath. My head by thistime throbbed with pain; I desired to be alone, to think, to map out myfuture course before proceeding down the stairs to meet the others. With this in view I sank down in complete weariness upon a convenientsettee. I could hear the sound of muffled voices below, while anoccasional order was spoken loud enough to reach me; but I was utterlyalone, and my thoughts wandered, as though the strain of the past fewhours had completely wrecked all my mental faculties. It was EdithBrennan--Edith Brennan--who remained constantly before me, and wherevermy eyes wandered they beheld the same fail-face, which tantalized me byits presence and mocked me in every resolve I sought to form. There wasno safety for me--and none for her, as I now verily believed--save inmy immediate departure. We could be together no longer without myunlocking sealed lips and giving utterance to words she could notlisten to, words she must never hear. I was yet struggling to forcethis decision into action when complete fatigue overcame me. My heavyhead sank back upon the arm of the settee, and deep sleep closed myeyes. 

 CHAPTER XXXIV

THE WORDS OF LOVE

It was in my dreams I felt it first, --a light, moist touch upon myburning forehead, --and I imagined I was a child once more, back at theold home, caressed by the soft hand of my mother. But as consciousnessslowly returned I began to realize dimly where I was, and that I was nolonger alone. A gentle hand was stroking back the hair from off mytemples, while the barest uplift of my eyelids revealed the folds of adark blue skirt pressed close to my side. Instantly I realized who mustbe the wearer, and remained motionless until I could better control myfirst unwise impulse. 

She spoke no word, and I cautiously opened my eyes and glanced up intoher face. For a time she remained unaware of my awakening, and satthere silently stroking my forehead, her gaze fixed musingly upon thewindow at the farther end of the hall. Doubtless she had been sittingthus for some time, and had become absorbed in her own reflections, forI lay there drinking in her beauty for several moments before shechanced to glance downward and observe that I was awake. The evidencesof past exposure and strain were not absent from her features, yet hadnot robbed her of that delicate charm which to my mind separated her sowidely from all others, --her rounded cheek yet retained the fresh hueof perfect health, her clear, thoughtful eyes were soft and earnest, while the luxuriant hair, swept back from off the broad, low forehead, had been tastefully arranged and exhibited no signs of neglect. It wasnot a perfect face, for there was unmistakable pride in it, nor would Iventure to term it faultless in contour or regularity of outline, butit was distinctly lovable, and the dearest face for ever in all thisworld to me. How regally was the proud head poised upon the round, swelling throat, and with what regularity her bosom rose and fell toher soft breathing. I think the very intensity of my gaze awakened herfrom reverie, for she turned almost with a start and looked down uponme. As our eyes met, a warm wave of color dyed her throat and cheekscrimson. 

"Why, " she exclaimed in momentary confusion, "I supposed I should knowbefore you awoke, and have ample time to escape unobserved. "

"Possibly if you had been noting the symptoms of your patient withgreater care, you would. "

"True, I was dreaming, " she admitted, "and had almost forgotten where Iwas. "

"Could I purchase your dream? I was intently studying your face as yousat there, yet was unable to determine whether your reflections werepleasant or unpleasant. "

"They were merely foolish, " was the frank response, "but such as theywere they are certainly not for sale. You are better, Captain Wayne?"

"How could I fail to be better with so delightful a nurse? I confess Iam tempted to say no, so as to regain the soft touch of your palm uponmy temple; but it was really nothing more serious than fatigue that hadovercome me. I scarcely know how I chanced to fall asleep. I merely satdown here for a rest; it was very quiet, and that was the last Iremember. Have I been lying here long?"

"There is a rule of evidence, I believe, which protects a suspectedperson from incriminating himself, but I will acknowledge that I havebeen here all of half an hour, " she answered, too proud to deny herpart. "The people below were wondering where you could have gone, and Iundertook a search upon my own account. Yes, sir, " somewhat archly, "Iwas afraid lest your injuries were more serious than you believed themto be. I discovered you lying here. You were resting very uncomfortablywhen I first came, and I felt it my duty to render your position aseasy as possible. I did not forget that your fatigue came in ourdefence. "

"Could you not say in yours?" I corrected. "But I have already beenmore than repaid. Your hand upon my brow was far more restful than Ican tell you--its soft stroking mingled in my dreams even before Iawoke. It brought back to me the thought of my mother. I do not think Ihave had a woman's hand press back my hair since I was a child. "

Her eyes fell slightly, and she moved uneasily. 

"There was a look of pain upon your face as you lay sleeping, and Ithought it might ease you somewhat. I have had some experience as anurse, you know, " she explained quietly. "You mentioned your mother; isshe yet living?"

"She is in Richmond, stopping with friends, but since my capture wehave lost all trace of each other. I was reported as having been killedin action, and I doubt if she even yet knows the truth. Everything isso confused in the capital that it is impossible to trace any one notdirectly connected with the army, once you lose exact knowledge oftheir whereabouts. "

"Your father, then, is dead?"

"He yielded his life the first year of the war; and our plantation nearCharlottesville has been constantly in the track of the armies. Onerather important battle, indeed, was fought upon it, so you may realizethat it is now desolate, and utterly unfit for habitation. "

"The house yet stands?"

"The chimney and one wall alone remained when I was last there, " Ireplied, glad of the interest she exhibited. "Fortunately two of thenegro cabins were yet standing. Doubtless these will form the nucleusof our home when the war ceases; they will prove a trifle better thanthe mere sky. "

"The South is certainly paying a terrible price for rebellion, " shesaid soberly, her fine eyes filled with tears. "Only those of us whohave beheld some portion of the sacrifice can ever realize how completeit is. "

"The uselessness of it is what makes it seem now so unutterably sad. "

"Yes, " she assented, "and this the South is beginning to understand. But I cannot help thinking of the joy awaiting your mother when shelearns that you are well, after she has mourned you as dead. It willalmost repay her for all the rest. How I should love to be the bearerof such news. "

As she spoke she quietly rose to her feet and smiled pleasantly as Itook advantage of the opportunity to sit up. 

"I thought you must be tired, lying in that position so long; besides, I am sure I have tarried here quite as long as I should, now that I canbe of no further service. "

As she gathered her skirts in her hand preparatory to descending thestairs, I yielded to temptation and stopped her. Right or wrong I mustyet have one word more. 

"I beg of you do not desert me so soon. This may prove our finalmeeting, --indeed, I fear it must be; surely, then, it need not be sobrief a one?"

She paused irresolute, one white hand resting upon the dark stair-rail, her face turned partially aside so I could only guess at itsexpression. 

"Our final meeting?"

She echoed my words as though scarcely comprehending their meaning. 

"Yes, " I said, rising and standing before her. "How can we well hope itshall be otherwise? I am not free to remain here, even were it best forother reasons, for I am a soldier under orders. You undoubtedly willproceed North at the earliest possible moment. There is scarcely aprobability that in the great wide world we shall meet again. "

"The war will soon be over; perhaps then you may come North also. "

"I scarcely expect to do so. My work then will be to join with mycomrades in an effort to rebuild the shattered fortunes of Virginia. When the lines of lives diverge so widely as ours must, the chances areindeed few that they ever meet again. "

"Yes; yet we are free agents. "

"Not always, nor under all circumstances--there are outside influenceswhich cannot be ignored. "

Her head was bowed slightly, but she lifted it now, and I dreamed I sawunshed tears in her eyes. 

"But surely you can remain here until we leave?" she questioned, evidently striving not to reveal the depth of interest she felt in thedecision. "It will not be until to-morrow that all details are arrangedso as to permit of our departure. I had supposed you would certainly bewith us until then. "

"Mrs. Brennan!" I exclaimed almost passionately, "do not tempt me! Yourwish is a temptation most difficult to resist. "

"Why resist, then?"

She did not look at me, but stood twisting a handkerchief nervouslythrough her fingers. The abrupt question startled me almost into fullconfession, but fortunately my eyes chanced to fall upon her wedding-ring, and instantly I crushed the mad words back into my throat. 

"Because it is right, " I replied slowly, feeling each sentence as adeath-blow. "For me to remain can mean only one thing. For that I amready enough, if I thought you desired it, but I dare not choose such acourse myself. "

"You speak in riddles. What is the one thing?"

"A personal meeting with Major Brennan. "

The high color deserted her cheeks, and her eyes met mine in suddeninquiry. "Oh, no, no!" she exclaimed with energy. "You and Frank mustnever meet in that way. You mean a duel?"

I bowed gravely. "I can assure you I earnestly desire to avoid it foryour sake, but am aware of no possibility of escape except through myimmediate departure. "

"There has been no challenge then?"

"Not formally, yet almost an equivalent--I was permitted to aid indefence of this house only by pledging myself to Major Brennanafterwards. "

"But why need it be--at least now that you have stood together ascomrades?"

"I fear, " I said quietly, "that fact will not count for much. We bothfought inspired by your presence. "

"Mine!" I hardly knew how to interpret her tone. 

"Certainly; you cannot be ignorant that Major Brennan's dislike isbased upon your friendship for me. "

"But there is no reason, " she stammered. "He has no cause--"

"His reason I must leave him to explain, " I interrupted, to relieve herevident embarrassment. "His words, however, were extremely explicit;and to ignore them by departure is to imperil my own reputation in botharmies. I would do so for no one else in the world but you. "

Her reception of this almost open avowal surprised me. For an instantshe remained motionless, her eyes lowered upon the carpet, a flush oneither cheek; then they were frankly lifted to mine, and she extendedboth hands. 

"How can I ever thank you?" she asked gravely. "Captain Wayne, you makeme trust you utterly, and place me constantly in your debt. "

Her words and manner combined to make me realize the depth of herfeeling. But what did they really betoken? Was it merely thankfulnessat her husband's escape from peril, or a personal devotion towardmyself? I could not determine, but might only venture to believe thefirst more probable. 

"Then you realize that I am right?"

"Yes, " slowly, but making no effort to release her hands. "Yet is noother escape possible?"

"None within my knowledge. "

"And you must go?"

"I must go--unless you bid me stay. "

"Oh, I cannot; I cannot at such a cost!" she cried, and I could feelher body tremble with the intensity of her emotion. "But, CaptainWayne, our friendship surely need not be severed now for ever? I cannotbear to think that it should be. I am no cold, heartless ingrate, andshall never forget what you have done to serve me. I value everysacrifice you have made on my behalf. Let us indeed part now if, as yousay, it must be so; yet surely there are happier days in store for bothof us--days when the men of this nation will not wear differentuniforms and deem it manly to fight and kill each other. "

"The great struggle will certainly cease, possibly within a very fewweeks, " I answered, greatly moved by her earnestness, "but I fear themen engaged in it will remain much the same in their natures howeverthey may dress. I can only say this: Were the path clear I would surelyfind you, no matter where you were hidden. "

She bowed her head against the post of the stair-rail and sobbedsilently. I stood without speaking, knowing nothing I could hope to saywhich would in the least comfort her, for in my own heart abode thesame dull despair. At last she looked up, making not the slightestattempt to disguise her emotion. 

"How terrible it is that a woman must ever choose between such evils, "she said almost bitterly. "The heart says one thing and duty anotherall through life, it seems to me. I have seen so much of suffering inthese last few months, so much of heartless cruelty, that I cannot bearto be the cause of any more. You and Major Brennan must not meet; but, Captain Wayne, I will not believe that we are to part thus for ever. "

"Do you mean that I am to seek you when the war closes?"

"There will be no time when I shall not most gladly welcome you. "

"Your home?" I asked, wondering still if she could mean all that herwords implied. "I have never known where you resided in the North. "

"Stonington, Connecticut. " She smiled at me through the tears yetclinging to her long lashes. "You may never come, of course, yet Ishall always feel now that perhaps you will; and that is not like afinal good-bye, is it?"

I bowed above the hands I held, and pressed my lips upon them. For themoment I durst not speak, and then--a voice suddenly sounded in thehall below:

"I am greatly obliged to you, Miss Minor; she is probably lying down. Iwill run up and call her. "

We started as if rudely awakened from a dream, while a suddenexpression of fright swept across her face. 

"Oh, do not meet him, " she begged piteously. "For my sake do not remainhere. "

"I will go down the back stairway, " I returned hastily, "but do youindeed mean it? may I come to you?"

"Yes, yes; but pray go now!"

Unable longer to restrain myself, I clasped her to me, held her for onebrief instant strained to my breast, kissed her twice upon lips whichhad no opportunity for refusal. 

"This world is not so wide but that somewhere in it I shall again findthe one woman of my heart, " I whispered passionately, and was gone. 

 CHAPTER XXXV

A PLAN MISCARRIED

I remembered as I hurried down the back stairway her flushed face, butcould recall no look of indignant pride in those clear eyes whosepleasant memory haunted me. She loved me; of this I now felt doublyassured, and the knowledge made my heart light, even while I dreadedthe consequences to us both. To have won was much, even although hopeof possession did not accompany the winning. Neither of us might everagain blot out those passionate words of love, nor forget the gladmeeting of our lips. 

I stepped out into the kitchen and came to a sudden pause, facing atable laden with such a variety and abundance of food as had beenstrange to me for many a long day. Directly opposite, a napkin tuckedbeneath his double chin, his plate piled high with good things, satEbers, while at either end I beheld Mr. And Mrs. Bungay similarlysituated. The astonishment of our meeting seemed mutual. The Sergeant, apparently feeling the necessity of explanation, wiped his mouthsoberly. 

"I vos yoost goin' to fill me op mit der dings like a good soldier, Captain, " he said in anxiety. 

"So I perceive, " I answered, my own spirits high. "The long night offasting must have left quite a vacancy. "

"I vos like a cistern in mein insides, by Chiminy. "

"No doubt; well, I am rather hungry myself. Mrs. Bungay, in memory ofold times cannot you spare me a plate? If so, I will take pleasure injoining your happy company. Thank you. I see you have found your man. "

She glared down the table, and the little fellow visibly shrank. 

"I have thet, sir, " she answered grimly, "an' I reckon as how he'slikely ter stay et hum arter this. "

"But you forget he is my guide, " I protested, not disinclined to testher temper. "Surely, Mrs. Bungay, you would not deprive the South ofhis valuable service?"

"An' wouldn't I, now? An' didn't thet little whiffit promise me longafore he ever did you uns? Ain't he my nat'ral pertecter? Whut's a lonefemale a goin' ter dew yere in ther mountings wi'out no man?" Her eyesflashed angrily at me. "Suah, an' if it's jist fightin' as he wants sobad I reckon as how he kin git it et hum wi'out goin' ter no war--anyhow ye kin bet I don't give him up, now I got my hand on him agin, fer ther whole kit an' caboodle of ye. He bean't much ter look et, likely, but he 's my man, an' I reckon as how ther Lord giv' him ter meter take keer of. "

"Really, Mrs. Bungay, " I insisted, "of course it will prove exceedinglydisagreeable to me, and I shall greatly regret being compelled to doanything of the kind, but it is undoubtedly my duty to place Jed underguard and carry him back to camp with me. "

"But suah, an' ye won't, Captain dear?" she pleaded, entirely changingher tone. "Whut good is thet little whiffit ter you uns? There's neverso much as a decent fight in him thet I've found in twenty years. Maybeye think as how I'm jist a bit hard on him; but he's thet gay at timesthet he drives me fair crazy. Every lick I ever give him wus fer hisown good. Suah now, an' ye never would run off with my man?"

"Come, Jed, what do you say? Are you tired fighting the battles of theConfederacy, and prefer those of home?"

 "'Poor remnants of the Bleeding Heart, Ellen and I will seek, apart, The refuge of some forest cell, There like the hunted quarry dwell, Till on the mountain and the moor, The stern pursuit be passed and o'er, '"

he quoted humbly. "I like ter read all 'bout fightin' well 'nough, butdurn it, Cap, it kinder hurts whin they hits ye on ther head with agun. " His face lit up suddenly. "'Sides, I sorter wanter hev Mariar git'quainted with thet thar muel o' mine, Beelzebub. "

"But you've lost him. "

"Nary a durn loss; ye jist can't lose thet muel, he's too blame ornary. He's out thar now, hitched ter a tree, an' a eatin' fit ter bust hisbiler--never a durn mark on his hide fer all he wint through. "

"Well, I suppose I shall be compelled to let you and Beelzebub go, butit will prove a serious loss to the cause of the South, " I said, mythoughts instantly turned by mention of the mule to matters of moreimportance. "I expect there will be lively times up your way. "

"Ye kin jist bet thar will, " enthusiastically. "It'll be nip an' tuck, I reckon, but I 'm mighty hopeful o' Mariar. Thet dern muel he needster be took down a peg. "

Ebers was eating all this time with an eagerness which plainlyexhibited his fear lest I should call him to halt before he hadentirely filled the aching void in his interior department. I could notfail to note the deep anxiety in his eyes as he watched me furtively. 

"Sergeant, " I said, and he started perceptibly. 

"I vos not yet done, Captain, " he implored. "Mein Gott, but I vos sohongry as never vos. "

"Oh, eat all you please; I merely wished to question you a little. Didyou send out a party to bring in our horses and the sabres?"

"It vos all done already; der horses vos found und der swords. Yaw, Isee to all dot; but I vos hongry, und vaited here to fill me op. "

"How many men have we lost?"

He checked them off on the tines of his fork, occasionally pausing totake a bite from the meat held in his other hand. 

"Der vos five kilt, Captain; dot vos it. I vos hit mit der ear off, undvos hongry as never vos; Sands is goin' to die, und maybe Elliott villnot get some better; some odders vos hurted, und der guide vos tookbrisoner. "

"Taken prisoner?"

"Dot is it, Captain; by Chiminy, he vos took by der ear by his vomanund led in der house. Vot you calls dot, if he vos not brisoner, hay?"

"Why, she is his wife. "

"Veil, dot may be, too, " he insisted stoutly. "His frau, yaw, dot isit, but by Chiminy, he fights mit her yoost der same, und vos brisoner;und I vos vounded mit der ear off, und vos hongry as never vos. "

"How many men does that leave us fit for duty?" I asked decisively, pushing back my plate and rising from the table. 

He counted them up with painful slowness, speaking each namedeliberately, as if calling the roll. 

"Dere vos twelve, Captain, mit me, but I am not fit for duty widout Ieat somedings first. "

"That will do, " I said peremptorily. "You can have fifteen minutes moreto complete filling up. In half an hour from now have the men ready forthe road. "

"But, Captain, " he protested, "I vould rattle so mit my insides, byChiminy, dot der horse vould scare. "

"Do exactly as I say, and no more words, Sergeant, " and I turned andleft the room. 

We must depart, and at once. More than ever now I realized thenecessity for haste. I hoped to meet the officer commanding the Federaldetachment who had come to our aid, pay him the customary marks ofrespect, and get away without again coming in contact with MajorBrennan. I felt myself pledged to this course of action. 

A sentry stationed in the lower hallway informed me the officers weremessing together in the front parlor, and I at once headed that way. Ipaused, however, to visit the wounded for a moment, spoke cheerily tomy own men, and then, opening the door quietly, entered the room whichI had last left in possession of the guerillas. With the exception ofbroken windows and bullet-scarred walls little evidence remained ofthat contest which had raged here with such fury but a few hourspreviously. There were numerous dark stains upon the carpet, but muchof the furniture had been restored to place, while a cheerful wood firecrackled in the open grate. Before it three men were sitting smoking, while upon a small table close at their elbows rested a flat bottle, flanked by several glasses. A single glance sufficed to tell me theywere Federal cavalrymen, one being the red-faced lieutenant whom I hadalready met. 

"I am seeking the commander of this detachment, " I explained, as theyglanced up in surprise at my entrance unannounced. "I am Captain Wayne, in charge of the Confederate troop which was engaged in defence of thishouse. "

A portly man with a strong face, and wearing a closely clipped graybeard, arose from a comfortable armchair and advanced with handextended. 

"I am Captain Moorehouse, in command, " he answered cordially, "and amvery glad to meet you. Will you not join with us? My second lieutenant, who has positive genius in that line, has unearthed a few bottles ofrather choice whiskey which we will divide most gladly. "

"I thank you, " I replied, anxious to meet him as pleasantly aspossible, "but I am eager to get away upon my duty as early as may be, and have merely intruded upon you to explain my purpose. "

"Nonsense, " he insisted. "Duty is never quite so urgent as to require awaste of good liquor. Captain Wayne, permit me to present my officers--Lieutenants Warren and Starr, Second New Hampshire Cavalry. If by anyluck you were at Gettysburg, you have met before. "

I smiled and accepted the glass held out to me. 

"I was certainly there, " I replied in the same spirit with which he hadspoken, "and now you recall it, retain a most vivid recollection ofmeeting several Federal cavalrymen on that occasion, but believe I didnot linger to ascertain the number of their regiment. My curiosity wascompletely satisfied before I reached that point. However, I am farbetter pleased to renew the acquaintance in this manner. "

The ice broken, we continued to converse freely for several minutesregarding incidents of the war, and I described the peculiar conditionswhich had brought me to the relief of Brennan's party. Under othercircumstances I should have greatly enjoyed this exchange ofreminiscences, but the constant haunting fear of the Major's possibleentrance at any moment rendered me extremely uneasy, and anxious to beaway. Undoubtedly this feeling exhibited itself in my manner, forCaptain Moorehouse said finally:

"I realize your natural anxiety to be off, Captain Wayne, and while weshould be very glad to keep you with us indefinitely, yet I trust youwill feel perfectly free in the matter. "

"I thank you greatly, " I answered, rising as I spoke. "My duty is ofsuch a nature, and has already been so long neglected, that I feelevery moment of unnecessary delay to be a crime. I wish you a pleasantreturn within your own lines, and an early cessation of hostilities. "

I had shaken hands with them all, and turned toward the door, congratulating myself on escaping thus easily, when a new voice brokesuddenly in upon my self-satisfaction:

"I trust Captain Wayne is not intending to depart without at least aword with me?"

It was Brennan. He had entered unobserved from the second parlor, andnow stood leaning with an almost insolent assumption of languor againstthe sliding door, his eyes fastened upon me. 

"Frankly, " I responded, "I had hoped I might. "

His brows contracted into a frown of anger that seemed to darken hisentire face. 

"Have you forgotten, then, our compact, or do you simply elect toignore it?"

I saw the others exchange quick glances of amazement, but I answeredcoolly:

"The latter supposition is more nearly the truth, Major Brennan. I feltthat after what we have just passed through together we could bothafford to ignore the past, and consequently was hoping to escapewithout again encountering you. "

"Indeed!" he exclaimed sarcastically. "But I might have expected it. Gentlemen, " and he turned toward the expectant group, "this man and Ihave a personal grievance of long standing unsettled. I have sought himfor months in vain. When he came last night to our assistance, before Ieven consented to accept his services I insisted that no occurrence ofthe defence should prevent our meeting if we both survived. Now heendeavors to sneak away like a whipped cur. I demand satisfaction athis hands, and if it is refused I shall denounce him in both armies. "

My cheeks burned, but before I could control myself sufficiently foranswer Moorehouse spoke. 

"But, Brennan, see here, " he said anxiously, "surely Captain Wayne hasserved you well. Is this trouble between you so serious that no amendsare possible?"

"None, short of a personal meeting. "

"Captain, " and the perplexed Federal commander, turned toward me, "haveyou any word of explanation in this unfortunate affair?"

"Very little, " I answered. "I am not even aware that I have done injuryto Major Brennan, purposely or otherwise. He has not so much as honoredme with information as to his cause for complaint. However, I care verylittle what it may be. As he has seen fit to denounce me beforeofficers of my own corps, I should be extremely glad to meet him uponthat ground alone; but after what we have just passed through together, I felt ready to blot out these past differences. Whatever they may havebeen, they are not liable to occur again, nor we to meet. "

"They have occurred again since you have been in this house!" Brennanbroke forth excitedly. "You are not a coward, but I brand you here andnow as sneak and liar! Now will you fight?"

We stood for a moment in utter silence, eye to eye, and I knew therewas no help for it. These words, publicly spoken, left me no choice. 

"I am at your service, Major Brennan, " I returned sternly, "now, or atany time. But I am unfortunate here in having no officer of my armypresent, and hence can name no second. "

"Doubtless one of these gentlemen will consent to serve, " he said, hisface brightening at my rejoinder. 

There was a moment of hesitation, natural enough, for they couldscarcely feel like pitting themselves against a brother officer in aquarrel the merits of which were so obscure. I was about to speak, volunteering to stand alone, when some one hastily pushed a way to thefront, and Lieutenant Caton, pale but determined, stood at my shoulder. 

"It will afford me pleasure to act for Captain Wayne, " he said clearly, "if he will accept my services. Moreover, " he added, with a significantglance at Brennan, "I do this as a friend, and with full confidencethat I am upon the right side in the quarrel. "

For a moment no one spoke, Brennan biting his moustache to keep backwords he durst not utter. Then Caton turned to me. 

"If you will retire to the library, Wayne, I will arrange this matterwith whoever may represent Major Brennan. "

With a slight formal bow to those present I quitted the room. 

 CHAPTER XXXVI

THE LAST RESORT OF GENTLEMEN

I found the library deserted, and paced the floor for fully half anhour before Caton appeared. Stung as I had been by Brennan's harsh, uncalled-for words, I yet shrank from the thought that I must now meethim in deadly combat. It was no fear of personal injury that troubledme; indeed I do not recall giving this the slightest consideration, formy mind was altogether concentrated upon what such a meeting mustnecessarily mean to Edith Brennan, and how it would affect all ourfuture relationship. This was the thought that swayed and mastered me. I had pledged myself to avoid him, and indeed had used every meanspossible to that end. I was even willing to go forth stamped by hisdenunciation rather than involve her in such controversy. But theeffort was fruitless, and I must now stand before him, or else foreverforfeit my manhood. Thus the die was already cast, yet in one point Imight still prove true to the spirit of my pledge, and retain herapprobation--I could permit my antagonist to leave the field unscathed. 

One who does not realize my feelings toward this man, my fierceresentment of every indignity he had heaped upon me, my intenserivalry, and my burning desire to punish him for a hundred mentalwounds, cannot comprehend how difficult a battle I fought in those fewmoments in order that I might conquer myself. The time was none toolong, yet my mind once thoroughly settled as to my duty to her, Ibecame calm again, and confident as to the outcome. When Caton entered, flushed and visibly excited from what had evidently proven anacrimonious controversy, I greeted him with a smile. 

"You appear to have experienced difficulties in regard to details, " Isaid curiously. 

"There was much unnecessary talk, " he admitted, "but matters have beenat last arranged to the satisfaction of all concerned. You are to meetat once, in the rear of the big tobacco shed, a spot entirely removedfrom observation. I have been compelled to accept pistols as theweapons, as we have nothing else here at all suitable for the purpose--cavalry sabres being far too cumbersome. Lieutenant Starr chances topossess two derringers exactly alike which we have mutually agreedupon. I hope this is satisfactory to you, Wayne?"

"I am not precisely an expert, but that does not greatly matter. Whoacts for Brennan?"

"Captain Moorehouse, rather against his will, I think. "

"Very well, Caton; I am perfectly satisfied, and am, indeed, greatlyobliged to you; yet before we go out I desire to speak a word or twowith the utmost frankness. " I stood facing him, my hand resting lightlyupon the writing-table, my eyes reading his expressive face. "As mysecond I wish you to comprehend fully my actions, and the motives thatinspire them. If they are in any way unsatisfactory to your mind, youmay feel at perfect liberty to withhold your services. I am now, andalways have been, opposed to duelling; I believe it wrong in principle, and a travesty upon justice; but it is a custom of the South, arequirement among officers of our army, and after what has justoccurred between Major Brennan and myself I cannot honorably refuse anylonger to go out. Major Brennan has deliberately placed me in aposition where I cannot avoid meeting him without losing all standingin my corps. I sought to escape, but was prevented by accident; now Isimply yield to the inevitable. I feel confident you will notmisconstrue these words; you surely know me sufficiently well so as notto attribute them to cowardice. I shall face him exactly in accordancewith your arrangements, asking nothing upon my part, yielding him everysatisfaction he can possibly desire--but I shall fire in the air. "

He stared at me incredulously, his face a perfect picture of amazement. "But, Wayne, " he stammered, "are you aware that Major Brennan is anexpert with the pistol? that he holds the Sixth Corps trophy? Do yourealize that he goes out deliberately intending to kill you?"

"I was not posted as to the first fact you mention, but have neverentertained the slightest doubt as to the other. However, they do notin the least affect my decision. "

"But, man, it will be murder! I should never forgive myself if Isanctioned it. "

"That is exactly why I told you, " I said calmly; "and I am perfectlywilling to stand alone and absolve you from all responsibility. Yet Ido not desire you to suppose that I am at all quixotic in this--thereis a personal reason why I am perfectly willing to risk my life ratherthan injure Major Brennan. "

His troubled eyes studied me intently, and then his face suddenlybrightened with a new thought. "Wayne, " he asked, placing his hand uponmy arm familiarly, "is it Mrs. Brennan?"

For an instant I hesitated, but his manly, honest countenance reassuredme. "Between us only, it is, " I answered gravely; "but not theslightest blame attaches to her. "

"I do not wholly understand, " he said at last, "yet I do not doubt youmay be perfectly right in your decision. " He extended his handimpulsively. "I know you to be a good soldier and a true gentleman; Iwill stand with you, Wayne, but I pledge this--if he takes advantagetreacherously, and you fall (as God forbid!), I will face him myself;and when I do, there shall be no firing in the air. "

I wrung his hand silently, and my heart went out in unspeakablegratitude to this noble fellow, who, wearing the uniform of an enemy, had constantly proven himself my sincere friend. "Your words strengthenme greatly, " I managed to say at last. "Now let us go, and not keep theothers waiting. "

I do not remember that we spoke, save once, while we passed out throughthe orchard into the field where the big tobacco shed stood. A group ofsoldiers were digging a grave behind one of the negro cabins, but otherthan these we saw no one. It was as we paused a moment to refasten thegate that I finally broke the silence between us. 

"In the inner pocket of my shirt, " I said, "you will find directionswhich will enable you to communicate with my people. "

His eyes instantly filled with tears. 

"Don't say that, Wayne, " he protested. "I will not believe it isdestined to end so. "

"I certainly trust it is not, " I answered, smiling at him, and deeplytouched by his show of genuine feeling, "but I have only you to relyupon in this matter if by any chance it does. "

The deserted field we were compelled to cross had long been neglected, and was now thickly overgrown with weeds. Not until we turned thecorner of the great ramshackle building, which in other and moreprosperous days had been dedicated to the curing of the leaf, did weperceive any signs of the presence of our antagonists. They werestanding upon the farther side, directly opposite the door, and bothbowed slightly as we approached. The Captain came toward us slowly. 

"It is to be greatly regretted, gentlemen, " he said, with ceremoniouspoliteness, "that we have no surgeon with us. However, neithercontestant has any advantage in this respect. Lieutenant Caton, may Iask if the arrangements as already completed have proven satisfactoryto your principal?"

"Entirely so. "

"Then if you will kindly step this way a moment we will confer as tocertain details. "

Brennan was leaning in negligent attitude against the side of thebuilding, his eyes fastened upon the ground, the blue smoke of a cigarcurling lazily above his head. I glanced toward him, and then sought toamuse myself watching the queer antics of a gray squirrel on the railfence beyond. I felt no desire for further thought, only an intenseanxiety for them to hurry the preliminaries, and have the affairsettled as speedily as possible. I was aroused by Moorehouse's rathernasal voice. 

"Gentlemen, will you please take your positions. Major Brennan, youwill stand three paces to the right of that sapling, facing directlysouth. Captain Wayne, kindly walk straight west from the shed dooruntil you come opposite the Major's position. "

I noted Brennan throw away the stump of his cigar, and then I walkedslowly forward until I reached the point assigned me. My heart wasbeating fast now, for I fully realized the probabilities of the nextfew minutes, and felt little doubt that serious injury, if not death, was to be my portion. Yet my trained nerves did not fail me, andoutwardly I appeared fully as cool and deliberate as my opponent. Yearsof constant exposure to peril in every form had yielded me a grimphilosophy of fatalism that now stood me in most excellent stead. Indeed, I doubt not, had I chosen to put it to the test, my hand wouldhave proven the steadier of the two, for Brennan's face was flushed, and he plainly exhibited the intense animosity with which he confrontedme. 

How peculiarly the mind often operates in such moments of excitingsuspense! I recall remarking a very slight stoop in Brennan's shoulderswhich I had never perceived before, I remember wondering whereMoorehouse had ever discovered a tailor to give so shocking a fit tohis coat, and finally I grew almost interested in two birds perchedupon the limb of a tree opposite where I stood. I even smiled to myselfover a jest one of the young officers had made an hour before. Yet withit all I remained keenly observant, and fully aware of each movementmade by the others on the field. I saw Caton accept the derringerhanded him and test it carefully, the long, slim, blue barrel lookingdeadly enough as he held it up between me and the sky. Then Moorehouseapproached Brennan with its fellow in his grasp, and the Lieutenantcrossed over, and stood beside me. 

"Here is the gun, Wayne, " he said, "and I sincerely hope you havechanged your decision. There is no mercy in Brennan's eyes. "

"So I notice, " I answered, taking the derringer from him, and examiningit with some curiosity, "but I shall do as I said, nevertheless. It isnot any sentiment of mercy I feel which spares him, but a duty thatappeals to me even more strongly than hate. "

"By Heaven, I wish it were otherwise. "

I remained silent, for I could not say in my heart that I echoed hiswish, and I cared not to go down in another minute with a lie upon mylips. The love of Edith Brennan, which I now felt assured was mine, wassweeter far to me than life. 

"Who gives the word?" I questioned. 

"I do; are you ready?"

"Perfectly. "

I held out my hand, and his fingers closed upon it with warm, friendlygrip. The next moment Brennan and I stood, seemingly alone, facing eachother, as motionless as two statues. His coat was buttoned to thethroat, his cap-visor pulled low over his eyes, his pistol hand hangingstraight down at his side, his gaze never wavering from me. I knew hewas coolly, deliberately measuring the distance between us with asdeadly a purpose as any murderer. The almost painful stillness wasbroken by Caton, and I marked the tremor in his voice. 

"Are you both ready, gentlemen?"

"I am, " said Brennan. 

"Ready, " I replied. 

"The word will be one, two, three--fire; with a slight pause after thethree. A report from either pistol before the final word is spoken Ishall take personally. Be prepared now. "

There was a moment's pause; so still was it I heard the chirping ofbirds overhead, and the flutter of a leaf as it fell swirling at myfeet. I saw Brennan as through a mist, and in its undulations thereseemed to be pictures of the face of his wife, as if her spirit hoveredthere between us. To have shot then would have been like piercing herbefore reaching him. 

"Ready!" said the voice once more; and as I saw Brennan's arm slowlyrise, I lifted mine also, and covered him, noting, as I did so, almostin wonder, with what steadiness of nerve and wrist I held the slendergauge just beneath the visor of his cap. Deliberately, as though hedreaded the necessity, Caton counted:

"One; two; three--_fire_!"

My pistol exploded, the charge striking the limb above him, and Istaggered backward, my hat torn from my head, a white line cut throughmy hair, and a thin trickle of blood upon my temple. I saw Catonrushing toward me, his face filled with anxiety, and then Brennanhurled his yet smoking derringer into the dirt at his feet with anoath. 

"Damn it, Moorehouse, " he roared, fairly beside himself, "the chargewas too heavy; it overshot. "

"Are you much hurt?" panted Caton. 

"Merely pricked the skin. "

Then Brennan's angry voice rang out once more. 

"I demand another shot, " he insisted loudly. "I demand it, I tell you, Moorehouse. This settles nothing, and I will not be balked just becauseyou don't know enough to load a gun. "

Caton wheeled upon him, his blue eyes blazing dangerously. 

"You demand a second shot?" he cried indignantly. 

"Are you not aware, sir, that Captain Wayne fired in the air? It wouldbe murder. "

"Fired in the air!" he laughed, as if it was a most excellent joke. "Ofcourse he did, but it was because my ball disconcerted his aim. I fireda second the first, but his derringer was covering me. "

Caton strode toward him, his face white with passion. 

"Let him have it his way, " I called after him, for now my own blood wasup, "I shall not be guilty of such neglect again. "

He did not heed me, perhaps he did not hear. 

"Major Brennan, " he said, facing him, his voice trembling with feeling, "I tell you Captain Wayne purposely shot in the air. He informed mebefore coming upon the field that he should do so. I positively refuseto permit him to face your fire again. "

Brennan's face blazed; chagrin, anger, disappointment fairly infuriatedhim, and he seemed to lose all self-control. "This is some cowardlytrick!" he roared, glaring about him as if seeking some one upon whomhe could vent his wrath. "Damn it, I believe my pistol was fixed toovershoot in order to save that fellow. I never missed such a shotbefore. "

Moorehouse broke in upon his raving, so astounded at these intemperatewords as to stutter in his speech. 

"D-do you d-dare to in-insinuate, Major Brennan" he began, "that Ihave--" he paused, his mouth wide open, staring toward the shed. Involuntarily we glanced in that direction also, wondering what he saw. There, in the open doorway, as in a frame, dressed almost entirely inwhite, her graceful figure and fair young face clearly defined againstthe dark background, stood Edith Brennan. 

 CHAPTER XXXVII

THE LAST GOOD-BYE

She exhibited no outward sign of agitation as she left her position andslowly advanced toward us. However fiercely her heart may have beatenshe remained apparently calm and composed. Never before had I felt socompletely dominated by her womanly spirit, while her very presenceupon the field hushed in an instant the breathings of dispute. Shenever so much as glanced at either Brennan or myself, but ignored ustotally as she drew near. Daintily lifting her skirts to keep them fromcontact with the weeds under foot, her head poised proudly, her eyes abit disdainful of it all, she paused before Caton. 

"Lieutenant, " she questioned in a clear tone which seemed to command ananswer, "I have always found you an impartial friend. Will you kindlyinform me as to the true meaning of all this?"

He hesitated, hardly knowing what to reply, but her imperious eyes wereupon him--they insisted, and he stammered lamely:

"Two of the gentlemen, madam, were about to settle a slightdisagreement by means of the code. "

"Were about?" she echoed, scornful of all deceit. "Surely I heard shotsas I came through the orchard?" "One fire has been exchanged, " hereluctantly admitted. "And Captain Wayne has been wounded?"

I was not aware until that moment that she had even so much as noticedmy presence. 

"Very slightly, madam. "

"His opponent escaped uninjured?"

Caton bowed, glanced uneasily toward me, and then blurted forthimpulsively: "Captain Wayne fired in the air, madam. "

She never glanced toward where I stood, yet I instantly marked thequick droop of her eyes, the faint pink that overspread her cheek. Thisslight confusion, unnoted save by eyes of love, was but momentary, still it was sufficient to apprise me that she both understood andapproved my action. 

"A most delightful situation, surely, " she said clearly andsarcastically. "One would almost suppose we had wholly reverted tobarbarism, and that our boasted civilization was but mockery. Think ofit, " and the proud disdain in her face held us silent, "not six hoursago that house yonder was the scene of a desperate battle. Within itsblood-stained rooms men fought and died, cheering in their agony likeheroes of romance. I saw there two men battling shoulder to shoulderagainst a host of infuriated ruffians, seeking to protect helplesswomen. They wore different uniforms, they followed different flags, bythe fortune of war they were enemies, yet they could fight and die indefence of the weak. I thanked God upon my knees that I had beenprivileged to know such men and could call them friends. No nobler, truer, manlier deed at arms was ever done! Yet, mark you, no sooner isthat duty over--scarcely are their dead comrades buried--when theyforget every natural instinct of gratitude, of true manliness, andspring at each other's throat like two maddened beasts. I care not whatthe cause may be--the act is shameful, and an insult to every woman ofthis household. Even as I came upon the field voices were clamoring foranother shot, in spite of the fact that one man stood already wounded. War may be excusable, but this is not war. Gentlemen, you have firedyour last shot on this field, unless you choose to make me yourtarget. "

I would that I possessed a picture of that scene--a picture which wouldshow the varied expressions of countenance as those scornful wordslashed us. She stood there as a queen might, and commanded an obedienceno man among us durst refuse. Brennan's flushed face paled, and hislips trembled as he sought to make excuse. 

"But, Edith, " he protested, "you do not know, you do not understand. There are wrongs which can be righted in no other way. "

"I do not care to know, " she answered coldly, "nor do I ever expect tolearn that murder can right a wrong. "

"Murder! You use strong terms. The code has been recognized forcenturies as the last resort of gentlemen. "

"The code! Has it, indeed? What gentlemen? Those of the Southexclusively of late. That might possibly pardon your opponent, but notyou, for you know very well that in the North no man of any standingwould ever venture to resort to it. Moreover, even the code presupposesthat men shall stand equal at its bar--I am informed that Captain Waynefired in the air. "

He hesitated, feeling doubtless the uselessness of further protest, yetshe permitted him small opportunity for consideration. "Major, " shesaid quietly but firmly, "I should be pleased to have you escort me tothe house. "

These words, gently as they were spoken, still constituted a command. Her eyes were upon his face, and I doubt not he read within them thathe would forfeit all her respect if he failed to obey. Yet he yieldedwith exceeding poor grace. 

"As it seems impossible to continue, " he admitted bitterly, "I supposeI may as well go. " He turned and fronted me, his eyes glowing. "Butunderstand, sir, this is merely a cessation, not an ending. "

I bowed gravely, not daring to trust my voice in speech, lest I shouldyield to the temptation of my own temper. 

"Captain Wayne, " she said, glancing back across his broad blueshoulder, and I thought there was a new quality in her voice, the stinghad someway gone out of it, "I shall esteem it a kindness if you willcall upon me before you depart. "

"With pleasure, " I hastened to reply, my surprise at the request almostrobbing me of speech, "but I shall be compelled to leave at once, as mytroop is already under orders. "

"I shall detain you for only a moment, but after what you have passedthrough on our behalf I am unwilling you should depart withoutrealizing our gratitude. You will find me in the library. Come, Frank, I am ready now. "

We remained motionless, watching them until they disappeared around thecorner of the shed. Brennan walked with stern face, his step heavy, shewith averted eyes, a slight smile of triumph curling her lip. ThenMoorehouse stooped and picked up the derringer the Major had thrownaway. 

"By thunder, but she's right!" he exclaimed emphatically. "I tell youthat's a mighty fine woman. Blame me, if she didn't face us like aqueen. "

No one answered, and without exchanging another word we walked togetherto the house. There I found the remnant of my troop standing besidetheir horses, chaffing with a dozen idle Yankee cavalrymen who werelounging on the wide steps. 

The time had come when I must say a final farewell and depart. Not theslightest excuse remained for further delay. I dreaded the ordeal, butno escape was possible, and I entered the house for what I well knewwas to be the last time. My mind was gravely troubled; I knew not whatto expect, how far I might venture to hope. Why had she desired to seeme again? Surely the public reason she offered could not be the realone. Was it to confess that I had won her heart, or to show me byscornful words her indignation at my folly? What should I say, howcould I act in her presence? These and a hundred other queries arose toperplex me. 

Had she only been free, a maid whose hand remained her own to surrenderas she pleased, I should never have hesitated, never have doubted herpurpose; but now that could not be. I felt that every word and lookbetween us already bordered upon sin, that danger to both alike lurkedin each stolen glance and meeting. Better far we should have partedwithout further speech. I knew this, yet love constrained me, as it hasconstrained many another, and I lingered at her wish--a foolish mothfluttering to the flame. 

As I knocked almost timidly at the closed library door a gentle voicesaid, "Come, " and I entered, my heart throbbing like a frightenedgirl's. She stood waiting me nearly in the centre of that spaciousapartment, dressed in the same light raiment she had worn without, andher greeting was calm and friendly, yet tinged by a proud dignity Icannot describe. I believed for an instant that we were alone, and myblood raced through my veins in sudden expectancy; then my eyes fellupon Mrs. Minor comfortably seated in an armchair before the fire, andI realized that she was present to restrain me from forgetfulness. Butin very truth my lady hardly needed such protection--her speech, hermanner, her proud constraint told me at once most plainly that noexisting tie between us had caused our meeting. 

"Captain Wayne, " she said softly, her high color alone giving evidenceof any memory of the past, "I scarcely thought that we should meetagain, yet was not willing to part with you under any misunderstanding. I have learned from Lieutenant Caton the full particulars of youraction in connection with Major Brennan. I wish you to realize that Iappreciate your efforts to escape a hostile meeting, and esteem youmost highly for your forbearance on the field. It was indeed a nobleproof of true courage. May I ask, why did you fire in the air?"

Had she not held me so away from her by her manner I should have thenand there told her all the truth. As it was I durst not. 

"I felt convinced that if my bullet reached Major Brennan it wouldinjure you. I preferred not to do that. "

She bowed gravely, while a kinder look, if I may use that expression, seemed to dominate her face. 

"I believed it was for my sake you made the sacrifice. " She paused;then asked in yet lower tones: "Was my name mentioned during yourcontention--I mean publicly?"

"It was not; Caton alone is aware I refrained because of the reason Ihave already given you. "

"Your wound is not serious?"

"Too insignificant to be worthy of mention. "

She was silent, her eyes upon the carpet, her bosom rising and fallingwith the emotion she sought in vain to suppress. 

"I thank you for coming to me, " she said finally. "I shall understandit all better, comprehend your motive better, for this brief talk. Whatever you may think of me in the future, " and she held out her handwith something of the old frankness in the gesture, "do not hold me asungrateful for a single kindness you have shown me. I have not fullyunderstood you, Captain Wayne; indeed, I doubt if I do even now, yet Iam under great obligations which I hope some day to be able to requite, at least in part. "

"A thousand times they are already paid, " I exclaimed eagerly, forgetting for the moment the presence of her silent chaperon. "Youhave given me that which is more than life--"

"Do not, Captain Wayne, " she interrupted, her cheeks aflame. "I wouldrather forget. Please do not; I did not send to you for that, only totell you I knew and understood. We must part now. Will you saygoodbye?"

"If you bid me, yes, I will say good-bye, " I answered, my own self-control brought back instantly by her words and manner, "but I retainthat which I do not mean to forget--your gracious words of invitationto the North. "

She stood with parted lips, as though she struggled to force back thatwhich should not be uttered. Then she whispered swiftly:

"It is not my wish that you should. "

Was there ever such another paradox of a woman?

I knew not how to read her aright, for I scarce ever found her twicethe same. Which represented the truth of her character--her cooldignity, her impetuous pride, or that gentle tenderness which befittedher so well? Which was the armor, which the heart of this fair lady ofthe North? As we rode down the path to the eastward, a snowyhandkerchief fluttered for an instant at the library window. I raisedmy hat in silent greeting, and we were gone. 

 CHAPTER XXXVIII

THE FURLING OF THE FLAGS

The close of the long and bitter struggle had come; to those who hadcast their fortunes with the South it seemed almost as the end of theworld. I had thought to write of those last sad days, to picture themin all their contrasting light and shadow, but now I cannot. There arethoughts too deep for human utterance, memories too sacred for the pen. I rejoice that I was a part of it; that to the lowering of the lasttattered battle-flag I remained constant to the best traditions of myhouse. I cannot sit here now, beneath the protecting shadow of a flagfor which my son fought and died, and write that I regret the ending, for years of peace have taught us of the South lessons no less valuablethan did the war; yet do I rejoice to-day that, having once donned thegray, I wore it until the last shotted gun voiced its grim message tothe North. 

It is hardly more than a dream now, sometimes vague and shadowy, againdistinct with living figures and historic scenes. I require but toclose my eyes to behold once more those slender lines of ragged, weary, hungry men, to whom fighting had become synonymous with life. I passagain through the fiery rain of those last fierce battles, when indesperation we sought to check the unnumbered blue legions that fairlycrushed us beneath their weight. The vividness of the memory burns mybrain as by fire, --the ghastly faces of the dead, the unuttered agonyof the wounded, the patient suffering of the living. Day by day, nightby night, we grew less in numbers, and our thin lines contracted;divisions shrank into regiments, companies to platoons. Men knew thatthe inevitable was upon them, yet smiled into one another's face andwent forth to die. It was pitiable; it was magnificent. Hungry wefought, unsheltered we slept; our dead were lying with the enemy, whilewe who yet lived for the duty of another day fronted the bayonets withhearts of courage and sadly prophetic souls. Everywhere to front andrear, to left and right, stretched that same blue wall tipped withcruel steel; in constant hail of iron the shells fell upon us, darkening the day-sky, and turning night into a hell of flame. Therewas no retreat, no loophole of escape; we could but stay, suffer, andperish. Like men afflicted with some incurable malady, we who were ofthat stricken remnant sternly, grimly looked into the eyes of death andwaited for the end. 

I saw it all; I held a part in it all. Upon that April day whichwitnessed the turning of the last sad page in this tragedy, I stoodwithout the McLean house, ankle deep in the trampled mud of the yard, surrounded by a group of Federal officers. Within was my commander, theold gray hero of Virginia, together with the great silent soldier ofthe North. 

Few about me spoke as we waited in restless agony. No one addressed me, and I think there must have been a look in my face which held themdumb. We knew well what hung upon the balance then; that within thosehumble walls was being consummated one of the great events of history. To the men in blue it meant home, and victory, and peace; to those ingray, suffering, and struggle, and defeat. 

I know not how long I waited, standing beside my horse, with head halfbowed upon his neck, seeing the figures about me as in a dream. At lastthe door was flung open, and those within came forth. He was in advanceof them all. In that pale, stern, kindly face, and within the depths ofthose sorrowful gray eyes, I read instantly the truth--_the Army ofNorthern Virginia was no more. _ Yet with what calm dignity did thisdefeated chieftain pass down that blue lane, his head erect, his eyesundimmed--as dauntless in that awful hour of surrender as when he rodebefore his cheering legions of fighting men. Only as he came to where Istood, and caught the look of suffering upon my face, did he oncefalter, and then I noted no more than the slight twitching of his lipsbeneath the short gray beard. 

"Captain Wayne, " he said, with all his old-time courtesy, "I shall haveto trouble you to ride to General Hills's division and request him tocease all firing at once. "

I turned reluctantly away from him, knowing full well in my heart I wasbearing my last order, and rode at a hard trot down the road betweenlong lines of waiting Federal infantry. I scarcely so much as saw them, for my head was bent low over the saddle pommel, and my eyes wereblurred with tears. 

 * * * * *

The sun lay hot and golden over the dusty roads and fenceless fields. The air was vocal with blare of trumpets and roll of drums, whileeverywhere the eye rested upon blue lines and long columns of marchingtroops. I formed one of a little gray squad moving slowly southward--amere fragment of the fighting men of the Confederacy, making their wayhomeward as best they might. As the roads forked I left them, for hereour paths diverged, and it chanced I was the only one whose hope laywestward. 

Silently, thoughtfully I trudged on for an hour through the thick reddust. My horse, sorely wounded in our last skirmish, limped painfullybehind me, his bridle-rein flung carelessly over my arm. Out yonder, where the sun pointed the way with streams of fire, I was to take uplife anew. Life! What was there left to me in that word? A deserted, despoiled farm alone awaited my coming; hardly a remembered face, scarcely a future hope. The glitter of a passing troop of cavalry drewmy mind for an instant to Edith Brennan, but I crushed the thought. Even were she free, what had I now to place at her proud feet, --I, apenniless, defeated, homeless man? No, that was all over, even as thecause for which I had fought; love and ambition must lie buried in thesame grave. The clothes I wore, that tattered suit of faded gray, soiled by months of hard service in the open, was all I possessed inthe wide world, save the starved and wounded animal limping dejectedlyat my heels. The mere conception of it, the picture of kneeling thusattired at her feet, brought with it a grim smile, which a deepheartache instantly chased away. Besides, she was not free, and nodream of love might inspire me to toil and hope. With clinched teeth Idrove her memory from me, back into that dim past where lurked all thathad been worthy in my life. Sternly I resolved that her face shouldhenceforth abide with those others--the shadowy comrades of many abattlefield. 

In this spirit I plodded on, my step heavy, my head bowed, weariedalike in heart and body. My temples throbbed with the heat of the sun, my eyes were dulled, my throat caked by the swirling dust. At a cross-roads a Federal picket halted me, and I aroused sufficiently to handhim the paper which entitled me to safe passage through the lines. Hewas a man well along in years, with thoughtful eyes and kindly face, and I spoke to him out of my sheer loneliness. 

"No doubt you are rejoicing that the long struggle is so nearly ended?"I said as he handed me back the paper and motioned me to pass on. "Haveyou a family in the North?"

"A wife and five children up in Michigan, sir, " he answered civilly. "Iguess they are counting the days now. And you, sir?"

"Oh, I have some acres of worn-out land over yonder, and but littleelse. "

"Well, you're a sight better off than some, I s'pect. It's been prettytough on all of you, but if you fellows only work like you foughtyou'll have things a humming before long. "

There was homely comfort in his philosophy which for the moment cheeredme. Perhaps he was right; the energy and bravery of the South, crippledas it now was, might yet conquer our present misfortune, and prove it ablessing in disguise. I had gone a hundred yards or more, this thoughtstill in my mind, when I became aware that he was calling after me. 

"Hey, there, you gray-back!" he shouted, "hold on a bit!"

As I came to a pause and glanced back, wondering if there could beanything wrong with my parole, he swung his cap and pointed. 

"That officer coming yonder wants to speak with you. "

Across the open field at my right, hidden until then by a slight riseof ground, a mounted cavalryman was riding rapidly toward me, the windblowing back his cape so as to make conspicuous its bright yellowlining. For the moment his lowered head prevented recognition, but ashe cleared the ditch and came up smiling, I saw it was Caton. 

"By Jove, Wayne, but this is lucky!" he exclaimed, springing to theground beside me. "I've actually been praying for a week past that Imight meet you. Holmes, of your service, told me you had pulledthrough, but everything is in such confusion that to hunt for you wouldhave been the proverbial quest after a needle in a haystack. You havebeen paroled then?"

"Yes, I'm completely out of it at last, " I answered, feeling to thefull the deep sympathy expressed by his face. "It was a bitter pill, but one which had to be taken. "

"I know it, old fellow, " and his hand-grasp on mine tightened warmly. "Of course I 'm glad, there's no use denying that, glad we won; gladthe old Union has been preserved as our fathers gave it to us; gladslavery on this continent has passed away for ever, and so will you bebefore you die. Yet I am sincerely sorry for those who have given theirall and lost. God knows you fought a good fight, fought as Americansonly can, even though it was in a bad cause. That is the pity of it;such heroism, such sacrifice, and all wasted. If you have been beatenthere is no disgrace in it, for no other nation in this world couldever have accomplished it. But this was a case of Greek meeting Greek, and we had the money, the resources, and the men. But, Wayne, I tellyou, I do not believe there is to-day a spark of bitterness in theheart of a fighting Federal soldier. We fought you to a finish becauseit's in our blood; we whipped you because we were compelled to in orderto preserve the Union, but we'd share our last cent, or last crust, with any gray-back now. I know I feel as if every paroled Confederatewere a brother in need. "

"I know, Caton, " I said, --and the words came hard, --"your fighting menrespect us, even as we do them. It has been a sheer game of which couldstand the most punishment, and the weaker had to go down. I know allthat, but, nevertheless, it is a terrible ending to so much of hope, suffering, and sacrifice. "

"Yes, " he admitted soberly, "you have given your all. But those whosurvive have a wonderful work before them. They must lay anew thefoundations; they are to be the rebuilders of States. You were goinghome?"

I smiled bitterly at this designation of my journey's end. 

"Yes, if you can so name a few weed-grown fields and a vacant negrocabin. I certainly shall have to lay the foundation anew mostliterally. "

"Will you not let me aid you?" he questioned eagerly. "I possess somemeans, and surely our friendship is sufficiently established to warrantme in making the offer. You will not refuse?"

"I must, " I answered firmly. "Yet I do not value the offer the less. Sometime I may even remind you of it, but now I prefer to dig, as theothers must. I shall be the stronger for it, and shall thus soonerforget the total wreck. "

For a few moments we walked on together in silence, each leading hishorse. I could not but note the contrast between us in dress andbearing. Victory and defeat, each had stamped its own. 

"Wayne, " he asked at length, glancing furtively at me, as if to markthe effect of his words, "did you know that Mrs. Brennan was again withus?"

The name thus spoken set my heart to instant throbbing, but I sought toanswer carelessly. Whatever he may have surmised, it was plainly myduty to hide our secret still. 

"I was not even aware she had been away. "

"Oh, yes; she returned North immediately after your last parting, andcame back only last week. So many wives and relatives of the officershave come down of late, knowing the war to be practically at an end, that our camp has become like a huge picnic pavilion. It is quite thefashionable fad just now to visit the front. Mrs. Brennan accompaniedthe wife of one of the division commanders from her State--Connecticut, you know. "

There was much I longed to ask regarding her, but I would not ventureto fan his suspicions. In hope that I might turn his thought I asked, "And you; are you yet married?"

He laughed good-humoredly. "No, that happy day will not occur untilafter we are mustered out. Miss Minor is far too loyal a Virginian everto become my wife while I continue to wear this uniform. By the way, Mrs. Brennan was asking Celia only yesterday if she had heard anythingof you since the surrender. "

"She is at Appomattox, then?"

"No, at the headquarters of the Sixth Corps, only a few miles northfrom here. "

"And the Major?"

Caton glanced at me, a peculiar look in his face, but answered simply:

"Naturally I have had small intimacy with him after what occurred atMountain View, but he is still retained upon General Sheridan's staff. At Mrs. Brennan's request we breakfasted together yesterday morning, but I believe he is at the other end of the lines to-day. "

We sat down upon a bank, our conversation drifting back to theiruneventful ride northward, and later to our experiences during thoselast weeks of war. I have often reflected since on the vivid contrastwe must have made while resting there, each holding the rein of hishorse, our animals as widely differing in appearance as ourselves. Bothwere typical of the two services in those last days. Caton was attiredin natty uniform, fleckless and well groomed, his linen immaculate, hisbuttons gleaming, the rich yellow stripes of his arm of the servicemaking marked contrast with the blue he wore and the green he sat upon. I, on the other hand, was haggard from hard, sleepless service andinsufficient food, my shapeless old slouch hat and dull gray jackettorn and disfigured, the marks of rank barely discernible. 

But his manly, hopeful spirit reawakened my courage, and for the time Iforgot disaster while listening to his story of love and his plans forthe future. His one thought was of Celia and the Northern home so soonnow to be made ready for her coming. The sun sank lower into thewestern sky, causing Caton to draw down his fatigue cap until itsglazed visor almost completely hid his eyes. With buoyant enthusiasm hetalked on, each word drawing me closer to him in bonds of friendship. But the time of parting came, and after we had promised to correspondwith each other, I stood and watched while he rode rapidly back downthe road we had traversed together. At the summit of the hill he turnedand waved his cap, then disappeared, leaving me alone, with Edith'sface more clearly than ever a torture to my memory of defeat, --herface, fair, smiling, alluring, yet the face of another man's wife. 

 CHAPTER XXXIX

MY LADY OF THE NORTH

I walked the next mile thoughtfully, pondering over those vague hopesand plans with which Caton's optimism had inspired me. Then theinevitable reaction came. The one thing upon which he built so happilyhad been denied me, --the woman I loved was the wife of another. I mightnot even dream of her in my loneliness and poverty; the remembrance ofher could be no incentive to labor and self-denial. The Lieutenant'schance words, kindly as they were spoken, only opened wider the yawningsocial chasm between us. The greatest mercy would be for us never againto meet. 

I bent my head to keep the westering sun from my eyes, and breathingthe thick red dust, I trudged steadily forward. Suddenly there soundedbehind me the thud of hoofs, while I heard a merry peal of laughter, accompanied by gay exchange of words. I drew aside, leading my horseinto a small thicket beside the road to permit the cavalcade to pass. It was a group of perhaps a dozen, --three or four Federal officers, theremainder ladies, whose bright dresses and smiling faces made a mostwinsome sight. They glanced curiously aside at me as they gallopedpast. But none paused, and I merely glanced at them with vagueinterest, my thoughts elsewhere. Suddenly a horse seemed to draw backfrom out the centre of the fast disappearing party. 

"Ah, but really, you know, we cannot spare you, " a man's voiceprotested. 

"But you must. No, Colonel, this chances to be a case where I preferbeing alone, " was the quiet reply. "Do not wait, please; I will eitherrejoin you shortly or ride directly to the camp. "

I had led my limping horse out into the road once more to resume myjourney, paying scarcely the slightest attention to what was takingplace, for my head was again throbbing to the hot pulse of the sun. Theparty of strangers rode slowly away into the enveloping dust cloud, andI had forgotten them, when a low, sweet voice spoke close beside me:"Captain Wayne, I know you cannot have forgotten me. "

She was leaning down from the saddle, and as I glanced eagerly up intoher dear eyes they were swimming with tears. 

"Forgotten! Never for one moment, " I exclaimed; "yet I failed toperceive your presence until you spoke. "

"You appeared deeply buried in thought as we rode by, but I could notleave you without a word when I knew you must feel so bad. I havethought of you so often, and am more glad than I can tell to know youhave survived the terrible fighting of these last few weeks. But youlook so worn and haggard. "

"I am wearied--yes, " I admitted. "But that will pass away. My meetingagain with you will be a memory of good cheer; and I found no littleencouragement from a conversation just held with Lieutenant Caton. "

She looked at me frankly, her eyes cleared of the mist. "Were youindeed thinking hopefully just now? You appeared so grave I feared itwas despair. "

"It was a mixture of both, Mrs. Brennan. My own known conditionfurnishes sufficient despair, while Caton's excessive happiness yieldsa goodly measure of joy, which I have not yet entirely lost. Nothingglorifies life, even in its darkest hour, as the success of love. "

She glanced at my face shyly. "Undoubtedly the Lieutenant is in theseventh heaven at present, " she admitted slowly. "His Celia has led hima merry chase these many months, before she made full surrender; butthat merely makes final victory the sweeter. "

"She retains the disposition of a child, "

"But the heart of a woman is back of all her playfulness. You are uponyour way home?"

"I have just been paroled, Mrs. Brennan, After four years of war I amat last free, and have turned my face toward all that is left of mychildhood's home, --a few weed-grown acres. I scarcely know whether I amluckier than the men who died. "

I saw the tears glistening again in her earnest eyes. "Oh, but you are, Captain Wayne, " she exclaimed quickly. "You have youth and love toinspire you--for your mother yet lives. Truly it makes my heart throbto think of the upbuilding which awaits you men of the South. It isthrough such as you--soldiers trained by stern duty--that thesedesolated States are destined to rise above the ashes of war into agreatness never before equalled. I feel that now, in this supreme hourof sacrifice, the men and women of the South are to exhibit before theworld a courage greater than that of the battlefield. It is to be themarvel of the nation, and the thought and pride of it should make youstrong. "

"It may indeed be so; I can but believe it, as the prophecy comes fromyour lips. I might even find courage to do my part in this redemptionwere you ever at hand to inspire. "

She laughed gently. "I am not a Virginian, Captain Wayne, but a mostloyal daughter of the North; yet if I so inspire you by my mere words, surely it is not so far to my home but you might journey there tolisten to my further words of wisdom. "

"I have not forgotten the permission already granted me, and it is atemptation not easily cast aside. You return North soon?"

"Within a week. "

I hardly know what prompted me to voice my next question, --Fate, perhaps, weary of being so long mocked, --for I felt small interest inher probable answer. 

"Do you expect your husband's release from duty by that time?"

She gave a quick start of surprise, drawing in her breath as thoughsuddenly choked. Then the rich color overspread her face. "My husband?"she ejaculated in voice barely audible, "my husband? Surely you cannotmean Major Brennan?"

"But I certainly do, " I said, wondering what might be wrong. "Whom elsecould I mean?"

"And you thought that?" she asked incredulously. "Why, how could you?"

"How should I have thought otherwise?" I exclaimed, my eyes eagerlysearching her downcast face. "Why, Caton told me it was so the night Iwas before Sheridan; he confirmed it again in conversation less than anhour ago. Colgate, my Lieutenant, who met you in a Baltimore hospital, referred to him the same way. If I have been deceived through all thesemonths, surely everything and everybody conspired to that end, --youbore the same name; you told me plainly you were married; you wore awedding-ring; you resided while at camp in his quarters; you calledeach other Frank and Edith. From first to last not one word has beenspoken by any one to cause me to doubt that you were his wife. "

As I spoke these words hastily, vehemently, the flood of color recededfrom her face, leaving it pale as marble. Her lips parted, but failedin speech. 

"Believe me, Mrs. Brennan, the mistake was a most innocent one. You arenot angry?"

"Angry? Oh, no! but it all seems so strange, and it hurts me a little. Surely I have done nothing to forward this unhappy deceit?"

For a moment she bowed her head upon her hands as though she would hideher face from me, conceal the depth of her emotion. Then she looked uponce more, smiling through her tears. 

"I recall starting to explain all this to you once, " she said, strivingvainly to appear at ease. "It was when we were interrupted by thesudden coming upon us of Mr. And Mrs. Bungay. Yet I supposed you knew, that you would have learned the facts from others. The last time wewere together I told you I did not wholly understand you. It is nowonder, when you thought that of me. But I understand now, and know youmust have despised me. "

"No! no!" I protested warmly, forgetting all I lacked and recallingonly my deep love for her. "It was never that. Not one word or actbetween us has ever lowered you an iota in my esteem. You have alwaysbeen my lady of the North, and from the first night of our meeting--outyonder, amid the black mountains--I have respected and honored you asone worthy of all sacrifice, all love. "

Her eyes were drooping now, and hidden from me behind their long darklashes. 

"I am going to tell you my story, Captain Wayne, " she said quietly. "Itis not a pleasant task under these circumstances, yet one I owe you aswell as myself. This may prove our last meeting, and we must not partunder the shadow of a mistake, however innocently it may haveoriginated. I am the only child of Edwin Adams, a manufacturer, ofStonington. Connecticut. My father was also for several terms a memberof Congress from that State. As the death of my mother occurred when Iwas but five years old, all my father's love was lavished upon me, andI grew up surrounded by every advantage which abundant means and highsocial position could supply. During all those earlier years myplaymate and most intimate companion was Charles Brennan, a youngerbrother of the Major, and the son of Judge David Brennan of the StateSupreme Court. "

She had been speaking slowly, her eyes turned aside, as thoughrecalling carefully each fact before utterance. Now her glance metmine, and a deeper color sprang into her clear cheeks. 

"As we grew older his friendship for me ripened into love, a feelingwhich I found it impossible to return. I liked him greatly, valued himmost highly, continued his constant companion, yet experienced nodesire for closer relationship. My position was rendered the moredifficult as it had long been the dream of the heads of both housesthat our two families, with their contingent estates, should be thusunited, and constant urging tried my decision severely. Nor wouldCharles Brennan give up hope. When he was twenty and I barely seventeena most serious accident occurred, --a runaway, --in which Charlesheroically preserved my life, but himself received injuries, from whichdeath in a short time was inevitable. In those last lingering days ofsuffering, but one hope, one ambition, seemed to possess his mind, --thedesire to make me his wife, and leave me the fortune which was histhrough the will of his mother. I cannot explain to you, Captain Wayne, the struggle I passed through, seeking to do what was right and best;but finally, moved by my sympathy, eager to soothe his final hours ofsuffering, and urged by my father, I consented to gratify his wish, andwe were united in marriage while he was on his deathbed. Two days laterhe passed away. "

She paused, her voice faltering, her eyes moist with unshed tears. Scarce knowing it, my hand sought hers, where it rested against thesaddle pommel. 

"His brother" she resumed slowly, "now Major Brennan, but at that timea prosperous banker in Hartford, a man nearly double the age ofCharles, was named as administrator of the estate, to retain itsmanagement until I should attain the age of twenty-one. Less than ayear later my father also died. The final settlement of his estate waslikewise entrusted to Frank Brennan, and he was made my guardian. Quitenaturally I became a resident of the Brennan household, upon the samestanding as a daughter, being legally a ward of my husband's brother. Major Brennan's age, and his thoughtful kindness to me, won my respect, and I gradually came to look upon him almost as an elder brother, turning to him in every time of trouble for encouragement and help. Itwas the necessity of our business relation which first compelled me tocome South and join Major Brennan in camp: as he was unable to obtainleave of absence, I was obliged to make the trip. Not until that time, Captain Wayne, --indeed, not until after our experience at MountainView, --did I fully realize that Major Brennan looked upon me otherwisethan as a guardian upon his ward. The awakening pained me greatly, especially as I was obliged to disappoint him deeply; yet I seek toretain his friendship, for my memory of his long kindness must everabide. I am sure you will understand, and not consider me unwomanly inthus making you a confidant. "

"I can never be sufficiently grateful that you have thus trusted me, " Isaid with an earnestness that caused her to lower her questioning eyes. "It has been a strange misunderstanding between us, Mrs. Brennan, butyour words have brought a new hope to one disheartened Confederatesoldier. "

She did not answer, and with a rush there came before me the barrier ofpoverty existing between us. I glanced from my ragged, faded clothingto her immaculate attire, and my heart failed. 

"I must be content with hope, " I said at last; "yet I am rich comparedwith thousands of others; infinitely rich in comparison with what Idreamed myself an hour ago. " I held out my hand. "There will come a daywhen I shall answer your invitation to the North. "

"You are on your way home?"

"Yes; to take a fresh hold upon life, trusting that sometime in theearly future I may feel worthy to come to you. "

"Worthy?" she echoed the word, a touch of scorn in her voice, her eyesdark with feeling. "Worthy? Captain Wayne, I sometimes think you themost unselfish man I ever knew. Must the sacrifices, then, always bemade by you? Can you not conceive it possible that I also might like toyield up something? Is it possible you deem me a woman to whom money isa god?"

"No, " I said, my heart bounding to the scarce hidden meaning of herimpetuous words, "nor have the sacrifices always been mine: you wereonce my prisoner. "

She bent down, her very soul in her eyes, and rested one white handupon my shoulder. For an instant we read each other's heart in silence, then shyly she said, "I am still your prisoner. "

THE END