Love Under Fire

_by_

RANDALL PARRISH

AUTHOR OF MY LADY OF THE SOUTH;

KEITH OF THE BORDER ETC. 

WITH FIVE

ILLUSTRATIONS IN FULL COLOR

_by_

ALONZO KIMBALL

1911

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

 I BETWEEN THE LINES. II AFTER THE DESPATCH-BEARER. III A FRIEND RATHER THAN AN ENEMY. IV THE COMING OF DAWN. V ACQUAINTANCES, NOT FRIENDS. VI A BOLD FRONT. VII A WOMAN'S PRISONER. VIII THE COMING OF THE ENEMY. IX IMPORTANT NEWS. X MISS WILLIFRED INTERVENES. XI THE RETURN OF LE GAIRE. XII AN ATTEMPT AT ESCAPE. XIII I MEET LE GAIRE. XIV ACROSS THE RIVER. XV I MEET AN EX-SLAVE. XVI A CALL TO DUTY. XVII BEGINNING THE NIGHT ADVENTURE. XVIII OVERHEARD CONVERSATION. XIX LE GAIRE FORCES A DECISION. XX WE ARRIVE AT A CRISIS. XXI WE CAPTURE THE HOUSE. XXII MISS WILLIFRED DECLARES HERSELF. XXIII THE CHALLENGE. XXIV I BECOME A FAMOUS SWORDSMAN. XXV THE END OF THE DUEL. XXVI MISS WILLIFRED SURPRISES US. XXVII THE BODY OF LE GAIRE. XXVIII I FORCE BILLIE TO LISTEN. XXIX THE MYSTERY DEEPENS. XXX UNDER NEW ORDERS. XXXI THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLIE. XXXII WE REPULSE THE ENEMY. XXXIII MISS BILLIE REAPPEARS. XXXIV HER STORY. XXXV THE DEAD MAN. XXXVI THE LAST STAND. XXXVII THE MYSTERY SOLVED. XXXVIII THE COMING OF THE NIGHT. 

ILLUSTRATIONS

She paused in the doorway, an exceedingly pretty picture. 

"I won't stand this! You're hiding something. Is this Yank anything toyou?"

I forced the door shut, and stood with my back against it, the blackmuzzle of my Colt staring them in the eyes. 

"I--I will listen, " she said falteringly, "to all you have to say". 

We worked like fiends, firing as rapidly as we could lay hands toweapons. 

LOVE UNDER FIRE

CHAPTER I

BETWEEN THE LINES

I had drifted slowly across the river, clinging with one arm thrown overa log, expecting each moment the musket of some startled picket wouldspit red through the dark, and scarcely daring to guide my unwieldysupport by the slightest movement of hand in the water. The splash ofmotion might mean death in an instant, for keen eyes, sharpened by longnight vigils, were on the stream, and those who had ventured the deedbefore me had failed utterly. Yet the southern bank remained silent, soblack I could scarcely discern its vaguest outlines, while, by goodfortune, the sweep of the current served me almost as well as a pair ofoars. Thus, trusting to luck, and without exerting a muscle, I finallycame to a full stop on a narrow spit of sand, so far out in the stream Icould scarcely touch bottom, until the sweep of the current drifted mylog inward, and thus left me flat on the wet sand facing the bank, thewood-covered crest, as revealed dimly against the slightly lighter sky, appearing almost to overhang the water. 

This shadow served me well, yet did not invite to recklessness. Therewere surely pickets posted along here, because the gleam of camp-fireshad been plainly visible during the early evening from the bluffsopposite, but there was nothing observable from where I lay, my headcautiously uplifted, peering across the log. It was several minutesbefore I even ventured to creep up the sand-spit into the denserblackness of the over-hanging bank, but, once there safely, I discoveredthe drift had landed me at the mouth of a narrow gully, apparently amere crevice in the rocky shore-line. It was the occasional downpour ofwater after rain which had caused the accumulation of debris on which mylog had grounded. At times the dry gulch would hold a roaring torrent, although now it was no more than a gash in the bank. 

I was not altogether certain within half a mile of where I was, but thismade small difference, so far as my present purpose was concerned. Thelines of the enemy were extended from the upper ford east as far asSailor Springs, and I was certainly well within those limits, probablysomewhat to the right of the centre. However, that was a minor detail, as it made little difference where I succeeded in penetrating thecordon of pickets, so long as I returned with the information sought. IfI had, through mere chance, discovered a weak spot, then God was good. 

My heart beat rapidly as I stared blindly up into the black recess ofthat narrow defile, listening intently for the slightest unusual soundwhich would indicate the near presence of anything human. It wascaution, not fear, however, which caused me to breathe quickly--my sole, overpowering dread being that I might have to return, and face Sheridanwith a report of failure. I preferred anything rather than that. Ithought of his stern eyes as he looked me over in the late sunlight ofthe evening before; the sharp rasp in his voice, as he said, "Geer, thisis no boy's work, " and the quiet, confident reply of my captain, "Galesworth will do it for you, General, if any one can. " The memory ofthat scene seemed to stiffen my nerves; I had to make good here in thedark, alone, and so, on hands and knees, I began creeping slowly upunderneath the tangle of bushes. The path was steep and stony, sodensely overhung with branches as to appear like a tunnel. There wereloose stones which I had to guard against dislodging, and the drierleaves rustled as I pressed them, aside. This endeavor to avoid noisemade progress slow. 

I must have been fully ten minutes, thus endeavoring to break through, seeing and hearing nothing alarming, yet constantly feeling an oddpremonition of danger, when I finally attained the top of the bank, perhaps twenty feet back from the river, and looked out through a slightfringe of bushes. The first thing noticeable was the dull red glow of afire, nearly extinguished, some few yards in advance. The little gleamof light thrown out as the wind stirred the smouldering embers served toreveal the dirty flap of a tent set up at the edge of a grove ofsaplings, and a horse, standing with lowered head, sharply outlinedagainst the canvas. I could even perceive the deep-seated cavalrysaddle, and catch the shine of accoutrements. All these details came tome in a sudden flash of observation, for, almost simultaneously with myrising above the edge of the bank, my ears distinguished voicesconversing, and so closely at hand as to almost unnerve me. I gripped aroot between my fingers to keep from falling, and held on motionless, striving to locate the speakers. They were to my left, scarcely fouryards distant, yet so dimly revealed against the background of leaves Icould tell nothing of their rank--merely that one was short, and heavilybuilt, while the other, a much taller, and seemingly more nervous man, was wrapped in a long cavalry cape. It was his voice speaking, a ratherpeculiar voice, as though he possessed some slight impediment of speech. 

"Do not look at it in that way, General, " he protested earnestly. "I amnot opposing your plan, but merely urging the extreme peril of theundertaking--"

"Human life cannot be considered at such a time, Hardy, " broke in theother warmly. "The cause for which we battle, the duty confronting us, outweighs all else. A life may be sacrificed, but that single life maysave thousands. "

"True; very true. I am sufficiently a soldier to realize that. Yet whatyou propose seems an impossibility. Two aides have endeavored thisservice already, and failed, their lives forfeited. Others stand readyto go the moment the word is spoken, but what possibility is there ofsuccess, that any volunteer could get through alive?"

"Practically none, " admitted the other, his deep voice more grave. "There is only one in whom I feel the slightest hope, Hardy; that is whyI have sent for you. I naturally hesitate to say so, but I believe themoment has now come which demands this sacrifice. You recall the offerof service made us last night, Major?"

The man addressed took a single step backward, one hand flung up, asthough warding off a blow. 

"You--" he stammered, "can you mean Billie?"

"Yes; the South can have no more urgent need than now. These despatchesmust reach Beauregard, and I must have the report from Carroll. If thelatter is not already in Beauregard's possession, then it must be soughteven in the enemy's camp. Every hour of delay adds to our danger. IfCarroll is dead I must know it; if he has gained the information he wassent after, then I must have it. I can stand this waiting nolonger--there is too much at stake. As you say two men have alreadyfallen endeavoring to pierce the lines, and I doubt if there is asoldier in my command who could succeed. Billie might have a chance, andI know no one else who would--do you? I sent for you to gain yourconsent, and I ask it, Major, in the name of the South. "

The taller man remained silent, his hands clasped, and head sunk on hisbreast. Finally he glanced up into the face of the other, with shouldersthrown back. 

"No Hardy ever yet failed in duty, " he said sternly, "nor will one now. Where are the papers?"

"In my tent, but the bearer will be safer not to come here for them. Even my orderly may be a spy. An aide shall deliver them at ThreeCorners in an hour--will that be too early?"

"No; which aide? There should be no mistake. "

"There will be none. I will send Lieutenant West, and he shall act asescort as far as the outer pickets; beyond that--"

"Wit and good luck, of course. What is the word?"

"'Cumberland'; now listen, and repeat exactly what I say to Billie. " Hisvoice fell into lower, more confidential tones, and, listen as I would, I could catch only now and then a word, or detached sentence. "The upperroad"; "yes, the wide detour"; "coming in by the rear will be safer";"that isn't a bad story"; "he's a tartar to lie too"; "just the thing, Major, just the thing"; then, "But that's enough for the outlines;details must take care of themselves. Let's waste no more time; thereare only four more hours of darkness. "

The two men separated hurriedly with a warm hand-clasp, the stockygeneral entering the tent, and brusquely addressing some one within, while the major swung into the saddle of the waiting horse, and drivingin the spurs rode swiftly away, instantly disappearing. 

There was no doubt as to my own duty. By the merest accident I hadalready become possessed of most important information. What it was allabout was still only guess-work, yet it was evidently enough a mostserious matter. I could better serve the cause of the Union byintercepting these despatches, and running down this spy, than bycarrying out Sheridan's original instructions. And it seemed to me Icould do it; that I already knew a way in which this might beaccomplished. Our army had held all this ground only a few monthsbefore, and I recalled clearly to mind the exact spot where the aide wasto meet the despatch-bearer. The "Three Corners"; surely that must bewhere the roads met at the creek ford, with the log meeting houseperched on the hill above. It would be to the west of where I was, andnot more than two miles distant. 

CHAPTER II

AFTER THE DESPATCH-BEARER

I was cool-headed, and accustomed to this species of adventure, or Ishould never have been there. Yet, I confess my nerves tingled as Icrept cautiously forward through the fringe of bushes, seeking the exactspot where the major had disappeared down what must have been somespecies of road. There were sentinels posted about the tent; I saw thesilhouette of one, and heard several voices conversing gruffly as Islunk past, yet could not definitely locate these last in the gloom. There was a little row of tents--three or four--back of the larger oneoccupied by the general; but these were unlighted and silent. I creptpast them unobserved, emerging into a more open space, where my gropinghands encountered wheel-tracks, and the beaten earth of a road. 

This apparently ran nearly east and west, as I recalled direction, and Iturned to the right, bending low in the shadows, and advancing at acrouching run. Seemingly there was nothing to obstruct progress. Thenoise of stomping and restless horses reached me from the left, evidence of a nearby cavalry or artillery camp; yet I saw no one, perceived no light even, until after advancing at least a quarter of amile. Then a sudden slight turn in the road brought me upon a rudeshack, showing a blacksmith's fire glowing within, and the smith himselfpounding busily away at an anvil. The gleam of the forge shot out redlyacross the road. As I crept closer I could perceive the figures ofothers lounging about inside--soldiers, no doubt, although I could notbe certain. There was a ragged Confederate cavalry jacket hanging over arain-barrel just outside the window, and, getting hold of it, I slippedit on over my woollen shirt. The night air was chill, my clothes stilldamp from the river, and besides it might help later on. As I did this arider came flying up the road, bending low over his pommel. He went pastat a slashing gallop, his face showing an instant in the red glare ofthe flame. That, no doubt, would be the aide with the despatches, yet, in spite of his haste, he would have to wait to the end of the hour forBillie. One or two of the men came lazily to the front of the shop towatch him go by, and I crouched down behind the rain-barrel until theywent back again. Then I skirted the bar of flame, and ran on down theroad, a bit recklessly, fearing the horseman might get too far ahead. 

It was intensely dark, one of those dense nights when the blacknessappears to press down upon one, and there were noises on either side tomake me aware that I was in the midst of a great encampment. Fires shonedimly through the trees, and I could hear voices and hammering. Isupposed the road I was travelling ran directly through the main camp, with troops on either side, and, for that reason, was not patrolled bypickets. Anyhow I passed without challenge, although I met a few fellowsslinking along about as I was--soldiers out of bounds most likely, asafraid of me as I was of them. At least whenever I bumped into one, hegot out of the way fast enough. And I never paused to explain--all Iwanted to do was to arrive at those cross-roads in advance of Billie. 

However I failed in this ambition, but merely because the road I wasfollowing did not keep on directly west, but drifted off toward theriver. I only became aware of this change in direction when weintersected a cross-road, and then I ran squarely up against apicket-post, the men having a fire burning to keep them warm. The lightof the flames revealed everything within a radius of a hundred feet, andI could distinguish a dozen infantrymen sitting and lying about, while acouple of others marched back and forth across the road. I wanted to getfarther south, but had only wriggled through the bushes a few yards inthat direction before sinking to my knees in mud and water, and beingcompelled to crawl back. There was nothing left except to circle thefire in the opposite direction, and come out on the road below. I musthave used up a good quarter of an hour getting through. Twice I mademissteps, and some racket, but there was no challenge. I emerged at theopening of a small ravine, where I could lie down flat behind a lowrock, and look back up the road, which ran down hill. I felt reasonablycertain Billie would have to come this way if he intended to cross theriver at Carter's Ford, and I knew of no other place he could cross thisside the big bridge. The aide would be riding with him, of course, andthat would make me certain of my man when he came, although how I wasever going to manage was more than I had as yet figured out. 

I must have been there some twenty minutes, maybe more, burrowing downinto the mud under the lee of the stone, staring straight up the hill atthe fire. The post was relieved while I lay there, the fellows going offduty tramping past so close I could have touched them. I could stillhear the tread of their feet when one of the new guard yelled out"Halt!" and I saw two or three men spring up from around the fire, while the corporal in command ran out into the middle of the road. Somesort of a rig was coming down the hill, with a cavalry officer--judgingfrom his cape--riding along close beside it. I was not able to see veryplainly the way the light fell, but the contrivance looked to me likeone of those old-fashioned, two-wheeled carryalls, with a low top overit, and drawn by a horse not much bigger than a pony. The officer dug inhis spurs and got ahead, leaning over to whisper to the corporal, whostepped back saluting. The carryall never stopped at all, the ponytrotting along unconcernedly, and it was so dark beneath the top I couldnot see sign of anybody. It was a queer-looking outfit, but I had nodoubt this would be Billie, and the despatches. 

The officer was still riding ahead when they passed me, his cape blownup over his hat, and his head bent forward to make out the road, asthough his eyes still remained blinded by the firelight. Withoutdefinite plan, yet firmly determined not to be left behind, I squirmedacross the road, ran up close to the carryall, and caught hold at therear. The soldiers back in the glare saw nothing, while the minglednoise of hoofs and wheels left me unheard. I discovered my fingersgrasping some narrow wooden slats, held up firmly against the back ofthe vehicle by a chain at each end. For a moment, running and hangingon as I was in total darkness, I was unable to figure out what sort ofan arrangement this could possibly be. Then I managed to feel it outwith one hand--it was simply a shelf, capable of being lowered thelength of the supporting chains, on which packages, or baggage, might becarried, while above was a roll of canvas, to be used as protection fromrain. Here was opportunity, and I went at it with eagerness. It proved ahard job, running over that rough road in the dark, while the ponytrotted tirelessly, but I got those chains unfastened, one at a time, and then the shelf settled naturally down into position. It was narrow, and I felt some question as to the strength of the supports, but riskingall this, managed to work my way up until I half lay, half crouched, along the slats, holding on grimly as the two wheels bounced brisklyfrom side to side, threatening to send me sprawling out into the road. By this time the officer had reined back his horse, but was still out ofsight, and I succeeded in unbuckling the straps, and lowering the stripof canvas over me, stuffing the edges beneath my body so as to keep themfrom flapping. I was tired and sore, but now reasonably safe, with myeyes at an opening through which I could gaze out. I began to feelhappy, too, thinking of the surprise which was about to come to Billie. 

We clattered on down a long slope, apparently making no effort to avoidnoise. It seemed we must be drawing near the river, yet the night was sodark, and our passage so rapid, I could make out no familiar landmarksthrough my peep-hole. Indeed I had about all I could do to hold on. Wewere halted twice, but a word from the officer passed us along safely. One picket-post had a fire glowing in close against the rocks, and thesergeant stood within a foot of me. I caught the word "Cumberland, " butwhatever else of explanation may have been uttered failed to reach myears, muffled as they were beneath the canvas. A few hundred yardsbeyond this point, at the end of a deep cut, the officer drew up hishorse sharply, leaned over the wheel, and shook hands with theperson inside. 

"I have attained my limit, " he said. "That was our last picket-post backyonder, and my orders were strict. You know the road, of course. "

"Perfectly, Lieutenant, " responded a low voice, muffled under the hood. "I have travelled it often before. I thank you so much, and think itwill all come out right this time. "

"I have no doubt of that, " he replied, with a little laugh. "Hope I mayrenew the acquaintance under more pleasant circumstances. Meanwhile, good luck and good-bye. "

He sat erect upon his horse, watching as we clattered past, appearingscarcely more than a dim shadow, yet I thought he held his hat in hishand. Billie laid on the gad, however, as if to make up for lost time, and the pony trotted off at such a burst of speed as to keep me busyclinging to my perch. It was an exceedingly rough road, rutty and stony, up hill and down, while the pony condescended to walk on the steepestgrades only, and occasionally took the declines at a gallop, thecarryall bounding from side to side as though mad. Apparently no fear ofpossible disaster disturbed Billie, however, for I could hear every fewmoments the slash of a whip on the animal's flank. I knew that, by thistime, we must certainly be well between the lines, but, for the life ofme, could not determine where. I thought I knew the surrounding countryas I had scouted over it for months, tracing roads and bridle-paths, yetI was puzzled now. If this road continued to run north and south, as ithad back yonder, then we should have forded the river long before this, yet we had splashed through no water, nor did I recall our makingany turn. 

One fact alone seemed certain: as I knew neither where we were, norwhither bound, and as we were already assuredly beyond the lastConfederate outpost, it behooved me to act as quickly as possible. Billie was headed somewhere, and the sooner I stopped him thebetter--besides, my position was neither comfortable nor safe. I rolledoff from the edge of the canvas, and, gripping the chains tightly, managed to sit up, in spite of the vicious pitching of the vehicle. Billie's evident eagerness to arrive at his unknown destination onlyadded to my own recklessness, and I hung on desperately, swearing alittle, I fear, under my breath. 

CHAPTER III

A FRIEND RATHER THAN AN ENEMY

There was only one way in which I could hope to get in--through theback. That was an exceedingly ticklish job, yet I had tackled many aticklish job before during the two years of my scouting service, and theknowledge of danger was merely the prick of a spur. The rusty bucklesholding the flap in place resisted the grip of my fingers, and, openinga knife with my teeth, I cut the leather, severing enough of the strapsso the entire flap could be thrown back, yet holding it down closely toits place until I was ready for action. Through a narrow opening I couldperceive a dim outline of the driver. He was at the right of the seat, leaning forward, so as to peer out from under the hood, loosened reinsin one hand, a whip in the other. The darkness of the night enabled meto perceive little except a vague sense of shape, a head crowned by asoft hat, and an apparently slender figure. 

Whatever slight noise I made was lost in the rattle of the wheels, while the driver, utterly thoughtless as to any danger menacing him frombehind, concentrated his entire attention upon the road, and his effortsto accelerate the speed of the pony. The present opportunity was as goodas I could ever hope for. I grasped the back of the seat with one hand, a revolver in the other, pressed back the flap with my shoulder, andinserted my head within. Not until my voice sounded at his very ear didthe fellow realize my presence. 

"Pull up!" I said sternly. "Not a movement now; this is a gun at yourear. "

There was a sharp catch of the breath, a half turning of the head in thesurprise of the shock, but his hands held to reins and whip. Tossedabout as I was the fellow's coolness angered me. 

"Pull up, " I said; "do you think I'm playing with you?"

He drew in on the reins, letting the whip drop between his feet, and thepony slowed down to a walk, and finally stopped. I could catch merely aglimpse of the man's profile beneath the broad brim of the hat, but hiscoolness and silence aroused my suspicions. 

"No tricks now, " I threatened. "If you value your life do exactly as Isay. "

"Who are you?" It was a rich contralto voice, that of a boy rather thana man, the slight blur of the South distinguishable even in thosefew words. 

"Only a Yankee, son, " I replied, satisfied I held the upper hand, andclambering in over the back of the seat. He shrank back from contactwith me farther into the corner, but there was nothing in the slightmovement to cause alarm. I laughed softly. 

"Don't exactly admire my color of uniform, do you?" I asked easily. "Well, I can't help that, and you'll not find me such a bad fellow ifyou act right. Where were you going in such a hurry?"

There was no answer. I could hear his rapid breathing, and catch aglimpse of a beardless cheek. 

"Don't you intend to tell me?"

Still silence, the shapeless figure motionless. 

"Come, Billie, " I urged, "what is the use of keeping up this game?"

He straightened up in surprise, startled into speech. 

"You--you call me what? Why do you say 'Billie'?"

"Because I'm on. I haven't been hanging to the back of this outfit forthe last eight miles just for fun, or exercise either. I'm after thosedespatches you're taking to Beauregard. "

"Oh!"

"That's the state of affairs, and the sooner you hand over thoseparticular papers, Billie, the quicker this revolver play ends. Whereare they?"

"I haven't any, " the slightly tremulous note had gone out of the voice. It was firm with purpose now, even a bit sarcastic. "You've merely goton the wrong trail, Yank. I reckon you mistook me for Billie Hardy. "

"I reckon I did, " I returned, mocking him, "and I 'm still satisfiedI've got the right party. You don't get out that easy, son; comenow, produce. "

"Suppose I don't. "

"Then there won't be much argument, " I returned sharply, beginning tolose patience. "I'll simply take them, if I have to shoot you first. Come now, which shall it be?"

He straightened up, convinced apparently of my intentions. 

"Neither, Mr. Yankee, " indignantly. "I told you once you were mistaken. Now I'll prove it--see here!" The soft hat was whipped off the head, andthe slender figure leaned forward to where the slight gleam of the starsrendered the face visible. "Do you make war on women?"

I was too astounded for reply; dumfounded, dazed by this evidence of mystupidity. This was a woman beyond all doubt--her hair, released by thesudden removal of the hat, swept in a dark wave over her shoulders, andshe flung it back with a movement of the hand. The gleam of the starsgave me the contour of her face, and the sparkle of her eyes. A woman, young, pretty--and actually laughing at me, her white teeth clearlyvisible. Whatever of conceit or audacity may be part of my nature, deserted me in a flash, and I could only stare in helpless amazement. 

"My God! I believe you are!" I ejaculated at last, the words burstingforth unconsciously. "How could I have made--who are you anyhow?"

The restrained laughter rippled forth, as though the expression of myface appealed to her sense of humor. Evidently the lady was no longerafraid of me, nor greatly distressed over the situation. 

"Isn't it too funny, " she exclaimed cheerfully, "and won't Billie laughabout this when I tell him!"

"Maybe he will, " I acknowledged rather regretfully, "but it doesn't makeme laugh. " Then a vague suspicion gripped me. "Why did you think I tookyou for Billie?"

"Why, that was what you called me, wasn't it? The officer who escortedme past the pickets said Billie Hardy was going to try to run the linesto-night. So it was easy enough to guess who you were after, Mr. Yankee. It was lucky for Billie you got me instead--or for you, " sheadded doubtfully. 

"Oh, I guess I would have pulled through. "

"Maybe, " the tone decidedly provoking, "but I reckon you don't knowBillie. "

She began to gather up her hair, coiling the strands about her headcarelessly, and I watched the simple operation, all the life gone out ofme, unable to decide what to do. It was useless to go back; almostequally useless to go forward. I had no information to take into ourlines of any value, and had failed utterly in my efforts to interceptthe important despatches for Beauregard. The knowledge of my mistakestung me bitterly, yet I could blame no one for the failure exceptmyself. The apparent carelessness of the girl puzzled me--why should shebe so completely at her ease in this adventure? Only at the first hadshe exhibited the slightest excitement. This seemed hardlynatural--alone, thus suddenly attacked by a stranger, an enemy, andopenly threatened. 

"You seem perfectly contented, " I said. "Are you not frightened?"

"Frightened!" and she paused in her hair-dressing to bend slightlyforward so as to look into my shadowed face. "Why, of course not; whyshould I be?"

"But I am a stranger to you--a Yank. You are on the other side, are younot?"

"Oh, of course, " her lips revealing again the white teeth. "But I don'tthink all Yankees are demons. I don't believe you are. I like yourvoice. You see, I was educated in the North, and so am not prejudiced. Please won't you take off your hat, just for a minute?"

I did so, almost mechanically, not even realizing why she asked, untilshe bent forward, her eyes on my face. 

"No, I am not frightened with you. I was just a little, at first, ofcourse, but not now. You look as though you would fight too, but notwith a woman. " She stopped with an odd little shrug of the shoulders. "What do you expect me to do--sit here all night?"

I looked about into the darkness, suddenly recalled to the absurdity ofour situation by this question. The stars were glittering overhead, yielding a dim light, yet nothing around us afforded any guess as towhere we were. The pony stood with drooping head, his flanks stillheaving from his late run. To the right the ground appeared open andlevel, a cultivated field, while upon the other side was a sharp rise ofland covered with brush. It was a lonely, silent spot, and my eyesturned back inquiringly to my companion. 

"Why, no, " I replied rather foolishly. "But I confess I am all at seajust now; where are we?"

It seemed very easy for her to laugh, and evidently my confession wasamusing. 

"You must pardon me, " she excused herself, "but I thought you were ascout. "

"I am, " vexed at her propensity to poke fun. "I have been detailed forthat service for more than two years. Moreover, I was a good enoughscout to pass within the lines of your army to-night, and to travel thewhole length of your camp--"

"And then get lost an hour later, " she interrupted archly. "Tell me, doyou know the points of the compass?"

"Certainly; that is north, and this road runs west, but I have norecollection of it. What puzzled me was our failure to cross the river. "

"Oh, " with a quick glance toward me. "That is easily explained; weturned the corner of the bluff instead. This is the old road toJonesboro, and has been used very little since the new road was opened. I chose it because I thought I would be less likely to meet with anychance travellers. "

I began to comprehend more clearly where we were. The extreme right ofthe position held by our army would be, at least, ten miles east, andthe Confederate left scarcely nearer. Beauregard was off in heresomewhere, --at Bird's Ferry according to our camp reports the eveningprevious. This knowledge prompted me to ask, "Which way is the river?"

"To the right about three miles. "

"And Bird's Ferry?"

I could not be certain she smiled, yet I thought so. 

"Yonder, " pointing. "The river curves to the south, and this road comesdown to it at Jonesboro; there is a bridge there. The ferry is fifteenmiles farther up. "

The apparent innocence of her answer completely disarmed me. Indeedthese facts were exactly as I remembered them now that I had our presentposition in mind. The peculiar winding course of the river would leaveme nearer our lines at Jonesboro than where we then were. Indeedforaging parties were covering much of the territory between, and it wasthe nearest point where I could cross the stream otherwise thanby swimming. 

"Are you going to Jonesboro?" I asked. 

She nodded silently. 

"Then may I ride that far with you?" I asked, rather doubtful of whatshe would say to such a request. "Of course you will be aiding theenemy, for I expect to discover some of our troops in thatneighborhood. "

"How can I help myself?" banteringly. "You are a man, and armed. Practically I am your prisoner. "

"Oh, I don't want you to feel that way toward me. I have acted as agentleman, have I not, ever since I understood?"

"You certainly have, and I am not ungrateful. Then you do not order meto take you; you merely ask if I will?"

"That is all. "

"And that sounds so much better, I think. I don't mind your being aYankee if you continue to act that way. Shall I drive?"

"If you will; you know the road, and the tricks of the pony. "

She laughed again, gathering up the reins, and reaching down after thewhip. At the first movement the little animal broke into a brisk trot asthough he understood his driver. 

CHAPTER IV

THE COMING OF DAWN

The road was rough, apparently little travelled, and our lively passageover it not greatly conducive to conversation. Besides I hardly knewwhat to say. The consciousness of total failure in all my plans, and theknowledge that I would be received at headquarters in anything buthonor, weighed heavily upon me, yet this depression did not seal my lipshalf as much as the personality of the young woman at my side. Pleasantand free as her manner had been, yet I was clearly made to realize therewas a distinct limit to any familiarity. I could not define the feeling, but it had taken possession of me, and I knew the slightest oversteppingof the boundaries would result in trouble. We were neither enemies norfriends; merely acquaintances under a temporary flag of truce. No doubt, trusting me as an honorable soldier, even though wearing an enemy'suniform, she was almost glad to have my protection along this lonelyroad, but, when the time came to part, she would be equally relieved tohave me go. I was nothing to her; if ever remembered again it would bemerely to laugh over my discomfiture in mistaking her for another. Ithurt my pride to think this, to thus realize her complete indifference. She was a young woman, and I a young man, and nothing in my nature madesurrender easy. I desired, at least, to leave behind me some differentimpression of my own personality. I was not a fool, nor a failure, and Icould not bear to have her conceive me as a mere blundering block-head, a subject for subsequent laughter. The silence in which she drovestirred me to revolt. Apparently she felt no overwhelming curiosity asto whom I was, no special desire to exchange further speech. Theflapping of the loosened curtain was annoying, and I leaned over andfastened it down securely into place. She merely glanced aside toobserve what I was doing, without even opening her lips. 

"This is a miserably gloomy road, " I ventured desperately. "I wonder youdared to travel it alone at night. "

"Its very loneliness makes it safe, " was the response, ratherindifferently uttered. "Meeting others was the very thing I was mostanxious to avoid. "

"Indeed! You are tantalizing; you cannot expect me to be devoid ofcuriosity. "

"Of course not, " turning her face toward me, "neither can you expect meto gratify it. "

"You mean you could not trust me?"

"Rather that you would not believe me, if I did. The reason for thistrip is so simple and commonplace that if I were to confess its purposeto you, you would suppose I were attempting deceit. Oh, yes, you would, so I might just as well remain still. Besides it can make no differenceanyway. When we reach Jonesboro this morning you will go back to yourarmy, and I shall meet friends. There is scarcely one chance in athousand we shall ever see each other again. We are the mereststrangers--enemies, indeed, for I am a Rebel clear through. We don'teven know each others' names. "

"Do you care to know mine?"

She hesitated, and I thought her eyes dropped. 

"I--I hardly know, " doubtfully. "Yet you have been very kind, and, perhaps, sometime I might serve you. Yes, you may tell me. "

"Robert Galesworth. "

"Of what rank?"

"Lieutenant, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, but detailed for special service. "

"Thank you. I--I am rather glad you told me. "

"And you, " I insisted, determined this confidence should be mutual. "May I not, in return, be told your name?"

"I am Willifred Gray, " she said quietly. "That is all--just WillifredGray. "

There was something about the manner in which she said this which heldme silent. I should have liked to ask more, a second question tremblingon my lips, but the words would not come. It was altogether new to me, this fear of offending a woman, so new it almost angered, and yetsomething about her positively held me as though in bonds. To this day Ido not know the secret of it, but I sat there silently staring out intothe night. 

I could see a little now, becoming aware that dawn was approaching, thesky shading to a dull gray in the east, and casting a weird light overthe landscape. It was a gloomy scene of desolation, the road a mereribbon, overgrown with grass and weeds, a soggy marsh on one side, and aline of sand-hills on the other, sparsely covered by some stuntedgrowth. Far away, across the level, my eyes caught a glimmer of water, locating the river, but in no direction was there any sign of a house, or curl of smoke. The unproductive land--barren and swampy--sufficientlyaccounted for lack of inhabitants, and told why it had been avoided bythe foragers of both armies. Seeking safety the girl had chosen hercourse wisely--here was desolation so complete as to mock even at theravages of war. The gray in the east changed to pink, delicately tintingthe whole upper sky, objects taking clearer form, a light breezerustling the long grass. Tirelessly the pony trotted, his head down, thelines lying loose. I turned to gaze at my companion, and our eyes met. Hers were either gray or blue; I could not be certain which, so quicklywere they lowered, and so shadowed by long lashes. And they were merryeyes, smiling, and deep with secrets no man could hope to solve. Perhapsshe deemed it only fair that I should look at her as she had beenobserving me; perhaps it was but the coquetry of the "eternal feminine"conscious of her own attraction, but she sat there silent, the lashesshading her eyes, the clear light of the dawn upon her face. I cannotdescribe what I saw, only it was a young face, the skin clear andglowing with health, the nose beautifully moulded, the throat white andround, the red lips arched like a bow, and a broad forehead shadowed bydark hair. She had a trooper's hat on, worn jauntily on one side, crossed sabres in front, and her shoulders were concealed by a graycavalry cape. Suddenly she flashed a glance at me, her eyes fullof laughter. 

"Well, Mr. Lieutenant Galesworth, have you looked long enough?"

The swift question confused me, but I found answer. 

"No; but as long as I dare. You were observing me also. "

"Naturally--womanly curiosity is my excuse. Would you like to know whatconclusion I came to?"

"From your eyes it may not prove altogether flattering. "

"Oh, my eyes are not to be trusted. I warn you frankly of that at thevery start. All I shall say is you appear better than I hadexpected--only, really, you need a shave. "

"Better how? In what way?"

"Well, younger for one thing; somehow your statement that you were alieutenant made me suspect your age--or possibly it was your voice. "

"I am twenty-four. "

"And look to be scarcely twenty. How did you ever gain a commission?Were you in battle?"

The question decidedly hurt my pride, yet I managed to control mytongue. 

"I have met colonels in both armies no older than I, " I returnedswiftly. "Of course I have been in battle, wounded for the matter ofthat, and three months a prisoner. "

"Oh, I did not mean to question your right to the shoulder straps. Warmakes men fast; I know that for my home has been in the track ofboth armies. "

"You live in this neighborhood?"

"Yes, about twenty miles south of where we are now. Shall I tell youwhat I am doing here?"

I bowed, eager to learn although I had not been brash enough to inquire. 

"You have been wondering all night, " carelessly. "If you had asked Ishould have refused to answer, but will now reward your remarkablepatience with a full confession. I am going to take quinine back to ourhospitals. I won't tell you where I am going to get it, " a bitdefiantly, "although I am not afraid you would try to stop me. "

"Certainly not; why should I?"

"There are plenty of Yanks who do; the last messenger was shot by yourraiders, and the whole consignment lost. He was my cousin; that is why Iam trying what I can do--the boys need it so badly. If you are anhonorable soldier you will not interfere with a work of mercy. "

"An honorable soldier!" I exclaimed, stung by the words. "Do youquestion that?"

"Not until after daylight came, and I noticed how you were clothed, "and her eyes lost all gleam of humor. "I respect a scout, but despisea spy. "

My cheeks flamed, as I realized what she meant--the tattered grayjacket, buttoned tightly, and concealing my blue blouse. In swiftdisgust I wrenched it open, and flung the garment into the road. 

"I had entirely forgotten I had the thing on, " I explained hastily. "Don't condemn until you hear my story. You will listen, will you not?"

She sat silent, looking intently into my face, with merely the slightestinclination of the head. 

"I came into your lines dressed just as I am now, drifting across theriver behind a log. It was my third attempt to get through your pickets, and this time I succeeded. I found myself in thick brush near a clusterof tents, and overheard two officers talking. One was a major by thename of Hardy--do you know him?"

"Yes, " a swift little catch in her voice. 

"The other was a shorter, heavier-set man, out-ranking Hardy. "

"Speaking with short, crisp sentences, " she interrupted, "and wearing aheavy beard?"

"He spoke that way--yes; but as to the beard I could not say owing tothe darkness. "

"It must have been General Johnston. "

"I thought as much. The two were discussing the getting of despatchesthrough to Beauregard, and decided no one could succeed but a fellowthey called Billie, some relative or friend of Hardy's. It was allarranged he should try it, and the major started off to completearrangements. An aide, with the despatches, was to meet the messenger atthe 'Three Corners, ' where the little log church is, and then accompanyhim through the pickets. It was plainly enough my duty to interceptthese if I could, but in order to do so I must pass through two miles ofthe Confederate camp, meeting soldiers almost every step of the way. That was when I stole the jacket, and slipped it on, and never thoughtof it again until you spoke. "

She was leaning forward now, intensely interested, her lips parted, thequick breath revealed by the pulsing of her breast. 

"And--and you got to the 'Three Corners'?"

"To a point just below. I ran most of the way, and then had to crawlthrough the bushes to get around a picket-post, but I believed I wasthere in plenty of time. Then you came rattling down the hill, with anofficer riding along beside you, and, of course, I mistook you forBillie. I jumped your outfit in the hollow. "

She flung up her hands in expressive gesture. 

"Were you hanging there all that time--even before the lieutenant left?"

"I certainly was; hanging on for dear life too. My limbs are black andblue. I never saw a pony travel like that little devil. "

She burst into an unrestrained ripple of laughter, scarcely able tospeak, as the full humor of the situation appealed to her. No doubt theexpression of my face did its part, but she certainly found it mostamusing. In spite of myself I had to smile in sympathy. 

"Oh, that was too good; I shall have to tell the general. Well, I helpedBillie Hardy out that time, didn't I? I reckon you don't see much fun init though. "

"No, I don't, " frankly, "yet I cannot say I am entirely sorry. "

"Indeed, " sobering instantly because of my earnestness. "I cannotunderstand that--the despatches have gone through. "

"Without doubt. From a military standpoint I surely regret my failure. But if I had intercepted Billie I should never have met you. "

"Oh!"

"Nor come to know you. "

Again the girl laughed, and I noticed the dimple in her cheek, thegray-blue eyes glancing up at me mockingly. 

"Don't flatter yourself that you do, " she retorted pleasantly, "for youmight be mistaken altogether. "

CHAPTER V

ACQUAINTANCES, NOT FRIENDS

The manner in which this was uttered made me feel that she was inearnest. Indeed I was already beginning to realize that this young womanwas an enigma, her moods changing so rapidly as to keep me in a state ofconstant bewilderment--one moment frank, outspoken, friendly; the nexthiding her real self behind a barrier of cold reserve which I seemedhelpless to penetrate. Yet this very changeableness was attractive, keeping my mind constantly on the alert, and yielding her a peculiarcharm. As she spoke these words her eyes encountered mine, almost inchallenge, which I met instantly. 

"Perhaps not--but I shall. "

"Oh, indeed! Is this conceit, or determination?"

"The latter assuredly. Why is it not possible for one to know you?"

"Really I cannot tell, " not altogether displeased at my decision, "yetit would border upon a miracle, for I do not even know myself. Besides Idoubt your having the opportunity for sufficient study--that isJonesboro yonder. "

The road rounded the crest of a sharp hill, and, from off the summit, wecould look directly down into the river valley. Except for little grovesof scrub oak it was open country, the broad stream showing clearlybetween green banks, with few cultivated fields in sight. We had turnedtoward the north, and the straggling town lay directly in front twomiles away, so hidden behind trees the houses were scarcelydistinguishable; a quarter of a mile below was the bridge. I stood up, thrusting my head beyond the carriage cover, so as to see better. To thewest the woods concealed everything. It was somewhere in that directionBeauregard's troops were encamped, yet, even if they were alreadyadvancing to unite with Johnston, they would hardly cross the country sofar to the north. Knowing the situation as I did I felt little fear ofany encounter with Confederates. Our cavalry were patrolling all theroads across the river, and, as late as the previous day, were guardingthe Jonesboro bridge. I could see no signs of any such guard now, however, yet the trees were thick and obscured the view, and that heavydust cloud to the right was probably caused by the passing of a troop ofhorse. Convinced that this would prove to be either a cavalry vidette, or a Federal foraging party, it made me more anxious to get quicklydown into the town, hopeful they might have a spare horse with them, andI pointed out the dust spirals to my companion. 

"If you have friends in Jonesboro, " I said, "I've also got some coming. "

"Who are they?" her eyes on the distant dust. "Yankees?"

"Certainly; there are none of your people on that side of the river. Beauregard is out yonder in those hills. Let's drive on, the townlooks quiet. "

She leaned forward, holding to the edge of the carriage cover to keepher balance, her glance turning toward the southwest. 

"If those are your people they mustn't see me, " she said quietly, alittle accent of pleading in her voice. "You promise that first?"

"Of course, " although surprised at her asking. "I know it is our ordersto intercept everything which can aid the enemy, but I don't feelinclined to prevent your taking quinine to the poor fellows in thehospital. War hasn't made me as inhuman as that. We can easily reach thetown ahead of that squad of cavalry, and if you have some safe placethere to go, and will only keep indoors, there is no danger ofdiscovery. "

"I have, " eagerly, "Judge Moran's house; you can see its gable thereamong the trees. He is so old he has not even been conscripted. " Shelaughed, flashing a look aside at me as she shook the reins and appliedthe whip. "I wonder what he will think when he sees me driving upalongside a Yankee. It will be like the end of the world. No, don't talkto me any more; I've got to conjure up a nice, respectable story totell him. "

She remained very quiet as we rattled down the hill, her foreheadpuckered, her gaze straight ahead. Suddenly she asked, "Do you sometimes tell falsehoods?"

"Guilty. "

"Are they ever justified?"

"Well, really I don't know; from the standpoint of the strict moralist Ipresume not; but it is my judgment the strict moralist wouldn't lastlong in time of war. "

I was amused at the earnestness with which she looked at me, apparentlyweighing my words as soberly as though they had important meaning. 

"What's the trouble? If there is any prevaricating to be done, turn itover to me--I have become an expert. "

"No doubt, " her face brightening, "but I must attend to this casemyself. Judge Moran will have to suppose you a Confederate spy. No, nota word of protest will I listen to. If you go along with me, it must beexactly as I say; there is no other way, for otherwise he would neverreceive you into the house. "

"Oh, very well, " I replied indifferently, my eyes marking the swiftapproach of that distant squad of cavalry. "The masquerade will beshort, and well worth while if it only earns me a breakfast with you. "

The toss of her head was hardly complimentary. We were in the tree-linedstreets by this time, and suddenly she wheeled the pony in through anopen gate-way. The house was large, painted white, of distinctlySouthern architecture, the broad stone steps surmounted by roundedpillars. On the porch a man sat smoking. He arose instantly, hat inhand, and came down to meet us. His was a tall, slender, slightlystooped figure, a finely chiselled face, the hair and beard white. Hiseyes, apparently as keen as ever, instantly recognized the girl, hisstern features relaxing into a smile of welcome. 

"I am surprised and pleased to greet you, Miss Willifred, " cordiallybowing over her extended hand. "'Tis a long while since we have seenyou here. "

"Not from any doubt of your hospitality, Judge, but the armies have madetravelling unsafe. "

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

"In most excellent health, thank you. He was wounded at Chattanooga, butsoon recovered. We had him at home with us for a month. "

"So I heard. A young Louisiana officer, a Captain Le Gaire, gave me newsof your family. He was through Jonesboro with a scouting party two daysago. He seemed very glad to talk about you, my dear. "

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

"We are excellent friends, yet really it does not require any deepinterest to induce Captain Le Gaire to talk. That is one of hisspecialties. "

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

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

"But what have you here--a Yankee?"

"So far as uniform goes, yes, " she answered lightly, descending over thewheel, and adroitly dodging a direct reply. "But all things are not asthey seem, outwardly. Surely, Judge, you do not suppose I would everharbor one of the enemy? If I vouch for the gentleman it should besufficient. "

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

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

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

"Exactly, sir, exactly; I understand perfectly. Alight, and come in, butyou wear the first Yankee uniform ever welcomed to my house. Come rightalong, both of you. I've got one servant left, who will attendthe pony. "

Twenty minutes later we were breakfasting together in a cool, spaciousroom the windows of which opened upon the porch. The judge, aftersatisfying himself that we were being well served, had disappeared, leaving us alone. It was a beautiful morning, the birds singing outside, the sunlight sifting through the branches of the great oaks shading thewindows. Not a sound, other than the rustling of leaves, broke thesilence. My companion appeared disinclined to talk, her eyes turned awayfrom me. The constraint became so marked I endeavored to startconversation, but with poor result. 

"Our meeting has been an odd one, " I began, "romantic enough to form abasis for fiction. "

Her glance shifted to my face. 

"Do you think so? I merely find it extremely embarrassing. "

"Then I will withdraw at once, " I insisted, hurt by the indifference ofher voice. "I had supposed you wished me to remain until now--surelyyour words implied this. "

"Oh, yes! I did, and you are in no way to blame. It was an impulse, andI failed to realize that it would involve deceit to an old friend. Perhaps I am too easily hurt, but I am afraid Judge Moran half suspectsthe truth. Anyway you must go immediately. "

"We shall part as friends?"

She hesitated, as though considering the full intent of my request. 

"Hardly that, Lieutenant Galesworth. The word 'friend' should mean much, and we are merely chance acquaintances--politically enemies. "

"I had hoped that difference--merely the accident of war--might havebeen swept aside. It has no personal weight with me, and I supposed youwere of broader mind. "

"I am, " she responded earnestly. "Some of my best friends areNortherners, wearing that uniform, but, as it chances, we have met inwar, playing at cross-purposes. You are a Federal scout whom I haveunwittingly helped through the Confederate lines. Surely I have doneenough already to help you--perhaps to injure the cause I love--withoutbeing asked for more. Under other conditions we might continue friends, but not as matters stand. "

"Yet later--when the war ends?"

"It is useless to discuss what may occur then. There is littlelikelihood we shall ever meet after to-day. Indeed, I have no wish thatwe should. "

It was a dismissal so clearly expressed I could only bow, wondering whatit was I saw in the depths of her eyes which seemed almost to contradictthe utterance of the lips. 

"You leave me no choice. "

"There is none. I have no desire to be considered an enemy, and there isno possibility for us to become friends. We are but the acquaintances ofa chance meeting. " She held out her hand across the table, the impulsivemovement robbing her words of their sting. "You understand this is notindifference, but necessity. "

I clasped closely the white fingers extended toward me, my heartthrobbing, but my lips held prisoners by her eyes. 

"Yes, I understand perfectly, but I make no promise. "

"No promise! What do you mean?"

"Only that to my mind this is no mere chance acquaintance, nor is itdestined to end here. Sometime I am going to know you, and we are goingto be friends. "

"Indeed!" her eyes dropped, the shadow of lashes on her cheeks. "You arevery audacious to say that. "

"Yet you are not altogether sorry to hear me say it. "

"Oh, I do not take your words seriously at all. They are mere Yankeeboasting--"

She stopped suddenly, the slight flush fading from her cheeks as shearose to her feet, staring out through the open window. It was the soundof horses' hoofs on the gravel roadway, and I sprang up also, endeavoring to see. A squad of troopers was without, dusty, hard-ridingfellows, uniformed in Confederate gray. 

CHAPTER VI

A BOLD FRONT

It was but a glimpse through the leaf-draped window of dust-cakedhorses, the bronzed faces of their riders, and the gray hair of JudgeMoran, as he hastened down the steps to greet them. I saw one man swingdown from his saddle, and advance toward the house, then a sharpcatching of the girl's breath drew my attention toward her, and oureyes met. 

"You--you must not suppose I expected this, " she faltered, "--that Ihave betrayed you. "

There was no doubting her earnestness, nor her disgust at suchtreachery. 

"Not for a moment. But I must get away. Are you acquainted with thehouse?"

"Yes; but two of the men rode around to the well. It would be impossiblenow to slip out the back way without discovery. " She ran across theroom, and flung open a door. "Go in there and lie down; pretend to beasleep. If the judge does not inform them of your presence here it maynever be suspected. If he does I must cling to the old story. "

I caught her hands, and in the excitement she seemed scarcely aware ofthe act. 

"You are willing to do this for me?"

"I don't know what I do it for, " a little nervous laugh in her voice. "When one once gets started into deceit there seems to be no end--but goquick! the officer is coming now. "

The room into which I was thrust was darkened by lowered shades, but thebookcases lining the walls proclaimed it a library. A comfortableleather couch occupied the space between the two windows. The doorremained half an inch ajar, and, before I could close it, some oneentered the dining-room. The first words uttered held me silent, listening. There was a heavy step on the uncarpeted floor, the jingle ofspurs, and a startled exclamation from the girl. 

"You! Why, I had no thought of meeting you here. "

"Yet I trust you are not sorry, " the voice deep, yet so low I lost anoccasional word. "Judge Moran says you bear--"

"Hush, " she interrupted quickly. "Yes, and they must go on at once. Whatbrings you here, Gerald? A scouting party?"

"We are Beauregard's advance scouts; he is moving eastward. "

"Then these papers must reach him at once. Don't stop to ask questions, Gerald, but send some man; have him kill his horse if necessary. Oh, don't stand there looking at me, but go! I'll explain later. "

I heard the rustle of papers, the rapid movement of the man as he leftthe room, the quick breathing of the excited woman. Then she crossed theroom to the window, and the next moment a horse galloped past. My headwhirled--then it was not quinine for the hospitals which had brought herthrough the lines; she had deliberately lied to me, and instead, was abearer of despatches. Sudden anger at the trick banished every otherfeeling; yet what could I do? My hand gripped the knob of the door, every nerve throbbing, when I heard the officer's voice again in thebreakfast room. 

"He's off; now let's have the straight of all this, Billie. "

Billie! I grasped the full truth of it in an instant. Lord! I had been afool. The woman had played with me as though I were a mere child; hadbeen laughing at me all night; and doubtless intended now to hand meover prisoner to this squad of gray-jackets. Billie! The very person Iwas seeking; the only one who could hope to get through after all othershad failed. And I had supposed "Billie" was a man, never once thinkingof the name as a pet feminine one of the South. The realization of allthis confused me so that I missed a part of what was being said, andonly aroused as the man spoke more sharply. 

"That's all right, of course; I understand what brought you here, butwhere is that fellow you had with you?"

"Who?" it was an indignant voice. 

"Oh, you understand, Miss Innocence, " a slight sneer in the utterance. "There was a man in your company when you arrived, dressed as a Yank. Moran told me so. You were breakfasting together--the tableproves that. "

"Well, what of it? I explained his presence to the judge. Am I obligedto account for all my actions to every one I meet?"

The officer, evidently acquainted with the lady's disposition, and awarethat driving would never do, changed his tone, crossing the room towardher, and lowering his voice. 

"No, not to every one, Billie, but surely you cannot deny I have someright to this information. Would you wish me to be riding the country atnight with a strange woman?"

"If it became part of your duty--yes. I have no remembrance of everinterfering with your freedom, Captain Le Gaire. "

I could hear the man's teeth click, as though in an effort to restrainan oath. 

"By God, but you are irritating!" he burst forth impetuously. "One wouldthink I were no more to you than a stranger. This is no light affair tobe laughed away. Have you forgotten our engagement already?"

"That is scarcely probable. You remind me of it often enough. Don'tcrush my hand so. "

Her provoking coldness was all that was needed to overcome the slightrestraint the captain still exercised. Instantly his real nature cameto the fore. 

"Then I'll make him do the explaining, " he threatened fiercely. "I knowhow to deal with men. Where is the fellow? In that room?"

There was a brief silence. I could distinguish his rapid breathing, andthe slight rustle of her skirts as she sank back into a chair. 

"Well, are you going to tell me? Or must I hunt for myself?"

"Captain Le Gaire, " she began quietly, without even a tremor in the softvoice, "possibly you forget whom I am. The gentlemen of my acquaintancehave never been accustomed to question the motives actuating myconduct. You imagine yourself talking to some darky on your Louisianaplantation. Is this the manner in which you propose treating me aftermarriage?"

He laughed uneasily. 

"Why, I meant nothing, Billie. Don't take it in that way. Surely youunderstand I have a right to be curious as to your companion. "

"Yes; but not to carry your curiosity to the point of discourtesy. Ihave not the slightest objection to answering your questions, if youonly ask with some respect. "

"You always hold me at arm's length. "

"Do I? Well, this is hardly the best time to discuss that. What was ityou wished to know?"

"Who is the fellow travelling with you?"

"Didn't the judge tell you?"

"He said he was a Confederate spy dressed in the uniform of a Yankeelieutenant whom you had brought through the lines. "

"Well, isn't that information sufficient?"

The gallant captain again smothered an oath, evidently tried to thelimit by the girl's cool indifference. 

"Of course it isn't. That might answer for Moran, for he has no personalinterest in the affair. But it's altogether different with me. It'smerely accident that I rode in here this morning, and I immediatelydiscover the woman I am engaged to marry was out all night riding aroundwith a stranger, eating breakfast with him when I arrive. Do you supposethat is pleasant?"

"No; yet my explanation ought to be sufficient. "

"Explanation! You have made none. "

"Oh, yes; Judge Moran told you the circumstances. "

I heard him stomp roughly across the floor, his spurs clanking. 

"Explanation, nothing! Who is the fellow?"

"Really I don't know. "

"Don't know? Do you mean to say you rode with him alone all night, andtook breakfast with him this morning, without even learning his name?"

"He said his name was Galesworth, but I don't know that he told thetruth. "

"You pretend indifference well, " the man sneered. 

"It is no pretence; I am indifferent. Why should I be otherwise? I amnot interested in spies. I may assist one through the lines to serve theConfederacy, but that is no evidence that I feel any personal interestin the man. Anyhow that is the extent of my knowledge in this case, andI haven't the slightest desire to increase it. When are you goingto ride on?"

"Not until I know more than I do now, " he retorted savagely. "There issomething hidden here. You are pretending all this indifference so as togive that fellow sufficient time to get away. I'm damned if I putup with it. "

"Captain Le Gaire, " and she was upon her feet, "do you venture toaddress such language to me? Do you dare--"

"I am no dupe of yours or of any other woman, " he broke in, too angrynow to restrain his words. "There is something wrong here, and I mean toknow what it is. If you won't tell, I'll find out myself. " He strodeacross to the window and called to some one below. "Slade, comein here. "

There was a moment of waiting, during which neither stirred, nor spoke. Then the trooper entered, his heels clicking together as he saluted justwithin the doorway. 

"Sergeant, " said Le Gaire shortly. "I have reason to suspect there is aman hidden in that room yonder. I'll keep an eye on this young lady, while you find out. "

Slade took a step forward, and the girl's dress rustled. 

"Wait just a minute, Sergeant, " she said briefly. "Am I to understandfrom this, Captain Le Gaire, that you are not only a bully, but alsoa coward?"

"A coward!--"

"Yes, a coward. You order the sergeant to open that door--why do younot open it yourself?"

He laughed rather unpleasantly. 

"So that's the trouble? Well, it's merely a way we have in the army, butif it will greatly oblige you I'll do the job. "

It was useless waiting longer; the room offered me no possiblehiding-place, the two windows looked down on the waiting cavalrymen. Beyond doubt boldness was the best card to play. Before the ratherreluctant captain could take a second step I flung open the concealingdoor, and came forth into the breakfast room. 

CHAPTER VII

A WOMAN'S PRISONER

The scene before me, the expression on the three faces, caused me tosmile. I came forth with no definite plan of action, trusting, as onemust at such times, wholly to luck. There was no means of escapeapparent, yet my mind was cool, and I was prepared to take advantage ofany opportunity. I saw the flash of the sergeant's revolver, thecaptain's sudden recoil, his hand tugging at his sword-hilt, andglimpsed something in the depths of Billie's eyes that puzzled me. 

"Good-morning, gentlemen, " I said easily. 

So far as Slade was concerned it was evident that all he saw was theuniform, his revolver instantly covering me, held in a hand steady asrock; he even grinned amiably across the barrel. But the expression onLe Gaire's face changed from startled surprise to relief. He was a tallman, with dark hair and eyes, a black moustache shading his lip, and hishand fell from the hilt of the sword as he took an uncertain steptoward me. 

"Drop that gun-play, Sergeant, " he exclaimed sharply. "This man _is_all right; I know him. "

Too astounded myself for speech, I could only stare back into thecaptain's face, seeking vainly to recall ever having seen the fellowbefore. Not the slightest recollection came to me, but Le Gaireblundered on, blinded by his discovery. 

"Didn't know you had gone into this sort of thing, " he exclaimedcordially, holding out his hand. "Last I heard your regiment was in NewOrleans. Don't remember me, do you?"

I shook my head, so completely puzzled by this unexpected turn ofaffairs that speech became dangerous. Perhaps he would give me some clueto my new identity, which would enable me to carry out the masquerade. 

"Your face is familiar, " I ventured, "but--"

"Oh, no excuses, " he broke in cordially. "I was a guest at your mess onenight when we were garrisoning Memphis. I am Le Gaire, of the ThirdLouisiana. I sang you fellows some French songs, you may remember. "

"Oh, yes!" and my face visibly brightened, as I grasped his fingers, wondering who the devil I might be, yet exceedingly overjoyed at thissudden change of fortune. "We had a gay night of it. I wonder yourecognize me in these rags. "

"Well, I don't suppose I should, " he exclaimed, "only you happened to bepointed out to me specially that evening. It was just after your duelwith Major Gillette of ours. Between us, I don't mind admitting I wasglad you punctured that fellow--it saved me the trouble. "

"Perhaps if you gentlemen are through with reminiscences, " broke in thegirl quietly, "Captain Le Gaire might present me to his new friend. "

"But I thought you knew him already!"

She laughed lightly, her eyes aglow with merriment. 

"Oh, no, indeed! It is all a most wonderful mix-up. "

"Then it will be a pleasure for me to bring order out of confusion--MissHardy, Major Atherton of General Pemberton's staff. "

"Atherton!" she gasped. "I--I thought your name was Galesworth. "

"Hardy!" I retorted, simulating equal surprise, "and I supposed yourname to be Gray. "

Le Gaire looked at us, vastly amused, all his former jealousy andsuspicion instantly dissipated by this evidence of misunderstanding. 

"You certainly must have had a merry night of it, you two--trying tooutlie each other, and with honors about even. However, the tangle isstraightened out now, and we must be on our way. What are you trying todo, Atherton, --get to the rear of the Yanks?"

"Yes, " I answered, with some hesitation, and glancing aside at the girl. I could not determine how much of all this she actually believed, or howfar I might venture to carry forward the deceit. Her eyes were upon me, but their shaded depths revealed nothing. I determined to take thechance. "Johnston requires more exact information as to the Yankeeartillery, and thought I might get in around the right flank. I saw adust cloud across the river as we came into town. "

"A foraging party; they went west; we have the bridge guarded. "

"Beauregard's advance may hurry Johnston, " I continued, eager to drawout of him some information of value. "How came he to movewithout orders?"

"He concluded so wide a gap was dangerous, and that Johnston'sdespatch-carriers must have been unable to get through, so he beganfeeling his way east. The orders Billie brought will undoubtedly hurrythe advance. "

"They have gone forward then?"

"Certainly--I sent a man with them at once. "

I shot an inquiring glance toward her, but she had found a seat at thetable, and was toying idly with a spoon, her eyes cast down. 

"And Beauregard is marching along this road, I presume?"

"No; back behind the hills where he runs no risk of being seen by anyprowling Yankee scouts. We are in advance on the left flank. "

I understood the movement clearly enough now, and realized theimportance of getting this news to our headquarters. A swift advance oftroops would throw a column between these two forces of Confederates, and hold them apart for separate battle. But there was no time fordelay. Le Gaire failed to comprehend my anxious glance out theopen window. 

"We all better be at it, " he said quickly. "By the way, with thatcavalry uniform you ought to have a horse. We're leading one with Yankeeaccoutrements you can use. Come on, Slade. Miss Hardy, I hope to see youat your own home in a few days. "

He bowed, hat in hand, the girl rising to her feet, as the sergeant leftthe room. She did not smile, her eyes flashing from his face to mine. 

"I may remain here until the armies leave this section, " she repliedquietly. "There is too much risk in travelling alone. "

"You might ride with us, " he suggested gallantly. She shook her head, her lips smiling. 

"I think I better not. "

"Does that mean you are still angry?"

"I didn't know I had been, Captain. Perhaps I spoke rather hastily, butyou must forgive that. "

Her hand was extended, and he came a step back from the door to graspit, and lift the fingers to his lips. With a fierce throbbing of theheart I turned my back to them, staring out the window. There was a lowmurmur of voices, and then the door clicked. I never moved, watching LeGaire go down the steps, his men swing into their saddles, at a sharporder, and ride away in column of fours. When they had all disappeared asingle horse remained, tied to the railing of the veranda. I turnedabout, and picked up my hat from the floor. Miss Hardy was seated againat the table, her head resting upon one hand. I could see the round, white arm where the sleeve fell away, and her cheeks were flushed. Shedid not lift her eyes at my movement, and, half angry at her studiedindifference, I advanced straight toward the door. But there Ihesitated, unable to part without at least another word. She was lookingat me now. 

"May I hope ever to meet you again?" I asked. 

"I can promise nothing as to the future, " she returned soberly. "But Iwish to speak to you now, before you go. Sit down here, just a moment. "

I hesitated, keen as to the value of time, yet curious as to what shewould say, and swayed strongly by her influence. 

"You surely must understand how anxious I am to get away--" I began, butshe broke in impulsively. 

"Of course I do, but you must listen to me first. " She had risen, andwas leaning forward, speaking earnestly. "It is true we shall probablynever meet again, yet I am not willing you should think me altogether adespicable character. I wish you to know whom I am, and why deceit wasnecessary. "

"My dear girl, " I exclaimed, hastily crossing the room, "there isnothing to explain. I understand the circumstances. "

"No, not entirely, " she insisted, "but it is my desire you should. I--Ihardly know why, but--but I would rather have you think well of me. Listen, please; I will be very brief. I am Willifred Gray Hardy, and itwas my father whom you overheard talking with General Johnston. Our homeis south on the pike road, and was used as headquarters until a few daysago. I have known General Johnston ever since I was a little girl, andeverybody--all my friends--call me Billie. Of course you thought thecourier was a man--it was only natural you should--and it was, therefore, easy for me to keep up the deceit--they trusted me, and I hadto get those papers through. "

"Of course you did, " heartily. "Surely you do not suppose I would thinkless of you for your loyalty?"

"I hoped not; nor did I mean to let you go away thinking me a fool. "

"A fool!" thrown entirely from my guard. "How could I think that?"

"By imagining that I believe you Major Atherton of Pemberton's staff, "with a little, nervous laugh, and quick uplifting of the eyes. "I wasglad Captain Le Gaire made the mistake, for I had no wish to see you aprisoner, but your quick pretending did not in the least deceive me, Lieutenant Galesworth. " She paused, evidently amused at the surpriseexpressed in my face, yet with the lines of her lips setting firmly. "Your questions regarding the movements of Beauregard were mostingenuous, but I was able to comprehend your purpose. "

"You mean--"

"That you propose bearing the news direct to Federal headquarters. Thatis why you are in such a desperate hurry to get away. "

I took a step backward, reading the meaning of her eyes. 

"And you intend to prevent--"

"Exactly, " her voice as quiet as ever. "I am a Confederate still. "

She had changed her position, standing now between me and the closeddoor, the expression upon her face sufficient evidence of herdetermination. Hers was no idle threat--this daughter of a soldier wasready for the struggle and the sacrifice. I recognized all this at aglance, bewildered by the swift change in attitude, unable to decide myown course of action. Argument was useless, a resort to force repugnant. Above all else the one overpowering feeling was admiration for the girl. She must have read all this in my eyes, yet her own never wavered, norchanged expression. 

"Please do not make the mistake, Lieutenant Galesworth, of thinking menot sufficiently in earnest, " she said firmly, "or that I amunprepared. "

"I do not; if you were only a man I should know exactly what to do. "

"Your courtesy is misplaced; at least I do not ask it. This is war, andyou are upon one side, I on the other. You will remain in this roomuntil I say you may go. "

"What will hold me?--your eyes?--the mere threat of your lips?"

"Something rather more to the purpose than either, " she answered coldly. Her right hand, concealed by the folds of her skirt, was uplifted, thefingers grasping the black butt of a Colt. Her lips smiled. "I supposeyou know the efficacy of this weapon, Lieutenant, and that itis loaded. "

My hand dropped instinctively to my belt--the revolver holster wasempty! It was my own weapon the girl held. 

CHAPTER VIII

THE COMING OF THE ENEMY

No matter how charming she may be, a man can never enjoy being outplayedat his own game by a woman. The piquant face fronting me swam in a mistas a sudden rush of anger swept from me all admiration. I had beenplayed with, outwitted from the start, every movement checkmated--evennow she was actually laughing at my helplessness. My first wild impulsewas to spring forward, and wrest the revolver from her hand; yet therewas that in her attitude, in the expression of her eyes, which made mehesitate. Would she shoot? Would the sense of duty to her cause actuallyinduce her to fire at me? A moment before, I should not have deemed itpossible, but now, it seemed to me, she was desperate enough to do eventhis. And that was a hair-trigger she fingered so recklessly! Instead ofleaping forward, I stood motionless, outwardly cool, yet with everynerve throbbing. She read all this in my face, no doubt, for her lipshalf smiled, her manner exhibited confidence. 

"Oh, I can shoot, " she said pleasantly enough, "so I wouldn't try thatif I were you. Now will you do exactly as I say?"

I remained silent, my hands clinched. So this was the gentle creature Ihad been riding with, had even been falling in love with! This woman, now threatening me with death, was the same happy-hearted, laughing girlwhose hand I had held, and to whom I had talked in words of friendship. I could scarcely realize the change, or comprehend this new developmentof character. 

The unpleasant situation was broken by the sound of steps in the hall. The door opened, and Judge Moran entered. Miss Hardy stepped instantlyaside, concealing the revolver within the folds of her skirt, yet withwatchful eyes on my face. Moran glanced at us both without suspicion, and approached me with outstretched hand. 

"Captain Le Gaire explained to me who you are, Major, " he said with newcordiality, "and I am very glad to receive you as my guest. Are you oneof the Mobile Athertons?"

"No, " I answered, flushing, and avoiding her amused eyes, yet not daringto blurt out the truth, "I come from farther north. "

"Exactly; I recall now there are Athertons in Memphis and Nashville, delightful people, the real, old Southern stock. I regret greatly tolearn from Le Gaire that duty compels you to leave at once. "

"Major Atherton has changed his plans, " broke in the girl, before Icould respond. "The advance of Beauregard's forces makes it safer forhim to remain quiet for a few hours, --until night comes. I was justsuggesting that he go up to the red room and lie down--he is nearly deadfrom fatigue. "

"The red room!" in surprise. "Surely you jest, Miss Willifred! That ishardly considered a guest chamber. "

"No; but the safest place in the house, if, by any chance, it issearched by a scouting party. "

The old gentleman nodded, as if in approval. 

"Possibly it would be safer, although I hardly anticipate any such callsfrom the enemy with our own people so near. You will not be the firstConfederate to lie hidden there, sir, " with a bow to me, and a quickglance toward the smiling girl. "Would you mind showing him the way, mydear?--it is becoming difficult for me to mount the stairs. "

"With pleasure; indeed, I was about to propose doing so. Major, you willgo first, please. "

However cheerily these words were spoken I understood their quietthreat, and the full meaning of that motionless hand held securelyhidden behind the fold of her skirt. She opened the door into the hall, and, with one questioning glance into her eyes, I murmured a word ofthanks to the unsuspecting judge, and passed slowly through. Miss Hardyfollowed, closing the door behind her, the revolver now held inplain view. 

"Up the stairs, and turn to the left, " she commanded briefly. 

The short, stern, business-like tone in which this order was utteredmight have been amusing under other conditions, but scarcely so thenwhen I was smarting under defeat. I glanced back, half tempted toendeavor a sudden leap; yet she was fully prepared, and I hesitated. Would she actually shoot me down? Could it be possible the girl wouldtake my life? I could scarcely conceive of such a probability, sheseemed so womanly in every way, so light-hearted, and yet there was nolaugh now in her eyes, no lack of determination in the firm settingof her lips. 

"Suppose I refuse!"

"I sincerely hope you will not, Lieutenant. This is hard enough for me;don't make it any harder. "

There could be no doubting what she meant, nor what she had nervedherself to accomplish. Feeling like a whipped cur I went slowly up thebroad stairs, my hand on the banister rail, and she followed, keepingeven pace with me, the cocked Colt pointing sternly upward at my back. 

"The last door--yes, beyond the chimney. Step inside, LieutenantGalesworth. Now close the door. "

I stood, with fingers still grasping the knob, listening. There was aclick, as though a heavy key was being turned in the lock, and thenwithdrawn. Following I heard her quick breath of relief, and ahalf-suppressed sob. The sound made her seem all woman again. 

"Miss Hardy!" I called, my lips at the crack of the door. 

"What is it?" the answering voice tremulous. 

"I want to tell you that you are a brave girl, and that I do not in theleast blame you. "

There was a moment's hesitating silence, as though my unexpected wordshad left her speechless. Her breathing told me her lips were also closeto the door. 

"I--I am so glad you said that, " she returned at last. "This--this hasbeen so difficult to do. But you know I mean to do it, to hold you here;you realize I am terribly in earnest?"

"Yes--but for how long?"

"Until late to-night; then you can do us no deep injury. " Her voicebecame firmer. "I shall remain on guard here. "

I heard her move away from the direct neighborhood of the door, hersteps sounding distinctly on the polished floor. Then something heavy, probably a chair or bench, was drawn forward, following which all wassilence. Although I could see nothing the situation in the hall wasclear. Confident escape was impossible in any other direction thedetermined girl had taken up her position opposite the door, preparedfor a long vigil. All feeling of anger, even of irritation, had by thistime left me. The slight falter, the womanly softness of her voice, hadrobbed me of all resentment, and I was conscious merely of admirationfor her courage and loyalty. But I desired intently to stand equallyhigh in her memory, and in order to do so must exhibit my own wit, myown resources in emergency. I felt the door--it was of solid oak, withno spot of weakness evident, even the key-hole being concealed by ametal flap on the outside. The room itself was small, the walls tintedred, and contained no furniture except a narrow bed and onestraight-backed chair. Light was admitted through a small window, placedso high in the wall I was compelled to stand on the chair to look out, amere round opening through which it would be impossible to squeeze myrather stalwart body. It was almost a typical prison cell, apparentlyaffording not the slightest opportunity for escape. I had a pipe in mypocket, and matches, so I lit up, and lay back on the bed, reviewing thesituation. 

I am not of the disposition which surrenders easily, and my longexperience as a scout had inured me to difficult ventures. Almostinvariably there are means of escape, if one is fortunate enough todiscover the point of weakness and possesses sufficient time in which towork. Yet as I lay there, my eyes anxiously scanning those bare, solidwalls, my brain working coolly, the problem appeared unsolvable. Thedoor, of hard-wood, fitting tightly into the jambs, washopeless, --particularly with Billie outside, loaded revolver in hand, nerved to the shooting point. I climbed again to the window, but thecasing was solidly spiked into position, and I could barely press myhead through the aperture into the open air. It was a thirty-foot sheerdrop to the hard gravel of the road beneath, the nearest tree limb adozen feet distant, with the roof edge far beyond reach of the hand. Isat down in the chair, the blue smoke curling overhead, floating out thewindow, my eyes studying the red-tinted side walls, as I endeavored torecall each detail of the house's architecture, and the exact locationof this particular room. 

I had turned to the left at the head of the stairway, passing by atleast three doors. Then there had occurred a slight jog in the hall, making room for a large chimney, while just beyond opened this door. Itwas not even visible from the front of the house, and would probably bethe rearmost apartment--no, that was wrong; the hallway, much contractedin width, continued on into the ell. This was quite likely the first ofthe servants' quarters, and that east wall must abut directly againstthe chimney. With a new degree of hopefulness, I pushed aside the bed, and began testing the wall space with my knuckles. If any chimney wasthere, the stones were protected by wooden casing, which, covered by thered paper, was effectively concealed. I was about to abandon the searchwhen a finger penetrated the paper, revealing a round opening--a pipehole, left uncovered except for the wallpaper. I wrenched out the tinprotector, and felt within. The chimney had apparently never been used, the interior being clear of soot, and was built of a single layer ofstone, Southern fashion, the irregular fragments mortared together, andplastered smoothly on the inside. Without was a thin, narrow planking, dove-tailed, but secured by nails only at the four corners. This couldbe easily pried away, leaving the chimney itself open to attack. I couldnot reach far enough within to touch the opposite wall, but wasconvinced the space would prove sufficiently large to admit my body. With a knife I tested the resistance of the mortar, breaking the pointof the blade, yet detaching quite a chunk, and wrenching out one smallstone. Beyond doubt the task might be accomplished--but what was below?How was I to get down those smoothly plastered walls--and back again, ifnecessary?

I glanced at my watch; it was already nearing noon, and at any momentfood might be brought me. I must wait until after that; then I shouldprobably remain undisturbed for several hours. I shoved back the bed insuch position its head-board completely concealed the slight excavation, and sat down upon it, planning anew how best to proceed. The time passedwith no unusual sound reaching me from the hall without. Billieevidently felt no desire to acquaint Judge Moran with my real identity, and perhaps would thus experience some difficulty in procuring mefood, --possibly would make no effort even until night. I succeeded inpushing aside the flap over the key-hole, without making any alarmingnoise, and applied one eye to the aperture. There was little to beseen--merely the end of a bench, and a pair of bare, black feet. Thejudge's sole remaining servitor doubtless, doing a turn at guard duty. As I gazed, some outside noise aroused him, and he went softlypattering down the hall. 

The same sound startled me also, and I dropped the flap, clambering uponthe chair so as to see without. It was a hundred feet to the main road, mostly velvety turf between, with a few trees partially obscuring theview. Yet I could see clearly enough, and up the pike leading throughthe village, half hidden by a cloud of dust, was advancing a regiment ofcavalry, their flags draped, their horses walking in double column. Asthese swung into the straight road, a battery of artillery followed, gray-jacketed fellows, Confederates--Beauregard's advance. 

CHAPTER IX

IMPORTANT NEWS

In spite of the recognized fact that these men were enemies, my heartthrobbed, almost in pride, as I watched them pass. They were Americans, and magnificent fighting men. I had seen them, or their fellows, in theruck and toil of battle, playing with death, smiling in the face ofdefeat. Now they were marching grimly forward to another clash of arms, through the blinding dust, heedless of all else but duty. This was whatstirred me. No proud review, with glittering uniforms and waving flags, would have choked my throat, or dimmed my eyes, as did the sight of thatplodding, silent column, half hidden under the dust cloud, uniformsalmost indistinguishable, officers and men mingled, the drums still, theonly sounds the steady tread, the occasional hoarse shout of command. Here was no pomp and circumstance, but grim purpose personified inself-sacrifice and endurance. With heads bowed, and limbs movingwearily, guns held at will, they swept by in unbroken column--cavalry, artillery, infantry--scarcely a face lifted to glance toward the house, with here and there a straggler limping to the roadside, or an aidespurring past--just a stream of armed men, who had been plodding onsince daylight, footsore, hungry, unseeing, yet ready to die in battleat their commander's word. It was war; it was magnificent. 

Yet suddenly there recurred to me my own small part in this greattragedy. Here was opportunity. Down below, on the front steps, stood theold judge, and beside him Miss Hardy, forgetful for the time of all elsesave those passing troops. I sprang from the chair, drew the bed back tothe centre of the room, and began my assault on the wall. There was nonecessity now for silence, and I dug recklessly into the mortar with mybroken knife blade, wrenching forth the loosened stones, until I hadthus successfully opened a space amply sufficient for my purpose. Aglance down the chimney was not reassuring, no gleam of light beingvisible, yet I was desperate enough to take the chance of discoveringsome opening below. There remained but this one means of attaining thelower floor, and no time for hesitation. I tore both sheets from thebed, binding them securely together, and twisting them into a ropestrong enough to sustain my weight. The bed-post served to secure oneend; the other I dropped down the interior of the chimney. A glance fromthe window exhibited a double line of canvas-covered wagons creakingpast, mules toiling wearily in the traces, under close guard of a squadof infantry. The judge and the girl were still outside. I was backinstantly, and clambered recklessly into the hole. 

I went down slowly, clinging desperately to the twisted sheets, unableto gain the slightest purchase on the smoothly plastered side walls. Myfingers slipped, but I managed to hang on until I reached the very endof my improvised rope, my feet dangling, my arms aching from the weight. To hold on longer was seemingly impossible, yet I could neither see norfeel bottom. I let go, confident the distance could not be great, andcame down without much shock a half-dozen feet below. I was in a largefire-place, apparently never utilized, the opening entirely covered by ascreen of cast-iron. This fitted closely, but was unfastened, and, afterfeeling about cautiously in the darkness, I pushed it slightly to oneside, and peered forth. 

A large, rather handsomely furnished room was revealed, evidently aback-parlor, closed folding doors being conspicuous in the front wall. Three windows faced the north, their curtains partially drawn, and Icould perceive through them the lattice work of a porch, covered withthe green and red of a rambler rose. I recognized instantly thesituation; this room was opposite, directly across the hall from wherewe had eaten breakfast, its windows also commanding a view of the road. Impelled by a desire to see what was continuing to take place without, Istole silently across the soft carpet, and peered forth. The last of thewagon train was lumbering past, and back of these, just wheeling aroundthe corner, approached another column of horsemen. It would be madnessfor me to emerge from concealment yet, for even if I remained unnoticedby those marching troops, still there would surely be some stragglersabout the premises seeking water. I sat down, staring out, endeavoringto decide about how large this Confederate force was--surely it composedall of Beauregard's corps, and, once united with Johnston, would renderthe Federal position extremely dangerous, perhaps untenable. Yet evennow my warning of the sudden movement would be of comparatively smallvalue, as the gap was too nearly closed for any swift advance toseparate the two armies. All I could hope to accomplish was to prevent asurprise attack on our own exposed lines. And this could never beattempted before the next morning, even if Johnston swung his columnsto the left in anticipation of Beauregard's approach. The troops weretoo thoroughly exhausted by the forced march to be hurled immediatelyinto battle--they must be fed and rested first. Convinced as to this Iremained quiet, glancing idly about the room, until sounds outsideattracted attention. 

A company--or possibly two--of cavalry was drawn up on the road directlyfronting the house, their centre opposite the open gate, but I wascompelled to lean out in order to discover just what was occurring onthe driveway. A squad of a dozen horsemen, powdered with dust, yetexcellently mounted, were riding slowly toward the veranda. The manslightly in advance was slender, with dark moustache and goatee, sittingstraight in his saddle, and on the collar of his gray coat were thestars of a general officer. Even the hasty glance gained told me hisidentity--Beauregard. As this cavalcade turned at the corner of thehouse, I drew back, shadowed by the curtain, able thus both to see andhear. At the bottom of the steps the Confederate chieftain halted, andbowed, hat in hand. 

"Judge Moran, I presume. While we have never previously met, yet yourname has long been familiar. Probably I need not introduce myself. "

The judge, his face beaming hospitality, grasped the outstretched hand, but Beauregard's dark, appreciative eyes were upon the girl standing atMoran's side. 

"Your daughter, sir?" he asked quickly. 

"Not so fortunate, General. This is Miss Willifred Hardy, of the'Gables. '"

"Ah, yes!" the stern face instantly brightened by a rare smile. "Thesame fair heroine who brought the despatches from Johnston. I hoped Imight reach here in time, my dear, to tell you in person how greatly Iappreciate your service. May I ask if you are Major Hardy's daughter?"

Her cheeks burning, she murmured "Yes, " curtsying to his rather statelybow. 

"I knew your mother rather well in the old days, --a sweet girl, a DuVerne, of Baton Rouge. You have her eyes and hair. " He turned towardMoran. "A courier but just arrived has brought me orders to halt my men, as Johnston is marching westward, and it is imperative that we protectthe bridge yonder with sufficient force. Would it inconvenience you, Judge, if I made your house my headquarters for the night?"

"Everything I possess is freely at your service. "

"Thank you. From all I have heard I could never question the loyalty ofJudge Moran. " He spoke a few short orders, swung down from the saddle, and, followed by a half-dozen others, began climbing the steps, talkingwith Miss Willifred. I heard the party enter the hall, and pause for amoment, the sound of voices mingling but indistinguishable. Then a dooropened, and the men trooped into the front parlor. There was a rattle asaccoutrements were laid aside; then a table was drawn forth, andBeauregard's voice spoke:

"The portfolio, Sternes; now, Captain, let me read over that lastdespatch again. Ah, yes, I see. Is Colonel O'Neil waiting? Tell him topost Williams' brigade at the bridge, with Ozark's battery. Picketsshould be advanced at least two miles. Lieutenant Greer, ride to theThree Corners, and have the regimental commanders close all gaps in theline; in case of attack we must be able to exhibit a solid front. Amoment, Major Mason, --you are to bear my report to Johnston. " Therefollowed the rapid scratching of a pen, and a subdued murmur of voices. Then the deep bass of the general again broke in: "You may as wellclearly understand the proposed plans, gentlemen, so you can execute myorders with intelligence. They are extremely simple; our main attackwill be directed against the enemy's left flank; the troops selected forthis service will cross at the lower ford early to-morrow night. Our ownmovements will depend altogether upon the success of Johnston'sadvance. Chambers will be up sometime to-night, and will hold a positionat rear of the centre in reserve. Is this sufficiently clear?"

"Do we cross the bridge?"

"Not until Johnston informs us his assaulting column is in touch withthe enemy. "

"There is no absolute hour set?"

"No; that will depend upon the arrival of Chambers. And now, gentlemen, we will adjourn to the dining-room. "

They passed out, evidently in the best of humor, and I could hear themchatting and laughing in the hall. But my thoughts were now concentratedupon my own work. This was important news I had overheard, and must bein the possession of the Federal commander without delay. No personaldanger could be considered. But how was it possible to get awayunobserved? I was in full uniform, and unarmed; the house--nowBeauregard's headquarters--under close guard; the surrounding roadslined with troops. It would be simply madness to attempt crossing theriver before nightfall, and yet I could not hope to remain where I wasall the afternoon without discovery. As soon as the duties ofhospitality were over Miss Willifred would certainly recall herprisoner, and it could not be long before my escape from the room abovewould be known. I must be safely out of the house before this occurred. It seemed to me the stables offered the best hiding-place, or else thedeserted negro cabins. 

I could examine the greater part of the front yard from the windows, thesquad of troopers camped near the gate, and the sentinel pacing beforethe steps, but was compelled to lean far out to gain any glimpse of therear. I could perceive no soldiers in this direction, however, and wasencouraged to note a long grape arbor, thickly overgrown with vines, extending from the house to the other extremity of the garden. Oncesafely within its shadow I might get through unseen. And there was butone means of attaining the grape arbor--through the back hall, _via_either the kitchen or the cellar. I opened the door with all possiblecaution, and took silent survey of the hall. The front door stood openand a guard was stationed without, but with his back toward me. I couldhear voices in the dining-room, but the hall itself appeared deserted, and, feeling that it was either now or never, I slipped forth, andstarted toward the rear. There were two doors, one at the very extremityof the hall, the other upon the right, both closed. Uncertain which tochoose I tried the first I came to, but, even as I cautiously turned theknob, the second was opened from without, and a man entered hurriedly. We stared into each others' faces, both too completely surprised forspeech. He was a cavalry sergeant, a gray-beard, and, with my firstmovement, was tugging at a weapon. 

"Hold on there, my buck!" he said gruffly. "None o' that, now. By God!it's a Yank. Bill, come here. "

The guard at the front door ran down the hall toward us, his gun thrownforward. 

CHAPTER X

MISS WILLIFRED INTERVENES

Any effort at escape was clearly useless; the noise and shouting hadalready attracted the attention of those within, and a half-dozenofficers streamed out through the dining-room door, eager to learn whathad occurred. 

"What's the trouble out here, Sims?" demanded the first to appear, striding forward. "Well, by all the gods, a Yank, and in full regalia!Where did you discover this fellow?"

"I'd been back fer a drink, sir, " explained the sergeant, still eyingme, "an' was just comin' in through ther door yer, when I run inter him, sneakin' 'long ther wall--thet's ther whole bloomin' story. "

The officer, a smooth-faced lad, turned abruptly to me. 

"Well, what have you got to say?"

"Nothing, " I answered quietly, "you are perfectly welcome to draw yourown conclusions. "

"Oh, indeed, " sarcastically. "We'll see what more civil answer you'llmake to the general. Sims, bring the fellow along. "

The two soldiers grabbed me roughly by the arms, but I made noresistance, cool enough by this time, although realizing fully the perilof my position. I was marched in through the open door, and stood up inthe centre of the dining-room, Sims posted on one side of me, the guardon the other, the officers forming a picturesque background. Beauregardwas on his feet, and Miss Hardy stood between the windows, her handsclasped, her cheeks red. 

"What is all this, gentlemen? A Federal officer in full uniform? Howcomes he here?"

I made no attempt to answer, unable to formulate an excuse, and theyoung fellow broke in swiftly, "Sims caught him in the hall, General. He is unarmed, but refuses toexplain. "

The general's stern dark eyes were upon my face. 

"Hardly a spy, I think, " he said quietly. "What is the explanation, sir?Are you the bearer of a message?"

I started to speak, but before the first uncertain word came to my lips, the girl swept forward, and stood between us. 

"Let me explain, " she cried swiftly. "This gentleman is a friend ofCaptain Le Gaire's, and was presented to me as Major Atherton, formerlyon General Pemberton's staff--perhaps there may be some here whoknow him?"

She glanced inquiringly about on the faces of the group, and a stockilybuilt infantry captain struck his open hand on the table. 

"By Jove, that's it! Thought I recognized the face. How are you, Atherton?--met you at Big Shanty. "

Still puzzled, although evidently relieved, Beauregard remainedmotionless. 

"But the uniform?" he questioned. "And how did you reach the hallwaywithout being seen?"

Her eyes met mine in a rapid flash of understanding, a little nervouslaugh drawing the general's attention. 

"It is almost ridiculous, " she exclaimed. "Major Atherton came throughthe lines with me last night. He was detailed on special service, forwhich purpose he donned that uniform. On meeting Captain Le Gaire here, and learning of your advance, it was no longer necessary for him toproceed at once, and, as he was very tired, he was persuaded to lie downin a room upstairs. Waking, he naturally came down into the hall, knowing nothing of your arrival. Have I correctly presented the case, Major Atherton?"

Her eyes challenged me, and I bowed. 

"A perfectly clear statement. "

"And a most charming advocate, " added Beauregard. "We must find you somemore appropriate garments, Major, but meanwhile there is room here atthe table. Captain Bell, would you kindly move a little to the right. Now, Hughes, serve Major Atherton. "

I do not recall ever feeling more awkwardly embarrassed than during thenext few minutes. Not that the assembled officers lacked in courtesy, orfailed to interest in light conversation. Led by the general they allendeavored to make me forget my strange position, and the unpleasantepisode of arrest. Indeed, but for the presence of Miss Willifred in theroom I imagine I should have been very much at ease, perfectly capableof doing my full share of entertaining. But with the girl standingsilently in the shadow of the curtains, her eyes occasionally meetingmine, I felt a constant restraint which impelled me to answer almost inmono-syllables. She had openly defended me, saved me from arrest;without telling a direct falsehood she had, nevertheless, led these meninto a grievous misunderstanding. Why had she done this? Throughpersonal interest in me? Through some wild impulse of the moment? Icould not even guess; only, I was assured of one thing: her secretmotive involved no lack of loyalty to the cause of the South. Realizingthis I dare not presume on her continued friendliness, dare not sitthere and lie calmly, filling these men with false information, andpermitting imagination to run rampant. Her eyes condemned that, and Ifelt the slightest indiscretion on my part would result in betrayal. Perhaps even then she regretted her hasty action, and sought some excusefor blurting out the truth. Fortunately conversation drifted into safechannels. Bell was full of reminiscences of Big Shanty, requiring on mypart but brief acquiescence, and, after a very few personal questions bythe others, sufficiently direct to demand reply, Beauregard asked meabout the disposition of Johnston's forces, to which I was fortunatelyable to respond intelligently, giving him many details, sufficientlyinteresting, although of no great value. To his desire for informationrelative to Chambers' advance from the south, and the number of histroops, I was obliged to guess rather vaguely, but finally got away witha vivid description of Miss Hardy's night ride, which caused even thegirl herself to laugh, and chime in with a word or two. With theofficers the meal was nearly completed when I joined them, and it wastherefore not long until the general, noting the others had finished, pushed back his own chair. 

"We will adjourn to the parlor, gentlemen, " he said genially, "I shallhave other orders to despatch presently. When you finish, Major, I shallbe glad to talk with you more at length; until then we leave you to thecare of Miss Hardy. "

They passed out, and as the door closed behind the last straggler, shecame slowly across the room, and sat down in a chair opposite me, resting her flushed cheek on one hand. 

"What made you do it?" I asked, impelled by a curiosity which could nolonger be restrained. 

"Oh, I don't know, " and her lashes lifted, giving me one swift glimpseinto the depths of her eyes. "A mere impulse when I first realized thedanger of your position. "

"Then it was for me?--because you cared?"

"Perhaps I would have done the same for any one--I am a woman. "

"I can comprehend that, yes, " I insisted, "but am not willing to believemere sympathy would carry you so far. Was there not, back of all, afeeling almost of friendship?"

"I make no such acknowledgment. I spoke before I thought; before I evenrealized what my words meant. And you?--how came you there?"

I told her briefly, answering her questions without reserve, rejoicingin the interest she exhibited in my narrative, and eager to know at oncehow far I could still presume on her assistance. I wanted to get away, to escape from the web about me, but I could not understand this girl, or comprehend how far I dare venture on her good nature. Already I knewthat some feeling--either of friendship or sympathy--had impelled her tosave me from immediate betrayal, but would she go even further?Everything between us conspired to bewilder me as to her real purpose. Even as I concluded, it seemed to me her eyes hardened, and theexpression of her face changed. 

"That was extremely clever, Lieutenant Galesworth, " she commentedquietly. "I never knew the chimney touched that wall. Now what do youpropose doing?"

"You must understand my only interest is in getting away as soon aspossible. I am in constant danger here. "

"Of course, " nodding, her cheeks flushed. "And you also possess veryimportant information. Because I have aided you to escape capture, doyou conclude I am a fool?"

"Most assuredly not. "

"Or a traitress to the South?"

"I could not think that. "

"Then let us clearly understand each other once for all. I have savedyou from capture, perhaps death. The reason I have done this need not bediscussed; indeed I could not satisfactorily explain my action even tomyself. But if the truth ever becomes known I shall be placed in a mostembarrassing position. Surely you understand this, and you are agentleman; I am sure of that. You are not going to carry that news toyour camp. Before I should permit that to happen I would denounce youopenly, and permit those men yonder to think evil of me. But I do notbelieve that course necessary. Instead, I am going to trust you as agentleman--am going to accept your word of honor. "

"My word? You mean my parole?"

"You may call it that--your pledge to remain in this house until I sayyou may go. "

"But--"

"Stop! Lieutenant Galesworth, do you not owe this to me?"

I hesitated, fronting this direct question, looking straight across thetable into her serious face, as she leaned toward me. What was my mostimportant duty--that which I owed the Federal army, or that I owed tothis girl? And then again--did I really have a choice? There was never adoubt in my mind as to what she would do if the occasion arose. I hadtested her quality already, and fully comprehended the promise to turnme over to the Confederate guard was no idle threat. She would trust myword, but, failing that, would certainly do the other thing. There wasno spirit of play in those eyes watching me. 

"Apparently I possess no real choice, " I answered, at last. "Either wayI am a prisoner. "

She smiled, evidently relieved at my tone. 

"Yes--but have you no preference as to captors?"

"Put thus, hesitation ends; I accept the terms of parole. "

"You mean it?"

"Yes. "

She extended her hand across the table, and I as instantly grasped it, both almost unconscious of the actions. 

"I ought to thank you, " I began, but she broke in as quickly:

"No; please don't. I know I am not doing what I should. It is all sostrange that I am actually dazed; I have lost all understanding ofmyself. It is painful enough to realize that I yield to these impulses, without being constantly reminded that I fail in duty. I do not wantyour gratitude. "

She had withdrawn her hand, and was upon her feet. I thought her wholeform was trembling, her lips seeking to frame words. 

"I certainly had no intention of hurting you. "

"Oh, I know--I know that. You cannot understand. Only I am sorry youcame--came into my life, for ever since it has been trouble. Now youmust simply wait until I say go, and then you will go; won't you?"

"Yes--but not to forget. "

She turned back toward me. 

"You had better, " coldly. "It will be useless to remember. "

It was my turn to smile, for she could not play the part, her eyesveiling themselves behind the long lashes. 

"Nevertheless I shall, " I insisted warmly. "I find it not altogetherunpleasant--being your prisoner. "

CHAPTER XI

THE RETURN OF LE GAIRE

"I shall endeavor to make it as little unpleasant as I can, " sherejoined, "but will demand obedience. Right wheel; forward march. Yes, through the door; the surroundings are not unfamiliar. "

It was the judge's library, where I had hidden before at the coming ofCaptain Le Gaire, and she paused in the doorway, glancingcuriously about. 

"Remember now, you are on parole, but restricted to this room. "

"For how long?" She made an exceedingly pretty picture in that frame, and I was in no hurry to be deprived of it. 

"Until--well, until I am pleased to release you. Don't scowl; I'm sureI'm trying to be nice, and I never was so polite to a Yankee before. Really this is the pleasantest room in the house; I have passed hours inhere myself. "

"Perhaps this afternoon--"

She shook her head violently, her eyes dancing with laughter. 

"Certainly not; with all these Confederate officers here. Sometimes Ithink you are very conceited--I wonder if you are. " And then before Icould answer, --"What a handsome man Captain Bell is; and so delightfulof him to remember having met you. "

The witch was plainly enough laughing at me, but she chose a poorsubject in Bell. 

"And my sentence, then, is solitary confinement?"

"That is far better than you deserve. Those windows open on the porch, and there is a sentry there; the door leads to the rear of the house. Ishall not even lock it, nor this. I leave you here upon your word ofhonor, Lieutenant Galesworth. "

She was gone like the flutter of a bird, and I sank back upon the softcushion of a library chair, still smiling, my eyes wandering curiouslyabout the room. Then I got up, examined the windows and the rear door, and returned. Escape was dangerous, but possible, yet no serious thoughtof making such an attempt even occurred to me. For whatever unknownreason, the girl's quick wit had saved me from capture; I owed her everyloyalty, and I had pledged her my word. That was enough. The more Iturned the circumstances over in my mind the less I seemed to comprehendher motives, yet there could be no doubt she sought to serve me. A wordfrom her to Le Gaire, or to Beauregard, would have ended my careerinstantly. Instead of speaking this word of betrayal she haddeliberately placed herself in my defence, deceiving her own people. Why? Was there more than a mere impulse behind the action? Was she doingfor me more than she would have done for another under similarcircumstances? Was this act merely the result of womanly sympathy? Forthe life of me I could not determine. She was like two individuals, soswiftly did her moods change--one moment impressing me as a laughinggirl, the next leaving me convinced she was a serious-minded woman. Justas I thought I knew, believed I understood, she would change intoanother personality, leaving me more bewildered than ever. Suddenly Ithought again of Le Gaire, remembering his dark, handsome face, hismanner of distinction, and there came to me mistily the words overheardduring their unexpected meeting. She had called him "Gerald, " and therehad been other words exchanged--aye! he had even taunted her with theirengagement, objecting to her being alone with me, and she had deniednothing. Somehow this suddenly recurring memory left me hot and angry. Idisliked Le Gaire; from the very first moment of gazing into his dark, sneering eyes I had felt antagonism, a disposition to quarrel; but nowsomething more potent rose between us--the girl. I was not blind to theman's attractions; I could easily understand how he could find way to agirl's heart. But a man can judge a man best, and every instinct of mynature warned me against this fellow. The very first sound of his voicehad prejudiced me, and when I saw him I knew I was right--with himmanliness was but veneer. And Billie! The name sounded soft, sweet, womanly now and I longed to speak it in her presence. Billie! I said itover and over again reverently, her face floating before me in memory, and then my lips closed in sudden determination: not without a fight, ahard fight, was this gray-jacket going to retain her, going to keepher from me. 

It was a mad resolve; yet it was there, in my heart and upon my lips. Ihad come upon the field late, come in the wrong uniform, but I wassufficiently in earnest now. The girl liked me, served me, and sheinterested me as no other ever had. Her very moods, piquant, reserved, aroused my ambition, stimulated my purpose, and Le Gaire--the verythought of him was a thorn in the flesh. I have wondered since if Ireally loved her then; I do not know, but I dreamed of her, idealizedher, my heart throbbing at every unusual sound without, hoping she mightcome again. I could hear the noise of the cavalry camp on the lawn, andthe tramp of feet in the hall. Occasionally some voice sounded clearenough so I could distinguish the words. I opened the door leading intothe dining-room, but that apartment was deserted. There was evidentlynothing to do but wait, and I lay down on the couch between the windows, looking up at the green leaves shaking in the breeze. Fatigued with thelabors of the previous night, before I realized the possibility I wasfast asleep. 

I must have remained there some hours, totally unconscious, for when Ifinally awoke it was nearly dark, the dusk so pronounced I couldscarcely see across the room. Some noise without had aroused me, and Iknew instantly what it was--the pounding of a horse's hoofs on gravel, the animal being furiously ridden. As I sat up, the horse was jerked toits haunches, and the rider swung from the saddle. 

"Here, orderly, take the rein; quick now, damn you!" The words reachedme clearly, but as I glanced out I saw only a dark form springing up thesteps. Something familiar about the voice caused me to leap for thedoor, holding it sufficiently ajar so I could overhear what passed inthe hall. There was a muttered word or two to the sentry, the newcomerinsisting angrily on seeing Beauregard; then a woman's voice suddenlybroke in with an exclamation of surprise. 

"You back again! I am afraid you will have to wait to see the generalunless your mission is of the utmost importance. He is lying down, andleft orders he was not to be disturbed before nine o'clock. "

"My mission is important enough, " was the reply, "but perhaps, it can beattended to without him. Where can, we be alone, Billie?"

"Right in here, " stepping through the doorway into the deeper dusk ofthe dining-room. "If you are hungry I can order a lunch. "

"No, " impatiently, "I have eaten twice to-day--what I want to know iswhat has become of that fellow who was here this morning?"

"Major Ather--"

"Oh, hell!" forgetting every pretence to gentility. "He was not Athertonat all, but a damned Yankee spy. Do you mean to say you didn't know it?"

I could see her straighten up, turning swiftly to face him. Whatever theshock of discovery may have been, indignation conquered, and her voicewas cool, stinging. 

"Captain Le Gaire, I am not in the habit of being sworn at, and willleave you to gain your information elsewhere. "

She swept by him to the door, but, gasping with surprise, the manmanaged to call after her, "Billie, don't go like that! I didn't mean to swear. It was jolted outof me, and I beg your pardon. "

She halted on the threshold, glancing back evidently in hesitation. 

"This is not the first time you have let your temper loose in mypresence, " she said slowly, "but it is the last. If you feel so littlerespect for me now, the future is not very encouraging. "

"But, Billie, you don't understand!"

"I understand enough. However we will not discuss this matter anyfurther at present. What was it you desired to know?"

"Where that fellow has gone!" instantly flaming up again. "He wasn'tAtherton at all, but I'll swear he was the very picture of him; he wouldhave fooled the devil. "

"No doubt, " almost indifferently. "How did you discover the deception?"

"By merest accident. Happened to mention meeting him to old Trevor, andhe was up in arms in a minute. Seems Atherton married his niece, and thefellow here couldn't be the major, for he was shot in a skirmish threeweeks ago, and has been in the hospital at Athens ever since. He's therenow; rode over to Pemberton's headquarters to make sure, and metGregory, Chief-of-Staff. He saw Atherton Saturday, and he wasn't able tosit up yet. The fellow here was a Yank--and you didn't know it?"

"I very naturally supposed he was what he represented himself to be, "she replied, coming back into the room. "And when you recognized him asan old acquaintance I never gave the matter another thought. "

"But he came through the lines with you, " bewildered and doubtful. 

"The best of reasons why I should never have suspected him of being aYankee. He was very pleasant and gentlemanly. "

"Oh, indeed! all a man has to do is smile and say nice things to get youwomen on his side. "

"Then why don't you try it? You are certainly disagreeable enoughto-day. "

"Perhaps I am, " endeavoring to laugh. "But if I could get my hands onthat Yank I'd be in far better humor. Where is he?"

"The last time I saw him, " with provoking coolness, "he was at dinnerwith General Beauregard and staff. "

"At dinner! Here! Good God! he must have nerve. How did it happen?"

"Through my introduction originally, and then later he was recognizedby Captain Bell. "

Le Gaire sank down into a chair, glaring at the girl's dim, white-robedfigure, his teeth savagely clicking in an effort to keep from swearing. As though to exasperate him yet more she laughed. 

"I fail to see the fun, " he snarled impatiently. "This is no joke, letme tell you, and we'll both find it out if Beauregard ever learns thetruth. What did they talk about?"

"Army matters mostly. The general wished information regarding themovement of Johnston's and Chambers' forces, and Major Atherton--"

"Don't call the fellow that!"

"Then what shall I call him?"

He struck his fist on the table, almost devoid of the power of speech. 

"I don't care, only not that. I tell you he's not Atherton, but asneaking Yankee spy. "

"Why, he was in full uniform!"

"He'll hang, just the same, if we get him. Now see here--did Beauregardlet out any facts?"

She drew a quick breath, one hand on her breast, and it seemed to me hervoice trembled. 

"He talked as he would to one of his own officers. They discussed theplans of operation quite freely among themselves. "

Le Gaire groaned, his elbows on the table, his head in his hands. Sheremained motionless, looking at him. Suddenly he glanced up. 

"I'll be hanged if I understand you, Billie, " he exclaimed. "Don't youcare, or don't you realize what this means? That fellow has got all ourplans, and he's got safely away with them too, I suppose. "

She nodded, as he paused an instant. 

"Before morning they'll be over there, " with a wave of the hand, "andour move checkmated. Whose fault is it? Yours and mine. It's enough todrive a man crazy, and you stand there and laugh. "

"I am not laughing. "

"Well, you were a minute ago. Do you even suspect who the fellow is?"

"You said he was Major Ath--"

"Oh, hell!" springing to his feet, with sword rattling, and handsclinched. "I won't stand this, not even from you. You're hidingsomething; what is it? Is this Yank anything to you?"

"Absolutely nothing, Captain Le Gaire. Take your hand from my arm, please. Now I will trouble you to stop this controversy. I am notindifferent, but I refuse to be bullied, and sworn at. If you are sowild to capture this spy why don't you make the rounds of the picketsinstead of remaining here and quarrelling with me? The man is not hidingbehind my skirts. I will bid you good-night. "

She was gone before he could even fling out a hand to stop her. A momenthe raged between table and wall; then flung out the door and down thesteps, calling for his horse. 

CHAPTER XII

AN ATTEMPT AT ESCAPE

The seriousness of my situation was clearly apparent, yet what could Ido in order to save myself? My word was pledged, and it was evident thegirl had no intention of betraying my presence. But would she come tome? Would she give me the opportunity of escape? It must be accomplishednow if at all, before Le Gaire returned, or had time to complete hisround of the pickets. Every instant of delay robbed me of a chance--andmy life hung in the balance. There was little doubt as to that; I couldadvance no military reason for being treated other than as a spy, and myfate would be the short shift meted out to such over the drum-head. Allthis swept through my brain as I listened to the hoofs of Le Gaire'shorse pound the gravel outside, the sound dying away in the distance. The sentinel marched slowly past the window, his figure silhouettedagainst the red glow of a camp-fire inside the gate. Then, without awarning sound, the door was pushed ajar, and the girl slipped silentlythrough. The distant reflection of the fire barely served to reveal herface, and outline her figure. She was breathing heavily and tremblingwith excitement, her voice barely audible. 

"You--you heard what was said in there?" she asked, eager to gain time. "You know Captain Le Gaire has returned?"

"Yes, " thinking to calm her by an appearance of coolness. "He seems tobe a most blood-thirsty individual. "

"He was angry at being deceived. No one can blame him, but I simply hadto tantalize him in order to get him away. "

"Was that it? Do you mean so you might come here to me?"

"Why, of course. I had promised you. Do you think I would demean myselfby lying--to a Yank? Besides, " her voice faltered, "you would have keptyour parole, and--and--"

"Waited here to be hung, probably, " I broke in, "as that ceremonyappears to be part of the programme. My only hope was that you mightpossibly object to this item of entertainment. "

"Don't laugh, " soberly. "There is no fun in it for me. "

"Then you would show mercy even to a Yankee spy?"

"I am not sure of that. I am a Rebel, but that has no serious weightnow. You are not a spy; if you have acted as one, it has been morethrough my fault than your own. Besides you are my prisoner, and if Ishould permit you to fall into the hands of those men, to be condemnedto death, the memory would haunt me forever. I am not that kind, Lieutenant Galesworth. I don't want your gratitude; I would rather fightyou than help you. I want you to understand this first of all. "

"I do, Miss Hardy; you simply perform a duty. "

"Yes; I--I keep my word. "

"But, after all, isn't it a little easier because--you like me?"

She drew in her breath so quickly it was almost a sob, the swift, unexpected question disarming her in an instant. It was no longer thetiger cat, but the woman who gasped out a surprised response. 

"No; oh, no! that is what makes it harder. "

"Harder to aid me?"

"To see you unjustly condemned, and--and to realize that perhaps I amdisloyal to my country. "

Something about these simple words of confession, wrung from her lips bymy insistence, held me silent. I failed to realize then the fullsignificance of this acknowledgment, and she gave me no opportunity. 

"This is ungenerous, " she broke in quickly. "I do feel friendly towardyou; surely I need not be ashamed of this, even though our interests areunlike, our causes opposed. Everything has conspired to make us friends. But you must not presume, or take advantage of my position. Nowlisten--I am here for one purpose: to give you an opportunity of escape. After that we are strangers; do you accept my terms?"

"You offer no others?"

"None. "

"Then I accept--until Fate intervenes. "

"You believe in Fate?"

"When aided by human persistence, yes; I intend to represent thatgoddess. "

She drew back a step, her hand on the door. 

"You almost make me regret my effort, " reproachfully. "However I warnyou the goddess this time shall play you false. But we waste moments intalk. Here is your revolver, Lieutenant; now come with me. "

She thrust the butt into my hand, and crossed the room to the dooropening out into the back yard. An instant she peered forth into thenight; then turned her face back toward me. 

"Take my place here, " she whispered. "See that line of shadow yonder--itis the grape arbor. I am going to steal along to the end of the housewhere I can watch the sentinel. The instant I signal make for thatarbor, and lie quiet until I come. "

I watched the dim outline of her form. She was actually doing all thisfor me--for me! She was running this great risk, smothering her ownconscience--for me! I could not doubt this as a truth; I had probeddeeply enough to be assured there was personal interest, friendliness, inspiring the sacrifice. She would never have lifted a hand to save aYankee spy; all her sympathy was with the Confederacy. Yet she wasrisking all--her reputation, her life--to save me! The knowledge seemedto send fire through my veins, my heart throbbed fiercely. Oh, she coulddissemble, could pretend all this was merely duty, could rage againstherself and me, but nevertheless I understood--she was doing it for me!I knew, and she should know--yes, this very night, out yonder in theshadows, when we were alone together I would make her realize what itall meant. Le Gaire? What cared I for Le Gaire! This was Love and Warcombined, and all is fair in either. Besides, it was the girl whocounted, who must say the final word--why should I hesitate for the sakeof Le Gaire? Let him fight for himself; surely the prize was worththe battle. 

Her hand waved; I could catch the glimmer of the white sleeve, andrecognized it as a signal. With a dozen steps I was at the entrance tothe arbor, crouching down low in the shadows. As noiseless as a ghostshe sped across the open space, and joined me. I could feel her formtremble as I touched her, and she caught my arm with both hands, herface turned backward. 

"They are relieving guard, " she faltered, "and will come past here next, for there is a sentry on the opposite side. We must get farther downunder the vines. "

I drew her forward, for she clung to me strangely, as though all thecourage and strength had suddenly deserted her. 

"There are no guards down here?"

"No. "

"Nor at the stables?"

"I cannot tell; I was afraid to ask. "

The arbor ended some thirty feet from the stables, with a low, vine-covered fence between. There have been darker nights, yet I coulddistinguish merely the dim outlines. Still feeling her clasp on my arm Icame to a halt, startled into absolute silence by the approach of therelief guard. The sturdy tramp of feet, and the slight tinkle ofbayonets against canteens, told plainly the fellows had turned our way, although, crouched where we were, we could at first see nothing. I drewmy revolver, my other hand clasping hers, and waited breathlessly. Thelittle squad came trudging down the opposite side of the fence, only theupper part of their bodies dimly visible against the slightly lighterbackground of the sky. I made out the officer in command, and four men, then they wheeled into the shadow of the stables, and the sentinelstationed there challenged. There was a reply, the sound of a musketbrought sharply to the shoulder, a gruff, indistinguishable order, andthen again the tramp of feet, dying away in the distance. Everymovement, and word, told the story, revealed the situation. I turned myeyes back to the girl's face, questioningly, barely able to perceive itswhiteness. 

"They have a guard there, " I whispered, my lips close to her ear. "Isthere no other way out?"

"Yes, on foot, but I supposed you would need a horse. "

"And there are horses there?"

"I do not know about any others; I understand the judge has lost allhis, but the one Captain Le Gaire left for you this morning wastaken there. "

"You know the situation, "--the cavalryman's eagerness for a mountovercoming all thought of danger, --"how best to get in. "

"Yes; I went out there with Tom when the judge told him to put up thehorse, --I wanted to see how my pony was getting along. The door is onthat side to the east, just around the corner. It is closed by a woodenbutton. The pony is in the first stall, and the horse in the second; thesaddle and bridle were hung on a peg behind, " she said this clearly, anxious to make me understand, but then, as the other thought came toher, her voice broke. "But, Lieutenant Galesworth, you--you cannot getthe horse with the guard there!"

My clasp closed more tightly on her fingers, my resolve hardening. 

"He's only a man, perhaps sleepy and careless, while I am wide awake. One must be willing to assume risk in war. With the horse under me Ihave a chance, while on foot I should probably be caught beforedaylight. Don't worry; this is not my first attempt. "

"You--you mean to try?"

"Certainly; I should be a poor specimen if I did not. But I am going tosay good-bye to you first, and then lie here quietly until you aresafely in the house. "

She drew in a quick breath, her face lifting. 

"The house! I am going to remain here. "

"But the risk you run, and you can be of no help. "

"Oh, don't argue!" impatiently. "There is no more risk of my discoveryhere than there. I want to know what happens; I would rather faceanything than suspense. Lieutenant Galesworth, I have always had my way, and I shall now. "

Down in my heart I rejoiced at her decision, but all I said was:

"Very well, Miss Willifred, it makes me feel like a knight going forthto battle under the eyes of his lady. " The slight flutter of a ribbon ather throat caught my eye, and I touched it with my finger. "May I wearthis in token of your good wishes?"

"You--you are not going to kill any one?"

"Not if it can possibly be avoided. "

She was silent a moment, so still I could hear her breathing; then herhands undid the ribbon knot, and she held it toward me. 

"I--I do wish you well, " she said softly. "I--don't know why, but I do. "

CHAPTER XIII

I MEET LE GAIRE

My hand touching her own seemed to work a sudden transformation. She wasinstantly upon her feet facing me, drawing back a little against thegrape arbor. 

"Do not take my words so seriously, " she exclaimed. "I am excited, almost hysterical to-night. To-morrow I shall regret much I have doneand said. But you must go, Lieutenant; every moment of delay adds toyour peril and mine. No; please do not touch me or speak to me again;only listen--there is a bridle path leading directly from the farthercorner of the stable to the river; a gate will let you out of theorchard lot; now go!"

"You will not even shake hands?" "I--I--yes, of course, I will do that. "Our fingers clasped, and we stood face to face, our eyes meeting throughthe darkness. The thrill of contact, the wild hope that this girl reallycared unusually for me, became almost overpowering. I longed to crushher in my arms, to pour into her ears the passionate words that burnedon my lips. I forgot everything except her presence, her nearness, thesoft pressure of her hand. 

"Billie! Billie!"

"No! No!" and she had instantly released herself. "You forget yourself;you forget my position. Now it is good-bye. "

"You positively mean this?"

"I do. I am a soldier's daughter, Lieutenant Galesworth, and I amtrusting you to act as a soldier and a gentleman. "

Under the cloak of darkness my face burned, feeling the reproof of thisappeal, realizing that I merited the sting. For the instant my actions, my presumption, seemed contemptible. I had taken advantage of herkindness, her sympathy, her trust, and openly misconstrued womanlyfriendliness into a stronger emotion. The rebuke was perfectly just; Icould not even find words of apology, but turned away silently. And shemade no effort to stay me, either by word or motion. 

I had crept forward as far as the low fence before the numbness left me, before I came back to full comprehension of my situation, and theserious work confronting me. Then the soldier spirit reawoke into alertaction, my thought intent upon escape, my nerves steadying down for thecoming trial. I recall glancing back, imagining I saw the white glimmerof her dress against the dark shrubbery, and then I resolutely drove allmemory of her from my mind, concentrating every instinct to the oneimmediate purpose of overcoming the stable guard. This was notaltogether new work to one inured as a scout, but sufficiently seriousto call forth every precaution. Cautiously I crept along the fence untilI discovered an opening large enough to crawl through, scarcely rustlingthe concealing leaves, and resting flat on the opposite side while Isurveyed the prospect. I was not far now from the south wall of thestable, which loomed black and shapeless against the sky. Not a movementrevealed the whereabouts of the guard, and, with the girl's descriptionto guide me, I concluded the fellow would be stationed at the otherextremity of the building. Convinced as to this probability I dragged mybody slowly forward until I could touch the log wall. I could see betternow, being myself in the denser shadow, and knew the passage was clearto the corner. 

Assured of this I rose to my feet, revolver in hand, and pressing closeagainst the side of the building, advanced quickly and silently. At thecorner I peered about, scarcely daring to breathe, but with heartpounding, as I caught sight of the fellow, not over three feet distant. He was seated on an overturned bucket, his back toward me, both handsclasping a musket, his head bent slightly forward. He seemed listeningto some noise in the distance, totally unconscious of my approach. Theman's fingers were nowhere near the trigger of his gun, and my strainingeyes could perceive no sign of any other weapon. This had to be silentwork--silent and swift. With one step forward I had my revolver pressedhard against his cheek, my other hand crushing his fingers tothe musket. 

"Keep quiet, man! Not a move! I'll blow your head off if you lift ahand!"

"Oh! Good God!"

He was but little more than a boy; I could see his face now under theslouch hat, and I had already frightened the life half out of him. 

"Drop your gun! Now stand up!" He obeyed like an automaton, his brainseemingly paralyzed. There was nothing to fear from this fellow, yet Iknew better than to become careless--terror has been known to drive mencrazy. I caught him by the collar, whirling him about, my Colt stillat his ear. 

"Go straight to the stable door, son!"

"Who--who are you? W--what do you want?"

"Don't stop to ask questions--you trot, unless you want to get hurt. Doyou hear me?--the stable door! That's it; now undo the button, open thedoor, and go inside. "

I held him like a vice, assured his belt contained no weapons, andthrust him forward against the wall. He was so helpless in my grasp thatit was like handling a child. 

"Feel along there--higher up--and tell me what you find. Well, what isit?"

"A--a bridle, " his voice barely audible. 

"Halter strap on it?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Take it off, and hand it back here. Now go on, and feel the nextstake. "

"There's a blanket, and--and a rope halter. "

"Good! give me that; now, son, put both hands back here, cross thewrists. Come, stand up to it; this is better than getting killed, isn'tit? Now here is a nice soft spot to lie on, and I guess you'll remainthere for a while. Do you want me to gag you, or will you keep still?"

"I'll--I'll keep still!"

"Well, be sure you do; your life isn't worth a picayune if you raise anyrow. "

I arose to my feet, confident the boy had been safely disposed of, andfeeling blindly around in the darkness, seeking to locate the stalls. At that instant a horse neighed outside; then I heard the sound of hoofspounding on soft soil. Whoever the fellow was, he was almostthere--coming up at a trot, just back of the stables. My brain worked ina flash--there was but once chance to stave off discovery. With a boundI was beside the boy, and had jerked off his hat, jamming it down on myown head, as I muttered in his ear, "One word from you now, and you'llnever speak again--don't take the chance!"

I leaped for the door, and grasped the musket, barely straightening up, as the oncoming horseman swung around the corner. It was a desperatechance, yet in this darkness he could scarcely distinguish color ofuniform or shape of features. It might work; it was worth trying. I sawthe dim outlines of horse and rider in a red glow, as though the latterheld a cigar between his lips; then I swung forward my gun. 

"Halt! who comes?"

Startled by the sudden challenge, the horse reared to the sharp jerk atthe reins, the man uttering an oath as he struggled to controlthe beast. 

"Hell! What's this?"

"A sentry post; answer up, or I'll call the guard--who are you?"

"An officer on special service. " "Dismount, and give the word. "

He swung reluctantly down, growling, yet with sufficient respect for mycocked musket to be fairly civil, and stepped up against the loweredbarrel, his horse's rein in hand. 

"Atlanta, " he whispered. 

My gun snapped back to a carry, my only thought an intense anxiety tohave him off as quickly as possible. 

"Pass officer on special service. "

He paused, puffing at his cigar. 

"What's the best way to the house, sentry?" he asked with apparentcarelessness, "along the fence there?"

"The road runs this side, you can't miss it, " I replied civilly enough, but stepping back so as to increase our distance. 

"Ah, yes--thanks. "

He flipped the ash from his cigar, drawing at the stub so fiercely thered glow reflected directly into my eyes. He stared a moment, thenturned, and thrust a foot into the stirrup. 

"I've seen you somewhere before, my man. "

"I was at the gate when you came through just before dark. "

"Oh, yes, " he replied, apparently satisfied, and swung up lightly intothe saddle. "So you recognize me, then?"

"Captain Le Gaire, is it not? The sergeant said so. "

He believed he had me completely deceived, that I entertained nosuspicion he had also recognized me, and that therefore he could play mea sharp trick. I was not sure, for the man acted his part rarely well, only that I knew it was not in Le Gaire's nature to be so excessivelypolite. What was his game, I wondered, gripping my musket with bothhands, my eyes following his every motion. Would he venture an attackalone, or ride on and report me to the guard? I had little enough timein which to speculate. He gathered up the reins in one hand, his horsecavorting; he had probably found somewhere a fresh mount. I steppedaside, but the animal still faced me, and with high-flung head partiallyconcealed his rider. Suddenly the latter dug in his spurs, and the beastleaped straight at me, front hoofs pawing the air. I escaped as by ahair's breadth, one iron shoe fairly grazing my shoulder, but, with thesame movement, I swung the clubbed musket. He had no time to dodge;there was a thud as it struck, a smothered cry, and the saddle wasempty, a revolver flipping into the air, as the man went plunging over. I sprang to the horse's bit, the frightened animal dragging me nearlyto the fence before I conquered him. But I dare not let go--once free hewould join the troop horses, his riderless saddle sure to alarm theguards. With lacerated hands, and shirt torn into shreds, I held on, jerked and bruised by the mad struggle, until the fellow stoodtrembling. Using the bridle rein for a halter strap I tied him to thefence, and, sore all over and breathing hard from exertion, went back todiscover what had become of Le Gaire. 

The excitement of encounter had, for the instant, banished allrecollection of the young woman hidden beneath the shadow of the grapearbor. My entire mind had concentrated on the fight, which, even now, might not be ended. I knew I had struck the fellow hard with the full, wide swing of the musket stock; I had both felt and heard the blow, andthe impact had hurled him clear from the horse. Beyond doubt he washelpless, badly hurt perhaps, and there suddenly came to me a fear lestI had actually killed him. I had struck fiercely, impelled by theinstinct to save myself, but I had had no desire to take the man's life. I had no reason to like Le Gaire; I believed him a bully, adisagreeable, boasting cur, but he was something to Willifred Hardy, andI could not afford to have his blood on my hands. I thought of her then, casting a swift glance back toward the shadows beyond the fence, andthen went straight toward where the fellow lay, afraid to learn thetruth, yet even more intensely afraid to again meet her without knowing. He had evidently fallen upon his shoulder, and still lay in a huddledheap. I had to straighten out his form before I was able to decidewhether he was living or dead. I bent down, undoing his jacket, andplaced my ear to his heart. It beat plainly enough, almostregularly--the man was alive; I doubted if he were even seriouslyinjured. This discovery was such a relief that I muttered a "Thank God, "and began rubbing his chest as though in effort to restore the fellow toconsciousness. Then my senses came back, my realization of thesituation. Let Le Gaire lie where he was; others would take care of himsoon enough. I must get away; I could use his horse, pretend to be him, if necessary, and before daylight be safely across the river. I soughtalong the ground until I found the dropped revolver, thrust it into mybelt, and ran over to where the horse was tied. 

I had loosened the rein, my hand on the pommel, when the thought camethat I must tell her first before I rode away. Even though the delay wasa risk to us both, yet she must understand the truth, be informed of LeGaire's condition, and why I had attacked him. At the instant this lastseemed more important than all else. It would require but a moment, andthen I could go, confident the man's injury would be no additionalbarrier between us, would never cause her to suspect that I had attackedhim wantonly, actuated by personal motives. He might try to make herthink so, if he were the kind I believed, his mind already suspicious ofher interest in me. Her very sympathy for his wounds would make hereasily influenced; this natural sympathy must not be inflamed by doubtof my motives and the thought that I had deliberately sought the man'slife. It may have been two rods between the fence and the grape arbor, and I called to her softly. 

CHAPTER XIV

ACROSS THE RIVER

She came toward me swiftly, slipping through the night like a shadow, instantly recognizing my voice. 

"You--you are not hurt, Lieutenant Galesworth?" she asked, her voicetrembling. 

"No; merely bruised, and shaken up--the horse did that. "

"Oh; was it you who had that struggle with the horse? I--I thought hewould surely kill the man. "

"The poor fellow was frightened, " and I stroked his neck softly, "andcertainly gave me a hard tussle. But that's all over now. I want toexplain what has happened before I leave. "

"Yes. "

"I owe you that, do I not, wearing your colors?"

I could not perceive the expression of her face, but the tone of hervoice was not altogether encouraging. 

"They were but expressive of my best wishes; of course I wished you tosucceed. "

"I wonder--will you continue your good wishes after hearing my story?"

"What do you mean? You have not killed any one?"

"No; but I have hurt one who seems to have some claim upon you. "

She drew in her breath quickly, clasping her hands. 

"Who?--tell me! Can you mean Captain Le Gaire?"

"I regret to say 'yes'; this was his horse. Now don't blame me until youhear the whole story. I will tell it all in very few words, andthen go. "

"But--but you are sure he is not seriously hurt?"

"He may have a rib or collar-bone broken, and is still unconscious;nothing that will keep him out of mischief long. I wanted to tell youall about the affair myself--I don't trust Le Gaire. "

"Why say that to me?"

"Because I must. If I understand the man the very first thing he will dowill be to poison your mind against me--"

"He? Why?"

"Miss Hardy, " I said soberly, "what use is there for us to play atcross-purposes? You realize that Captain Le Gaire suspects that you havean interest in me, that you have helped in my escape. He doesn't like meany the better for that. Men will do strange things when they are inlove--such men as Le Gaire. Do you suppose I intend permitting him tothus influence you against me, when I am where I cannot defend myself?"

"But he would never do that; I am sure, he never would. "

"Possibly not, but I prefer you should have my version to compare withwhat he may say. We have met strangely, in a manner which could onlyhappen in time of war, and one day and two nights of adventure togetherhave already made us better acquainted than would a year of ordinarysocial intercourse. I value your good wishes, and feel more gratitudethan words can express. I am not going away leaving you to think meunworthy. I will tell you this exactly as it occurred, and you are tobelieve me, no matter what is said later. "

My earnestness made an impression and as I paused her lips parted. 

"Yes--I am going to believe you. "

"I felt sure you would. Now listen, for I must be away, and Le Gaireattended to. "

I told it simply, clearly, making no attempt except to bring out theimportant facts, realizing that her own imagination would supply thedetails. She clung to the fence, our eyes meeting as I spoke swiftly, making no comment until I concluded. 

"Could I have done otherwise?"

"No; you are not to be blamed, but I am so sorry it happened to beCaptain Le Gaire. "

"You mean because--"

"He has been much to me, " she interrupted, "perhaps still is, although--" she paused suddenly, catching her breath, --"yet this canmake no difference. "

"But it does. "

She remained silent, and, I thought, drew slightly back. 

"You do not wonder?" I asked, unable to restrain myself, "you do not askwhy? May I not tell you?"

"I prefer you should not, " very quietly. "I am not foolish enough topretend that I do not understand. We are going to part now, and youwill forget. "

"Is it then so easy for you?"

"I need not confess, only I see how utterly foolish all this is. Theconditions bringing us together in a few hours of intimacy have beenromantic, and, perhaps, it is not strange that you should feel aninterest in me. I--I hope you do, for I shall certainly always feel mostkindly toward you, Lieutenant Galesworth. We are going to part asfriends, are we not? You will remember me as a little Rebel who servedyou once, even against her conscience, and I will continue to think ofyou as a brave soldier and courteous gentleman. Isn't that worth while?Isn't it even better than dreaming an impossible dream?"

"But why impossible?"

"Surely you know. "

"You mean Le Gaire?"

"I mean everything. Captain Le Gaire may be partially responsible, butthere is much besides. Need we discuss this further?"

I should have hesitated, but I simply could not consent to be dismissedthus completely. Through the obscuring mist of the night I saw her facedimly, and it fascinated me. Behind the quiet decision of her voicethere was a tremulousness which yielded courage. I could not part withher like this. 

"Billie, " I said, and she started at the familiarity of the name, "I amgoing to risk even your good opinion rather than leave in doubt. Don'ttreat me like a boy. " Her hand was upon the fence, and I placed both ofmy own upon it. "Be honest with me. Forget the uniform, this sectionalwar, and let us simply be man and woman--can you not?"

She did not answer, her hand yet held in mine, so startled by my suddenoutburst as to be helpless. 

"I must know, " I went on heedlessly, the very touch of her flesh makingme reckless. Our position, the danger of the night, all vanished, and Isaw only the whiteness of her face. Perhaps, had I been able to readher eyes, their expression might have served to curb my tongue, butnothing else could have held me silent. "I am going away, going into thelines of a hostile army; I may not reach there alive, and, if I do, Imay fall in the first battle. I must tell you the truth first--I must. Don't call it foolish, for it is not. Dear, I may be a Yankee, but I amalso a man, and I--"

"Oh, stop! please stop!" her fingers clasping me, her form closer. "Ican not--I will not permit you to say this. I have no right. You havemade me disloyal to my country; you shall not make me disloyal to allelse. If I should listen I would have no self-respect left. For my sakebe still, and go. "

"But I know you are not indifferent; you cannot conceal the truth. "

"Then be content, be satisfied, be generous. "

"If you will only say one thing. "

"What?"

"That I may come to you--after the war. "

She stood a moment motionless, and then withdrew her hand. 

"That would be equivalent to a hope which I cannot give, " she returnedsoberly. "When the war ends I shall probably no longer be WillifredHardy. " My heart beat like a trip-hammer; I could hear it inthe silence. 

"The man yonder?"

She bent her head. 

"You will not, " my voice firm with swift conviction. "If that is all, Iam not afraid. If you loved him would you be standing here even to say aword of farewell? Whatever pledge may be between you, on your part it isnot love. You cannot deny this--not to me! Yes, and you are alreadybeginning to know him. Remember, I have had to listen to someconversation between you--I know his style. Ah, yes, I will go, becauseI dare not keep you out here longer, but, if God lets me live, I amgoing to find you again. Yes, I am; don't doubt that, little girl. Icould stand back for a real man, but not for Le Gaire; that's not inhuman nature. See, I have your ribbon yet, and am going to wear it. "

"Without my permission?"

I reached out my arm and drew her gently against the fence barrier, soclose I could look down into her eyes, gazing up into mine startled bythe sudden movement. 

"Lip permission, yes--I prefer to read consent elsewhere. "

"And do you?"

"I shall believe I do. See, here is the ribbon; will you take it?"

"Of course not. Why should I care if you have that? It has no value tome. But I will not stay and talk longer. Let me go, Lieutenant! yes, youmust. What shall I do to help--to help Gerald?"

"Go straight into the house, and report to the guard. You were walkingin the garden for a breath of air, and overheard the struggle. They willfind him. Good-bye, Billie. "

I held out my hand, and she extended her own without a moment'shesitation. 

"Good-bye, " she said. "Shall I not wait here a few moments until you areacross the road?"

I touched my lips to her fingers. 

"What, with Gerald lying there!" happily. "Oh, Billie, are you soanxious as that for me to get safely away?"

"I--I am certainly not anxious to have you caught--not now. But you arealmost impertinent; indeed you are. I cannot say a word you do notmisinterpret. Please do not attempt to tease me; let us part friends. "

The tone in which she said this meant far more than the mere words; Ihad ventured enough, and recognized the limitation to her patience. However strong her interest in me might already be, no acknowledgmentwas probable under present circumstances. I would but waste time, perhaps seriously injure my standing with her, were I to continue. Thefuture must be left to work out its own miracle--to reveal her heart, and to prove the worthlessness of Le Gaire. For me to linger longer, holding her there in constant peril of discovery, would besimply madness. 

I led the horse back, past where the disabled Confederate lay, pausingan instant to look down on the dim figure. He groaned, and turnedpartially over on one side, evidence that consciousness was returning. The man was not badly hurt, and I felt no deep regret at his condition. I could distinguish the narrow bridle path by my feet, and knew I wouldbe less conspicuous out of the saddle. However, nothing opposed ourprogress, and we even succeeded in crossing the road without beingobserved. Here a long slope, rutted, and partially covered with lowbushes, led directly down to the river, and we pushed through thetangle, keeping well hidden. Once on the bank of the stream all abovewas concealed from view, but I listened in vain for any sound indicativeof pursuit. The night was mysteriously still, unbroken, even the airmotionless. Obsessed now by the one controlling impulse to get awaysafely, I drove the horse into the water, and as he reached swimmingdepth, grasped a stirrup leather, and compelled him to strike out forthe opposite shore. It was not a hard struggle, nor were we long at it, although the current was swift enough to bear us down a hundred feet, ormore, before we struck bottom, wading out at the mouth of a small creek, the low banks offering some slight concealment. I looked back throughthe darkness, across the dim water, and up the shrouded hill on theopposite side. Lights were winking here and there like fire-flies. Istared at them, light-hearted, confident I had every advantage; then Ipatted the horse, and adjusted the stirrups. 

"She waited until we were safe across, old fellow, " I said, too pleasedto remain still. "Now we'll ride for it. "

He turned his head, and rubbed his nose along my arm. The next moment Iwas in the saddle, spurring him up the bank. 

CHAPTER XV

I MEET AN EX-SLAVE

In this narrative of adventure it would but waste the reader's time toindulge in any extended description of military movements. The interestof my story centres around individuals rather than the great events ofhistory, and I will touch these but briefly, so as to make thesurrounding conditions sufficiently clear. It was noon the following daywhen I reached headquarters with my report, only to find that rumors ofthe combined movements of Johnston's and Beauregard's forces had alreadypenetrated our lines. I could merely add details to the informationpreviously received. The result was the immediate strengthening of ourposition to repel any possible attack. None occurred however, exceptdesultory skirmishing. Later we learned the reason to be the failure ofChambers to appear, his march having been retarded by heavy rains. 

At the end of this period of waiting our army was well prepared foraction, the troops eager to test the strength of the enemy. Impatient ofdelay, and suspecting the probable cause of the Confederate quietness, we finally took the aggressive, determined to regain our former positionsouth of the river. An. Early morning attack won us the bridge and thetown beyond, while heavy forces rushed the available fords, and aftersome severe fighting, obtained foothold on the opposite bank. Hastilythrowing up intrenchments these advance troops succeeded in repulsingtwo charges before nightfall. This brought an end to hostilities. Duringthe hours of darkness reinforcements were hurried across the stream. Bydawn the opposing forces were about evenly mated, and every man ineither line knew a battle was imminent. 

In this emergency the need of every soldier was felt, and I was returnedto my regiment for duty. We were the first to trot over the recapturedbridge, and through the deserted streets of the village. Impelled by acuriosity which could not be resisted I wheeled my horse and rode up thegravelled driveway to Judge Moran's door, but to my vigorous knockingthere was no response. The shades were drawn at the windows, the housesilent, and yet I felt convinced the old partisan was within, watchingfrom some point of vantage. Yet if I believed this, the same silence andrefusal to respond also served to convince me that Miss Hardy was nolonger there. She was a vastly different type, and would exhibitinterest even in the coming of the enemy. Ay! and she would have seenme, and not for one moment could I be made to believe that she wouldtreat me with contempt. 

I rode back slowly to rejoin the column of horsemen, glancing over myshoulder at the house, my mind busily occupied with the stirring eventswhich had transpired there. She had gone with the Confederate troops, and had probably already been safely returned to her own home. Moranmight have departed also, but more likely he remained to look after hisproperty. I wondered who was her escort for the long ride--would it beCaptain Le Gaire, sufficiently recovered from his injuries for thisservice, yet scarcely capable of active military duty? If so, he waswith her still, a guest at "The Gables, " sufficiently an invalid to beinteresting, and to require attention, but with tongue in good repair. Iwas glad I had told my story first; the gentleman would experience somedifficulty in changing Miss Willifred's opinion of the affair. 

The gray dust cloud hung about us, almost obscuring the files ofplodding troopers; to right and left the flankers showed dark againstthe green of the fields, and far in front an occasional carbine barkedas some suspicious scout fired at a skulking figure. Once this wouldhave been full of interest, but now it was mere routine, the sturdyveterans of the Ninth riding soberly forward, choked with dust, theirhats drawn low over their eyes, wearied by a long night in the saddle. Iglanced proudly down those ranks of fighting men, glad to be with themonce again, but my thought drifted back to Billie, for this was the roadwe had travelled together. It seemed a long while ago, and much mighthappen before we should meet again, if ever we did. I might be killed inbattle, or Le Gaire might insist upon an immediate marriage. This lastwas what I most feared, for I believed that if this could only besufficiently delayed, she would learn to know the man better, and refuseto be sacrificed. The engagement rather mystified me, for it was clearenough no blind love on her part was responsible for its existence; atleast she had begun to perceive his shallowness, and resented hisattempt at bullying. I even began to believe that some one else had nowcome into her life, whose memory would serve to increase the feeling ofdissatisfaction. Le Gaire was not the kind that wears well--he could notimprove upon acquaintance; and, while I was no connoisseur of women, yetI could not persuade myself that her nature was patient enough not torevolt against his pretensions. I was no egotist, no lady-killer, but Irecognized now that I loved this girl, and had read in her eyes themessage of hope. Mine was, at least, a fighting chance, and fightingwas my trade. I liked it better so, finding the lady more alluringbecause of the barrier between us, the zest of combat quickening mydesire. Already I began to plan meeting her again, now that the campaignhad turned our faces southward. Back beyond those wooded hills somefreak of fate must lead me right, some swirl of fortune afford meopportunity. I was of the school of Hope, and Love yielded courage. 

I looked back down the long hill, so silent and deserted that graymorning when we were driving together, but now dark with the solidmasses of marching troops. It was a stirring scene to soldier eyes, knowing these men were pressing sternly on to battle. They seemed like aconfused, disorganized mob, filling the narrow road, and streaming outthrough the fields; yet I could read the meaning of each detachedmovement, as cavalry, artillery, infantry, staff and wagon trains, metand separated, swinging into assigned positions, or making swift detour. Hoarse voices shouted; bugles pealed; there was the rumble of wheels, the pounding of hoofs, the tramp of feet, and over all the cloud ofdust, through which the sun shone redly. The intense vividness of thepicture gave me a new memory of war. Suddenly a battery of artillery, out of sight on the distant crest, opened fire, the shrieking shellsplunging down into the ploughed field at our left, and casting the softdirt high in air. Our advance spread wide into skirmish line, the blackdots representing men flitting up the steep side of the hill, whitespirals of smoke evidencing their musket fire. Behind them was a grimmass of infantry, silent and ominous, swinging forward like a hugesnake. The men of the Ninth straightened up, their eyes glowing, but itwas soon over with--the snake uncoiled, flinging a tail gleaming withsteel over the ridge, and the troopers sank back wearily intotheir saddles. 

As I turned again to glance over my shoulder I noticed a man riding atthe right of the second file. His face was new to me, and so peculiarwas it that I continued to stare, unable to determine whether the fellowwas white or colored. He was in private's uniform, but carried no arms, and for head covering, instead of the hat worn by the Ninth, had aninfantry cap perched jauntily on his curly black hair. But his face wasclear, and his cheeks rosy, and he sat straight as an arrow in thesaddle. I drew back my horse and ranged up beside him, inspired bycuriosity. The eyes turned toward me undoubtedly betrayed negro blood. 

"I do not remember seeing you before, " I said, wiping the dust from mylips. "Are you a new recruit?"

"I'se Col'nel Cochran's man, " he answered, without salute, but with theaccent of education oddly mixed with dialect. 

"Oh, I see--what has become of Sam?"

"He done took sick, an' de col'nel wanted a man right away, so he pickedme. "

"Did you belong around here?"

"Well, no, not exactly belong round yere, but I'se travelled dese partssome considerable. I was born down in Louisiana, sah. "

"Not so very long ago either, " I ventured, feeling a peculiar interestin the fellow. "Were you a slave?"

His rather thin lips closed over his white teeth, and his fingersgripped the saddle pommel. 

"Yes, "--the word snapped out. "I'se nineteen, sah, an' my mother was aslave. I reckon my father was white 'nough, but that don't count fo'much--I'se a nigger just de same. Dat's bad 'nough, let me tell yo', butit's worse to be yo' own father's nigger. "

I had nothing to say to this outburst, feeling that back of it werefacts into which I had no right to probe, and we rode along quietly. Then he spoke, glancing aside at me:

"Dey won't be no 'portant fightin' long yere, sah, not fo' 'bout tenmiles. "

"How do you figure that out?"

"'Cause de lay ob de groun' ain't right, fo' one thing, an' 'cause allde Confed intrenchments was back yander. "

"Yonder--where?"

"In behind de log church at de Three Corners--done know dat countrymighty well. "

I turned and faced him, instantly suspicious. 

"Now see here; you do know that country, and a bit too well for a manriding in the ranks. Where did you come from? Were you in theConfederate service? Let's have this straight. "

"Suah, " with frankness. "I done tol' de col'nel all how it was. I waswid my Massa from Louisiana, an' he was a captain, sah! 'Bout two weeksago he lef' me down yander on de pike wid orders fo' to stay dere tillhe done come back. But it wa'n't no job fo' me, sah, an' so I skippedout de first night, an' joined up wid de Yanks. I reckon I knows 'boutwhar I belongs in dis yere fightin', an' I ain't nobody's slaveno mor'. "

The lad's earnestness impressed me, and beneath his words was evident adeep smouldering resentment, not so much against slavery as against theindividual who had owned him. 

"What is your name, my boy?"

"Charles Le Gaire, sah. "

CHAPTER XVI

A CALL TO DUTY

The family name was an uncommon one, and, coupled as it was with"Louisiana, " and the title "Captain, " could refer only to Gerald LeGaire. I wanted to question, the lad, but refrained, spurring my horseahead so as to remove the temptation. Even the little already saidplainly revealed that he resented bitterly his position in life, anddetermined to remain no longer in slavery to his own father. His father!That would be Le Gaire! The thought added fuel to the flame of dislikewhich I already cherished against the man. Of course legally this formerrelationship between master and slave meant nothing; it would beconsidered no bar to legitimate marriage; perhaps to one brought up inthe environment of slavery it would possess no moral turpitude even, yetto me it seemed a foul, disgraceful thing. Whether it would so appear toMiss Willifred I could not even conjecture; she was of the South, with, all the prejudice and peculiarity of thought characteristic of hersection. Pure-hearted, womanly, as I believed her to be, this earlieralliance still might not seem to her particularly reprehensible. Certainly it was not my part to bring it to her attention, or to utilizemy knowledge of the situation to advance my cause, or injure Le Gaire. Nor would I question the ex-slave further; I already knew enough, toomuch possibly, although curiosity was not dormant, and I wondered whathad become of the mother, and from what special cause had arisen theintense hatred in the heart of the son. 

We rode steadily forward all day, under fire twice, and once charging abattery. All that opposed our advance however was a thin fringe oftroops, intent merely upon causing delay, and making a brief stand, onlyto fall back promptly as soon as we flung forward any considerable bodyof men. By night-fall we had attained a position well within the bend ofthe river, the centre and left wing had achieved a crossing, and ourentire line had closed up so as to display a solid front. The Ninthbivouacked in the hills, our rest undisturbed, except for the occasionalfiring of the pickets. With dawn we were under arms, feeling our wayforward, and, an hour later, the two armies were face to face. Nearlyevenly mated, fighting across a rough country, neither side could claimvictory at the end of the day. While we on the right forced our lineforward for nearly five miles, leaving behind us a carpet of dead, theleft and centre met with such desperate resistance as to barely retaintheir earlier position. It required an hour of night fighting to closeup the gap, and we slept on our arms, expecting an early morningassault. Instead of attempting this the enemy fell back to their secondline of intrenchments, and, after waiting a day to determine theirmovements and strengthen our own line, we again advanced, feeling ourway slowly in, but finally meeting with a resistance which compelleda halt. 

The details of this battle belong to history, not to these pages. TheNinth bore no conspicuous part, hovering on the extreme right flank, engaged in continuous skirmishing, and scouting along miles of front. The morning of the third day found the armies fronting each other, defiant yet equally afraid to join battle, both commanders seeking forsome point of strategy which would yield advantage--we of the Northfearful of advancing against intrenchments, and those of the South notdaring to come forth into the open. For the moment it was a trucebetween us--the truce of two exhausted bull-dogs, lying face to facewith gleaming teeth, ready to spring at the first opening. 

We of the Ninth were at the edge of an opening in the woods, with lowhills on either hand, our pickets within easy musket-shot of thegray-clad videttes beyond the fringe of trees. Knowing our own successwe could not comprehend this inaction, or the desperate fighting whichheld back the troops to the east, and we were impatient to go in. I waslying on my back in the shelter of a slight hollow, wondering at thesurrounding stillness, wishing for anything to occur which would giveaction, when the major rode up, accompanied by another officer in anartillery uniform. I was on my feet in an instant saluting. 

"Lieutenant Galesworth, this is Captain Kent, an aide on GeneralSheridan's staff. He desires you to accompany him to headquarters. "

My heart bounding with anticipation, within five minutes I was ridingbeside him, back to the river road, and along the rear of our extendedline. He was a pleasant, genial fellow, but knew nothing of why I hadbeen summoned, his orders being simply to bring me at once. Two hours ofhard riding, and we came to a double log cabin, with a squad of horsemenin front, and a considerable infantry guard near by. A sentry paced backand forth in front of the steps, and several officers were sitting onthe porch. Dismounting, my companion handed the reins of both horses toa trooper, and led the way in. A word to the sentinel, and we faced thegroup above. One, a sharp-featured man, with very dark complexion, roseto his feet. 

"What is it, Kent?"

"This is Lieutenant Galesworth, of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. Thegeneral will wish to see him at once. "

The dark-featured man glanced at me, and turned back into the house, andKent introduced me to the others, none of whom I recognized. This wasnot Sheridan's staff, but before I could question any of them, themessenger returned, and motioned for me to follow. It was a large room, low-ceilinged, with three windows, the walls of bare logs whitewashed, the floor freshly swept, the only furniture a table and a few chairs. But two men were present, although a sentinel stood motionless at thedoor, --a broad-shouldered colonel of engineers, with gray moustache andwearing glasses, sitting at a table littered with papers, and a shortstocky man, attired in a simple blue blouse, with no insignia of rankvisible, his back toward me, gazing out of a window. I took a singlestep within, and halted. The short man wheeled about at the slightsound, his eyes on my face; I recognized instantly the closely trimmedbeard, the inevitable cigar between the lips, and, with a leap of theheart, my hand rose to the salute. 

"Lieutenant Galesworth?"

"Yes, General. "

"Very well; you may retire, Colonel Trout, and, sentry, close the door. "

His keen gray eyes scrutinized my face, betraying no emotion, but headvanced closer, one hand upon the table. 

"General Sheridan informs me he has found you a valuable scout, alwaysready for any service, however dangerous. "

"I have endeavored to carry out my orders, General, " I answered quietly. 

"So I am told, " in the same even voice. "The army is full of good men, brave men, but not all possess sufficient intelligence and willingnessto carry out an independent enterprise. Just now I require such a man, and Sheridan recommends you. How old are you?"

I answered, and barely waiting the sound of my voice, he went on:

"You have scouted over this country?"

"I have, sir. "

"How far to the south?"

"About five miles beyond the Three Corners. "

"Not far enough, is it, Parker?" turning to the officer at the table. 

"The house is below, " was the response, "but perhaps I had betterexplain the entire matter to Lieutenant Galesworth, and let him decidefor himself whether he cares to make the attempt. "

The general nodded approval, and walked back to the window, his handsclasped behind his back. Parker spread out a map. 

"Just step over here, Lieutenant. This is our present position, represented by the irregular blue line; those red squares show theenemy's forces as far as we understand them. The crosses representbatteries, and the important intrenchments are shown by the doublelines. Of course this is imperfect, largely drawn from the reports ofscouts. Their line is slightly shorter than our own, our rightoverlapping, but they have a stronger reserve force protecting thecentre. Now notice the situation here, " and he traced it with hispencil. "Your regiment is practically to the rear of their main line ofdefence, but the nature of the ground renders them safe. There is a, deep ravine here, trending to the southeast, and easily defended. Nownote, ten miles, almost directly south of Three Corners, on the openpike, the first building on the right-hand side beyond a log church, stands an old plantation house. It is a large building, painted white, in the midst of a grove of trees, and in the rear is a commodious stableand a dozen negro cabins. The map shows this house to be somewhat tothe right of the Confederate centre, and about five miles to the rear oftheir first line. "

I bent over, intent on the map, endeavoring to fix each point clearly inmy mind. Parker paused in his speech, and the general turned about, hiseyes fastened upon us. 

"I understand, " I said finally. 

"Very well. Deserters informed us last night that Johnston had takenthis house for his headquarters. This morning one of our most reliablescouts confirms the report, and says the place can be easily approachedby a small party using the ravine for concealment, coming in past thenegro cabins at the rear. "

My eyes brightened, as I straightened up, instantly comprehending theplan. 

"What guard have they?"

"A few sentinels at the house, and a squad of cavalry in the stable. Naturally they feel perfectly safe so far to the rear of their ownlines. It is the very audacity of such an attempt which makes successpossible. "

The general stepped forward. 

"Don't take this as an order, Lieutenant, " he said bluntly. "It willmean a desperate risk, and if you go, you must comprehend thoroughly theperil involved. You were recommended as the best man to lead such aparty, but we supposed you already knew that country. "

"I can place my hand on a man who does know every inch of it, " Ireplied, my mind clear, and my decision reached. "I thank you for theprivilege. "

"Good; when?"

"To-night, of course; there is ample time to prepare. "

"How many men will you require?"

I hesitated, but for barely an instant. 

"Not to exceed ten, General--a small party will accomplish as much as alarger one, and be less liable to attract attention. All I need willvolunteer from my own company. "

Apparently his own thought coincided with mine, for he merely looked atme a moment with those searching gray eyes, and then turned to the map, beckoning me to join him. 

"Familiarize yourself with every detail of the topography of theregion, " he said, his finger on the paper. "Colonel Parker will explainanything you may need to know. " He straightened up, and extended hishand, the cigar still crushed between his teeth. "I believe you are theright stuff, Lieutenant; young enough to be reckless, old enough to knowthe value of patience. Are you married?"

I shook my head, with a smile, yet conscious my cheeks were flushed. 

"Then I am going to say to you--go, and do the best you can. Parker willgive you any other instructions you desire. Good-bye, my lad, andgood luck. "

He turned and left the room, my eyes following him until the doorclosed. 

CHAPTER XVII

BEGINNING THE NIGHT ADVENTURE

The colonel of engineers did not delay me long, and, eager to be away, Imade my necessary questions as brief as possible. Riding back throughthe encampment of troops, hampered more or less by the irregularity ofthe different commands, I had ample time in which to outline the night'sadventure. I comprehended fully the danger of the mission, and that theprobability was strongly against success. Reckless audacity, coupledwith rare good fortune, might result in our return with the prisonersought, but it was far more likely that we would be the ones captured, if we escaped with our lives. Yet this knowledge caused no hesitancy onmy part; I was trained to obedience, and deep down in my heart welcomedthe opportunity. The excitement appealed to me, and the knowledge thatthis service was to be performed directly under the eye of the greatGeneral of the West, was in itself an inspiration. If I lived to comeback it meant promotion, the praise of the army, a line on the page ofhistory--enough surely to arouse the ambition of youth. 

It was early in the afternoon when I reached the position of myregiment, and reported to the colonel, asking the privilege of selectinga detail. Then, as I sat at mess, I studied my men, mentally pickingfrom among them those best adapted to the desperate task. I chose thoseI had seen in action, young, unmarried fellows, and for "non-com, "Sergeant Miles, a slender, silent man of thirty, in whom I had implicitconfidence. I checked the names over, satisfying myself I had made nomistake. Leaving Miles to notify these fellows, and prepare them forservice, I crossed to the colonel's tent in search of the ex-slave. Hewas easily found. 

"Le Gaire, " I began, choking a bit at the name, "do you remember a bigwhite house, on the right of the pike, the first beyond a log church, south from the Three Corners?"

He looked up from his work with sparkling eyes. 

"I suah does; I reckon I could find dat place in de dark. "

"Well, that is exactly what I want you to do, my man. I have some workto do there to-night. "

"How yo' goin' to git dar?"

I explained about the ravine, the positions of the Confederate lines, and where I understood the special guards were stationed. The boylistened in silence, his fingers, clinching and unclinching, aloneevidencing excitement. 

"Will that plan work?" I asked, "or can you suggest any better way?"

"I reckon it'll work, " he admitted, "if yo' don't git cotched afore yo'git dar. I knows a heap 'bout dat ravine; I'se hunted rabbits dar many atime, an' it ain't goin' to be no easy job gittin' through dar inde dark. "

"Will you show us the way?"

"Well, I don't just know, " scratching his head thoughtfully. "Maybe decol'nel wouldn't let me. "

"I can arrange that. "

"Den I don't want fo' to go to dat house; dat's whar I run away from. "

"But I thought you belonged to the Le Gaires of Louisiana?"

"Dat's what I did, sah; but I done tol' yo' I come up yere wid de army. I was left dere till de captain come back; dose folks was friendso' his. "

"Oh, I see; well, will you go along as far as the end of the ravine?"

He looked out over the hills, and then back into my face, his eyesnarrowing, his lips setting firm over the white teeth. I little realizedwhat was taking place in the fellow's brain, what real motiveinfluenced his decision, or the issues involved. 

"I reckon I will, sah, providin' de col'nel says so. " There was, ofcourse, no difficulty in obtaining the consent of that officer, and bynine o'clock we were ready to depart, ten picked men, young, vigorouslads, though veterans in service, led by Miles, together with the negroLe Gaire and myself. Taking a lesson from the guerillas we were armedonly with revolvers, intending to fight, if fight we must, at closequarters; and the brass buttons, and all insignia of rank liable toattract attention had been removed from our blouses. Upon our heads wewore slouch hats. I had decided to make the attempt on foot, as we couldthus advance in greater silence. Without attracting attention, orstarting any camp rumor, we passed, two by two, out beyond the pickets, and made rendezvous on the bank of the river. It was a dark night. Assoon as the sergeant reported all were present, I led the way up streamfor perhaps a mile until we came to the mouth of the ravine. Here Icalled them around me, barely able to distinguish the dim figures, although within arm's length, explained my plans and gave strict orders. As I ceased speaking I could plainly hear their suppressed breathing, sodeathly still was the night. 

"If any man has a question, ask it now. "

No one spoke, although several moved uneasily, too nervous to remainstill. 

"Le Gaire, here, will go first, as he knows the way, and I will followhim; the rest drop in in single file, with the sergeant at the rear. Keep close enough to distinguish the man in front, and be careful whereyou put your feet. No noise, not a word spoken unless I pass back anorder; then give it to the next man in a whisper. Don't fire under anyconditions except by command. " I paused, then added slowly: "You are allintelligent enough to know the danger of our expedition, and thenecessity of striking quick and hard. Our success, our very lives, depend on surprise. If each one of you does exactly as I order, we'vegot a chance to come back; if not, then it means a bullet, or a prison, for all of us. Are you ready?"

I heard the low responses, and counted them--ten, the negro notanswering. 

"All right, men, " then, my voice hardening into a threat: "Now go ahead, Le Gaire, and remember I am next behind, and carry a revolver in myhand. Make a wrong move, lad, and you'll never make another. "

I could faintly discern the whites of his eyes, and heard one of the mensnicker nervously. 

"Lead off! Fall in promptly, men. "

It was a rocky cleft through the hills, perhaps a hundred yards widehere where it opened on the river, with a little stream in its centrefringed with low trees, but narrowing gradually, and becoming blockedwith underbrush as it penetrated deeper into the interior. For a mile ormore the course was not entirely unknown to me, although the darknessobscured all familiar landmarks. The negro, however, apparentlypossessed the instinct of an animal, or else had night eyes, for henever hesitated, keeping close along the edge of the stream. Thetree-branches brushed our faces, but our feet pressed a well definedpath. Farther in, the shadows becoming more dense, this path wound aboutcrazily, seeking the level spots; yet Le Gaire moved steadily forward, his head lowered, and I kept him within reach of my arm, barely able todistinguish the cautious tread of feet behind. Clearly enough he knewthe way, and could follow it with all the certainty of a dog. Relievedas to this, and confident the fellow dare not play us false, I couldtake notice of other things, and permit my thoughts to wander. There waslittle to be seen or heard; except for the musical tinkle of the stream, all to the right was silence, but from the other side there arose anoccasional sound, borne faintly from a distance--a voice calling, theblare of a far-off bugle, the echo of a hammer pounding on iron. Oncethrough the obscuring branches the fitful yellow of a camp-fire wasdimly visible, but the ravine twisted so that I could not determinewhether this was from Federal or Confederate lines. Anyhow no eye saw uscreep past, and no suspicious voice challenged. Indeed we had everyreason to believe the ravine unguarded, although pickets wereundoubtedly patrolling the east bank, and there were places we must goclose in under its shadow. 

So intent had I been upon this adventure, my mind concentrated ondetails, that the personal equation had been entirely forgotten. But nowI began to reflect along that line, yet never for a moment forgettingour situation, or its peril. I was going down into the neighborhoodwhere Willifred Hardy lived--to which she had probably already returned. I was going as an enemy to her cause, guided by an ex-slave of LeGaire's. It was rather an odd turn of Fate's wheel, and, while there wasno probability of our meeting, yet the conditions were suggestive. Myeyes were upon the dim form in advance, and I was strongly tempted toask if he knew where Major Hardy's plantation was. Beyond doubt he did, but this was no time for dalliance with love, and I drove the temptationsternly from me, endeavoring to concentrate my mind on present duty. Butin spite of all Billie would intervene, her blue-gray eyes challengingme to forget, and the remembrance of her making my step light. I wasgoing to be near her again, at least, if only for an hour; perhaps, whether I succeeded or failed, she would hear my name mentioned. Eventhat would be better than forgetfulness, and she was one to appreciate adeed like this. I should like to see her eyes when they told her--whenthey spoke my name. I wondered where Captain Le Gaire was, and whetherhe had been her escort back through the Confederate lines. Most probablyyes, and perhaps he had remained at the Hardy house, still incapacitatedfrom duty by the blow I had struck him--an interesting invalid. Eventhis thought did not trouble me as it might have done otherwise, for Ibelieved Billie had already begun to see the real man behind thefellow's handsome face; if so, then time and companionship would onlywiden the breach between them--perhaps my memory also. 

It was a hard three hours' travel, practically feeling a passage throughthe darkness, for the narrow path extended but little beyond a mile, after losing which we stumbled forward through a maze of rock andunderbrush. This finally became so dense that the negro veered to theleft, where there was a grassy ledge, along which we made more rapidprogress, although facing greater danger of discovery. However, thenight was black, and to any picket looking down from above the ravinemust have appeared a dark, impenetrable void, while our feet in thegrass scarcely made a sound. Once we saw a moving figure above us, barely visible against the sky-line, and halted breathlessly, every eyeuplifted, until the apparition vanished; and once, warned by thecracking of a twig, we lay flat on our faces while a spectral companywent past us on foot, heading at right-angles across our path. I countedtwenty men in the party, but could distinguish nothing as to uniform orequipment. We waited motionless until the last straggler haddisappeared. By this time we were well behind the Confederate lines, with troops probably on either side, for this gash in the surface hadboth narrowed and veered sharply to the east. It still remainedsufficiently deep to conceal our movements, and, as we had circled thepicket lines, we could proceed with greater confidence. We were beyondthe vigilance of sentinels, and could be discovered now only throughsome accidental encounter. I touched Le Gaire on the shoulder, andwhispered in his ear:

"How much farther is it?"

"'Bout half a mile, sah, " staring about into what to me was impenetrabledarkness. "Yo' see de forked tree dar on de lef'?"

I was not sure, yet there was something in that direction which mightbe what he described. 

"I guess so--why?"

"I 'members dat tree, for dar's a spring just at de foot ob it. "

"Is the rest of the way hard?"

"No, sah, not wid me goin' ahead of yo', for dar's a medium good pathfrom de spring up to de top o' de hill. I'se pow'ful feared though wemight run across some ob dem Confed sojers 'round yere. "

I tried to look at him, but could see only the whites of his eyes, buthis voice somehow belied his words--to my mind there was no fear in thefellow. I passed back word along the line, and found all the menpresent. Not a sound came out of the night, and I ordered the ex-slaveto lead on. 

CHAPTER XVIII

OVERHEARD CONVERSATION

It was a little gully, hardly more than a tramped footpath, leading downthe bank up which we crept until we attained the level. With eyessharpened by the long night vigil we could perceive the dim outlines ofbuildings, and a glow or two of distant lights. I felt of the face of mywatch, deciding the time to be not far from half-past twelve. Our tramphad seemed longer than a trifle over three hours, and it was a relief toknow we still had so much of darkness left in which to operate. Itouched the man lying next me, unable to tell one dark formfrom another. 

"Who are you?"

"Wilson, sir. "

"Where is the guide?"

"Right yere, sah, " and the speaker wriggled toward me on his face. "Disyere is de place. "

"I supposed so, but it is all a mere blur out there to me. What arethese buildings just ahead of us?"

"De slave quarters, sah; dey's all deserted, 'cept maybe dat first oneyonder, " pointing. "I reckon Aunt Mandy an' her ol' man are dar yet, but de field hands dey all done cleared out long time ago. De stable wasober dar toward de right, whar dat lantern was dodgin' 'round. Yo' creep'long yere, an' I'll point out de house--see, it's back o' de bunch o'trees, whar de yaller light shows in de winder. I reckon dar's some of'em up yet. "

From his description I received a fair impression of the surroundings, questioning briefly as I stared out at the inanimate objects faintlyrevealed, and endeavoring to plan some feasible course of action. Thestable was a hundred yards to the rear of the house, a fenced-off gardenbetween, the driveway circling to the right. Between the slave quartersand the mansion extended an orchard, the trees of good size andaffording ample cover. We were to the left of the house, and the lightseen evidently streamed through one of the windows of the front room. Where the guard was stationed no one of us could guess, yet this had tobe determined first of all. I called for Miles, and the sergeant, stillholding his position at the rear, crept forward. 

"I am going in closer to discover what I can, " I said quietly. "I may begone for half an hour. Advance your men carefully into the shadow ofthat cabin there, and wait orders. Don't let them straggle, for I wantto know where they are. " I bent lower and whispered in his ear, "Don'tlet that negro out of your sight; but no shooting--rap him with a buttif necessary. You understand?"

"Sure; I'll keep a grip on his leg. "

I paused an instant thinking. 

"If luck helps me to get inside, and I find the way clear, I'll drawthat shade up and down twice--this way--and you can come on. Movequickly, but without noise, and wait outside for orders, unless you arecertain I am in trouble. "

"Yes, sir; we'll be there. "

"Have one man watch that light all the time; don't let him take his eyesoff it. Be careful no prowling trooper stumbles on you; keep themen still. "

I saw the dim movement as he saluted and felt no doubt of obedience, --hewas too old and tried a soldier to fail. I crept forward, scouted aboutthe cabin to make sure it was unoccupied, and then advanced into theshadows of the orchard. I was all nerves now, all alertness, everyinstinct awake, seeing the slightest movement, hearing the faintestnoise. There were voices--just a mumble--in the direction of the stable, and, as I drew in closer toward the house I could distinguish sounds asthough a considerable party were at table--yet even the tinkle of knifeand plate was muffled; probably the dining-room was on the oppositeside. However, this would seem to indicate the presence of the one wesought, although so late a supper would render our task more difficultof execution. I was tempted to try the other side first, but the openwindow with the light burning inside was nearer, and I wished first toassure myself as to that. I could see no sentries, but the embers of afire were visible on the front driveway. Whatever guard might be aboutthe steps, none patrolled this side; I must have waited several minutes, lying concealed in the dense shrubbery, peering and listening, beforebecoming fully convinced. The omission brought a vague suspicion thatJohnston might not be present after all--that this was instead a mereparty of convivial officers. If so, the sooner I could convince myselfthe better, to make good our safe return. The thought urged me forward. 

A small clump of low bushes--gooseberries, I judged from the thorns--waswithin a few yards of the house, the balance of the distance a closelytrimmed turf. The bottom of the window through which the light shone waseven with my eyes when standing erect, but I could perceive no movementof any occupants, a small wooden balcony, more for ornament than forpractical use, shutting off the view. I grasped the rail of this with myhands and drew my body slowly up, endeavoring to keep to one side out ofthe direct range of light. This effort yielded but a glimpse of onecorner of the seemingly deserted interior, and I crouched down withinthe rail, cautiously seeking to discover more. Fortunately the woodensupport did not creak under my weight. The apartment was apparentlyparlor and sitting-room combined, some of the furniture massive andhandsome, especially the centre-table and a sofa of black walnut, butthere was also a light sewing-table and a cane-seated rocker, moresuggestive of comfort. At first glance I thought the place empty, although I could plainly hear the murmuring sound of voices from beyond;then I perceived some one--a woman--seated on a low stool before theopen fire-place. She sat with back toward me, her head bent upon onehand. I was still studying the figure in uncertainty when a door, evidently leading into the hall, opened and a man entered. He was inConfederate field uniform, the insignia on his collar that of amajor, --a tall, broad-shouldered man, with abundant hair and anaggressive expression. The woman glanced up, but he closed the door, shutting out a jangle of voices, before speaking. 

"What was it? You sent for me?"

She rose to her feet, and came a step forward, --my heart leapt into mythroat, my fingers gripped the rail. 

"Yes, " she said quietly, looking into his face, "I have decided I cannotdo it. "

"Decided! What now?" and his surprise was beyond question. "Why, whatdoes all this mean? No one has sought to coerce or drive you; this wasyour own choice. Surely you have had ample time in which to consider!"

"Oh, yes, " wearily, her hand pressing back her hair, "but--but I reallynever understood myself until to-night; I am not sure I do even now. "

"A girlish whim, " he broke in impatiently. "Why, daughter, this isfoolish, impossible; all arrangements are made, and even now they aretoasting the captain in the dining-room. Under no other conditions couldhe have got leave of absence, for his injuries are trivial. Johnstontold me as much before he left, and I know we shall need every manto-morrow if we force the fighting. "

"Why does he accept leave then, if he is needed here?" she askedquickly. 

"For your sake and mine, not fear of battle, I am sure. There will be noheavy action at this end of our line, as we shall fall back to protectthe centre. But the movement as contemplated will leave all this groundto be occupied by the Yankees; they'll be here by to-morrow night beyonddoubt; even now we retain only a skeleton force west of the pike. Icannot leave you here alone, unprotected. "

"Is that why you have pressed me so to assent to this hurriedarrangement?"

"Yes, Billie, " and he took her hands tenderly. "Captain Le Gairesuggested it as soon as we learned this region was to be left unguarded, and when he succeeded in getting leave to go south it seemed to me thevery best thing possible for you. Why, daughter, I do not understandyour action--by having the ceremony to-night we merely advance it afew months. "

"But--father, " her voice trembling, "I--I am not so sure that I wish tomarry Captain Le Gaire at--at all. "

"Not marry him! Why, I supposed that was settled--you seemed veryhappy--"

"Yes, once, " she broke in. "I thought I loved him--perhaps I did--but hehas not appeared the same man to me of late. I cannot explain; I cannoteven tell what it is I mean, but I am afraid to go on. I want more timeto decide, to learn my own heart. "

"You poor little girl, you are nervous, excited. "

"No, it is not that, papa. I simply doubt myself, my future happinesswith this man. Surely you will not urge me to marry one I do not love?"

"No, girlie; but this decision comes so suddenly. I had believed youvery happy together, and even to-night, when this plan was firstbroached, there was no word of protest uttered. I thought youwere glad. "

"Not glad! I was stunned, too completely surprised to object. You alltook my willingness so for granted that I could find no words to expressmy real feelings. Indeed I do not believe I knew what they were--notuntil I sat here alone thinking, and then there came to me a perfecthorror of it all. I tried to fight my doubts, tried to convince myselfthat it was right to proceed, but only to find it impossible. I loathethe very thought; if I consent I know I shall regret the act as long asI live. " "But, Billie, " he urged earnestly, "what can have occurred tomake this sudden change in you? Captain Le Gaire belongs to one of themost distinguished families of the South; is wealthy, educated, apolished gentleman. He will give you everything to make life attractive. Surely this is but a mere whim!"

"Have you found me to be a nervous girl, full of whims?"

"No, certainly not, but--"

"And this is no whim, no mood. I cannot tell, cannot explain all thathas of late caused me to distrust Captain Le Gaire, only I do not feeltoward him as I once did. I never can again, and if you insist on thismarriage, it will mean to me unhappiness--I am, sure of that. "

"But what can we do at this late hour! Everything is prepared, arrangedfor; even the minister has arrived, and is waiting. "

She stood before him, her hands clasped, trembling from head to foot, yet with eyes determined. 

"Will you delay action a few moments, and send Captain Le Gaire to me?I--I must see him alone. "

He hesitated, avoiding her eyes and permitting his glance to wanderabout the room. 

"Please do this for me. "

"But in your present mood--"

"I am perfectly sane, " and she stood straight before him, insistent, resolute. "Indeed I think I know myself better than for months past. Ishall say nothing wrong to Captain Le Gaire, and if he is a gentleman hewill honor me more for my frankness. Either you will send him here tome, or else I shall go to him. "

The major bowed with all the ceremony of the old school, convinced ofthe utter futility of further argument. 

"You will have you own way; you always have, " regretfully. "I shallrequest the captain to join you here. "

CHAPTER XIX

LE GAIRE FORCES A DECISION

He left the room reluctantly enough, pausing at the door to glance back, but she had sunk down into the rocker, and made no relenting sign. Everysense of right compelled me to withdraw; I could not remain, a hiddenspy, to listen to her conversation with Le Gaire. My heart leaped withexultation, with sudden faith that possibly her memory of me might lieback of this sudden distrust, this determination for freedom. Yet thispossibility alone rendered impossible my lingering here to overhear whatshould pass between them in confidence. Interested as I was personally Ipossessed no excuse to remain; every claim of duty was elsewhere. I hadalready learned General Johnston was not present, and that an attack wasprojected against our left and centre. This was news of sufficientimportance to be reported at headquarters without delay. To be sure thewithdrawal of troops from this end of the Confederate line made our ownreturn trip less dangerous, still, even if I ventured to remain longer, I must early despatch a courier with the news. 

I drew silently back from the window, flinging one limb over the balconyrail, preparing to drop to the ground below. Her back was toward me, andshe heard nothing; then a man came round the end of the house, walkingslowly and smoking. I could see the red glow of his cigar, and inhalethe fragrance of the tobacco. I hung on desperately, bending my bodyalong the rail, and he passed directly beneath, yet so shadowed I couldmerely distinguish his outline. The fellow--an officer, no doubt, seeking a breath of fresh air--strolled to the opposite corner, and thenturned off into the orchard. I dared not risk an attempt to drop andrun, for I knew not what might await me in the darkness. Yet where Iclung I was exposed to discovery, and, when he turned his back, I sankdown once more within the shelter of the balcony. He stopped under thetrees, apparently having found a seat of some kind, although I could seenothing except the tip of the burning cigar, as he flipped aside theashes. I had almost forgotten what might be occurring within, untilaroused by the sound of Le Gaire's voice. 

He certainly looked a handsome fellow, standing there with hand still onthe knob of the door, dressed in a new uniform tailored to perfection, his lips and eyes smiling pleasantly, never suspecting the reason forwhich he was summoned. 

"What is it, Billie?" he asked easily. "A last word, hey?"

"Yes, " she answered, lifting her eyes to his face, but not advancing. "I--I have been thinking it all over while waiting here alone, and--andI find I am not quite ready. I sent for you to ask release from mypromise, or, at least, that you will not insist upon our--our marriageto-night. "

The man's dark face actually grew white, his surprise at this requestleaving him gasping for breath, as he stared at her. 

"Why, good God, girl, do you realize what you are saying?" he exclaimed, all self-control gone. "Why, we are ready now; Bradshaw just arrived andevery arrangement has been made for our journey. It cannot bepostponed. "

"Oh, yes, indeed, it can, " and she rose, facing him. "Surely you wouldnot force me against my will, Captain Le Gaire? I do not desire torebel, to absolutely refuse, but I hope you will listen to me, and thenact the part of a gentleman. I presume you desire me for your wife, notyour slave. "

I thought he had lost his voice he was so long in answering; then thetones were hoarse, indistinct. 

"Listen! Yes! I want you to explain; only don't expect too much fromme. "

She looked directly at him, her cheeks flushing to the insolence of hisaccent. 

"I am hardly likely to err in that way any more, " rather coldly, "but Ido owe you an explanation. I have done wrong to permit this affair to goso far without protest, but I did not comprehend my own feelings clearlyuntil to-night. I merely drifted without realizing the danger, and nowthe shock of discovery leaves me almost helpless. I realize distinctlyonly one thing--I can not, I will not, marry you. 

"Do these words seem cruel, unjust?" she went on, strangely calm. "Perhaps they are, yet it is surely better for me to speak them now thanto wreck both our lives by remaining silent longer. You came to me ayear ago, Captain Le Gaire, at a time when I was particularly lonely, and susceptible to kindness. You were an officer in the army, fightingfor a cause I loved, and your friendly attentions were very welcome. Myfather liked you, and we were constantly thrown together. I have livedrather a secluded life, here on this plantation since my school days, meeting few men of my own station, and still young enough to beromantic. I thought I loved you, and perhaps the feeling I cherishedmight have truly become love had you always remained the sameconsiderate gentleman I first believed you to be. Instead, little bylittle, I have been driven away, hurt by your coarseness, your lack ofchivalry, until now, when it comes to the supreme test, I find my soulin revolt. Am I altogether to blame?"

I do not think he comprehended, grasped the truth she sought to convey, for he broke forth angrily:

"Very pretty, indeed! And do you think I will ever stand for it? Why, Ishould be the laughing stock of the army, a butt for every brainlessjoker in the camp. I am not such a fool, my girl. " He stepped forward, grasping her hands, and holding them in spite of her slight effort tobreak away. "I am a frank-spoken man, yes, but I have never failed totreat you with respect. "

"You may call it that, but you have repeatedly sworn in my presence, have ordered me harshly about, have even arranged this affair withoutfirst consulting me. If this be your manner before marriage, what brandof brutality could I expect after?"

"Poof! I may be quick-tempered; perhaps we are neither of us angels, butyou choose a poor time for a quarrel. Come, Billie, let's kiss and makeup. What! Still angry? Surely you are not in earnest?"

"But I am--very much in earnest. "

"You mean to throw me down? Now at the last moment, with all the fellowswaiting in the next room?"

She had her hands freed, and with them held behind her, stood motionlessfacing him. 

"Would you marry me against my wish?" she asked. "Would you hold me to apromise I regret having made? I sent for you merely to tell you thetruth, to throw myself on your generosity. I am scarcely more than agirl, Captain Le Gaire, and acknowledge I have done wrong, have beendeceived in my own feelings. You have my word--the word of a Hardy--andwe keep our pledges. I suppose I must marry you if you insist, but Iimplore you as a man of honor, a Southern gentleman, to release me. "

Her voice faltered, and Le Gaire laughed. 

"Oh, I begin to see how the wind blows. You do stand to your promisethen. Very well, that's all I ask. "

"I do not love you; I do not think I even respect you. "

"Nevertheless you cannot shake me off like that. It's only a whim, amood, Billie; once married I'll teach you the lesson over again. Youwere loving enough a month ago. "

"I was in the midst of a girl's dream, " she said slowly, "from which Ihave awakened--won't you release me, Captain Le Gaire?"

"I should say not, " walking savagely across the room. "Come, Billie, I'mtired of this tantrum. A little of this sort of thing goes a long waywith me. You're a headstrong, spoiled girl, and I've already put up withenough to try the patience of Job. Now I'm going to show my authority, insist on my rights. You've promised to marry me, now, to-night, and youare going to do it, if I have to go to your father and tell him plainlyjust what is the matter with you. "

"With me! the only matter is that I have ceased to care for you. "

"Yes, in the last week! Do you think I am blind? Do you suppose I don'tknow what has changed your mind so suddenly? Do you imagine I'm goingto let you go for the sake of a damned Yankee?"

She fairly gasped in surprise, her fingers clinched, her cheeks flaming. 

"A Yankee! Captain Le Gaire, are you crazy?"

"No, " his temper bursting all control. "That's what's the matter withyou. Oh, of course, you'll deny, and pretend to be horrified. I saw intoyour little game then, but I kept still; now you are carrying ittoo far. "

"What do you mean? I am not accustomed to such language. "

"I mean this: You think you are in love with that sneaking Yankee spy--Idon't know his name--the fellow you helped through our lines, and thenhid at Moran's. Now don't deny it; I asked some questions before I leftthere, and you were with him out under the grape arbor. I saw theimprint of your feet in the soft dirt. By God, I believe you knew hestruck me, and permitted me to lie there while he got away. "

"Captain Le Gaire--"

"Now you wait; this is my turn to talk. You thought you had fooled me, but you had not. Under other conditions I might accede to your request, but not now--not to give you over to a Yank. I've got your promise, andI propose to hold you to it. "

"But it is not that, " she protested. "I--I am not in love withLieutenant Galesworth. "

"So that is the fellow's name, is it--Galesworth, " sneeringly. "Ithought you pretended before you did not know. "

She remained silent, confused. 

"I'm glad to know who he is; some day we may have a settlement. Well, all I know about the affair is this, but that's enough--you rode withhim all one night, hid him all the next day, and then helped him escape. You lied to me repeatedly, and now you want to break away from me at thelast minute. It's either this Galesworth or somebody else--now whois it?"

Billie sank back into a chair, but with her eyes still on the man'sface. 

"It is no--one, " she said wearily. "It is not that at all; I--I simplydo not care for you in that way any longer. "

"Poof! do you mean you won't keep your word?"

"I mean I want to be released--at least a postponement until I can besure of myself. "

"And I refuse--refuse, do you understand that? You either marry meto-night or I go to your father with the whole story. He'll be pleasedto learn of your affair with a Yankee spy, no doubt, and of how youhelped the fellow through our lines. And I've got the proofs too. Now, young lady, it is about time to stop this quarrel, and come down tofacts. What are you going to do?"

"You insist?"

"Of course I do. "

Her head sank upon her hand, and even from where I peered in upon them, helpless to get away, equally helpless to aid, I could see herform tremble. 

"Then there is no escape, I suppose; I must keep my promise. "

He touched her on the shoulder, indifferent to her shrinking away, asarcastic smile on his lips. 

"I knew you would. I don't take this Yankee business seriously, only Iwanted you to know I understood all about it. You're too sensible a girlto get tangled up that way. We'll drop it now, and I'll show you howgood I can be. May I kiss you?"

"I--I would rather not--not yet. Don't be angry, but I--I am not myself. Where were you going?"

"To tell your father it is all settled. You must be ready when we comeback. "

He paused with hand on the door looking back at her. There was amoment's breathless silence; then her lips whispered:

"Yes. "

I turned to look out into the black orchard, and then gazed back intothe lighted room. I knew not what to do, how to act. My remaining whereI was could be of no possible service to her, indeed my discovery therewould only add to her embarrassment, yet I had no reason to believe theofficer had left his seat yonder, and therefore dare not drop to theground. My heart ached for the girl, and I longed to get my hands onthat cur of a Le Gaire, yet might venture to approach neither. It was amaddening situation, but I could only stand there in the dark, grippingthe rail, unable to decide my duty. Perhaps she did love me--in spite ofthat vigorous denial, perhaps she did--and the very possibility made theblood surge hot through my veins. Could I help her in any way? Whateverher feeling toward me might be, there remained no question as to hergrowing dislike for Le Gaire. Not fear, but a peculiar sense of honoralone, held her to her pledge. And could I remain still, and permit herto be thus ruthlessly sacrificed? Would Major Hardy permit it if heknew?--if the entire situation was explained to him? Le Gaire neverwould tell him the truth, but would laugh off the whole affair as a merelovers' quarrel. Could I venture to thrust myself in? If I did, would itbe of any use? It would cost me my liberty, and the liberty of my men;probably I should not be believed. And would she ever forgive me forlistening? I struggled with the temptation--swayed by duty and bylove--until my heart throbbed in bewilderment. Then it was too late. Fate, tired of hesitancy, took the cards out of my hands. 

Billie had been sitting, her head bowed on the table, the light aboveglistening on her hair. Suddenly she arose to her feet, her face whiteand drawn, her hands extended in a gesture of disgust. Attracted by theopen window, and the black vista of night beyond, she stepped throughonto the balcony, and stood there, leaning against the rail. 

CHAPTER XX

WE ARRIVE AT A CRISIS

I remained there, pressed into one corner, unable to move, scarcelyventuring to breathe, her skirt brushing my leg, the strands of herhair, loosened by the night wind, almost in my face. She was gazingstraight out into the night, utterly unconscious of my presence, sodeeply buried in her own trouble that all else seemed as nothing. For amoment she remained motionless, silent; then her hands pressed againsther forehead, and her lips gave utterance to a single exclamation:

"Oh, God! I can never, never stand it! What shall I do?"

Perhaps I moved, perhaps some sense of the occult revealed my presence, for she turned swiftly, with a sharp gasp of the breath, and lookedstraight into my eyes. The recognition was instant, bewildering, a shockwhich left her speechless, choking back the cry of alarm which rose intoher throat. She gripped the rail and stared as though at a ghost. 

"Don't cry out, " I entreated quickly. "Surely you know whom I am. "

"Yes, yes, " struggling to regain her voice. "I--know; but why are youhere? How long have you been here?"

"It is a story too complex to repeat, " I said earnestly, "but I havebeen here since your father first came--don't blame me, for I couldn'tget away. "

"Then--then you heard--"

"Yes; I heard everything. I tried not to; I pledge you my word it wasall an accident. I was here for another purpose, a military purpose. Idid not even know this was your home. I am trapped on this balcony, anddare not attempt to get away--I had to listen. You will believe whatI say?"

I was pleading so desperately that she stopped me, one hand grasping mysleeve. 

"Yes, of course. I am sure you could never do that purposely. But I donot know what to say, how to explain. You must go at once. Can you notrealize my position if you are discovered here? What--what Captain LeGaire would say?"

"Very easily, " my voice insensibly hardening at the memory, "and Ishould like to remain to meet him, if that were the only danger. No, please stand exactly where you are, Miss Hardy, so as to keep me in theshadow. Thank you. There is a man sitting on a bench yonder just withinthe orchard. He has been there for the last twenty minutes, and it ishis presence which has made it impossible for me to get away. Can Iescape in any manner through the house?"

She shook her head, her glance wandering from the lighted room out againinto the night. 

"No; there is only the one door. "

"Who are here besides Le Gaire and your father?"

"A half-dozen officers, two from the Louisiana regiment, the restbelonging to the staff; they are just ending up a feast in thedining-room. "

"And is the house under guard?"

She hesitated, looking me now squarely in the eyes, her face clearlyrevealed as the light from within fell upon it. 

"Why do you ask?--for military reasons?"

"No; that is all passed and gone. We came hoping to capture GeneralJohnston, as scouts informed us this was his headquarters for the night. But he is not here, and you will do your cause no harm by telling meall I ask. "

"I do not think there are any guards posted, " she answered, convincedthat I spoke the truth. "I have not been out, but I am sure there are nosoldiers about the place, except the officers' servants at the stablewith the horses. The general departed before dark, and took hisbodyguard with him. "

She had no reason to deceive me, and her sincerity was beyond question. This was better than I had dared hope, and instantly a new plan leapedinto my mind, the very audacity of which made me gasp. Yet it mightwork, carried out with sufficient boldness, although only to be resortedto as a last desperate necessity. As I stood there, revolving this newthought swiftly through my mind, the old fear seemed to return to her. 

"Did--did you hear--everything?" she asked again. 

"I am afraid I did, " I confessed humbly, "but I am going to forget. "

"No, that is not necessary. I am not sure I am altogether sorry that youoverheard. "

"But I am--at least, a part of what I overheard struck me rather hard. "

"What was that?"

"Your reference to me. Billie, I had been dreaming dreams. "

Her eyes dropped, the long lashes shading them. 

"But I had previously warned you, " she said at last, very soberly. "Youknew how impossible such a thought was; you were aware of myengagement. "

"Yes, and I also knew Le Gaire. All I hoped for was time, sufficienttime for you to discover his character. He is no bug-a-boo to me anylonger, nor shall any tie between you keep me from speaking. As I havetold you I did not come here expecting to meet you--not even knowingthis was your home--yet you have been in my mind all through the night, and what has occurred yonder between you and that fellow has set mefree. Do you know what I mean to do?"

"No, of course not; only--"

"Only I must believe what you said about me to him; only I must continueto respect an agreement which has been wrung out of you by threat. Irefuse to be bound. I know now the one thing I wanted most to know, Billie--that you do not love him. Oh, you can never make me thinkthat again--"

"Stop!" and she was looking straight at me again. "I shall listen to youno longer, Lieutenant Galesworth. I cannot deny the truth of much whichyou have said, but it is not generous of you to thus take advantage ofwhat was overheard. It was merely a quarrel, and not to be takenseriously. He is coming back, and--and I am going to marry him. "

There was a little catch in her voice, yet she finished the sentencebravely enough, flinging the words at me in open defiance. 

"When? To-night?"

"Yes, immediately, as soon as Captain Le Gaire can confer with myfather. "

I smiled, not wholly at ease, yet confident I knew her struggle. 

"You might deceive some one else, Miss Billie, " I said quietly, "andperhaps if I were not here this programme might indeed be carried out--Ibelieve Le Gaire is cur enough to insist upon it. But I am here, and youare not going to marry him, unless you tell me with your own lips thatyou love the man. "

She stared into my eyes, as though doubting my sanity. 

"Will you consent to say that?"

"I deny your right to even ask. "

"Yet I shall take silence as a negative, and act accordingly. No, youwill not hate me for it; you may imagine you do for the moment, but thetime will come when your heart will thank me for interference, forsaving you from a foolish sacrifice. You do not love Le Gaire; youcannot look me in the eyes and say that you do. "

"You are impertinent, ungentlemanly. I simply refuse to answer aquestion you have no right to ask. "

"I assume the right in accordance with a law as old as man. "

"What law?"

"The law of love, " I returned earnestly, "the love of a man for the onewoman. "

I could see her slight form sway as the full significance of these wordscame to her; her cheeks flamed, but there was no shadowing of her eyes. 

"I am going in, Lieutenant Galesworth, " she said finally, drawing backto the open window. "You have forgotten yourself, forgotten therespect due me. "

"But I have not, Billie, " and in my earnestness I neglected all caution, stepping forward into the full glare of light. "The highest respect isthe basis of true love, and, little girl, I love you. "

She clung to the frame of the window, rendered speechless by myaudacity, struggling with herself. 

"Oh, don't say that! I cannot listen; I must not. Believe me, LieutenantGalesworth, I do not altogether blame you, for I have been indiscreet, foolish. I--I have not meant to be; I merely endeavored to prove kindand friendly, never once dreaming it would come to this. Now it mustend, absolutely end; even if you despise me for a heartless coquette, there is no other way. My path is laid out for me, and I must walk init. It may not be altogether pleasant, but I made my choice, and it istoo late now for retreat. I want you to help me, not make itany harder. "

"By going away, you mean? By leaving you to be coerced?"

"I was not coerced; it was my own free choice. "

We were both so interested as to forget everything except ourselves, utterly oblivious to the situation, or to what was occurring without. Myeyes were upon her face, endeavoring to read the real truth, and I knewnothing of the two men at the edge of the orchard. Like a shot out ofthe night broke in a voice:

"Billie, who is that you have with you?"

I saw her reel against the side of the window, every trace of colordeserting her face, her eyes staring down into the darkness. She gaspedfor breath, yet answered, before a thought flashed through my brain:

"Only a friend, papa. Did you suppose I would consent to remain alonelong?"

"Le Gaire said he just left you. "

She leaned out over the rail, half concealing me from view. 

"Oh, that must have been fifteen minutes ago, " and she laughed. "It isnever safe to leave me as long as that. You know that, papa, and now Iwarn Captain Le Gaire. "

The older man echoed her laugh, striking his companion lightly on theshoulder. 

"I fear the little witch is right, Gerald, " he said pleasantly. "Come, we'll go in, and uncover the whole conspiracy. "

Their backs were toward us, and she straightened up, grasping me by thehand. She was shaking from head to foot, even her voice trembled. 

"You must not be found here, and we have but a moment. Drop to theground as soon as they turn the corner. Don't hesitate; don'tcompromise me. "

"But what will you tell them?"

"Oh, I do not know--anything that comes into my head. Don't mind me, I'll take care of myself. "

"But you will not; that is the whole trouble--if I go now I lose youforever. Billie, let me stay!"

She broke from me, stepping back into the room, yet there was a look inher eyes which made me desperate. She did not love Le Gaire, shedespised him. I was certain of that, and more than half convinced herheart was already mine. Should I run from the fight like a coward, sneakaway in the night, leaving her to be sacrificed? The very thoughtsickened me. Better to meet the issue squarely--and I believed I knewhow it could be done. I grasped the curtain, drew it down twice insignal, and stepped into the room. 

"I am going to take command here now, Billie, " I said with newsternness. "All you need to do is obey orders. "

CHAPTER XXI

WE CAPTURE THE HOUSE

If she was startled and frightened before, she was doubly so now at thissudden revolt on my part. But I had no time then for explanation, onlyfor the stern exercising of authority. If I was right, if deep down inthe girl's heart there was love for me, she would forgive this action assoon as she realized its purpose--aye! she would respect me the more fordaring the deed. 

"Don't attempt to interfere now, my girl; go over to the big chair andsit down. "

My revolver was in my hand, and she saw it, her eyes wide open. 

"You--you are not going to hurt them?"

"No, not if they use any sense, but this is not going to be boys' play. Will you do as I say?"

She sat down, gripping the arms of the chair, and leaning forward, halfinclined to scream, yet afraid to utter a sound. Without taking my eyesfrom her, I slipped across the room to where I would be partiallyconcealed as the door opened. I knew what I was going to do, or, atleast, attempt to do, and realized fully the risk I ran, and the chanceof failure. It would require daring and coolness to capture those in thehouse, without raising any alarm, and likewise the prompt cooperation ofmy men. If they had seen my signal, and if I could disarm these firsttwo, the rest should be comparatively easy. There were steps in thehall, and the jingle of spurs. Hardy entered first, his head turnedbackward as though he spoke to Le Gaire. I saw the girl rise to herfeet, but my whole attention was concentrated upon the two men. Theinstant the space was sufficient, I forced the door shut, and stood withmy back against it, the black muzzle of my Colt staring them inthe eyes. 

"Hands up, gentlemen!" I said sternly, "a movement means death. "

They presented two astounded faces, Hardy's absolutely blank, socomplete his surprise, but Le Gaire recognized me instantly, his mouthflying open, his eyes glaring. 

"Good God!--you!"

"Yes; hands up, Le Gaire! Don't be a fool. "

His dark complexion was yellow with pallor, and I knew him for a cowardat heart, yet his very hatred of me made him dangerous. Hardy wasdifferent, realizing his helplessness, but eying me coolly, his handsheld over his head. 

"What does all this mean?" he asked quietly. "Who the devil are you?"

"He's that damned Yank Billie's been so interested in, " broke out thecaptain, "the same fellow who knocked me off my horse at Jonesboro. "

Major Hardy glanced toward his daughter inquiringly, but before shecould utter a word in explanation I cut in:

"This has nothing to do with Miss Hardy. She is as much a prisoner asyou are. Now, Captain, hand me your revolver--butt first, please. MajorHardy, I will also trouble you. Now both of you back up slowly againstthe wall. "

Their faces were a study, Hardy rather seeming to enjoy the experience, his thin lips smiling grimly, but Le Gaire was mad, his jaw set, hiseyes glaring at me. 

"I should rather like to know what all this means, young man, " said theformer. "Do you expect to capture the house single-handed?"

"Hardly, but I've made a good start, " now fully at ease, with a revolverin each hand, the third thrust in my belt. "However I've no time nowto explain. "

Without turning my face from them I sidled over to the window, speakingquietly into the darkness without:

"Come in, men, one at a time. "

Almost to my surprise they came over the rail like so many monkeys, scarcely a sound revealing the movements. I saw the smile fade from offthe major's lips, and my eyes caught Billie's wide open in astonishment. The fellows hustled in behind me, not knowing what was expected of them, but ready enough for anything. I glanced at them, beckoning to Miles. 

"All here, Sergeant? Then draw down the shade. Wilson, you and Carneycome over here, and keep an eye on these two men. Miles, let me speak toyou a moment. "

I led him into one corner, outlining the situation in a dozen words. 

"There may be half a dozen in the dining-room--yes, just across thehall--including a preacher--armed, of course, but they don't suspectthere is a Blue-coat within ten miles. They're out for a good time, andhave been having it. If you can get the bunch covered first, there needbe no fight. Don't fire a shot; just lay the iron down on them. Take allthe men along, except the two I need here. You know your business. "

"Sure, " grinning, "and what then?"

"Scout around the house. I don't believe there are any guards set, butit will be safer to make sure. "

"There's some cavalrymen at the stable, sir; we heard 'em singin' outthere. "

"A few officers' servants; you can attend to them easily enough afteryou are certain about the house. By the way, who is the best man tosend back?"

"Into our lines, sir? Young Ross would be all right. "

There was a desk in one corner, with writing materials on it, but I wasmost anxious just then to be assured we controlled the situation. Someof those fellows across the hall might become restless, and stroll inhere at any moment, to discover the cause for delay. 

"Very well, Miles; leave Ross here, and carry out your orders; thatshould give you seven men--why, no, it doesn't! Where is the negro?"

"He said you told him he didn't need go beyond the head of the ravine, sir, " explained the sergeant, "and as one of the men heard you say so, Ididn't feel like making him come along. He started back for camp. "

"I believe I did promise something like that, " I admitted, "and hewouldn't have been much assistance anyway. Well, six men and yourselfought to do the business. Watch the windows, so none get away. "

Perhaps I should have gone myself, but I was disinclined to leave theroom, desirous of getting off my despatch without delay, and possessedimplicit confidence in the promptness and discretion of the sergeant. Hedrew his revolver, the men silently following his example, and thelittle party slipped quietly out into the hall, the last man closing thedoor behind him. Evidently they encountered no one in the passageway. Listening intently I heard the dining-room door thrown back violently, aconfused noise of feet, of chairs hurriedly pushed aside, a voiceuttering a stern order, the sound of a brief struggle, ended by a blowand the thud of a body striking the floor, then numerous voices speakingexcitedly, followed by silence. Convinced the work had beenaccomplished, and that the house was now entirely in our possession, Iwalked across the room to the desk. Miss Hardy still sat where I hadordered, and I was compelled to pass her chair. Her eyes metmine coldly. 

"Would you permit me to go across to my father?" she asked. 

"Most certainly; you are in no sense a prisoner, except I shall have toask you to remain in the room for the present. "

She inclined her head ever so slightly. 

"I shall ask no further favor, and thank you for granting this. "

I sank into the chair at the desk, and watched her cross the room. Herwords and actions hurt me, and yet it was scarcely to be expected thatshe would be pleased with the sudden change in affairs. To see me thusin complete control of the situation, her father and Le Gaire prisoners, all their plans frustrated, was maddening, particularly so as sherealized that this result came largely through her own indiscretion. Ibegan myself to doubt the complete success of my scheme. Withoutquestion I had the power now to prevent her marriage, yet I might havegone too far, and caused a revulsion of feeling. She had been interestedin me before--for it had been her part to help me in times of danger, and sympathy lies very close to love--but now the conditions werechanged, and she might feel very different toward my interference. Perhaps I was destined to lose rather than gain, yet it was too late nowto draw back--I must play the game out to its ending. I wrote rapidly, utterly ignoring her conversation with Hardy, yet someway conscious thatLe Gaire sought to join in, and was answered in a single swift sentence, the girl not even turning to glance at him. The simple action caused myheart to leap to my throat--could it be the lady played a part, hercoldness to me intended to deceive others? It was a hope, at least, andI went to my task with fresh courage. I told it all in a dozensentences--Johnston's plans for the morrow; the withdrawal ofConfederate troops from our left, and their concentration in reserve ofthe enemy's centre; our capture of the Hardy house, and my hope toretain possession until the right of our line could be flung forward. Then I called Ross, and he came across the room, looking scarcely morethan a boy, but with a serious face. 

"Can you find your way back down the ravine to our lines, my lad?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Then don't lose any time. The Confederate troops have been withdrawn, but you must watch out for stragglers. Give this to Colonel Cochran, andtell him it must be forwarded to headquarters at once. Explain to himthe situation here. Now be off. "

He saluted, wheeled sharply about, and went out the window. I heard himstrike the ground. Then I sat silently looking at the others in theroom, wondering how the sergeant was getting along, and slowly realizingthat I had a white elephant on my hands. I was endeavoring to play twogames at once, love and war, and the various moves were confusing. Itmight be possible even for my little squad to hold this advanceposition until reinforcements arrived, but what could be done with theprisoners? Billie might forgive me--realizing the motive--for all whichhad occurred thus far, but if I were to turn her father and Le Gaireover to the hardships of a Northern prison, I could expect no mercy. Icared little as to the fate of the others, they had taken the chances ofwar, but these two must be liberated before our troops came up. I couldnot catch the girl's eyes; she sat with averted face, talking earnestlyto her father. Uneasy, and puzzled how best to straighten out thetangle, I went out into the hall, and glanced in at the room opposite. Abunch of gray-clad men were against the wall, disarmed and helpless, even their tongues silent, and three watchful troopers guarded them, revolvers in hand. All stared at me as I stepped forward. 

"Where is the sergeant?"

"At the stable, sir. "

"Oh, yes; hope he has as good luck there--got them all?"

"Every bloomin' one of 'em, sir. They was quite nice about it. "

An indignant voice spoke from the gray line. 

"Blamed if it ain't Atherton! Say, Major, what does all this mean?"

I laughed, stepping forward so as to see the speaker's face. 

"Captain Bell, isn't it? Thought I recognized your voice. I'm notAtherton, although I believe I was introduced to you under that nameonce. I have wanted to thank you ever since for bearing testimony inmy favor. "

His jaw fell, his eyes staring. 

"Who the devil are you then?"

"A Federal officer; my name is Galesworth. "

"And this is no joke?"

"Well, hardly, Captain. I shouldn't advise you to take the affair thatway. These fellows here might not appreciate the humor of it. "

I turned back, and met Miles in the hall, just as he came in through thefront door. He grinned at sight of me, evidently well pleased. 

"Got every mother's son of 'em, sir, " he reported. "Easy job too; neverhad to fire a shot, and only hit one fellow; he started a shindy inthere, " with a glance toward the dining-room. "There were fivegray-jacks out in the stable, all asleep, an' they was like lambs. Theblamed fools never had a guard set. "

"They felt safe enough, no doubt, back here, " I returned. "The lastthing they thought about was any Yankees getting this far. Do you knowwhat they were gathered here for?"

He shook his head. 

"It was intended for a wedding party, until we butted in. "

"Hell! not that pretty girl back in there?"

"Yes, " for somehow I felt I had better tell him enough of the truth tomake the situation clear. He was an honest, clear-headed fellow, and Ineeded help. "And that Confederate Captain--Le Gaire--was to be thebridegroom. I am going to tell you the whole story, Sergeant, and thenyou'll see what sort of a fix I'm in. "

I went over it hastily, yet with sufficient detail so as to make it allclear to his mind. He listened soberly at first, and then his eyes beganto twinkle, and he interrupted with numerous questions. Apparently hefound the tale most amusing. 

"Well, if that ain't the rummest story ever I heard! It beats a novel by'bout a mile. I never was married myself, sir, but I've got a blamedpretty girl waitin' for me back in ol' Illinoy, an' I reckon I know whatshe'd want me to do in a case like this. Sure, I'm with you until thecows come home, and so are the rest o' the boys. Lord, this is the kindo' sojerin' I like; somethin' happenin' every minute. What'snext, sir?"

"Perhaps I better look over the house first, " I said thoughtfully, "andsee where we can stow away these prisoners without needing all our mento guard them. You take charge in there while I am gone, Miles, and letthe girl go anywhere she pleases so she promises not to leavethe house. "

"All right, sir, " and the sergeant saluted, his eyes shining, as Istarted for the stairs. 

CHAPTER XXII

MISS WILLIFRED DECLARES HERSELF

I glanced at the various rooms up stairs, but nothing seemed exactlysuitable for our purpose, and, finally, taking a trooper along to hold alight, explored the basement with better results. Here I found aconsiderable cellar, divided into two sections, the floor of stoneslabs, and the walls well bricked. Iron bars, firmly set, protected thesmall windows, and altogether the place appeared favorable for ourpurpose. To be sure, desperate prisoners could not be confined in suchquarters for any length of time, but it would answer temporarily, providing we left a guard within. Satisfied as to this, after fixing upa stout bar across the door, I returned to the first floor, and gaveorders to have the men taken below. We could not differentiate betweenofficers and privates, but robbed the rooms up stairs of bed-clothing, and thus made them as comfortable as possible. Bell and the clergy-manmade voluble protests, but yielded to the inevitable, being persuaded bythe revolvers of the guards to accompany the others. So far as armswent we were now well supplied, having added to our original equipmentthe officers' pistols, and the carbines of the men captured in thestable. This matter settled I turned to the consideration of the case ofthe two men remaining in the front parlor. 

Here was a more serious problem, for I could not herd Major Hardy withthose fellows below, nor was I willing to humiliate Le Gaire by any suchtreatment. Not that I thought him too good to associate with theseothers, but Billie must not think I was actuated by any feelings ofrevenge. I talked the situation over with the sergeant, who proved ahard-headed, practical man, and we decided upon an upstairs room, overthe kitchen, which had only one small window, through which a man ofordinary size could hardly crawl. I went up to examine this morecarefully, and to nail down the window frame. As I came out into thehall again, rather dreading the impending interview in the parlor, I sawher coming alone up the broad stairway. She did not see me until herfoot was upon the last step, and then she stopped, suddenly, one handgripping the rail, her cheeks burning. One glance into her eyes causedme to nerve myself for an unpleasant session. 

"I have been waiting for you to return, " she said very coldly, yet witha slight falter in the voice, "and when I spoke to the sergeant, he saidyou were up here. "

I bowed, hat in hand, and waited, unwilling to speak until I knewsomething of her purpose. 

"Lieutenant Galesworth, what is the meaning of all this? What do youpropose doing with my father and Captain Le Gaire?"

"Did they send you to me to find out?"

"No; father merely supposed I was going to my own room after something Ineeded. "

"And Le Gaire?" I insisted. 

She looked at me frankly, her eyes utterly fearless. 

"We have scarcely spoken, and--and he certainly would never have advisedmy coming to you. I came of my own volition, because--well, because youclaimed this was all a service to me. I--I do not understand what youmeant, or--or why you hold us prisoners. "

I thought I saw light now. She forced herself to be angry with me, butface to face was unable to carry out the programme. 

"Will you come up here, Miss Billie?" I asked. "Let us take this setteea moment, and I will endeavor to explain. We are alone here, and I wouldnot care to talk freely before the others. I prefer them to think thisis purely a military affair, don't you?"

She hesitated, biting her lip, and standing motionless. My hand wasextended, but she ignored it, yet, after a moment, she stepped up besideme, her hand on the settee. 

"It--it is not a military affair then?"

"Only incidentally--I told you the truth before. "

"I--I do not remember. "

"Perhaps I failed to make all clear; indeed, I was a little hazy myself, events crowded upon us so rapidly. Won't you sit down while I talk?"

She sank upon the settee, as though to an order, looking into my face, with an expression in her eyes I was unable to comprehend. 

"I have wanted to see you alone, " I began, determined there should be nolack of courage on my part. "There is no longer need of any secretsbetween us. We have met only once before to-night, but that meeting wasof such a character that we were instantly acquainted. To be sure wewere working at cross-purposes, and you outwitted me, but later yousquared all that by saving me from capture. "

"Why go over that unfortunate occurrence?" she interrupted. "Do you notsuppose I regret that enough already?"

"I doubt if you regret it at all. "

"But I do--I haven't had a moment's peace since. "

"Indeed! Why?" and I bent lower, eager to read her eyes. "Because evenin that little time you had learned to care for me?"

"Your words are insolent, " rising to her feet, proudly, but I remaineddirectly in her path. 

"No, Miss Willifred, " earnestly, "they are not, because they come fromthe heart. You are a woman, and therefore you understand. You cannot beangry with me, no matter how hard you try. You are endeavoring todeceive yourself, but the effort is useless. You do care for me--thatwas why you waited for me to get safely across the river; that was whyyou have come to me now. Ever since I left you in the grape arbor I havebeen in your thoughts. "

"And why I was also about to marry Captain Le Gaire, I suppose, " sheinterposed defiantly, but with eyes unable to meet mine. 

"I can comprehend that easily enough, helped by what I overheard. Youcannot tell me you desired to marry Captain Le Gaire--can you?"

"No, " for I stopped, and thus compelled an answer. "It would be uselessto deny that. "

"I was so sure of this that I acted, took the one course open to me toprevent your doing this wrong. I deliberately determined to risk yourdispleasure rather than permit the sacrifice. You were marrying himmerely because you had promised, because you could not explain to yourfather why your feelings had changed--you were afraid to confess thatyou loved a Yankee. "

"But I didn't--it was not that!"

"Then what was it?"

She remained silent, but now I was fully aroused. 

"Billie, " my voice low, and barely reaching her ear. "When I rode awaythat night I knew I loved you. I was a Yankee soldier, but I had beencaptured by a Rebel. I scarcely possessed a hope then of meeting youagain, but I did believe you already realized what kind of a man LeGaire was. I could not conceive that you would marry him, and I swore tomyself to seek you out at the earliest moment possible. Don't draw backfrom me, dear, but listen--you must listen. This means as much to youas to me. "

"But I cannot--I must not. "

"What is there to prevent? Your pride of the South? Your adherence tothe Confederacy? I care nothing for that; we are not Rebel and Yankee, but man and woman. As to Le Gaire, I have no respect for his claim uponyou, nor would your father have if he knew the truth. It is all anaccident our meeting again, but it was one of God's accidents. Ithought I was sent here to capture Johnston, but my real mission was tosave you. I've gone too far now to retreat. So have you. "

"I?" in half indignant surprise. 

"Dear, do you suppose I would dare this if I doubted you?--if I did notbelieve your heart was mine?"

"And if convinced otherwise, what would you do?"

The tone in which this was spoken, the swift question startled me. 

"Do? Why, there would be nothing to do, except return. "

"Leaving your prisoners?"

I glanced out through the nearest window, noting the sky growing gray inthe east, and suddenly realized that, if we succeeded in getting awayourselves now, the transporting of Confederates under guard would bescarcely possible. She seemed to read all this in my face, before Icould frame an answer. 

"I have listened to you, Lieutenant Galesworth, " she burst forth, "because I had to. You have had everything your own way thus far, butnow it is my turn. I am a woman, a woman of the South, a soldier'sdaughter, and am not likely to surrender my heart, my principles, mylife before such an assault. You have taken too much for granted;because I have not wished to hurt you, you have believed my silenceindicative of love; you have construed friendship into devotion. Now itis my turn to speak. I did like you, and helped you; without doubt I wasindiscreet, but I thought only of friendship, supposing we would partthen, never to meet again. Under those circumstances, " and her voicefaltered slightly, "it may be that I said and did more than I should, enough--well, enough to encourage you. But--but I thought it all overwith. You knew of Captain Le Gaire, and that should have beensufficient. Yet you come here, in face of all this, and--and dare tomake love to me. "

"But you are forgetting what I overheard--the fact that I know your realfeelings toward Le Gaire. "

"No, I do not forget, but that was nothing--nothing to do with you. Itwas merely the result of a mood, a whim, a lovers' quarrel. No, don'tspeak, don't stop me. I am not going to lie. It was not a mood, nor awhim. I had been analyzing my own heart, and discovered Captain Le Gairewas not what I had believed him to be. The very fact that both he and myfather so took everything for granted, arranged all details withoutconsulting my wishes, made me rebellious. But your dictation is evenworse than theirs. They had some right, while you have none, absolutelynone, Lieutenant Galesworth--have you?"

"I--I hardly know, " confused by this direct question, and the flash ofher eyes. "I supposed I had. "

"Yet with nothing but imagination to build upon. Have I ever told you Idid not care for Captain Le Gaire, or that I loved you?"

"No, " I admitted, feeling myself driven relentlessly to the wall. 

"I am not angry at you, for I understand how all this has occurred. Ibelieve you have been inspired by the highest motives, and a desire toserve me. If I am angry at any one, it is myself. I have permitted youto go too far, to assume too much. Now it ends, for I am going to marryCaptain Le Gaire. "

She stood up straight before me, her head poised proudly, her cheeksflushed, her eyes bright with excitement. Never before had she appearedmore attractive, and the love that swelled up into my heart seemed tochoke all utterance. Could I have mistaken everything? Could I havedeceived myself so completely? Did these hard words represent her truepurpose, or were they merely wrung out of her by stress of circumstance?I could not determine, but I knew this--I could not turn about now andretreat. If I did that I would certainly lose, while if I fought it outthere was still hope. No woman--at least no woman like WillifredHardy--ever loved a coward, or a quitter, and I was determined sheshould not catalogue me in either class. All this came to me rather ininstinct than thought, yet I was ready enough when she beganquestioning. 

"Now you will go away, won't you?"

"Go away?"

"Yes, back to your own people, and leave us alone. There is no reasonwhy you should stay here longer. You are not serving me, nor your cause. Release your prisoners, and get away safely before you yourself arecaptured. "

"Did Le Gaire tell you to make this proposition?"

"Certainly not, " indignantly, "I have not spoken to Captain Le Gaire. "

"Well, Miss Billie, " soberly, "I accept your words just as they arespoken, and will trouble you no longer with my attentions. But this hasbecome a military matter now. It is too late for us to attempt gettingback, but I have sent a man for reinforcements, and we shall hold thishouse until they come. I do not propose to release a single prisoner, orpermit a rumor of what has occurred here to reach Confederateheadquarters. You are also a prisoner, although I will acceptyour parole. "

She flung back her head defiantly. 

"Which I refuse to give. "

"Then obey my orders; is that your room yonder?"

"Yes. "

"I will trouble you to go in there. "

She stared at me, biting her lip, with foot tapping the carpet, but Ihad spoken sternly. 

"Do you mean that?"

"Every word. I hope I shall not have to call one of my men, and placeyou under guard. "

There could be no doubt she was angry, yet I was the master, and, afterone glance into my face, her eyes burning, she swept by me, and enteredthe room designated. I gave a glance about its interior, marking thedistance to the ground; then took the key-and inserted it in the outerlock. She stood silently facing me, her face flushed, her bosom risingand falling swiftly. 

"I regret very much this necessity, " I apologized, "but you have left meno alternative. "

"I have no desire to be spared, " she returned, "and no favors to ask, Lieutenant Galesworth. "

Our eyes met, mine, I am sure, as resolute as her own, and I steppedback into the hall, closing and locking the door. 

CHAPTER XXIII

THE CHALLENGE

I went slowly down stairs, swayed by a conflict of emotions. Had Iindeed gone too far, been too stern and abrupt? Still it was surelybetter to err in this direction than to exhibit weakness, and it wasonly between these two that I had any choice remaining. What lay betweenus and our own lines was uncertain--possibly Confederate pickets, surely bands of stragglers, renegades from both armies. Now that we hadwaited so long, it would be a desperate chance to attempt to traversethat ravine in daylight. We were far safer here, hidden away, but mustguard well that no knowledge of our presence be scattered abroad. Billiehad defied me, threatened, and refused to accept parole; nothingremained but to hold her prisoner. Besides her words had stung andangered me. Even while I doubted their entire truth they still hurt, serving to increase my bitterness toward Le Gaire. 

I was in this mood as I paused a moment to glance out at the gray dawn. The smooth pike was at least a hundred yards away, barely visible hereand there through the intervening trees. Everything about was quiet anddeserted--war seemed a long way off. Standing there alone, hearing thebirds singing in the branches, and gazing out across the green, closelytrimmed grass, I could scarcely realize our perilous position, or theexciting events of the past night. I felt more like a guest than aninvader, and was compelled to bring myself back to realities with aneffort. I was helped by the sudden appearance of Miles in the hallway. 

"Thought I better take another look down stairs, sir, " he explained, asI turned, facing him. "They are quiet enough in there. "

"I was just going in, " I said. "We will have to put those two with theothers at present. Our people should be up here before night, andmeanwhile we must remain quiet. Anything happened in there?"

"Nothing important. The old major fell asleep after the girl left, butthe other fellow is pacing back and forth like a caged tiger, andcursing. He's asked me some leadin' questions 'bout you, an' where MissHardy's gone. Were you goin' in, sir?"

"Yes; you better wait. "

I opened the door, and stepped into the parlor, the sergeant following, evidently anticipating a scene. The room showed some signs of disorder, the furniture disarranged, and one chair overturned. Wilson sat in frontof the window, the shade of which had been drawn down, and the otherguard was near the door. Both men had their revolvers drawn, and, fromtheir positions, and Le Gaire's attitude, apparently trouble wasanticipated. He was in the middle of the room, with hands clinched andeyes blazing, and wheeled to face me as I entered. 

"Oh, it's you, is it!" he exclaimed, sudden anger sweeping away everyvestige of control. "I may be a prisoner, but I'll be damned if I'llkeep still. This whole affair is an outrage. What have you done withMiss Hardy?"

"The lady has gone to her own room up stairs, Captain Le Gaire, " Ireplied courteously enough. 

"But not until after seeing you, you sneaking Yankee hound, " he burstforth, striding forward. "What does this all mean? What influence haveyou got over the girl?"

The major sat up suddenly. 

"See here, Le Gaire, you leave my daughter's name out of this. "

The enraged captain favored him with a glance. 

"I know more about this affair than you do, Hardy. This blue-belliedpuppy was with Billie before, and I knew there was some infernal schemeon the moment I saw him here to-night. The girl helped him to get awayonce before, and there's some trick being worked off now. "

The older man was upon his feet instantly. 

"Hold on there; not another word; whatever my girl has done she is notgoing to be condemned in my presence without a hearing. "

"Major Hardy, " I broke in, and stepped between them. "This is myquarrel, and not yours. Your daughter has done nothing for which she canbe criticised. All her connection with me has been accidental, andduring our last interview she merely begged for your release. When Irefused to grant the request, she repudiated her parole, and I lockedher in her own room as a prisoner. I did not even know this was yourhome, or that Miss Willifred was here, when I came. When Captain LeGaire insinuates that there was any arrangement between us he lies. "

"Were you not on the balcony alone, talking together?"

"Yes, she caught me there, by coming out suddenly. "

"And protected you, you coward--drew us into the trap. "

"Miss Hardy had no knowledge of what I proposed doing, nor that I hadany men with me. Indeed, I myself acted merely on the spur ofthe moment. "

"What were you sneaking about there in the dark for then?" he sneered. "You are nothing but a contemptible spy. "

I was holding my temper fairly well, yet my patience was near thebreaking point. 

"I may as well tell you, " I answered at last, "and my men willcorroborate all I say. We came here under special orders hoping tocapture General Johnston, who, we were informed, was quartered here forthe night. We had no other object--"

"Until you saw Billie. "

I wheeled upon him so fiercely that the fellow took a step backward. 

"Captain Le Gaire, you have said enough--all I shall permit you to say. Miss Hardy had no connection whatever with this affair. If it is truethat you are engaged to the lady, then you should be defending insteadof attacking her. "

"I should hardly come to you for instructions. "

"Then take them from Major Hardy. "

"Oh, hell, Hardy don't understand. He's as blind as a bat, but youcannot pull the wool over my eyes, Mr. Yankee spy. I've seen some ofyour fine work before. If I wasn't a prisoner under guard I'd give youa lesson you'd remember as long as you lived. "

I stood holding my breath, looking at him, scarcely less angry than he, yet outwardly cool. 

"You would give me a lesson?"

"I spoke plainly enough, I hope. This is a personal matter between us, and you know it, and a Southern gentleman settles his own affairs. Onlya Yankee coward would hide behind his authority. "

"And you think I do?"

He glanced about, with a wave of the hand at the guards. 

"Doesn't it look like it?" he asked sarcastically. 

The sneer cut me to the quick, cut me so sharply I replied beforestopping to reflect. If he wished to fight me I would give him a chance;either he must make good his boasting or have his bluff called. Andthere was but one way. I looked at the two troopers, who were staring atus in deep interest; at Miles' grinning appreciation of the scene, andat Hardy, puzzled, but still angry at the use of his daughter's name. Then my eyes met the captain's. 

"I am greatly inclined to accommodate you, Captain Le Gaire, " I saidquietly, "and give you any opportunity you may desire on equal terms. Sergeant, take the men into the hall. "

They passed out reluctantly enough, and I stepped over to make certainthe door was securely closed. Then I came back, and fronted the fellow. He had not changed his position, although the major had again risento his feet. 

"Well, " I asked, "now what is it you wish to say?"

"Am I no longer a prisoner?"

"Not so far as our personal relations are concerned. My men will preventyour leaving these grounds, or sending out any message before night. Otherwise you are at liberty. Now what do you propose doing?"

My unexpected promptness dazed him, but in no way diminished his anger. 

"Will you fight me?"

"I see no occasion for it. "

"Then I will furnish one. "

Before I could recoil, or even realize his purpose, he sprang the singlenecessary step forward and, with open hand, struck me in the face. 

"Even a blue-belly should understand the meaning of that, " he exclaimedhotly. 

I did understand, the hot blood surging to my cheeks, yet in somemysterious way I never in my life felt cooler, more completely incontrol of myself. Every nerve tingled, yet not a muscle moved, and Ismiled into his face, truly glad it had come to this. 

"Personal combat is not a habit with us, Captain Le Gaire, " I saidcoldly. "But in this case you will not find me seeking escape. I am verymuch at your service. "

"Now?" his eyes blazing. 

"The quicker the better. Who seconds you?"

"Major Hardy, of course--"

"I'm damned if I will, Le Gaire, " burst in the staff-officerindignantly, thrusting himself forward. "You forced this matter with aninsult no gentleman could take, and besides have dragged my daughter'sname into the affair. "

"You refuse to act for me?"

"Emphatically, yes! In the first place I don't believe in your damnedLouisiana code, and in my opinion, you've acted like a confounded bully. So far as I can see Galesworth has done his duty, and nothing more. I'dgo out with him, under the circumstances, before I would with you. "

"I could not think of asking such a favor, " I blurted out inastonishment. 

"You do not need to ask--I volunteer, if you can use me. "

I do not believe I shall ever forget the expression on the dark, scowling face of Le Gaire. He had not expected this, that he would bedeserted by his own people, yet the fact merely served to increase hisbitterness, harden his purpose. The twist of his lips left his teethexposed in an ugly grin. 

"All right, Hardy, " he said, at last, "I'll not forget this, and Ireckon the story won't help you any in our army. I'll get the Yank, second or no second, if the fellow doesn't back out. "

"You need have no fear on that score, " I replied soberly. "I am nobeliever in the duel, and this will be my first appearance on the field, but you have got to fight now. Moreover you shall have all your rightsguarded. " I stepped to the door, and opened it. 

"Sergeant, go down to the prisoners and bring Captain Bell here. "

He was back in another moment, grasping the arm of the surprisedConfederate, who stared about at us in silent wonderment. 

"Captain Bell, " I asked, "I presume you have some acquaintance with theduelling code?"

He bowed gravely, waiting for me to explain. 

"Captain Le Gaire has seen fit to strike me in the face with his openhand, and I have agreed to meet him at once. Will you act for thegentleman?"

"Why not Major Hardy?"

"Because he will represent my interests. "

Bell turned his eyes toward the major, puzzled and uncertain. 

"This looks rather queer to me, Hardy. Has Le Gaire done something whichwill prevent my acting in his behalf?"

Hardy stroked his chin, and squared his shoulders. 

"Captain Le Gaire made some reflections on my family, sir, which Iresent. I refused to act for him on that ground, but I know of no reasonwhy you could not honorably serve. I merely prefer to assistGalesworth. "

Bell hesitated, feeling, no doubt, there was something behind all thishe did not comprehend. It was also evident enough that he was no admirerof Le Gaire, the latter gazing at him without a word. 

"Am I perfectly free to act?"

"Yes--on parole of the grounds. "

"Very well, I accept; I presume my man Is the challenged party?"

Both Hardy and myself bowed. 

"Then I will ask Captain Le Gaire to accompany me to the dining-room. Ishall return in a few moments. "

We watched them pass out, and then Hardy and I turned, and looked intoeach others' faces. 

CHAPTER XXIV

I BECOME A FAMOUS SWORDSMAN

"Sergeant, " I said shortly, "I think you can be of greater service inthe hall. "

He disappeared reluctantly enough, and, as the door closed, I extendedmy hand to the major. 

"I certainly appreciate your assistance, " I began warmly. "I know verylittle about these affairs, or how they are conducted. "

He took my hand, yet with no great cordiality, plainly enough alreadysomewhat doubtful as to his course. 

"I presumed as much, sir, but first, and before we proceed further, Ishould like to have some explanation of the trouble between you and LeGaire. You are doubtless aware that I am the father of Willifred Hardy. "

"Yes, Major, and I am perfectly willing to tell you the whole story. Shall I send for Miss Hardy to corroborate whatever I may say?"

"No, sir. You are a Yankee, but a gentleman, and I accept your word. Iprefer Billie should know nothing of what is occurring. "

I told it swiftly from the beginning, yet was careful to leave noimpression that she had performed anything more than a mere friendlyservice to an enemy in danger. Even then it was difficult for theConfederate to appreciate fully the girl's motives, and his face clearlyexpressed disapproval. As I came to an end, after telling of her effortto gain his release, and my locking her within her own room, he pacedback and forth across the floor, scowling down at the carpet. 

"By Gad, you tell the story all right, " he exclaimed, "but that doesn'tseem like Billie; whatever got into the girl to make her do a tricklike that?"

"You mean helping me?"

"Yes, against Le Gaire. I can understand how she took you through toJonesboro; that was necessary. But all the rest is a puzzle. Did youknow she was engaged to Captain Le Gaire?"

"Yes; but evidently she did not think it would help him any to betrayme, and she was careful enough I should not escape in time to do anyharm to your army. There was no treason in her act, Major, only she feltsympathy toward me. "

"But she permitted your attack on the man. "

"She knew nothing of it, until it was all over with. " I hesitated, butwhy should I? Surely he must already begin to perceive the truth. "Thatshe should have left him lying there until I was safely across the riveris the only act which tells hard against Le Gaire. No woman could havedone that, Major Hardy, if she really loved the wounded man. "

He did not reply, evidently endeavoring to realize all my meaning. 

"This is where you have made your mistake, " I went on convincingly. "Nothing is holding your daughter to Le Gaire but her promise. I wasobliged to overhear their conversation after you left, and he appealedto her pride, to the honor of the Hardys, in order to gain her consentto the marriage. She told him she no longer loved him, that he was notthe man she had supposed him to be--actually begged for release. I canunderstand the situation, and, it seems to me, you ought to now. He is ahandsome fellow, dashing and reckless, the kind to make an impression. She was flattered by his attentions, and deceived into the thought thatshe really cared for him. Then she saw his true nature--his selfishness, brutality, cowardice, even--and revolted. I doubt if I had anything todo with this change--it was bound to come. You are a man, Major Hardy, and must know men--is Le Gaire the kind you would want your daughterto marry?"

"By Gad! the way you put it--no!" emphatically. "I've thought wellenough of him until to-night; probably he's kept his best side turnedtoward me, and, besides, it never once occurred to me that Billie didn'twant him. I've heard stories about the man, pretty hard ones at that, but he appeared like a gentleman, and I naturally supposed them largelyfairy tales. Because I felt sure Billie liked him, I did also, butto-night he has shown me the other side of his character. Still, I don'tknow that I wonder much at his hating you. "

"I have given him all the cause I could--would gladly give more ifpossible. "

Hardy's eyes twinkled. 

"I reckon your heart is all right, even if your uniform is the wrongcolor. But, young man, this affair puts me in a queer box. I spoke uprather hastily a while back, and now here I am seconding a damned Yankeein a fight against one of our own men--it don't just look right. "

"I merely accepted your own offer; no doubt my sergeant would act. "

"Oh, I'll stay. The fact is, I rather like you, Lieutenant--eh, what isthe name? Oh, yes, Galesworth--you see Billie never even so much asmentioned having met you. Anyway, I'm in this affair, and am going tostick, although if all they tell about Le Gaire is true I wouldn't givemuch for your chances of coming out whole. "

"He is a duellist then?"

"Notorious; although, as near as I can learn, he has not had a seriousaffair for some time. He assured me once, when I ventured to questionhim, that he was through with that sort of thing. It's common practiceamong the Louisiana hot-bloods, and I supposed he had got his senses. Probably Billie never even heard of his reputation in this respect. Whatdo you do best--shoot or fence?"

"Shoot, although I am hardly an expert at either. "

"Le Gaire will name swords, " he said soberly. "He's a fine swordsman, and probably the only question is how badly he'll try to hurt you. "

"A pleasant prospect surely. "

"For him, yes, but as your second I propose impressing Captain Bell, when he arrives, with the idea that you are particularly expert with thesabre, which happens to be the only sword weapon present. If I succeedhe may decide that pistols will be better. "

I stared at him with full appreciation, realizing the man was reallyseeking to serve me. 

"May make it too, " he went on calmly. "You're a stronger man than LeGaire, and that means something with the sabre. If I can convince Bell, he'll make Le Gaire decide in favor of the gun. There he comes now. Well, Bell, you've been long enough about it--must be your first case. "

The infantryman bowed rather coldly, his back against the closed door, as he surveyed us both. 

"I have not had much experience in such affairs, Major Hardy, and Idesired some understanding of the circumstances before finallyconsenting to act, " he replied stiffly. "I am informed that Captain LeGaire is the challenged party. "

"Well, that might be a question, but we will waive the technicalities. Le Gaire provoked the fight, and was rather nasty about it in myjudgment, but all we are anxious about now is to get the preliminariesover with as soon as possible. We acknowledge that your man was the onechallenged. "

"Then, sir, we demand an immediate meeting, and name swords as theweapons. "

Hardy turned to me, a smile of delight illumining his face. 

"Good enough, " he exclaimed, sufficiently loud to reach the ears of theastonished captain. "Not so bad, hey, Galesworth?"

I nodded, but without venturing a reply, and Bell exhibited his surprisein his face. 

"Is--is Lieutenant Galesworth an expert with the sabre?" he asked, aftera moment's silence. 

"Is he!" echoed Hardy. "Do you mean to say Le Gaire has never heard ofhim?"

"I--I think not. "

"That's odd. Why, we of the staff knew all about those sabre trials inthe Federal camp. I naturally supposed Le Gaire wished to try his skillwith the champion for the honor of the South. Such a struggle ought tobe worth seeing, but Galesworth would have the advantage of weight, andlength of arm. "

Bell evidently did not know either what to say or do. This threw anentirely new light on the situation, and left him in an awkwardposition. He shuffled uneasily about. 

"Would--would you gentlemen mind my consulting Captain Le Gaire again?"he questioned doubtfully. "I think he should fully understand hisopponent's skill. "

Hardy laughed, completely at ease, and enjoying the other's dilemma. 

"Well, I hardly know about that, Bell. Under the laws of the code wecan hold you to your first choice, and I'm inclined to do so. Great jokeon Le Gaire. However, I am willing to leave it to my man. What do yousay, Galesworth?"

I had retired to the opposite side of the room, and was leaning with onearm on the mantel. In spite of the seriousness of the affair, it wasimpossible not to be amused by this sudden turn. Bell's eyes shiftedquestioningly toward me. 

"Surely Lieutenant Galesworth will not desire to take any undueadvantage, " he ventured. 

"Was not that Captain Le Gaire's idea?" I returned sharply. "He has thereputation of expert swordsmanship. "

"He is a swordsman, yes, but does not profess to excel with the sabre. "

I waited a moment in silence, permitting my hesitancy to become plainlyapparent. 

"Well, Captain Bell, much as I prefer the weapons already named, I willnevertheless consent to a change. I am ready to concede anything if Ican only compel your man to fight. "

"Do you mean to question Captain Le Gaire's courage, sir?" hotly. 

"He seems to be fairly solicitous about his own safety, at least, "chimed in Hardy. "Go on, Bell, and talk it over with him--this isnot our row. "

The little captain backed out still raging, and the major followed himto the door, lingering there as though listening. I watched curiouslyuntil he straightened up, struggling to keep back a laugh. 

"That's some liar you've got for a sergeant, Galesworth, " he saidgenially. "Bell ran up against him in the hall, and stopped to ask aquestion. He wasn't exactly certain we had been telling the truth. Yourman must have been primed for the occasion the way he turned loose. Would like to have seen Bell's eyes pop out as the fellow described yourexploits. Makes me proud to know you myself. "

"Did Miles say I was an expert with the sabre?" I questioned inastonishment. 

"Did he! Champion of the Army of the Tennessee; undefeated for twoyears, both afoot and on horse-back; described a wonderful stroke thatcaught them all; told about how you accidentally drove it an inch toofar once, and killed your opponent. Oh, he was great. It will be pistolswhen Bell comes back; don't doubt that, my boy, and I know the veryspot--out back of the stable, level ground, and no interference. "

The interest which Major Hardy was exhibiting, as well as the promptnesswith which he had espoused my side of the quarrel, made me suspiciousthat he was not altogether sorry to be thus easily rid of Le Gaire. Icould not venture questioning him on so delicate a matter, but withoutdoubt he also saw the Louisianian in a new light, and began tocomprehend the change in his daughter. Moreover the humor in thesituation appealed to him, and, having once volunteered to serve me, hebecame thoroughly loyal to that purpose. His very presence gave mecourage, and his words stiffened me for the coming ordeal. This was myfirst occasion of the kind and, as the earlier anger wore off, I foundmyself looking forward with some dread to the encounter. It was notfear, but the newness of the experience jarred my nerves. I paced backand forth across the room, only partially aware of what he was saying, endeavoring to straighten matters out in my own mind. Was I doing right?Was I justified in this course of action? I had followed the impulse ofpassion, the sting of Le Gaire's blow driving all other memory from me. But now I realized the peril in which my action might involve others, the men under my command, for instance, and wondered what Billie wouldthink and say when the news of the quarrel reached her. She wouldunderstand the real cause, yet, with her father upon my side, I was notlikely to suffer greatly. Anyway the die was cast; it was too late nowto regret. Bell returned full of apology and explanation, expressing adesire that the weapons be changed to pistols. Hardy arose from hischair, his eyes twinkling behind heavy lashes. 

"Sure; Galesworth is easily satisfied. I have two derringers up stairsexactly alike; my father was out with them twice! Quite a fad duellingwas in his day, but the guns haven't been used for years. Come handynow. By the way, Lieutenant, you shoot equally well with either hand, Ibelieve? Very valuable accomplishment; never could myself. We will meetyou, Captain Bell, back of the stable in fifteen minutes. Sorry we haveno surgeon present. That is all, is it not?" as the infantryman stilllingered. "The minor details can be arranged on the field. "

CHAPTER XXV

THE END OF THE DUEL

The sun was slightly above the horizon, still showing round and redthrough the slight mist of early morning, as the major and I passed downthe deserted front steps, and circled the house on our way to the placeof meeting. Under his arm was the leather case containing thederringers, and we crossed the intervening turf without exchanging aword. I was myself in no mood for conversation, and Hardy appearedequally inclined to silence. I glanced across at him, noting howstraight he stood in his well-worn uniform, how gray his hair was, andthe stern manliness of his face. From head to foot he was the gentlemanand the soldier. By some chance our eyes met, and, with a quick glanceback at the house, he stopped suddenly. 

"Galesworth, " he said quietly, his glance searching my face, "I do notwish you to have any misunderstanding about my exact position in thisaffair. The war is not personal with me. We differ politically, and I amas loyal to the South as any one, and you wear the Blue with just asmuch honor as I wear the Gray. But when it comes to men I stand withthe one I believe to be nearest right. Le Gaire forced this quarrel onyou deliberately; he was threatening to do it before you came in. Infact, his manner ever since our capture has disgusted me, and when hefinally dared to drag Billie's name into the controversy, I naturallyrebelled. If there is anything I despise in this world, sir, it is abullying duellist, and, by Gad! that's what the fellow looks liketo me. "

"I comprehend perfectly, Major Hardy, " I said, as he paused. "You aremerely doing as you would be done by. "

"Well, yes, that's a partial explanation. I prefer to see fair play. YetI am going to confess that isn't all of it. I rather like you, youngman--not your damned uniform, understand--and the way you've actedtoward my girl. You've been honorable and square, and, by Gad, sir, you're a gentleman. That's why I am going to see you through thisaffair. If all I hear is true, Le Gaire came back to me with a lie, andthat is something I have never taken yet from any man. "

He stood straight as an arrow, his shoulders squared, his slender formbuttoned tightly in the gray uniform coat. The sun was upon his face, clear-cut, proud, aristocratic, and his eyes were the same gray-blue ashis daughter's. Then he held out his hand and I clasped it gladly. 

"I cannot express the gratitude I feel, Major Hardy, " I faltered. "Onehardly expects such kindness from an enemy. "

"Not an enemy, my boy--merely a foeman. I am a West Pointer, and some ofthe dearest friends I have are upon the other side. But come, let us notbe the last on the field. "

He tried to talk with me pleasantly as we crossed the garden, andapproached the stable, and I must have answered, yet my mind waselsewhere. This was all new to me, and my mood was a sober one. Myfather was an old-time Puritan to whom personal combat was abomination, and even now I could feel his condemnation of my course. I regrettedmyself the hot headedness which had led me on, but without the faintestinclination to withdraw. Yet that earlier hatred of Le Gaire had leftme, and his blow no longer stung. No desire for revenge lingered, only awish to have the whole matter concluded quickly, and a hope that we bothmight leave the field without serious injury. It was in this frame ofmind that I turned the corner of the stable, and saw the chosen duellingground. It was a smooth strip of turf running north and south, with thestable to the left, and a grove of trees opposite. The building cast ashadow over most of the space, and altogether it was an ideal spot, wellbeyond view from the windows of the house. Hardy opened the leathercase, placing it upon the grass, and I saw the two derringers lyingagainst the plush lining, deadly looking weapons, with long steel-bluebarrels, and strangely carven stocks. Someway they fascinated me, and Iwatched while he took them up and fondled them. 

"Rather pretty playthings, Galesworth, " he said admiringly. "Don't seesuch often nowadays, but in my father's time they were a part of everygentleman's belongings. He would as soon have travelled without hiscoat. I've seen him practise; apparently he never took aim, " he held theweapon at arm's length. "Wonderfully accurate, and the long barrel isbetter than any sight; just lower it this way; there's almostno recoil. "

The sound of a distant voice caused him to drop the pistol back into itsplace, and rise to his feet. Then Le Gaire and Bell turned the corner ofthe stable, stopping as they perceived us standing there. The majorremoved his hat, his voice coolly polite. 

"I believe everything is prepared, gentlemen. Captain Bell, if you willexamine the weapons, we will then confer as to the word and the methodof firing. "

"I prefer choosing my own pistol, " broke in Le Gaire bluntly, "andloading it as well. "

Hardy's face flushed, his eyes hardening. 

"As you please, sir, " he retorted, "but I might construe those words asa reflection on my integrity. "

"When a Confederate officer takes the side of a Yank, " was the instantangry response, "he can hardly claim much consideration. "

"Captain Le Gaire, " and Hardy's voice rang, "you have enough on yourhands at present without venturing to insult me, I should suppose. Butdon't go too far, sir. "

"Gentlemen, " broke in Bell excitedly, "this must not go on. Le Gaire, ifyou say another word, I shall withdraw entirely. "

The Louisianian smiled grimly, but walked over to the weapon case, andpicked up the two derringers, testing their weight, and the length ofbarrel. Hardy stared at him, his lips compressed. 

"Well, " he burst forth at last, "are you satisfied, sir?"

"I'll choose this, " insolently, and dropping the other back into itsplace. "Where is the powder and ball?"

The major pointed without daring to speak. 

"All right; don't mind me. I always load my own weapon, and just now Iam anxious to shoot straight, " and he looked across at me sneeringly. 

If it was his purpose by all this theatrical display to affect mynerves, he failed utterly, as instead, the very expression of his facebrought me back to a fighting spirit. Hardy saw this, and smiled grimly. 

"Step this way a moment, Bell, " he said quietly, "while we arrangedetails. I reckon those two game-cocks will wait until we are ready. "

The two officers moved away a dozen paces and stopped in the shadow ofthe trees, conversing earnestly. I endeavored to keep my eyes off fromLe Gaire, and remain cool. It seemed to me I saw every movement of aleaf, every dropping of a twig, yet could scarcely realize the positionI was in. I was about to face that man yonder--now carefully loading hisweapon--to deliberately fire upon him, and receive in return his fire. Ifelt as though it were a dream, a nightmare, and yet I was conscious ofno fear, of no desire to avoid the ordeal. I can recall the scene now, clearly etched on my memory--the outlines of the trees silhouettedagainst the sky, the dark shadow of the stables, the green, level turf, the two figures--the one short and stout, the other tall andslender--talking earnestly; the deep blue of the sky overhead, the steelgleam of the derringer in the open case, and Le Gaire loadingcarefully, his eyes now and then glancing across at me. Then the two menwheeled with military precision, and walked back toward us. I saw Hardytake up the second pistol, and load it in silence, while Bell whisperedto Le Gaire, the latter with his weapon tightly clasped. A moment laterthe major thrust the carved stock into my hand, and I looked at itcuriously. 

"Gentlemen, " he said clearly, stepping to one side, "we will make thisas simple as possible. You will take positions here, back to back. "

The sound of his voice, the sharp ring of authority in it, awoke me tothe reality as though I had received an electric shock. I felt thefierce beat of my heart, and then every muscle and nerve became steel. Without a tremor, my mind clear and alert, I advanced to the pointdesignated, and stood erect, facing the south; an instant, and LeGaire's shoulders were touching mine. 

"Now listen closely, " said Hardy, his voice sounding strangely far off, yet each word distinct. "I am to give the first word, and Bell thesecond. When I say 'forward' you will take ten paces--go slowly--andhalt. Then Bell will count 'one, two, three'; turn at the first word, and fire at the third. If either man discharges his weapon before'three' is spoken, he answers to us. Do you both understand?"

We answered together. 

"Very well, gentlemen, are you ready?"

"I am. "

"Go on. "

There was a moment's pause, so still I could hear my own breathing, andthe slight noise Le Gaire made as he gripped his derringer stockmore tightly. 

"Forward!"

I stepped out almost mechanically, endeavoring not to walk too fast, andregulating each stride as though I were measuring the field. At the endof the tenth I stopped, one foot slightly advanced for the turn, everynerve pulsing from strain. It seemed a long while before Bell's deepvoice broke the silence. 

"One!"

I whirled, as on a pivot, my pistol arm flung out. 

"Two!"

Le Gaire stood sideways, the muzzle of his derringer covering me, hisleft hand supporting his elbow. I could see the scowling line betweenhis eyes, the hateful curl of his lip, and my own weapon came up, heldsteady as a rock; over the blue steel barrel I covered the man'sforehead just below his cap visor, the expression on his face telling mehe meant to shoot to kill. I never recall feeling cooler, or moredetermined in my life. How still, how deathly still it was!

"Th--"

There was a thud of horses' hoofs behind the stable, Bell's half-spokenword, and the sharp bark of Le Gaire's levelled derringer. I felt theimpact of the ball, and spun half around, the pressure of my fingerdischarging my own weapon in the air, yet kept my feet. I was shocked, dazed, but conscious I remained unhurt. Then, with a crash, threehorsemen leaped the low fence, riding recklessly toward us. I seemed tosee the gray-clad figures through a strange mist, which graduallycleared as they came to a sharp halt. The one in advance was a gaunt, unshaven sergeant, lifting a hand in perfunctory salute, and glancingcuriously at my uniform. 

"Mornin', gentlemen, " he said briefly. "Is this the Hardyhouse--Johnston's headquarters?"

The major answered, and I noticed now he had Le Gaire gripped by thearm. 

"This is the Hardy house, and I am Major Hardy, but Johnston is nothere. Who are you?"

"Couriers from Chambers' column, sir. He is advancing up this pike. Where will we find Johnston?"

"Take the first road to your right, and inquire. When will Chambers beup?"

"Within four or five hours. What's going on here? A little affair?"

Hardy nodded. The sergeant sat still an instant, his eyes on me asthough puzzled; then evidently concluded it was none of his business. 

"Come on, boys!" he said, and with a dip of the spurs was off, the twoothers clattering behind. Hardy swung Le Gaire sharply around, hiseyes blazing. 

"You damned, sneaking coward!" he roared, forgetting everything insudden outburst. "By Gad, Bell, this fellow is a disgrace to theuniform--you know what he did?"

"I know he fired before I got the word out, " indignantly. 

"The blamed curb--yes; and when those fellows rode up he tried to blurtout the whole situation. Good God, Le Gaire, aren't you even a soldier?"shaking the fellow savagely. "Haven't you ever learned what parolemeans? Damn you, are you totally devoid of all sense of personal honor?"

"I never gave my parole. "

"You lie, you did; you are here on exactly the same terms as Bell andI--released on honor. Damned if I believe there's another man inConfederate uniform who would be guilty of so scurvy a trick. Were youhurt, Galesworth?"

"No, the ball struck my revolver case, and made me sick for a moment. "

"No fault of Le Gaire's--the noise of the horses shattered his aim. Lord! how I despise such a cowardly whelp!"

He flung the man from him so violently he fell to his knees on theground. The look of amazement on Le Gaire's face, his utter inability tocomprehend the meaning of it all, or why he had thus aroused the enmityof his brother officers, gave me a sudden feeling of compassion. Istepped toward him. Perhaps he mistook my purpose, for he staggeredpartially erect. 

"Damn you!" he yelled. "I'm fighting yet!" and flung the unloadedderringer with all the force of his arm at my face. 

CHAPTER XXVI

MISS WILLIFRED SURPRISES US

The butt struck me fairly, and I went down as though felled by an ax. IfI lost consciousness it could have been for scarcely more than a moment, but blood streamed into my eyes, and my head reeled giddily. Yet I knewsomething of what occurred, heard voices, caught dimly the movement offigures. Le Gaire ran, rounding the end of the stable, and Hardy, swearing like a trooper, clutching at his empty belt for a weapon, madean effort to follow. Bell sprang to me, lifting my head, and his facelooked as white as a woman's. He appeared so frightened I endeavored tosmile at him, and it must have been a ghastly effort. My voice, however, proved more reassuring. 

"I'm all right, " I insisted thickly. "Just tapped a little. I--I wasn'tlooking for anything like that. "

"I should say not. Here, can you sit up? By Heavens! I hope Hardycatches him. "

"He hardly will, " I answered, struggling into sitting posture, a visionof the chase recurring to mind. "He was too mad to run. "

Bell laughed nervously. 

"I never supposed Le Gaire was that kind of a cur, " he said regretfully. "I never liked the fellow, or had much to do with him. Blamed if I couldunderstand why Miss Hardy--"

"Oh, he played nice enough with her up until the last week at least, " Ibroke in, aroused by the name. "Le Gaire is good looking, and pleasantalso when things are going his way. It's when luck is against him thathe gets ugly. Besides, he had the major on his side. "

"I happen to know something about that, " returned Bell dryly. "It wastalked over at headquarters. Le Gaire is rich, and Hardy hasn't muchleft, I reckon, and the captain filled him up with fairy tales. Some ofthem drifted about among the boys. There were others told also not quiteso pleasant, which Hardy did not hear. You see, none of us cared torepeat them, after we realized Miss Willifred was interested inthe man. "

"You mean duelling?"

"No, that was rather mild; fellows in his regiment mostly cut him dead, and say he is yellow; generally in the hospital when there's a battleon. But Forsdyke tells the worst story--he heard it in New Orleans. Itseems Le Gaire owned a young girl--a quadroon--whom he took for amistress; then he tired of the woman, they quarrelled, and the cowardlybrute turned her back into the fields, and had her whipped by hisoverseer. She died in three months. "

"I guess it's all true, Bell, " I said, and I told him of the boy. "Hewas our guide here last night, and it is just as well for Le Gaire thelad did not know he was present. Help me up, will you?"

I leaned on his arm heavily, but, except for the throbbing of my head, appeared to be in good enough condition. With slight assistance I walkedwithout difficulty, and together we started for the house. At the edgeof the garden Hardy appeared, still breathing heavily from his run. Hestared at me, evidently relieved to find me on my feet. 

"Broke the skin, my lad--a little water will make that all right. Gladit was no worse. The fellow out-ran me. "

"He got away?"

"Well, the fact is, Galesworth, I do not really know where he went. Thelast glimpse I had he was dodging into that clump of bushes, but when Igot there he was gone. "

"Ran along the fence, " broke in Bell, pointing. "You couldn't see himfor the vines. See, here's his tracks--sprinting some, too. "

We traced them easily as long as we found soft ground, but the turfbeyond left no sign. Yet he could not have turned to the left, or Belland I would have seen him. The fellow evidently knew this, yet if he ranto the right it would take him to the house. It hardly seemed possiblehe would go there, but he had been a guest there for some time, andprobably knew the place well; perhaps realized he would be saferwithin--where no one would expect him to be--than on the road. This wasthe conception which gradually came to me, but the others believed hehad gone straight ahead, seeking the nearest Confederate outpost. Ableto walk alone by this time, I went in through the back door, and bathedmy face at the sink, leaving Hardy and Bell to search for further signsof the fugitive. 

As I washed I thought rapidly over the situation. Le Gaire knew thatChambers' force would be along the pike within a few hours--probablylong before the appearance of any Federal advance in the neighborhood, as he was unaware that I had sent back a courier. The house was the verylast place in which we would seek for him, and the easiest place toattain. Once inside, stowed away in some unused room, he could wait theapproach of Chambers' troops, escape easily, and become a hero. Thewhole trick fitted in with the man's type of mind. And he could havecome in the same way I had, sneaking through the unguardedkitchen--why, in the name of Heaven, had Miles neglected to place aguard there?--and then up the servants' stairs. I dried my face on atowel, rejoicing that the derringer blow had left little damage, andopened the door leading to the upper story. It was a narrow stairway, rather dark, but the first thing to catch my eye was a small clod ofyellow dirt on the second step, and this was still damp--the foot fromwhich it had fallen must have passed within a very short time. I had thefellow--had him like a rat in a trap. Oh, well, there was time enough, and I closed the door and locked it. 

I talked with the sergeant, and had him send Foster to watch the kitchendoor, and detail a couple of men for cooks, with orders to hurry upbreakfast. Miles had seen nothing of Le Gaire, and when Hardy and Bellreturned, they acknowledged having discovered no trace of the fugitive. I let them talk, saying little myself, endeavoring to think out thepeculiar situation, and determine what I had better do. Already therewas heavy cannonading off to the right, but at considerable distance. The battle was on, and might sweep this way before many hours, yet Icould no longer doubt the complete withdrawal of Confederate troops fromthe neighborhood. Not a gray-jacket or flash of steel was visible, andeverything about was a scene of peace. Yet when Chambers came this housewould hardly escape without an overhauling. Of course he might not comethis way, for Johnston could easily despatch a courier to advise anotherroad, yet probably the line of march would not be changed. Should Iwait, or withdraw my little force, at least as far as the shelter of theravine? I cared nothing about retaining the prisoners, indeed wasanxious to release both Hardy and Bell. Nor was I any longer worriedabout Le Gaire--especially his relations with Miss Willifred. I couldtrust the major to relate the story of the past hour to his daughter, and the captain would scarcely venture to face her again. It seemed tome we ought to go, as it would be no service to our cause to retain thehouse. However there was no hurry; we had ample time in which tobreakfast, and--and, well I wanted to see Billie again, to leave behindme a better impression. I gave the major the key to her room, and askedhim to call her for the morning meal, already nearly ready. She camedown a few moments later, freshly dressed, and looking as though she hadenjoyed some sleep. Her father must have given her some inkling of thesituation, for she greeted me pleasantly, although with a certainconstraint in manner which left me ill at ease. 

Our breakfast passed off very nicely, the food abundant and wellcooked, although we were compelled to wait upon ourselves. I asked Milesto join us, but he preferred messing with the men, and so the four of ussat at table alone. As though by mutual consent we avoided all referenceto the war, or our present situation, conversation drifting into adiscussion of art and literature. I realized later that Miss Willifredhad adroitly steered it that way, but if it was done to test me, shecould scarcely have chosen a better topic. I had come from the seniorclass of a great college into the army, and was only too delighted totake part again in cultured conversation. Bell had taken an art course, and Miss Hardy had apparently read widely, and the discussion becameanimated, with frequent clashes of opinion. I was happy to know that Isurprised the lady by the extent of my information, and her flushedcheeks and brightening eyes were ample reward. The major said little, yet when he occasionally spoke it was to reveal that he was a man ofunusual learning. 

I shall recall the details of that meal as long as I live--the peculiarconditions, and the faces of those present. It was all so little likewar, the only suggestion of conflict the uniforms we wore, and the dullreverberation of that distant cannonading. For the time, at least, weforgot we were upon the very verge of a battle, and that we werepolitically enemies. Prisoners were in the basement beneath, guards werepatrolling the hall without, yet we laughed and joked, with never areference to the great conflict in which all present bore part. Ofcourse much of this was but veneer, and back of repartee and well-toldstory, we were intent upon our own problems. With me, now that I haddecided upon my plans, everything centred upon Miss Willifred. I wouldsearch the house for Le Gaire, endeavor to have one word with her alone, and then retire to a place of greater safety with my men. The quicker Imight complete these arrangements the better, and I could trust thosepresent with some knowledge of my intention. 

"Gentlemen, " I said, as the party was preparing to rise, "just a moment. I am going to ask you to respect your parole for only a very short timelonger. Of course this does not include Miss Hardy as she has refusedall pledges to me. So soon as my men complete their breakfast, and a fewdetails are looked after, we shall withdraw in the direction of our ownlines. Naturally I have no desire to be captured by Chambers. I ammerely going to request that you remain within doors until we depart. After that you may release the prisoners, and rejoin your commands. "

The eyes of the two men met, and the major replied:

"Certainly, Lieutenant, we have no reason to complain. "

"And Miss Hardy?"

"Oh, I will answer for her. "

"That is hardly necessary, papa, as I will answer for myself, " and hereyes met mine across the table. "I was angry last night, LieutenantGalesworth, and unreasonable. If you will accept my parole now I giveit gladly. "

I bowed with a sudden choking of the throat, and Hardy chuckled. 

"A very graceful surrender--hey, Bell? By Gad, this has been quite anight for adventure. Fact of it is, Galesworth, I'm mighty grateful toyou for the whole affair, and, I reckon, Billie is also. "

She arose to her feet, pausing an instant with her hand upon the back ofthe chair. 

"Lieutenant Galesworth has merely made apparent to you what I haddiscovered some time ago, " she said quietly. "I am sure he needs nothanks from me--perhaps might not appreciate them. I am going to myroom, papa, until--until the Yankees leave. "

"An unreconstructed Rebel, " he exclaimed, yet clearly surprised. "Why, I thought you and Galesworth were great friends. "

"Has he made that claim?"

"Why--eh--no. It was what Le Gaire said. "

"Oh! I should suppose that by this time you would rather doubt thestatements of that individual. Lieutenant Galesworth probablyunderstands that we are acquaintances, and--enemies. "

She left the room, without so much as glancing at me, Hardy callingafter her, "I'll come up as soon as I smoke a cigar with Bell. "

The door closed, and his eyes met mine. 

"What the devil is the trouble, my boy? That wasn't like Billie; I neverknew her to harbor an unkind thought in her life. Have you donesomething to anger her?"

"Not to my knowledge, Major, " I answered honestly. "Perhaps I was harshlast night, but I merely intended to be firm. This is all a greatsurprise to me. "

He shook his head, and the two men left the room. I waited until certainthey were safely out of the way. I was perplexed, hurt, by the girl'swords and action. What cause had I given her for treating me with suchopen contempt? Surely not my avowal of love, however inopportune thatmight have been, nor my holding her prisoner. Could something haveoccurred of which I knew nothing? Could Le Gaire have poisoned her mindagainst me with some ingenious lie? It was all too hazy, too improbable, for me to consider seriously--but she must explain before we went away. With this in mind I passed into the hall, and began to ascendthe stairs. 

CHAPTER XXVII

THE BODY OF LE GAIRE

Miles had stationed a sentry just inside the front door, but he was theonly one of our men visible, nearly all of the others being at breakfastin the kitchen. I felt no need of any help however, for Le Gaire wasunarmed, and not of a nature to make serious resistance. Besides, if Iwas mistaken as to his hiding place in the house I preferred making thediscovery alone. My exploration during the night had made me familiarwith the arrangement of the front rooms, but not the extension to therear. I stopped, in the silence, at the head of the stairs, to glanceabout, and decide where I had better begin. Miss Hardy's door wasclosed, even the transom lowered, and I instantly decided not to disturbher until the very last. Yet I was soldier enough to take the otherrooms in rotation, realizing the danger of leaving an enemy in my rear. These were soon disposed of, although I made a close search, disarranging beds, delving into closets, and leaving no nook or cornerbig enough to conceal a man, unrevealed. I endeavored to accomplish allthis quietly, yet must have made some noise, for as I rolled back a bedin the third room entered, I heard the door creak and sprang to my feetto confront Billie. I hardly know which was the more startled, for thegirl staggered back, one hand thrown out. 

"You! Oh, I thought--" she drew her breath quickly. 

"You thought what?"

"Oh, nothing--only I heard the noise, and--and wondered who it couldbe. " She looked about at the confusion. "What--what are you doing?Hunting for some one?"

"A needle in a haystack, " I answered, suddenly suspicious that she mightknow something of the fugitive. "Will you help me search?"

"I--I hardly appreciate your humor, " haughtily. "Is--is it Captain LeGaire?"

"Why do you suspect that, Miss Willifred? Is it because you imagine theman may be here?"

"Because I know he got away; because I know your feeling toward him, your effort to take his life. "

"You know! What is all this?" so stunned I could scarcely articulate. "Surely your father--"

"I know of no reason why my father should be dragged into this affair. "

"But he was present; he surely told you what occurred. "

"He said the two of you went out to fight; that it was a dishonorableaffair. He gave me no particulars, and I asked none--I already knew whathad taken place. "

"Then you have seen Le Gaire since--is that so?"

She turned her back toward me, and stepped into the hall. The action wasdefiant, almost insulting. 

"Miss Willifred, I insist on an answer. "

"Indeed, " carelessly, "to what?"

"To my question--have you seen Le Gaire since?"

"I refuse to tell you. "

It was an instant before I found my voice, or could control my words. This was all most confusing, and yet the light was coming. Here was thesecret of her sudden dislike for me. Her hand was already upon the knobof her own door, and she did not so much as glance back. What could Isay? What ought I to say? Beyond doubt, uncertain as to her realfeelings toward Le Gaire, Hardy had not revealed to her the fellow'sdisgraceful action. Some way, his brief explanation had merely served toconfirm her previous opinion that the captain had been the oneinjured--such an impression she could have derived only from Le Gaire. It was equally clear I could not explain. She would scarcely believeany effort to defend myself. Why should she think me capable of adastardly act? Why believe Le Gaire's hasty lie, and refuse me even ahearing? The thought left me so indignant that for the moment I feltindifferent even to her good opinion. 

"Well, Miss Hardy, " I said at last, conscious my voice trembled, "I amgoing to find this man if he is in the house, even if the search takesme to your own room. "

"Then begin there, " and she stood aside, the door flung open. "It mustrequire great bravery to hunt down an unarmed man. "

"I only know you are going to regret those words when you learn thetruth. There is a mistake here, but one others must rectify. Youractions merely confirm my belief that Le Gaire sought refuge in thisbuilding. I am going to know before I withdraw my men. "

She was not quite so defiant, not quite so certain, yet she did notmove. 

"Will you tell me--has he been here?"

"Why do you want to know?"

I hesitated, not really knowing myself, suddenly made aware that I hadno true purpose in the search. My embarrassment confirmed her suspicion. 

"Revenge, wasn't it?" scornfully. "A desire to complete the work begunyonder. I'll answer if you wish me to. Captain Le Gaire came here to mewounded, and seeking shelter. I helped him as I would any Confederatesoldier. But he is not here now--see, the room is empty; yes, search itfor yourself. "

It was useless arguing, useless denying--the girl was in a state of mindwhich no assertions of mine could combat. 

"Then where is he now?"

"I have no means of knowing--safely away from the house, I hope. I--Ileft him here when I went down stairs; when I came back he was gone. "

"And you say he was wounded?"

"Certainly--you ought to know, the blow of an assassin, not a soldier. "

She looked straight at me, her cheeks red, her eyes burning withindignation. Then, as though she could bear my presence no longer, sheswept into the room, and closed the door in my face. It was an action ofsuch utter contempt that I actually staggered back, grasping the rail ofthe stair. What in the name of Heaven had gained possession of the girl?What infernal lie had been told her? By all the gods, I would find LeGaire, and choke the truth out of him. My head ached yet with the blowhe had dealt me, but this hurt worse. I had a reason now for runningthe man down. Wherever he had gone, even into the Confederate camp, Ivowed I would follow. But first the house: I could conceive of no way inwhich he could have gotten out--there was a guard in front, and I hadlocked the rear door. I went at the task deliberately, coolly, determined to overlook nothing. There was something of value at stakenow, and my mind was as busy as my hands and eyes. How did he eversucceed in getting to Billie? I had locked her door, and taken away thekey. It was not until I invaded the last room on the main floor that Isolved this riddle--the two apartments formed a suite with connectingdoor between. However he was not there now, and all that remained tosearch was the servants' ell. 

The hallway narrowed, and was lower by a single step, the back stairs atthe left. There was no window, and with all the doors closed, I couldsee down only a portion of the way. The hallway itself was gloomy, theshade of the rear window being closely drawn. This, with the stillnessall about, enabled me to hear the voices of the men in the kitchenbelow, and to become aware that the firing, sounding from a distancesince early morning, seemed now much closer at hand. It was notaltogether artillery any longer, but I could plainly distinguish thevolleys of musketry. What could this signify? Were the Confederatesbeing forced back? If so would the Hardy house be caught in themaelstrom of retreat? The possibility of such a result only made hastemore imperative. There were three doors at the right, and two opposite. I opened these cautiously, half expecting Le Gaire to dash out, with anyweapon he might have secured, desperate enough to fight hard. Butnothing occurred, the rooms showed no sign of having been latelyoccupied. I was at the one next to the last when a board creakedsomewhere behind me, and I wheeled about instantly, and ran back to thehead of the stairs. There was nothing visible, and a glance down thefront hall proved it also deserted--only the door of Miss Willifred'sroom stood slightly ajar. She was watching me then, fearful lest thefellow had failed to get away. This discovery added to my anxiety, andmy anger. He should not get away--not if I could prevent it--until heconfessed to her the truth. I ran back into the ell, fearful now that hehad escaped through a window, yet determined to examine that last room. There was a rag carpet along the back hall, and, in the semi-darkness, Itripped, falling heavily forward, striking the floor with a crash, myrevolver flying from my hand, and hitting the side wall. I was on myknees in an instant, thoughtless of everything except that I had comeinto contact with a body. The shock numbed me, nor could my fingersalone solve the mystery. I sprang erect, and threw open the nearest sidedoor, permitting the light to stream in. Then I saw the man's face, upturned, lifeless--the face of Gerald Le Gaire. It seemed to me I couldnot move, could not even breathe, as I stared down at the motionlessform. Then I touched his wrist, feeling for a pulse which had ceased tobeat. A noise at my back caused me to start, and glance behind. Billiestood at the end of the narrow hall. 

"What is it? Have--have you killed him?"

I whirled, facing her, indignant at the words, and yet understanding asswiftly the reason for her suspicions. 

"It is Captain Le Gaire. I have just found him lying here. "

"Found him! Yes, but not lying there; I heard the noise, the fall of hisbody. Is--is he dead?"

She stood grasping the stair-rail, shrinking back from closer approach, her white face horror-stricken. I drew a quick breath, fairly quiveringunder the sting of her words. 

"Yes, he is dead, Miss Hardy, " I said, knowing I must end the suspense, "but not by my hand. I tripped and fell in the darkness, causing thenoise you heard. I am going to ask you to return to your room; you canbe of no service here. I will have your father and Captain Bell help mewith the body. "

She never moved, her eyes on my face. 

"Then--then will you permit my father to come to me?"

"Certainly--perhaps we will know then how this occurred. "

"Is that your revolver lying there?"

I had forgotten the weapon, but perceived it now, on the floor justbeyond Le Gaire's head. 

"Yes, it was dropped when I fell, " I took a step toward her. "You willgo back, will you not?"

She seemed to shrink from my approach, and moved backward, still facingme, until she came to her own door. There she remained a moment, clinging to the knob, but as I emerged into the full light of the fronthall, she stepped into the room, and closed the door. Some way, heraction hurt me worse than any words could have done, yet I walked pastto the stairs in silence, and called to the guard below. 

Miles came up with the two Confederates, and a dozen words ofexplanation sufficed. Together we picked up the body, bore it into anear-by room, and placed it upon the bed. The man had been struck backof the ear, apparently by the butt of a revolver or the stock of a gun, the skull crushed. Death had been instantaneous; possibly he never knewwhat hit him. We examined the wound, and then looked into each others'faces utterly unable to account for the condition. 

"By Gad, I don't see how he ever got that, " said Hardy. "Nor this uglycut here on the forehead. What do you make out of it, Galesworth?"

I shook my head, thoroughly mystified. 

"I've told you all I know; he was lying there in the open when I foundhim--there was nothing he could have struck against in falling. "

"That was a blow struck him, " insisted the sergeant, "either by asquare-handled pistol, or a carbine stock. I've seen that sorter thingbefore; but who the hell ever hit him?"

No one attempted to answer. Then I said, "The only thing I have noticed which might be a clue is this: when Ifirst came in through the kitchen I discovered a clod of fresh clay dirton the back stairs. I supposed it had dropped from Le Gaire's boots. Butthere's no sign of yellow clay on his boots now. It must have been someone else. "

"Trailin' the poor devil, " ejaculated Miles. "But who was he? An' whereis he now?"

None attempted a guess, looking blankly into each others' faces, anddown upon the ghastly features of the dead man. We were all accustomedto death, and in terrible form, but this was different, this held ahorror all its own. I could hear the heavy breathing, we stood somotionless. 

"Major Hardy, "--and it was like sacrilege to break the silence, --"we cannever clear the mystery standing here. I've examined every room on thisfloor, and there is not so much as a rat in any of them. Whoever themurderer was, he has either got away, or is hidden on some otherfloor--is there an attic?"

"Yes, but with no stairs; the only way to get there is by the kitchenroof. What do you propose to do?"

"Take a moment and see if I can think it out, " I said, drawing a sheetup over the dead face. "There must be some simple way to account for allthis if we can only get on the right trail. Come, gentlemen. "

We passed out together, and stopped in front of the closed door. Thefiring without was growing so much heavier that all noticed it, Bellstriding to the end of the hall, and thrusting his head out of thewindow. Still it was not close enough as yet to be alarming, and mythought was upon other things. 

"Major, I wish you would go in and speak to your daughter, " I said. "Itold her you would come and tell her all you knew. "

I watched him cross to the door, knock, and enter. 

CHAPTER XXVIII

I FORCE BILLIE TO LISTEN

There was a narrow settee against the wall, and I sat down upon it, tothink and to wait for Hardy's return. Eager as I was to discover thecause of Le Gaire's death, yet it seemed almost more important thatBillie be brought to an understanding of conditions. Her father couldscarcely fail this time to relate in full the details of our encounter, and the girl would realize at once her injustice toward me. I hardlyknew what I dared hope as a result, but she was impulsive, warm-hearted, and would surely endeavor to make amends. Bell came back from the frontof the house. 

"Some fight going on out there, " indicating the north and east, "andseems to be drifting this way. "

"Our fellows are driving you, " I replied. "Have been noticing that allthe morning; looks as if your left and centre were giving way. "

"Wait until Chambers gets up, and you'll hear another tune, " his pridetouched. "What's the sergeant doing?"

"Evidently going to get a look at the attic. " Then, decidingquickly, --"I am going to turn you all loose, and try to get back to ourlines, as soon as we can gain some understanding of this death mystery, Bell. It looks as though the battle would end up somewhere about here, and I can hardly expect to fight the entire Confederate army with tenmen and a sergeant. It's a dignified retreat for me. Where now?"

"To help your man. I am crazy to get away. I'm a soldier, Galesworth, and they're wondering out there why I am not in my place. The earlieryou say go, the better pleased I'll be. "

He clambered out the window to where Miles was perched on the steeproof, and I was left alone, with no noise in my ears but the continuousfiring, the reverberations already jarring the house. I found itdifficult to collect my thoughts, or to reason out the situation. Everything had occurred so swiftly, so unexpectedly, as to leave meconfused--the surging of battle our way, the affair with Le Gaire, hisstrange death, the thought which had taken possession of Billie, theskulking murderer hid somewhere within the house--all combined to leaveme in a state of perplexity. I should have withdrawn my men beforedaylight; there was no sign of any Federal troops advancing up theravine, and probably my messenger had failed to get through. It lookedas though we were left to our fate. Every moment counted, and yet Icould not leave until this mystery was made clear, and Miss Willifredconvinced of my innocence. I was so involved in the tangled threads thatto run away was almost a confession, and must risk remaining, moment bymoment, in hope some discovery would make it all plain. Yet the longer Ithought the less I understood. Le Gaire had come to Billie wounded--buthow? His very condition had appealed to her as a woman. She had pitied, sympathized, and he had taken advantage of her natural compassion tofalsely charge me with the whole trouble. How far he had gone, what foulaccusation he had made, could not be guessed, yet he had sufficientlypoisoned her mind against me. Then circumstances had combined to makethe case still blacker. Doubtless to her it was already conclusive. Ihad been seeking the fellow alone, revolver in hand. She had overheardwhat must have sounded like a struggle, and there was the dead man, hisskull crushed by a blow. Everything pointed directly toward me from herpoint of view--motive, opportunity. Who else could it be? Even I, anxious as I was, could not answer that question. I had seen no one, wasnot aware the dead man had an enemy about the place, could discover noclue except that bit of damp clay on the stairs. Yes, and my own bootswere stained with it also--only I knew that lump never came from mine. These thoughts swept across my mind in lightning-like flashes, butbrought no solution to the problem. Then Major Hardy suddenly appeared, closing the door, and mopping his face with a handkerchief. His eyesmet mine. 

"By Gad, Galesworth, " he began, "woman is the hardest creature tocomprehend on this foot-stool. I've been trying to understand them forfifty years, and am still in the primary class. You'd never have thoughtthat girl of mine cared anything for Le Gaire to hear her talk lastnight, yet, now the fellow is dead, she is crazy. Lying in there on thebed, crying, and won't say a word. Only thing she asked me when I camein was what he had been killed with. I said it looked as if he had beenstruck from behind with a pistol butt, and then she collapsed. Couldn'tget a thing out of her--just cried, and begged me to go away; said she'dbe all right, if left alone. Blamed if I know what to do with a womanlike that--over such a fellow as Le Gaire too! By Gad, I supposed Billiehad more sense. When she wouldn't talk to me I proposed sending you into explain matters. You should have seen her eyes, Galesworth, throughthe tears. Mad! I never waited to hear what she was trying to say. Ireckoned the best thing to do was to leave her alone a while. "

"You explained nothing?"

"No--what was there to explain?"

"Major, " I said, every nerve braced for conflict, "with your permissionI am going in there and have a talk with your daughter--may I?"

"Certainly, as far as I am concerned, but I don't envy you the job. "

"I'll assume all risk, but I am not willing to leave her like this. Perhaps I understand the situation better than you do. You stay where Ican call you if necessary, and look after the search for whoever got LeGaire. Bell and Miles are out on the roof trying for the attic. I won'tbe gone long. "

I have gone into battle with less trepidation than I approached thatdoor, but never with greater determination to bear myself as became aman. Billie was going to know the truth just as clearly as I could tellit to her. I could not convince myself it was love for Le Gaire whichhad so affected her. I doubted if she had ever loved him. The fellow hadplayed upon her sympathy, her pity, and circumstances had conspired tocause her to believe I was his murderer. This was amply sufficient toaccount for her feeling of horror, her evident desire to escape furthercontact with me. Hardy had been blind and blundering--had made thingsworse, rather than better; now I must see what I could do. I rapped atthe panel, and thought I heard a faint response. A moment later I stoodwithin, and had closed the door behind me. She was on a couch at theopposite side of the room, but arose to her feet instantly, her facewhite, one hand sweeping back the strands of ruffled hair. 

"You!" she exclaimed incredulously. "Why have you come here? I supposedit would be my father. "

"Major Hardy told me how you were feeling; that he could do nothing foryou--"

"Did he understand I wished to confer with you?"

"No, but--"

"You decided to invade my room without permission. Do you not think youhave persecuted me quite long enough?"

"Why do you say persecuted?"

"Because your acts have assumed that form, Lieutenant Galesworth. Youpersist in seeking me after I have requested to be left alone. "

"Miss Hardy, " and my eyes met hers, "has it ever occurred to you thatyou may be the one in the wrong, the one mistaken? I am simply here toexplain, to tell you the truth, and compel you to do justice. "

"Indeed! how compel? With the revolver in your belt?"

"No; merely by a statement of facts, to be proven, if necessary, by theevidence of your father and Captain Bell. I am not asking you to believeme, but surely they have no occasion for falsifying. Why have you notlistened to them?"

"Listened!" startled by my words. "I would have listened, but they havesaid nothing. They have seemed to avoid all reference to what hasoccurred. I thought they were trying to spare me pain, humiliation. Isthere something concealed, something I do not know?"

"If I may judge from your words and action the entire truth has beenkept from you, " and I advanced a step or two nearer. "I am not the oneto come with an explanation, but your father has failed, and I am notwilling to go away until this matter is made clear. Whether you believe, or not, you must listen. "

She stared at me, still trembling from head to foot, and yet there was adifferent expression in her eyes--puzzled doubt. 

"You--you will have much to explain, " she said slowly. "If--if I wereyou I should hardly attempt it. "

"Which must mean, Miss Hardy, that you are already so prejudiced a fairhearing is impossible. Yet I thought you, at least, a friend. "

A deep flush swept into her cheeks, to vanish as quickly. 

"You had reason to think so, and I was, " earnestly. "I was deceived inyour character, and trusted you implicitly. It seems as though I amdestined to be the constant victim of deceit. I can keep faith in noone. It is hard to understand you, Lieutenant Galesworth. How do youdare to come here and face me, after all that has occurred?"

She was so serious, so absolutely truthful, that for the moment I couldonly stare at her. 

"You mean after what you said to me last night? But I am not here tospeak of love. "

"No, " bitterly. "That is all over with, forgotten. In the light of whathas happened since, the very memory is an insult. Oh, you hurt me so!Cannot you see how this interview pains me! Won't you go--go now, andleave me in peace. "

"But surely you will not drive me away unheard!--not refuse to learn thetruth. "

"The truth! It is the truth I already know, the truth which hurts. "

"Nevertheless you are going to hear my story. If I have done a wrong toyou, or any one, I want it pointed out, so it may be made right. Ishall not leave this room, nor your presence, until I have uttered mylast word of explanation. I should be a coward to turn away. Will yousit down and listen? You need not even speak until I am done. "

She looked at me helplessly, her eyes full of questioning, yet, when Iextended a hand, she drew back quickly. 

"Yes--I--I suppose I must. "

She sank back upon the couch, these words barely audible, and I drew adeep breath, hardly knowing where to begin. 

"I am a Federal officer, Miss Hardy, and my uniform is no passport toyour favor, yet that is no reason you should be unjust. I do not think Ihave ever been guilty of but one ungentlemanly act toward you, and thatwas unavoidable--I mean listening to your conversation with CaptainLe Gaire. "

She shuddered, and gave utterance to a little cry. 

"I loved you; with all my heart I loved you, " I went on swiftly, drivenby a sudden rush of passion. "What you said then gave me a right totell you so. "

"And was it because I was unwilling to listen that--that you did whatyou did later?" she broke in hastily. 

"Did later! You mean that I consented to meet Le Gaire?"

"Yes--that you compelled him to fight you; that you--Oh, God! Why bringthis all up again?"

"Merely because nothing occurred of which I am ashamed. Without doubt itwas my love for you which caused the trouble. But I was not theaggressor. Did you suppose otherwise? Le Gaire deliberately struck meacross the face. "

She rose again to her feet, her cheeks blazing. 

"It was the answer of a gentleman to an insult given the woman he was tomarry, " proudly. 

"The answer to an insult! What insult?"

"You know; I shall not demean myself to repeat the words. "

So this was what she had been told! Well, I could block that lie with asentence. 

"Miss Hardy, " I asked soberly, "are you aware that your father refusedto act for Captain Le Gaire, but went to the field as my second?"

"No, " her whole expression indicative of surprise. "Impossible!"

"But it was not impossible, for it was true. Captain Bell had to be sendfor to second Le Gaire, and he did it under protest. Do you imagine yourfather would have taken my part if I had uttered one word reflectingupon you?"

She attempted to speak, but failed, and I took advantage of the silence. 

"Major Hardy is in the hall, and will corroborate all I say. Perhaps Iought not to attempt my own defence, but this misunderstanding is toograve to continue. There is too much at stake in your life and mine. From what you have already said it is evident you have beendeceived--probably that deception did not end merely with thecommencement of the quarrel. "

"Did--did Major Hardy truly second you?" she interrupted, apparentlydazed. "I--I can hardly comprehend. "

"He did; he even volunteered to do so. Le Gaire charged you with beingunduly intimate with me, and your father resented his words. The manbegan threatening as soon as I entered the room, and finally struck meacross the face, daring me to an encounter. I am no duellist; this wasmy first appearance in that role; but I could never have retained myself-respect and refused to meet him. "

"You--you forced him to accept pistols?"

"In a way, yes. Your father convinced him I was an expert swordsman, andconsequently he chose derringers, believing they would be to hisadvantage. The truth is, I am not particularly skilled in the useof either. "

She looked at me a moment as though she would read clear down into thedepths of my soul; then she leaned over against the head of the couch, her face hidden in her arm. 

"I--I will listen, " she said falteringly, "to all you have to say. "

CHAPTER XXIX

THE MYSTERY DEEPENS

It was a task I distinctly shrank from, but could not escape. 

"Shall I not call in your father, and ask him to relate the story?"

"No; I would much rather hear it from you--tell me everything. "

My heart throbbed at these simple words, and the thought suddenlyoccurred that possibly it was her loss of faith in me, rather than thedeath of Le Gaire which had brought such pain. If she had actuallybelieved all the man had told her, it must have proven a shock, yet howcould I now best counteract his story? It was not my nature to speak illof any one, least of all the dead, but I must justify myself, win backher respect. Only the whole truth could accomplish this. There was ahassock nearby and I dropped down upon it. She did not move, nor turnher face toward me. 

I began with my orders to report at General Grant's headquarters, so asto thus make clear to her the reasons bringing me to the Hardyplantation. I told about our night trip up the ravine, explained myignorance of who occupied the house to which I had been, despatched, andhow circumstances compelled me to remain concealed on the balcony, andthus overhear her conversation with her father and Captain Le Gaire. Ieven referred to our quadroon guide, and then it was she suddenly turnedher face toward me. 

"A quadroon--and claiming to have once lived here? Who could that be?"

"A servant slave of Le Gaire's. "

"Oh, yes! Charles. I remember now--he ran away. "

Somehow she seemed more like the Billie of old now, and I went on withgreater confidence, barely touching on my sudden determination toprevent her wedding, the capture of the house, and our subsequentconversation together. As I approached the unpleasant interview in theparlor she sat up, brushing back her hair, and with questioning eyes onmine, exhibited the deepest interest. I told the rest, word by word, actby act, determined to thus impress upon her the full truth of thenarrative. I could tell by her aroused interest that I was succeeding, while her questions gave me some inkling as to what she had beenpreviously led to believe. After my account of the duel and Le Gaire'sescape I stopped to ask, "Miss Billie, do you believe all this?"

"Oh, I must! You surely would not dare say what you have, unless certainmy father would sustain you. "

"But is it hard to believe?"

"Yes and no. I--I wish to believe, because--well, because it is sodisagreeable to lose confidence in any one who has been esteemed as afriend. Perhaps I am too loyal, too easily convinced. But--but I wastold such a different story, and it seemed so real, and every fact withwhich I was acquainted appeared to confirm it. If all you tell me now istrue, Lieutenant Galesworth, I hardly know how I dare look you inthe face. "

"Forget that, and let us understand fully. Will you tell me all, --howyou came to protect Le Gaire, and what it was he told you?"

She was silent, her eyes shaded, and I waited, wondering if she meant tospeak. 

"Perhaps if you consent to do this, " I urged, "it may help to clear upthe mystery of his death. "

"You have not told me about that. "

"I know little beyond the discovery of the body, " gravely, "and shouldprefer to understand all that passed between you before going on with myown tale. I have taken you already as far as I have witnesses tocorroborate me--beyond that you will have to trust my word alone. "

Her long lashes uplifted, the blue-gray eyes looking directly into myown. 

"What is all that firing?" she questioned. "The house fairly quakes; isit a battle?"

"Yes; the contending forces have been gradually drawing nearer eversince daylight. The Confederate lines are being forced back, and whenChambers arrives in support this point may prove the centre of struggle. I am eager to get away, Miss Billie, to protect the lives of my men, butI could not leave with you feeling as you did--believing me a coward, amurderer. "

"But I am ashamed to tell you--ashamed to confess I could ever havethought it true. "

I touched her hand with my fingers, and she did not shrink away, or seemto observe the action. 

"I am bound to learn sometime--wouldn't you rather tell me yourself?"

"Yes, for, perhaps, I can make it seem less bad, more natural. I wasangry when you left me, locked here in this room. I was indignant atwhat you had said and done, and did not realize the military necessityfor making me a prisoner. I resented your taking everything so forgranted, and--and I believe I almost hated you. I know I lay down hereon the couch and cried myself to sleep. I could not have slept long, andwhen I awoke my mind still retained its bitterness. I began to wonderwhat I should do; how I could turn the tables against you. I was notreally locked in, because this side door into the next room had beenleft unfastened. Finally I decided on a desperate venture. There werehorses in the stable belonging to the captured cavalrymen, and if Icould steal out of the house, and reach the Confederate lines, arescuing party could be guided back here. The idea more and more tookpossession of me, and at last I mustered sufficient courage to make theattempt. I slipped on an old riding skirt, and stole out quietly throughthat other room into the hall. I thought I could get down the backstairs unobserved, and then out through the kitchen. I had no idea youhad placed a guard back there in the ell until I saw him. "

"A guard!" I broke in. "There was no guard up here. "

"But there was--just beyond the head of the stairs. One of your men too, for his jacket was pinned up, without buttons. I was close enough tosee that. "

"That's strange; I gave no such orders, and do not believe Miles did. Did you see the fellow's face?"

"Only in shadow--he was young, and without a beard. "

"Go on, " I said, realizing that here was an important discovery, "I willask the sergeant. "

"Finding the passage blocked I returned to my own room, but left thisdoor ajar. The disappointment left me angrier than ever, but helpless. Icould only sit down and wait, knowing nothing of what was going onbelow. I finally heard the two shots out by the stable, and went to thewindow. Three horsemen rode past the corner of the house, and then, amoment or two later, I saw a man running along, crouching behind thefence. I could not tell who he was, only he had on a gray uniform, andhe suddenly turned, and made for the house. Once he tripped and fell, and got up with his hands to his head as though hurt. That was the lastglimpse I had of him from the window. Perhaps five minutes later I heardsome one moving in the next room. I supposed it was the guard prowlingabout, and kept still. Then the door was pushed open, and Captain LeGaire came in. "

"But where was the guard then?"

"I don't know. I asked, but the captain had seen no one. I cannot tellyou how the man looked, acted, or exactly what he said. The first glanceat him awoke my sympathy, before he had spoken a word, for his uniformwas torn and covered with dirt, and his face all blood from a wound onthe temple. He was trembling like a child, and could hardly talk. Iwashed his wound out, and bound it up before I even asked a question. Bythat time he was himself again, and began to explain. Is it necessaryfor me to repeat what he said?"

"I would rather you would; don't you think I ought to know?"

"I suppose you had, but--but it is not a pleasant task. I could not helpbut believe what he said, for he told it so naturally; he--he almostseemed to regret the necessity, and--and I never once dreamed he wouldlie to me. Then father said just enough to apparently confirm it all, and--and other things happened. "

"Yes, I know, " understanding her embarrassment. "You mustn't think Iblame you. You have known me such a little while. "

"But I should have sought after the truth, nevertheless, for I certainlyhad no cause to believe you capable of so cowardly an action. I--surelyknew you better than that. But this was what he said: that you came intothe room below promising to release the others, but threatening to takehim prisoner with you into the Federal lines. He protested, and--andthen you referred to me in a way he could not stand, and blows wereexchanged. As a result he dared you to fight him, and you couldn'trefuse before your own men, although you endeavored to back out. Thatyou chose pistols for weapons, and compelled their acceptance. On thefield, he said, you fired before the word was spoken, and while he wasstill lying on the ground, shocked by the bullet, you flung thederringer at him, cutting his forehead; then drew your own revolver. Unarmed, believing he was to be murdered, he turned and ran. "

"And you actually believed all this of me?"

"Why, " bewildered, "he was a soldier, and my father's friend. How couldI imagine he would run without cause? His story sounded true, as he toldit, and he was hurt. "

"He must have got that when he fell--his head struck something. And isthat all?"

"Yes; only we talked about how he might get away. He was here untilfather came for me, and then stepped into the other room. When I cameback, he had gone. A little later I heard you searching the rooms, andwent out into the hall believing it might be he. "

"You saw nothing more of him?"

"No. "

"Nor of the man you mistook for a guard?"

She shook her head positively. 

"Only the once. " Then, after hesitating, her eyes uplifted to mine. "Lieutenant Galesworth, you did not encounter Captain Le Gaire alive inthe hall?"

"I never saw him alive after he ran from the field. The noise you heardwas when I tripped and fell, my revolver dropping to the floor. It wasthen I discovered his dead body. You will believe this?"

"Yes, " and she extended her hand. "I have been very wrong; you mustforgive me. But how could he have been killed? Who could have hada motive?"

"Had Le Gaire no enemies?"

"Not to my knowledge. I know little of his life, yet surely there couldbe no one here--in this house--who would deliberately seek to kill him. No one would have opportunity except one of your own men. "

I confess it appeared that way to me also, and the fact only served tomake the mystery more baffling. I knew personally every soldier under mycommand, and was certain no man among them had ever so much as seen LeGaire previous to the night before. They could have no reason to attempthis life, no grudge against him. Yet every Confederate was under guard, and the fellow Billie had seen in the hall wore our uniform, even to thedetached buttons--she had noted that. If the man had been on guard, merely performing his military duty, there would have been no secrecy;he would have reported the affair long before this. But Le Gaire hadbeen murdered, treacherously killed, without doubt struck from behind, and there must be some reason, some cause for the act. 

"I understand this no better than you, " I admitted finally. "I shallhave the house thoroughly searched, and every one of my men examined. But I am afraid we shall be obliged to leave before the mystery issolved. Hear those guns! It almost seems as though the fighting wasalready within sight of the house. " I stepped across to the window andlooked out. "However it is all to the north and east, and there is stillopportunity for us to get safely away into the ravine. I cannotunderstand why our forces have not taken advantage of it--in that waythey could have struck the enemy a stunning blow on the left. There's ablunder somewhere. But we can hold the house no longer; only before I goI must know that you believe in me. "

"I do, " earnestly. 

"And I am going to clinch that faith, " opening the door into the hall. "Major Hardy, just a moment. "

He turned back from the open window, his face flushed with excitement. 

"The stragglers are beginning to show up, " he exclaimed pointing, "andthe boys are fighting like hell out there beyond those woods. And--andsee that dust cloud over yonder; by all the gods, it will be Chamberscoming up at last!"

"Then hurry here; I want to ask you just one question for yourdaughter's sake: Were you my second in the duel this morning?"

"Certainly. "

"Why didn't you tell me, papa? Why didn't you explain that LieutenantGalesworth was not to blame?"

"Well, I didn't want you to feel any worse than you did. You and LeGaire were going to be married, and I supposed you cared a good deal forhim. Someway I couldn't make myself talk about it, Billie; that's all. "

Her eyes sought mine, but just then Miles appeared in the hall, haltingwith a salute as he caught sight of me. 

"Nobody in the attic, sir, but things are getting pretty warm outside, "he reported anxiously. 

"The way is still open toward the ravine, Sergeant. Get your mentogether in the front hall at once. Never mind the prisoners; the majorwill release them after we have gone. "

His heels came together with a click, and he strode to the head of thestairs. 

"By the way, Sergeant, " I called after him, "did you have a guardposted in the upper hall here this morning?"

"A guard? No, sir. "

"Were you aware that any of our men had been up stairs since lastevening?"

"None of them have, sir; I'm cocksure of that. " "That's all, Sergeant;be lively now. " My eyes turned toward Billie, and she held out bothher hands. 

"If we never know the truth, Lieutenant Galesworth, " she said softly, "Ishall believe all you have told me. "

CHAPTER XXX

UNDER NEW ORDERS

Her eyes were an invitation, a plea, yet with the major at her side, hisface full of wonderment, and Bell close behind us in the hall, I couldonly bow low over the white hands, and murmur some commonplace. Therewas neither opportunity nor time for more, although I felt my own deepdisappointment was mirrored in the girl's face. The continuous roar ofguns without, already making conversation difficult, and the hurriedtramp of feet in the hall below, told the danger of delay. It was amoment when the soldier had to conquer the lover, and stern duty becamesupreme. I hurried to the front window, and gazed out; then to others, thus making a thorough survey of our surroundings, quickly making up mymind to a definite plan of action. So swiftly had occurrences pressedupon me I had scarcely found time before to realize the rapid approachof this new danger. Now it burst upon me in all its impending horror. Already the results of battle were visible. 

An hour before the pike road leading past the plantation gates had beenwhite and deserted, not even a spiral of dust breaking its loneliness. Through openings in a grove I had looked northward as far as the logchurch and observed no moving figure. But now this was all changed; asthough by some mysterious alchemy, war had succeeded peace, the verylandscape appearing grimly desolate, yet alive with moving figures. Andthese told the story, the story of defeat. It was not a new scene to me, but nevertheless pitiful. They came trudging from out the smoke clouds, and across the untilled fields, alone, or in little groups, some armed, more weaponless, here and there a bloody bandage showing, or a limpbespeaking a wound; dirty, unshaven men, in uniforms begrimed andtattered, disorganized, swearing at each other, casting frightenedglances backward with no other thought or desire save to escape thepursuing terror behind. They were the riff-raff of the battle, theskulkers, the cowards, the slightly wounded, making pin pricks an excusefor escape. Wagons toiled along in the midst of them, the gaunt mulesurged on by whip and voice, while occasionally an ambulance forced itsway through. Here and there some worn-out straggler or wounded man hadcrawled into shade, and lay heedless of the turmoil. Shouts, oaths, thecracking of whips, the rumble of wheels mingled with the ceaseless roarof musketry, and the more distant reverberation of cannon, while cloudsof powder smoke drifted back on the wind to mingle with the dust, givingto all a spectral look. Back from the front on various missions gallopedcouriers and aides, spurring their horses unmercifully, and drivingstraight through the mob in utter recklessness. One, a black-beardedbrute, drew his sabre, and slashed right and left as he raced madly by. 

Toward the ravine all remained quiet, although here and there in theorchard some of the gray-clad stragglers had found opportunity to liedown out of the ruck. But the smoke and musketry gave me a conception ofthe Confederate line of battle, its left thrown across the pike withcentre and right doubling back into the form of a horse-shoe, allcentring on the Hardy house. Within twenty minutes we would be caught asin a trap. I sprang back to the stairs, and as I did so a sudden yellrose from the surging mob without, a shout in which seemed to minglefear and exultation. Bell, from a side window joined in, and a singleglance told the reason: up from the south rode cavalry, sweeping thepike clean of its riff-raff, and behind, barely visible through thedust, tramped a compact mass of infantry, breaking into double time. Theblack-bearded aide dashed to their front, waving sabre and pointing; theclear note of a bugle cleaved the air; the horsemen spread out like afan, and with the wild yell of the South rising above the din, the filesof infantry broke into a run, and came sweeping forward in a graytorrent. Chambers had come up at last, come to hurl his fresh troopsinto the gap, and change the tide of battle. Even the stragglers paused, hastening to escape the rush, and facing again to the front. I saw someamong them grasp their guns and leap into the ranks, the speedingcavalrymen driving others with remorseless sabres. 

All this was but a glimpse, and with the tumult ringing in my ears, Iwas down stairs facing my own men. 

"Where are the prisoners, Sergeant?"

"Here, sir, under guard. "

"Open the front door, and pass them out. We'll be away before they cando us any harm. Step lively now. "

I scarcely looked at them, moving on a run at the threats of the men, but wheeled on Hardy, who was half way down the stairs. 

"Major, what do you mean to do? How will you protect your daughter?"

"Stay here with her, " was the prompt reply. There will be disciplinedtroops here in a few minutes. "

"Yes, and a battle. "

"As soon as Chambers gets up in force I can pass her back to the rear. "

That seemed the safer plan to me, and I had no time to argue. 

"All right, you and Bell are free to do as you please. Get your men outthe same window you came in, Sergeant; I'll go last. Keep down behindthe fence, and make for the ravine. "

He flung open the door into the parlor, and we crowded after him, butwere still jammed in the doorway when he sprang back from the openwindow with hands flung up. 

"By God, sir, here come our men!"

They came like so many monkeys, leaping the balcony rail, plungingheadlong through the opening, and crowding into the room. It was like adream, a delirium, yet I could see the blue uniforms, the new faces. Inthe very forefront, flung against me by the rush, I distinguished thelad I had sent back into the lines the night before. 

"What does all this mean, Ross? Who are these fellows?"

"Our men, sir, " he panted, scarcely able to speak. "Here--read this, "and he thrust a paper into my hand. My eyes took the words in a flash, and yet for the instant they were vague, meaningless. It was only as Iread them a second time that I understood, and then I gazed helplesslyinto the faces about me, striving to grasp the full situation. 

"HDQTS 9TH ILL. CAV. "9:10 A. M. 

"LIEUT. GALESWORTH:

"We advanced our centre and left at daylight, and have driven the enemyfrom intrenchments. Our right is under orders to advance up ravine andstrike their rear. We move at once. I send this back by Ross, who willtake twenty men with him to help you. Hold the Hardy house to the lastpossible moment. Our whole movement pivots there, and keeping possessionuntil we arrive is of utmost importance. Hold it at any price. These areGrant's orders. "

"Who gave you this?--it is unsigned. "

"The colonel, sir, I saw him write it. "

"And they were ready to leave?"

"They'll not be more than an hour behind, unless something stopsthem--the whole brigade is coming. "

I comprehended now--the plan was clear-cut, easily understood. Takingadvantage of the ravine in which to conceal the movement, Grant proposedto throw a brigade, or even a greater force, suddenly upon the enemy'sunprotected rear, thus crushing Johnston between two fires. The word Ihad sent back, disclosing the complete desertion of that gash in theearth by the Confederates, had made this strategy possible. And theHardy house was naturally the pivot of the movement, and the retentionof it in our possession essential to success. But the one point they hadapparently overlooked was Chambers' advance along this pike. He wassupposed to be much farther east, his column blocked by heavy roads. Instead of that he was here already, his vanguard sweeping past thegate, double-quicking to the front, with long lines of infantry hurryingbehind. For us to bar the retreat of Johnston's demoralized men, safelyintrenched within the house, might be possible, provided artillery wasnot resorted to. Even with my small force I might hold them back for anhour, but to attempt such a feat against the veterans of Chambers, wassimply a sentence to death. These men, fresh, undefeated, eager forbattle, would turn and crush us as though we were some stinging insect. Thirty men pitted against a division! Good God! if he could sendthese--why not more? Yet there was nothing to do except obey, and, feeling to the full the hell of it, I crushed the paper in the palm ofmy hand, and looked around into the faces about me. I was in command, and we were to stay here until we died. That was all I knew, all Iremembered, the words, "hold it at any price, " burning in upon my brain. 

"Men, " I said sharply. "My orders are to hold this house until ourtroops come up. We'll make a try at it. Who commands this last squad?"

A sergeant, a big fellow, with closely trimmed gray moustache, elbowedhis way forward, and saluted. 

"From H troop, are you not?"

"Yes, sir; we're all H; my name's Mahoney. "

"I remember you; Irish to a man. Well, this is going to beat anyDonnybrook Fair you lads ever saw. Get busy, and barricade every doorand window on this floor; use the furniture, or whatever you get handson. Miles, take the south side, and Mahoney, the north. No shootinguntil I give the word; we won't stir up this hornets' nest until wehave to. "

The newcomers stacked their carbines in the hall, and divided into twoparties, going to work with a vim, while I quickly stationed my old menwhere they could command every approach to the house, seeing to it thattheir arms were in condition, and that they had ample ammunition. Withinten minutes we were ready for a siege, or prepared to repel any attackother than artillery. The rooms looked as though a cyclone had wreckedthem, the heavy furniture barricading doors and windows, yet leavingapertures through which we could see and fire. Mattresses had beendragged from beds up stairs, and thrust into places where they wouldyield most protection. The front door alone was left so as to be opened, but a heavy table was made ready to brace it if necessary. Satisfiednothing more could be done to increase our security I had the men taketheir weapons, and the sergeants assign them to places. I passed alongfrom room to room, watchful that no point of defence had beenoverlooked, and speaking words of encouragement to the fellows. Afterthe fight began there could be little commanding; every man would haveto act for himself. 

"Draw down the shades, lads, and keep it as dark as possible inside. Layyour ammunition beside you, where you can get it quickly. Mahoney, weshall not need as many men at these windows as we will toward the frontof the house--two to a window here should be sufficient. Carbines, first, boys, and then revolvers if they get close. What is that, Miles?Yes, detail a man to each window up stairs; two to the front windows. Have them protect themselves all they can, and keep back out of sight. Now, boys, keep your eyes open, but no shooting until you get orders. Sergeant Mahoney will command this side, and Miles the other, whileI'll take the front. There is a corporal here, isn't there?"

"Yes, sir, --Conroy. "

"Well, Conroy, you are in charge up stairs. I'll be there and look youover in a few minutes; I want to take a glance outside first. "

The brief time these hasty preparations required had witnessed a markedchange in conditions without. Where before it had been a scene ofdisastrous confusion, it was now that of disciplined attack. Chambers'men had swept aside the stragglers, and spread out into battle lines, the gray regiments massing mostly to the right of the pike, but withheavy fringe of cavalry extending past us as far as the ravine. From mypoint of vantage it all formed an inspiring picture, dully monotonous incolor, but alive with action; the long dust-covered lines, the riflebarrels shining, the constant shifting of columns, the regimentshurrying forward, the swift moving of cavalry, and hard riding of staffofficers, sent the hot blood leaping through my veins. And all this wasno dress review. Just ahead they were at it in deadly earnest--barelybeyond those trees, and below the edge of the hill. I could hear thethunder of the guns, continuous, almost deafening, even at thisdistance; could see the black, drifting smoke, and even the strugglingfigures. We were almost within the zone of fire already. Men were downin the ranks yonder, and a stricken horse lay just within the gate. Backand forth, riding like mad, aides dashed out of the choking powderfumes, in endeavor to hasten up the reserves. Even as I watched one fellheadlong from his saddle, struck dead by a stray bullet. I was soldierenough to understand. Within ten minutes Chambers would be out there, hurling his fresh troops against the exhausted Federal advance, whilethose fellows, now fighting so desperately yonder, would fall back inreserve. Could Chambers hold them? Could he check that victorious onrushof blue--those men who had fought their way five bloody miles sincedaybreak? I could not tell; it would be a death grapple worthy of thegods, and the Hardy house would be in the very vortex. Whether it wasdestined also to become a charnel house, a shambles, depended on theearly coming of those other, unseen men toiling up that black ravine. 

Then suddenly there recurred to my memory that Major Hardy and hisdaughter still remained within. They had not departed with the others, yet in the stress and excitement their presence had slipped my mind. Norhad I seen them since the new recruits came. What could be done withthem now, at this late hour, the house already a fortress, the enemy inevidence everywhere? In some manner they must be gotten away at once, safely placed within the protection of friends. Not only my friendshipfor the father, and my love for the girl, demanded this, but the factthat they were non-combatants made it imperative. There was no time toconsider methods--already we were within range of the guns, and at anymoment might be directly under fire, obliged to resist assault. I was upthe stairs even as the thought occurred, and confronted Hardy in theupper hall. Conroy had him by the arm, suspicious of the uniform. 

"That's all right, Corporal, " I said quickly. "I had forgotten the majorwas here. Hardy, you must get out of the house--you, and Miss Billieat once. "

His eyes glanced back toward the door of her room which stood open. 

"I--I have no knowledge of where my daughter may be, " he acknowledgedsoberly. 

CHAPTER XXXI

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLIE

I stared at him in surprise, and then sprang forward, and glanced intoher room. It was empty, except for a trooper kneeling at the window. Ifaced Hardy again with a question:

"Not here! Where has she gone?"

He shook his head, without attempting to speak. 

"You don't know? Conroy, have you seen anything of a young lady sinceyou came up here?"

"No, sir; all these doors was standin' wide open, and this Johnny Rebwas prowlin' 'round in here. I didn't know what his business might be soI collared him. Ain't that right, Murphy?" appealing to the soldier atthe window, who had faced about at sound of our voices. 

"Straight as far as it goes, " was the reply, "but maybe that guard backin the ell saw the lady afore we come up. "

"What guard?"

"One o' your fellows, " said the corporal. "Anyhow he had his buttonscut off. I guess he's there yet. "

I was out into the hall as quickly as I could turn, Conroy and the majorfollowing closely. A dozen steps took us beyond the chimney jog, and tothe top of the back stairs. There was no one there. The side doors stoodopen, and the narrow hallway was vacant. My eyes met the corporal's. 

"Well, I'll be jiggered, " he exclaimed. "He was right there by thesecond door when I saw him. I was goin' to post Murphy at that endwindow, sir, but I didn't think there was any need o' two men there. "

"Did you speak to him?"

"I told him what was up, sir, and that he better stay by the window. "

"Did he answer you?"

"He said 'all right, ' or something like that, an' went back. I neverthought anything was wrong; all I noticed particular was he had only arevolver, but most o' yer fellows was armed that way. I meant to get hima gun as soon as I had time. " He strode forward, looking into the rooms. "He ain't here now anyhow, and I'm damned if I know where he could o'gone. Did I make a mistake, sir?"

"No, this is no fault of yours, Corporal, but it's strange nevertheless. We had no guard up here, but this fellow, wearing our uniform, has beenseen before--Miss Hardy, this gentleman's daughter, saw him, and now shehas disappeared. There was murder done in this hall this morning. "

The corporal crossed himself, his lips murmuring as he glanced about, and then into my face. 

"Murder, sir! The Confederate captain lying in yonder on the bed?"

"Yes; he was waylaid here, and struck down from behind. I found his bodyout in front of that door, the skull crushed. "

"An' ye think that feller did it?"

"I don't know who did it. But I should like to discover where that ladhides, and what he is here for. We have accounted for all our men, andsearched this floor inch by inch. I began to think Miss Hardy wasmistaken, but now you've seen him also. "

"An' Murphy, " broke in the horrified corporal, edging closer. "Murphysaw him too. Bedad, maybe it was a ghost!"

"Ghosts don't talk, and I never heard of any wearing revolvers. Major, when did you see Billie last?"

I noticed how haggard his face was, and he answered slowly, his handsgrasping the stair-rail. 

"We were together in the front hall when your men came. You were talkingloudly, and the new voices attracted our attention. We both wentforward to the head of the stairs. "

"You overheard what was said?" I interrupted, a new possibility dawningupon me. 

"Much of it, yes, " he admitted. 

"The plan of attack?--the orders sent me?"

His expression answered. 

"And what were you going to do with this information, Major Hardy?"

"Nothing. I considered myself a prisoner on parole. I merely proposedasking your permission to leave the house with my daughter beforehostilities began. I started down the stairs for that purpose. "

"And Billie?"

"I told her this, and sent her to her room after some things. Before Igot down you had disappeared, and I returned up stairs. She was not inher room, nor could I find a trace of her. "

I thought rapidly, staring into his bewildered face, insensiblylistening to the continuous roar without. It was tragedy within tragedy, the threads of war and love inextricably tangled. What had occurred hereduring that minute or two? Had she left voluntarily, inspired by somewild hope of service to the South? Did that mysterious figure, attiredin our uniform, have anything to do with her disappearance? Did Hardyknow, or suspect more than he had already told? By what means could shehave left the house? If she had not left where could she remainconcealed? Each query only served to make the situation morecomplicated, more difficult to solve. To no one of them could I findan answer. 

"Major, did you tell your daughter why you could not carry thatinformation to your own people?--that you considered yourself aparolled prisoner?"

He hesitated, realizing now what it was I was seeking to discover. 

"Why, I may have said something like that. We spoke of the situation, and--and Billie appeared excited, but, --why, Galesworth, you do notimagine the girl would try to carry the news out, alone, do you?"

His doubt was so genuine as to be beyond question. Whatever Billie haddone, it was through no connivance with the father, but upon her owninitiative. Yet she was fully capable of the effort; convinced the causeof the South was in her hands, she was one to go through fire and waterin service. Neither her life nor mine would weigh in the decision--heronly thought the Confederacy. Still it was not a pleasant reflectionthat she would thus war openly against me; would deliberately expose meto defeat, even death. Could she have made such a choice if she trulyloved me? Her words, eyes, actions continually deceived me. Again andagain I had supposed I knew her, believed I had solved her nature, onlyto be led into deeper bewilderment. 

"Major, " I said soberly. "I do imagine just that. There is no sacrificeyour daughter would not make for the South. She realized the importanceof this information, and that she alone could take it to Chambers. "

I turned to the back stairs, and went down, feeling my way in the gloom, until I touched the door. To my surprise it opened, although I knew Ihad locked it, and the key was still in my pocket. There were fourtroopers in the kitchen, and they turned at the noise to stare at me. 

"How long have you boys been stationed here?" I questioned. 

"'Bout fifteen minutes, I guess, " answered the nearest. "Ain't thatabout it, Joe?"

"Not no longer. "

"Room empty when you came?"

"Not a rat here, that we saw; did we, Joe?"

The other shook his head. 

"Was that bar across the outer door there then?"

"No, sir, there wan't no lock on it, an' Bill rigged up that contrivancehisself. "

I believed now I comprehended how it had occurred, all except themysterious unlocking of the door at the foot of the stairs, and thisfellow in our uniform that haunted the ell. To make certain I retainedthe key, I took it out, and fitted it into the lock. Still there mightbe a duplicate, and as for the soldier, I was hardly half convinced ofhis reality. Billie had acted quickly, under the inspiration ofdiscovery, and all the circumstances had conspired to make her escapefrom the house easy. Miles had withdrawn his men on my orders, and wewere all grouped together in the front hall. She had simply slipped downthese back stairs, used a duplicate key, passed through the kitchenunobserved, and out into the garden. Where then? To the stable, without doubt, and, mounted, into Chambers' lines, taking hernews to the highest officer she could reach. We would hear from itpresently, --strange if not even already some of those troops werewheeling to invest the house. I called back up the stairs, "Conroy, send Major Hardy down here. "

The Confederate appeared almost instantly, his eyes anxiously surveyingthe room. 

"Have you found my girl?"

"No, but I have satisfied myself as to where she is. Without doubt shecame down those stairs, and out this door, while we were in the fronthall. A battle-line is a rough place for a woman, and I am going toturn you out now to see if you cannot find and protect her. One of youmen take down that bar. "

The major stared at me, and then extended his hand. 

"You--you don't suppose I sent her?"

"Oh, no, you have been most honorable. There is no reason why I shouldhold you here; the others have gone, and you may be of assistance toMiss Willifred. It is bound to be lively enough for us in here presentlywithout prisoners to look after. "

"But you have not accepted my hand, Lieutenant Galesworth. I wish tofeel that we part friends. "

"We certainly do, " I returned heartily, grasping his fingers. "And--andI may never see your daughter again. There is scarcely a possibilitythat I ever shall. Tell her that I respect her loyalty to the South. "

He stood looking directly into my eyes, grasping both my hands. 

"You mean to remain here, defending the house?"

"While there is a man left alive. "

"It is a pity--in my judgment; not war, but a useless sacrifice. "

"Yet a soldier's duty, Major--obedience to orders. "

He bowed, choking in the throat, as he lifted his hat. With one glanceat the silent soldier holding open the door he passed out. Then heturned, hat still in hand, and glanced back. 

"You may feel assured I will deliver your message, sir, --good-bye. "

 * * * * *

The broad hallway ran from the front of the house to the kitchen ell, and I could see its entire length. Several men were clustered at theother end, peering out through the narrow panes of glass either side thefront door, and one came running toward me. It was the Irish sergeant. 

"They're a-coomin', sorr--a bunch o' gray-backs. Shud Oi hay' the byeslet drive?"

"Not until I speak to them, Mahoney. We'll give the fellows fair warningfirst. "

I hurried back with him, and a soldier stepped aside to give meopportunity to look out. A glance was sufficient. A regiment of cavalrywas halted under the trees of the lawn, the men dismounted and standingat the heads of their horses. Apparently they were, merely waitingorders. Riding straight across the grass toward the porch came a littlegroup of a dozen officers, as I judged, although this was largelyconjecture, their uniforms so dust-covered as to be meaningless. Thecarelessness of their approach, scarcely glancing toward the house, convinced me they had no thought of meeting any resistance fromwithin--their only object the shade of the steps, or a possible glass ofwine. To greet them with a volley would be murder, and I motioned themen to open the door just wide enough to permit of my slipping through. I walked forward to the edge of the porch, and stood there, leaningagainst a pillar. The approaching party was sufficiently close by thistime so that I saw that one of the three in advance was Bell. ApparentlyI remained unobserved, but as they came to the gravel driveway I spoke. 

"That will be quite far enough, gentlemen, until you explain yourpurpose. "

They pulled up, astonished at the sound of my voice, those behindbunching about the first three, all staring open-mouthed at my uniform. Several voices asked, "What does this mean?" "Who the hell are you?"

"One at a time, please, " I returned, enjoying their surprise. "Thishouse is garrisoned by Federal troops at present, and we are notreceiving callers--put that back! There are riflemen at every window. "

"Don't be a fool, Brown, " growled the man in the centre, glancing aside, and then facing back toward me. "Are you in command?"

"I am here to receive any communication. "

"What troops have you?"

I bowed smiling. 

"Sufficient for the purpose. "

Bell, evidently short-sighted, was staring at me through glasses, andbroke in, "It's Galesworth, the Yankee lieutenant I told you about, Colonel. Say, I thought you left. "

"Instead of leaving, Captain Bell, I have decided to stay. "

"But, good Lord, you can't hold that house against us with only tenmen!"

"You will discover we have considerable more than ten when you come tocapture it. "

They whispered together, evidently undecided how seriously to take me. Ithought Bell was trying to impress the others with the idea that it wasall a bluff, but my coolness made them suspicious. I leaned motionlessagainst the post in apparent indifference. The gruff-voiced colonelbroke the silence. 

"Do you know we have a division of troops within bugle call?"

"Oh, yes, and they have got their work cut out for them. Your wholeforce is at it already, except the cavalry. "

My tone angered him. 

"There are enough in reserve to crush you, " he retorted warmly. "Idemand your immediate surrender, sir. "

"On what terms?"

"Unconditional, " he thundered, "and if I have to charge you we shalltake no prisoners. "

I waited for a lull in the firing, and they accepted the pause ashesitation. Then I stepped backward to the door. 

"I regret greatly to disappoint you, Colonel, " I said clearly, "but wehave decided to fight. If you are not out of range within two minutes mymen will open fire. "

Without awaiting an answer, I stepped within and closed the door. 

CHAPTER XXXII

WE REPULSE THE ENEMY

I naturally anticipated an immediate attack, and began preparations. Glass was broken from the small windows through which the men were tofire, and the sergeants and myself made inspection of men and arms, andgave orders for vigorous defence. Yet we were already so well intrenchedthat this required but a few moments, and, confident I could shift myforce quickly so as to meet any attack, I returned to the front rooms toobserve the enemy. To my surprise there was no evidence of any movementin our direction, although there had been a noticeable shifting oftroops. Chambers had swung his infantry forward through gaps in the lineof battle, and was now confronting the Federal advance, not only holdinghis ground, but it seemed to me, slightly pushing his opponent. I ran upstairs so as to obtain a wider view of the field. They were fightingfiercely to our front and left, the line of fire slightly overlappingthe pike, although, from the led horses in the rear, the troops engagedon this extremity were mostly dismounted cavalry. Marching columns werestill approaching from the south, swinging off from the pike as theyneared the house, and disappearing into a grove of trees to the east. The land in that direction was rough, and I could only guess at theformation by the sound of firing, and the dense clouds of smoke. It wasout there the artillery was massed, although in all of Chambers' commandI saw but two batteries. The heaviest fighting was to the east, not sofar away but what we were within shell range, and yet out of directview, while to the north the Confederates could be seen struggling togain possession of a low hill. Their first rush had dislodged theFederals from the log church, but had been halted just below in thehollow. Beyond to the westward stretched the black shadow of the ravine, silent and deserted, largely concealed by a fringe of trees. 

That which interested me more particularly, however, was the scenenearer at hand--the stragglers, the wounded, the skulkers, thedisorganized bodies of men, the wearied commands which had been fightingsince daylight, now doggedly falling back, relieved by new arrivals, yetunwilling to go. They were not beaten, and their officers had fairly todrive them from the field, and when they halted the men faced to thefront. It was all a scene of wild confusion, the roar of gunsincessant, the air full of powder smoke, shells bursting here and there, and constantly the shouts of men. Ammunition wagons blocked the pike, soldiers thronging about them to stuff cartridges into emptied belts; abattery of artillery dashed past, recklessly scattering the surging massto left and right, as its horses, lashed into frenzy, plunged forwardtoward the fighting line; horsemen galloped back and forth, commanding, imploring, swearing, as they endeavored to reform the mob into a reservecolumn; riderless horses dashed about, resisting capture; and a runawayteam of mules, dragging behind the detached wheels of an army wagon, mowed a lane straight across the open field. Men lay everywheresleeping, so exhausted the dead and living looked alike; there wereghastly bandages, dust-caked faces, bloody uniforms, features blackenedby powder, and limping figures helped along by comrades. Emptyammunition wagons loaded again with wounded, went creaking slowly to therear, the sharp cries of suffering echoing above the infernal din. Justoutside the gate, under the tree shadows, was established a fieldhospital, a dozen surgeons working feverishly amid the medley of sounds. I had heretofore seen war from the front, in the excitement of battle, face to face with the enemy, but this sickened me. I felt my limbstremble, the perspiration bead my face. I now knew what war was, stripped of its glamour, hideous in its reality of suffering andcruelty. For a moment I felt remorse, fear, a cowardly desire to escape, to get away yonder, beyond the reek of powder, the cries of pain. Theawful vista gripped me as if by spectral fingers. But for the movementjust then of that cavalry regiment, recalling me to duty, I half believeI should have run, not from fright but to escape the horror. 

They were moving forward past the front of the house, the men still onfoot, gripping the leather at their horses' bits, the restive animalsplunging so wildly as to make it seem more the advance of a mob than adisciplined body. A shell exploded in the road to their left, tearing ahole in the white pike, and showering them with stones. I could seebleeding faces where the flying gravel cut. Another shrieked above, andcame to earth just in front of the house, shattering the front stepsinto fragments, and leaving one of the wooden pillars hanging, unsupported. Yet with no halt or hesitancy, the gray mass moved slowlyacross the lawn, and then deliberately formed in line beneath the treesof the orchard. Their horses were led to the rear, and the men fell intorank at the sharp command of officers. Facing as they did I was left indoubt as to their purpose. Just inside the gate a battalion of infantrystood at parade rest, some of Johnston's men, I judged from theirappearance, who had held together. Beyond them a little group ofhorsemen had reined up on a knoll, and seemed to be studying thesurrounding country through field glasses. I could see the glitter ofthem in the sun. 

Straight across the grass from the line of dismounted cavalry an officerrode, galloping through the dust of the pike, and trotting up theincline until he reached this distant group. I watched curiously as hepointed toward the house, and the others turned and looked. I coulddimly distinguish features, and realized the meaning of some of theirgestures. Then the cavalry-man turned his horse, and came trotting back. But now he rode directly up the gravelled driveway to the front of thehouse, a white rag flapping from the point of his uplifted sword. Thirtyfeet away he pulled up his horse, his eyes searching the house, and Istepped out on the porch roof. The broken pillar made me afraid toventure to the edge, but we were plainly in view of each other. 

"Are you the Yank in command?" he asked brusquely, staring up at me. 

"Yes. "

He removed the rag from his sword, and thrust the weapon into itsscabbard. 

"What force have you?"

I smiled, amused at his display of nerve. 

"You will have to come in to discover that, my friend. "

His naturally florid face reddened with anger. 

"I'm not here to joke, " he retorted. "General Chambers wishes me tooffer you a last opportunity to surrender without bloodshed. "

"And if I refuse?"

"We shall attack at once, sir, " haughtily. "A glance about will show youthe helplessness of your position. "

I waited long enough to glance again over the scene. I was convincedthey possessed no artillery which could be spared from the front forthis small affair, and believed we were capable of making a strongdefence against musketry. With the exception of that battalion ofinfantry near the gate, and the cavalry regiment in the orchard, everyorganized body of troops was being hurried forward to strengthen theirline of battle. Even General Chambers and his staff had disappeared overthe hill, and every sound that reached us evidenced a warm engagement. The stream of wounded soldiers flowing back across the pike wasthickening, and Federal shells were already doing damage atthis distance. 

"I thank you for your information, " I said civilly, "but we shallendeavor to hold the house. "

"You mean to fight!"

"Yes--if you wish this place you will have to come and take it. "

He drew back his horse, yet with head turned, hopeful I might say more. But I stepped back through the window, and as I disappeared he clappedin his spurs, and rode out into the orchard. A moment later thedismounted troopers spread out into a thin line, covering the front andleft of the house, unslung their carbines and began to load. Somethingabout the way they went at it convinced me they expected no very seriousresistance. A word to my men on that floor brought them to the pointthreatened by this first attack, and I gave them swift, conciseorders--no firing until they heard a signal shot from the front hall;then keep it up while there was a man standing in range; carbines first, after that revolvers, and keep down out of sight from below. I lookedinto their faces, confident of obedience, and then ran down stairs. 

Here the two sergeants--veterans both--had anticipated everything, andmassed their men at the windows facing front and left. They lay flat, protected in every possible way, and each man had an extra gun besidehim, and a pile of cartridges. Mahoney was in the parlor, and Miles inthe hall, watchful of each movement without. I gave them theinstructions about withholding their fire, and, grasping a carbinemyself, pushed forward to where I could see outside. The troopers werealready moving, advancing slowly in open order, but came to a halt justwithin carbine range. At sharp command their guns came up, and theypoured a volley into the house. Beyond a shattering of glass no damagewas done, but under the cover of the smoke, the gray line leapedforward. I waited until they reached the gravel, and then pulledtrigger. Almost to the instant the whole front and side of the houseblazed into their very faces, not once only, but twice, three times, themen grabbing gun after gun. It was not in flesh and blood to stand it;the line crumbled up as though seared by fire, men fell prone, othersstaggered back blinded, and, almost before we realized, there remainednothing out there but a fleeing crowd, leaving behind their dead andwounded. Only three men had placed foot on the porch, and they lay theremotionless; one had grasped the sill of a window, and had fallen backwith a crushed skull. It was all over with so quickly that through thesmoke we looked at each other dazed, and then stared out at the flyingfigures. I groped my way from room to room, ordering a reloading of theguns, and asking if there were any injured. The walls were scarred bybullets much of the piled up furniture splintered, but only two men hadbeen hit, and their, wounds were slight. 

"They'll try it again, lads, " I said. "Get ready. " There was no doubt ofthat, for they were old soldiers out yonder, and would never rest underthe stigma of defeat. But they were bound to be more cautious a secondtime, and would give us a harder tussle. 

The fleeing men were rallied just beyond the negro cabins, cursed bytheir officers and driven back into line; then moved slowly forwardagain to their former position in the orchard. The sudden terror whichhad smitten them when the silent house burst into death flames, hadsomewhat worn off, and a desire for revenge succeeded. I could see theofficers passing back and forth talking and gesticulating. A dozentroopers under a flag of truce came forward to pick up the wounded, andwithout even challenging we permitted them to do their work. The houseremained quiet, sombre, silent, nothing showing but the dark barrels ofour carbines. The infantry battalion at the gate moved against the leftof the cavalry, and couriers were despatched to hurry up more. Out bythe negro quarters a dozen officers held council, pointing at thehouse, and by gestures designating a plan of attack. I think they sentfor artillery, but none came, and when one of the couriers returned andreported, bringing only another infantry battalion, it was decided todelay the attempt no longer. They formed this time in double line, sufficiently extended so as to cover the front and two sides of thehouse, with a squad concealed back of the stable, prepared to rush thekitchen and take us in the rear. It was not a bad plan had we misjudgedit, but the ground was so open nothing could be concealed. A wagon cameup with ammunition, and the men filled their belts. They moved forwardto within long firing distance, the cavalry covering the north side, onebattalion of infantry the south, and the other prepared to assail thefront. These latter began firing at once, their muskets easily coveringthe distance, although our lighter weapons were useless. 

Yet, beyond keeping us down close to the floor and out of view, thispreliminary firing was but a waste of ammunition, the heavy balls merelybreaking what glass remained, and chugging harmlessly into the walls. Wewere ready and waiting, extra loaded guns beside each man, our nervesthrobbing with the excitement of battle, every trooper posted at somepoint of vantage for defence. For a few moments the formation of ourassailants was almost completely concealed behind the black musketrysmoke. All else was forgotten except our own part in the tragedy, eventhe thunder of artillery deadened by the continuous roll of small arms. Under the powder cloud the charging line sprang forward, determined toclose in upon us with one fierce dash, almost encircling the house. Thereserves elevated their guns, firing at the upper windows, while thosechosen for the assault leaped forward, yelling as they came. I scarcelyhad time to cry a warning, and to hear the echoing shouts of Miles andMahoney, before the gray line was on the gravel. It was then we struckthem, every window and door bursting into flame simultaneously, thedeadly lead poured into their very faces. We worked like fiends, thesmoke suffocating, firing as rapidly as we could lay hands to weapons, seeing nothing but the dim outline of gray-clad men, surging madlytoward us, or hurled back by the flame of our guns. It was hell, pandemonium, a memory blurred and indistinct; men, stricken to death, whirled and fell, others ran screaming; they stumbled over prostratebodies, and cursed wildly in an effort to advance. Now it was the sharpspit of revolvers, cracking in deadly chorus. All I knew occurreddirectly before me. A dozen or fifteen leaped to the porch floor, swinging a huge log against the barricaded door. I heard the crash ofit as it fell inward, the cry of men underneath. There was a rush offeet behind; the flame of revolvers seemed to sear my face, and the loglay on the porch floor, dead men clinging to it, and not a livinggray-jacket showing under the smoke. 

CHAPTER XXXIII

MISS BILLIE REAPPEARS

I was leaning against the side wall, aware I had been wounded yetscarcely feeling the pain of it, an empty revolver in each hand, bluesmoke curling from the muzzles. For the moment I could not comprehendwhat had actually occurred--that, for the second time, we had driventhem; that we still held the house, now fairly encircled by dead bodies. Then the truth dawned, and I gazed almost blindly about on the ruck, andinto the faces of the men nearest me. I hardly recognized them, blackened by powder, with here and there a blood stain showing ghastly. The door was crushed in, splintered by the heavy log, the end of whichstill projected through, and beneath it three men lay motionless. I sawothers between where I stood and the stairs, one leaning against thewall, his blood dyeing the carpet, another outstretched upon the steps. All this came to me in a glance, my head reeling; I felt no power tomove, no ability to think. Then Miles' voice at my very ear aroused me. 

"Are you hurt, Lieutenant? Here, let me see. "

I stared at him, and seemed to come back to life again with a start. 

"No, nothing serious, Sergeant. The door must have struck me as itfell--my whole left side and arm are numb. We drove them, didn't we?"

"You can bet we did, sir, but my fellows got here just in time. Theydidn't make much of a fight along my side, so when I heard that doorcrash we come a-runnin'. "

"Oh, it was you then. That's about the last I remember. Where is theirreserve? Didn't they come in?"

"I guess not, " peering out through the opening. "There's no signs of'em, so far as I can see, but there ain't no air, an' the smoke hangsclose to the ground. "

As he said, it was useless endeavoring to perceive what was happeningwithout, the powder smoke clinging to the earth, and hiding everythingfrom view. Yet I realized what must have occurred; the dead bodies insight proved how severely the assaulting column had suffered, and nodoubt the entire force had been disorganized, and sent helter-skelterfor safety. Yet they would come back--either they or others. This mussmust be cleaned up; this opening closed. After that we could attend ourdead and wounded. I gave a dozen swift orders, and Miles instantly tookcommand. The imprisoned bodies were dragged out from underneath thedoor, the heavy log taken into the hall, the door itself torn from itsremaining hinges and forced back into position, the log, one end restingagainst the stairs, being utilized as a brace. If anything it was nowstronger than before for purposes of defence. We had barely completedthis work when Mahoney came out into the hall, his head bound up with ablood-soaked rag. 

"A foine, lively shindy, Leftenant, " he said, grinning amiably. "Bedad, but Oi thought they had us that last toime--Oi did that. " He glancedabout curiously. "An' ye must hav' had it hot in here too. "

"It was hand to hand, Sergeant, and we lost some men--four dead. How didyou fare along your side of the house?"

"Three kilt, an' maybe a dozen wounded. Oi got chipped up myself, butonly the skin av me. Those lads come up fierce, sorr, an' they'd 'a'made it too, only fer our ravolvers. We must have shot a dozen of 'emright in the winders. "

"And the rest of the house--do you know how they came out?"

"Oi do, sorr; Oi've made the rounds. There's one man shot in thekitchen, but nobody got hurted up stairs. "

"And our men?" I asked eagerly. "From those upper windows did you seeany sign of troops down in the ravine?"

He shook his head. 

"Not a domn thing, sorr. "

I looked into the faces clustered around us--blackened, savage faces, still marked by the fierce animalism of battle--feeling to the full thedesperation of our position. 

"Well, lads, " I said soberly, "there is no use hiding the truth fromyou. I know you'll fight to the end, and that won't be long coming, unless help gets here. We can never repulse another assault; we've goteight men killed, and more than that wounded now--the next time we'llall go. What do you say--shall we hold on, hoping?"

"Oi'm fer doin' it, sorr, " broke in Mahoney, "an' Oi'm spakin' fer iveryIrishmon in H troop. "

"And you, Miles?"

"I'm not so bloomin' fond of a fight, Lieutenant, " he said, scratchinghis head, "but I like to stay fighting after I once get started. Ain'tthat about the size of it, boys?"

Several heads nodded, and one fellow growled, "Hell! we kin giv' 'em the same dose a third time. "

"I don't expect that, Sims, " I returned. "But those other fellows oughtto be up any minute now. Anyway we'll have a breathing spell, for theJohnnies must have had enough to last them a few minutes. How is theammunition?"

"'Bout twenty rounds apiece left. "

"Then get to work, men; load up and strengthen every weak spot. We'llput up the best show we can. What did you want, Foster?"

The man addressed, a slim, awkward fellow, his spindle legs conspicuousunder the short cavalry jacket, jerked off his cap in embarrassment. 

"Why nuthin' much, sir, " he stammered. "I ain't no objections to goin'on with the fightin', only if we're so sartain to catch hell it don'tseem exactly right fer us to keep that thar young gal here in the house. She ain't no combatant, sir, an' dern me if I don't think she ought tobe got outside first. "

"Girl! What girl?" I cried, believing I must have misunderstood. "Whatis it you are trying to say, man?"

The soldier jerked his thumb back over his shoulder. 

"The one in thar behind the stairs, " he explained slowly. "Tom Ragan hemade her go thar when the rumpus begun, an' then Tom he got killed. Ain't that the way of it, Talbot?"

"Sure, " chimed in the other. "It is the same one that was in the parlorlast night, sir. She don't seem scared, ner nuthin' like that, onlyRagan told her she'd got to stay thar. I heard 'em talkin', an' she saidshe wanted you. "

"What did Ragan answer?" now thoroughly aroused to the knowledge thismust be Billie. 

"He only told her to git right back in thar, an' keep still. It was justas that whole caboodle come tearin' up this las' time, sir. It wan't nosafe place fer a girl whar you was. Ragan he promised to tell you, onlyhe got hit 'fore the fracas was done. That's why Foster chirked up, an'that's all of it. "

The man had made it clear as far as he understood. There were no morequestions to ask him, and I could only hope to uncover the mystery ofher presence through the confession of her own lips. She had not goneover to the enemy then; had never left the house; instead, was seekingme. It was all so strange that I stood a moment bewildered, striving toreason the affair out, before attempting to approach the girl. Whatcould have occurred? Where could she have hidden? Why, indeed, had shethus endeavored to conceal herself from both her father and myself? Thetroopers had scattered in obedience to orders, a few remaining at theopenings watchful for any hostile movement without, before I ventureddown the hall. It was dark behind the stairs, but she saw me instantly, greeting me with a little cry of delight and a quick outstretching ofthe hands. 

"I am so glad you have come! I--I haven't known what to do. "

"If I had supposed you still in the house, " I explained, "I should havebeen with you before. "

"But I sent word; I told the soldier it was most important. "

"That was Ragan, Miss Billie--a big fellow, with red moustache?--he waskilled. "

"Killed! Oh, in the attack; yet--yet you still hold the house, do younot?"

"Yes, or I certainly should not be here with you. We have repulsed twoassaults, but have lost heavily, and can scarcely hope to come safelythrough another. Before it is made I must get you away. "

"Out of the house, you mean?"

"Yes, and at once. We have made such a spirited defence that when we arefinally overpowered there will be little mercy shown. Not even your sexwould protect you, even if you were fortunate enough to escape flyingbullets. Your father is with Chambers, and, no doubt, the Confederatecommander out yonder will forward you to his care. I will take you tohim under a flag of truce. "

We were out where the light shown upon us dimly, yet sufficiently toreveal expressions. Her face was colorless, but her eyes exhibitedno fear. 

"Wait, Lieutenant Galesworth, " she insisted, still clinging to my hand. "I must understand better, and you must hear first what I have to tell. Why did father leave the house without me?"

"We both believed you had already gone. "

"I? That was a strange supposition. "

"Not at all; you had disappeared; we could discover no trace of youanywhere. Your father reported that you had overheard all that occurredin the hall below--the arrival of reinforcements, my orders to defendthe house, the Federal plan of attack. Major Hardy told you his paroleprevented him from reporting this discovery, yet no pledge of honorbound you. What else could I think, but that you had escaped into theConfederate lines with the news?"

She stared into my face, breathing heavily, yet without speaking. Thenshe released the clasp of my hand, and leaned back against the wall, shading her eyes. 

"Do not misunderstand me, Billie, " I urged anxiously. "I could neverhave blamed you. I sent that word to you through your father. You are adaughter of the South, and I honored your loyalty. There was no reasonwhy you should not sacrifice me for the sake of the cause. "

"Are you sorry I did not?"

"No, far from it, and--and, Billie, it is not the first time; does itmean--"

"It means nothing, " she broke in, "except a strange combination ofcircumstances. I did think of all this; it came to me in a flash. Irealized that it was undoubtedly my duty, and--and, perhaps I shouldhave found courage to attempt the task. I went to my room tempted, mypurpose swayed by the call of the South, and--and my friendship for you. I had to be disloyal somewhere, and--and it was so hard to choose. I amglad you do not blame me, but I believe I should have gone, just as youthought I did, except for what happened. "

A shell exploded near the corner of the house, shaking the wholestructure, the fragments tearing into the wood. She caught me by thearm, and I held her tightly, with face buried on my shoulder. 

"We must be quick, " I urged. "Those are Federal shells overshootingtheir mark, but one may strike the house at any moment. Tell me what itwas that happened. "

"It seems so unreal now, " she faltered, her whole form trembling, "thatI hardly know how to tell it--yet every word is true. I--I have capturedthe murderer of Captain Le Gaire. "

"You have! Who was he?"

"I cannot tell; I--I haven't even seen the man's face, but--but he isone of your soldiers. "

"Impossible! There is not one of our men unaccounted for. I could callevery trooper of our first company here now to confront you, except twowho have been killed. The fellow does not belong to us. "

"Well, he wears your uniform, " and she drew back indignantly, "even tohaving the buttons removed. You must believe me, for I can prove it; Ican take you to where he is. "

"Where?"

"Down cellar, in the place where you had the Confederate prisonersconfined. He--he is locked in there; I held the door against him, anddropped the bar. "

I looked at her in speechless wonder, a wonder not untinged byadmiration and love. She was standing now, erect, facing me, her cheeksreddening under my direct gaze. 

"I am going to make you believe, " she insisted. "I will tell you how ithappened, and then you shall take some men with you, and go down there, and bring the man up. No, I want to tell you about it first--- please, please listen. "

"Would you mind if I call Miles, and then you can tell your story toboth of us?" I asked. "The fellow is armed, is he not; and I shall needto take some one along with me?"

"Yes, the man has a revolver. You mean the sergeant? I do not mindtelling him. "

I hurried back to the front of the house, more anxious to be assured asto what was going on outside than to discover Miles. Yet there wasnothing alarming, even the cavalry regiment having been withdrawn acrossthe pike. Without a question the sergeant followed me back to where thegirl waited. 

CHAPTER XXXIV

HER STORY

She remained exactly as I had left her, leaning against the wall in theslight recess left by the stairs, and she recognized the sergeant withan inclination of the head, although her eyes were upon me. 

"Your friends outside seem inclined to allow us a few moments in whichto investigate this matter, " I said. "But we shall need to hurry. Thisis Miles, and I want you to tell the entire story from the beginning. "

My tone was incisive, and she responded as though to an order. 

"I will be brief, " she began. "My father and I were at the head of thestairs when your reinforcements came. We were merely waiting there tomake sure you had left the house. Yet we could not fail to overhear whatwas said, and to at once realize the importance of the information. Ispoke of it to Major Hardy, but he felt himself still under parole, bound by his word of honor. I was under no such obligation, however, and, for the moment it seemed as though my whole duty demanded that Ishould escape immediately, and bear this news to the nearest Confederatecommander. Nothing else, no other obligation appeared as important asthis. It was not that I wished to harm you, or to betray you to possibledeath or imprisonment, but it seemed to me all that was personal shouldbe forgotten in duty to the cause of the South. It--it did hurt me, Lieutenant Galesworth, " her voice suddenly changing into a plea, "but Ibelieved it to be right, to be what I should do. "

"I understand fully; we both respect your convictions. "

Miles nodded gravely, but said nothing, and the girl hurried on, yetwith evident relief. 

"I started back to my room with that intention--your men were all at thefront of the house; it would be easy to slip down the back stairs, leaveby the kitchen door, and run for the stable. I knew father would opposemy plan, and so I said nothing to him about it. Indeed it all came to mein a flash, and, almost before I knew it I was back in my own room readyto act. I passed out the side door into the next room, which would bringme nearer the back stairs, believing I would thus be less exposed toMajor Hardy's observation. I glanced out first, and saw him beside thefront window at the opposite end of the hall. He was intent upon thebattle, the noise of which was deafening. The firing was so continuousand so near at hand--the very house shaking--that I almost lost mynerve. Then I turned my head and looked the other way, and there, backin the shadows of the ell hallway, in almost exactly the same spot whereI had seen him before, stood one of your soldiers. He had his revolverout in his hand, and was crouching forward in such a way that his hatbrim almost totally concealed his face, but I knew instinctively that hewas the same man I saw last night. And--and he was watching father. "

Her voice broke, and she pressed her hands to her eyes, as though toblot out the memory, yet her hesitancy was but for an instant. 

"I didn't know what to do. If I cried out, or made any alarm, I wasafraid he would fire. My father was standing unconsciously, his backtoward him, unarmed. I cannot tell you how frightened I was, for, somehow, the man did not seem real; I--I felt as I have sometimes indreams. But I had to do something, something desperate. There was an oldgun standing back of the door--just a relic, and unloaded. Yet itoccurred to me it might answer, might serve to frighten the fellow. Islipped back, grasped it, and returned, but--when I looked out again hewas gone. "

She took a deep breath, and I heard Miles clinch and unclinch his hands. 

"Maybe it was just a ghost, Miss, or a shadow, " he interrupted hoarsely, "for I swear to God there wasn't none of our men up there--you knowthat, Lieutenant. "

"We called the roll in the front hall not ten minutes before, anyhow, " Ireplied, still looking at Billie, "and I hardly see how any of them gotaway after that. "

"I--I almost believed the same thing, " she confessed, speaking swiftly. "As I said, it did not seem exactly real from the first, yet I had totrust my own eyes, and I saw him almost as plainly as I see you two now. Then he was gone; gone so quickly I could not conceive the possibilityof it. The whole affair appeared imaginary, a matter of nerves. It wasan hallucination; out of my own brain, it seemed, I had conjured up thatcrouching figure. I had overheard your roll-call, and realized notrooper could have been there. I even convinced myself that it was all afantasy. I was so certain of it that I stole out into the hall, andpeered down the back stairs. I was frightened, so frightened I shookfrom head to foot, but it was because my nerves were all unstrung. Iwas sure by this time there had been no one there, and forced myself toinvestigate. I saw nothing, heard nothing, and step by step advancedclear to the back window, and looked out. Then, without the slightestwarning, something was thrown over my head, and I was utterly helplessin the vice-like clutch of an arm. I cannot explain how startled, howhelpless I was. It occurred so suddenly I could not even cry out, couldscarcely struggle. I was instantly stifled, and left weak as a child. Iknow I did make an effort to break away, but the cloth was clutchedcloser about my face, and the assailant's grip hurled me to the floor. The horror was more intense because he never uttered a sound; because Iwas in the dark, my mind still dazed by conjecture, and--and I fainted. "

The dramatic intensity with which she told this held us speechless. Herhands were to her face, and I took them away, holding them tightly. 

"Go on, Billie, " I urged gently. "It was a man then, after all. "

"Yes, it was certainly a man, yet I did not really know it until he hadcarried me, unconscious, down the back stairs into the kitchen. I cameto myself then, but remained dazed, and only partially comprehended whatoccurred. I could see nothing, as he had knotted the cloth about myhead so tightly I could hardly breathe. But I could judge something fromsounds, and I knew he was a man, because he swore once. I think heintended to leave me lying there, and himself escape through the backdoor. I know he lifted the bar and looked out. It was then he shut thedoor again quickly, and became profane. Something he saw outsidecompelled a change of plan, for he came back quickly, dragged the tableto one side, and opened the trap leading down into the cellar. Whoeverhe was he evidently knew all about the house. Then, he caught me upagain, took me down the steps in his arms, and dropped me at the foot, while he ran back and shut the trap. I was nearly smothered by thistime, scarcely half conscious, and the man must have realized mycondition, for, when he came back, he loosened the wrap about my face. This enabled me to breathe again freely, but I was so weak I could notget up, and he was obliged to drag me across the cellar floor. Istruggled still to escape, and succeeded in getting the cloth lifted soI could see out a little with one eye, but the light was poor, and theman kept hidden behind where I couldn't get even a glimpse of his face. "

One of the men passed us going back into the kitchen, and she paused amoment until he had gone by, Miles and I waiting impatiently. 

"He didn't seem to know what to do with me. I don't think he intendedany injury, and only seemed anxious to escape himself. I tried to talk, but he would not answer a word. After the first attempt I was not somuch afraid of him, although he was rough enough when I tried to getaway. You know how the cellar is divided off into compartments. Well, hediscovered the one with the door, where you put your prisoners, anddragged me in there. I knew he meant to close the door and leave me, buthe thought me so weak and helpless that, after we were once inside, hewalked across to test the iron bars at the windows. I don't know how Idid it; I couldn't have stood alone a moment before, but, all at once, it seemed as if I must, and I made the effort. I think I crawled out, for I can scarcely remember now even how it was done, but I slammed thedoor shut, and dropped the bar across. I heard him pounding and swearinginside, but was certain he couldn't get out. I didn't faint, but I laydown there quite a while, so completely exhausted I could scarcely liftmy hand. I could hear him digging at the wood of the door with a knife, and the awful firing outside and up stairs. I knew the house was beingattacked, and then when it became quiet again, I was equally sure youhad driven the Confederates back. By that time I was able to get to myfeet once more, and felt my way forward to the front stairs, for I knewI could never lift the trap. In the hall I met the soldier, and he mademe hide here behind the stairs because the fight had begun again. "

"And you never saw the man's face, Miss?" questioned the sergeant. 

"No; he seemed to try and keep out of sight, and, in the cellar, it wastoo dark for me to distinguish features a few feet away. He acted asthough afraid I might possibly recognize and identify him. "

"You can give no description? He reminded you of no one you had everseen?"

She was trying to think, to recall every detail to memory, but onlyshook her head. 

"He was not a large man, rather slenderly built, but strong; young, Ithink--the same one I saw before and told you about, LieutenantGalesworth, and he wore the same uniform. "

My eyes turning from her face encountered Miles; and he burst out, "I'm jiggered if this don't beat me, sir. Of course the lady is tellingthe truth, but where did that buck ever get one o' our uniforms? Wedidn't bring no change o' costume along, an' I could tell you now, within ten feet, where every one o' the lads is posted. They ain't anyof 'em been long 'nough out o' my sight to pull off this kind of astunt, an' every mother's son of 'em has got his own clothes on. An'somehow her description don't just exactly fit any of our boys. Who doyou reckon the sucker is?"

"I have given up guessing, Sergeant, " I answered brusquely, "and amgoing to find out. If he is down below in the cellar we will be at thebottom of all this mystery in about three minutes. Come on with me. No, the two of us are enough. Miss Billie, you had better remain here. "

"But, " catching me by the sleeve, "he is armed; he has a revolver and aknife. "

"Don't worry about that, " and I caught the restraining hand in my own. "One of us will open the door, and the other have the fellow coveredbefore he knows what to do. Come on, Miles. "

It seemed dark below, descending as we did suddenly from out the glareof the upper hall, and we had to grope our way forward from the foot ofthe stairs. I saw Billie follow us a few steps, and then stop, leaningover to witness all she could. I was a step or so in advance of Miles, and had drawn my revolver. The cellar was as quiet as a grave. I feltmy way along the wall toward where I remembered this special door to be, endeavoring to make no noise. My eyes could discern outlines better bythis time, and, as we approached, I became convinced the door we soughtstood ajar. I stopped, startled at the unexpected discovery, and beganfeeling about for the bar; it was not in the socket. What could thismean? Had Billie told us a false story, or had her prisoner, by somemagical means, escaped? She had said he was hacking at the wood with aknife; could he have cut a hole through sufficiently large to permit ofhis lifting the bar? This seemed scarcely possible, yet no other theorysuggested itself, and I stepped rather recklessly forward toinvestigate. My foot struck against a body on the floor, and, but forMiles, I should have fallen. A moment we stood there breathless, andthen he struck a match. A man lay at our feet, face downward, clad inFederal cavalry uniform, about him a shallow pool of blood. 

CHAPTER XXXV

THE DEAD MAN

The match flared out, burning Miles' fingers so he dropped it stillglowing on the floor. We could yet distinguish dimly the outlines of theman's form at our feet, and I heard Billie come down the stairs behindus. There was no other sound, except our breathing. 

"Strike another, Sergeant, " I commanded, surprised by the sound of myown voice, "and we'll see who the fellow is. "

He experienced difficulty making it light, but at last the tiny blazeillumined the spot where we stood. I bent over, dreading the task, andturned the dead man's face up to the flare. He was a man of middle age, wearing a closely trimmed chin beard. I failed to recognize thecountenance, and glanced up questioningly at Miles just as he uttered anexclamation of surprise. 

"It's one of Mahoney's fellows, sir, " he asserted sharply. "Burke's thename. "

"Then he couldn't possibly be the same man Miss Hardy saw up stairsthat first time. "

"No, sir, this don't help none to clear that affair up. But it's Burkeall right, an' he's had a knife driven through his heart. What do youever suppose he could 'a' been doin' down here?"

"Where was he stationed?"

"He was with me till that last shindy started; then when you called formore men in the kitchen I sent him an' Flynn out there. "

Miles lit a third match, and I looked about striving to piece togetherthe evidence. I began to think I understood something of what hadoccurred. This soldier, Burke, was a victim, not an assailant. He laywith his hand still clasping the bar which had locked the door. He hadbeen stabbed without warning, and whoever did the deed had escaped overthe dead body. I stepped back to where I could see the full length ofthe cellar; the trap door leading up into the kitchen stood wide open. Convinced this must be the way Burke had come down, I walked over to thenarrow stairs, and thrust my head up through the opening. There were sixmen in the room, and they stared at me in startled surprise, but cameinstantly to their feet. 

"When did Burke go down cellar?" I asked briefly. 

The man nearest turned to his fellows, and then back toward me, feelingcompelled to answer. 

"'Bout ten minutes ago, wasn't it, boys?"

"Not mor 'n that, sir. "

"What was he after?"

"Well, we got sorter dry after that las' scrimmage, an' Jack here saidhe reckoned thar'd be something ter drink down stairs; he contended thatmost o' these yer ol' houses had plenty o' good stuff hid away. FinallyBurke volunteered to go down, an' see what he could find. We was waitin'fer him to com' back. What's happened ter Burke, sir?"

"Knifed. "

"Killed! Burke killed! Who did it?"

"That is exactly what I should like to find out. There is some one inthis house masquerading in our uniform who must be insane. He killed aConfederate captain this morning, crushed in his skull with a revolverbutt, and now he has put a knife into Burke. Has any one come upthese steps?"

"Not a one, sir. "

"And I was at the head of the other stairs. Then he is hiding in thecellar yet. "

Suddenly I remembered that Billie was below exposed to danger; in thatsemi-darkness the murderous villain might creep upon her unobserved. The thought sent a cold chill to my heart, and I sprang down again tothe stone floor. 

"Three of you come down, and bring up the body, " I called back. "Thenwe'll hunt the devil. "

She had not left the lower step of the front stairs, but caught my handsas though the darkness, the dread uncertainty, had robbed her ofall reserve. 

"What is it?" she asked. "I do not understand what has happened. "

"The man you locked up has escaped, " I explained, holding her tightly tome, the very trembling of her figure yielding me courage. "I haven't theentire story, but this must be the way of it: One of the men on duty inthe kitchen came down here hunting for liquor. Either the prisonercalled to him, and got him to open the door, or else he took down thebar while searching. Anyway we found the door ajar, and thesoldier dead. "

"Then--then the--the other one is down here somewhere still, " coweringcloser against me, and staring about through the gloom. "Who--who arethose men?"

"Soldiers coming for Burke's body--he was the trooper killed. Don't beafraid, dear--I am here with you now. "

"Oh, I know; I would not be frightened, only it is all so horrible. Iam never afraid when I can see and understand what the danger is. You donot believe me a silly girl?"

"You are the one woman of my heart, Billie, " I whispered, bending untilmy lips brushed her ear. "Don't draw away, little girl. This is no timeto say such things, I know, but all our life together has been underfire. It is danger which has brought us to each other. "

"Oh, please, please don't. "

"Why? Are you not willing to hear me say 'I love you'?"

Her eyes lifted to mine for just an instant, and I felt the softpressure of her hand. 

"Not now; not here, " and she drew away from me slightly. "You cannotunderstand, but I feel as though I had no right to love. I bringmisfortune to every one. I cannot help thinking of Captain Le Gaire, andit seems as if his death was all my fault. I cannot bear to have you saythat now, here, " and she shuddered. "When we do not even know how he waskilled, or who killed him. It is not because I do not care, not that Iam indifferent. I hardly know myself. "

"Billie, " I broke in, "I do understand far better than you suppose. Thisaffair tests us both. But, dear, I do not know what five minutes maybring. We shall be attacked again; I expect the alarm every instant, andI may not come out alive. I must know first that you love me--know itfrom your own lips. "

She was silent, it seemed to me a long, long while. The three soldierswent by carrying the dead body, and Miles came to the foot of thestairs, saw us, and passed along without speaking. Outside was the dull, continuous roar of musketry, mingled with an occasional yell. Then sheheld out both hands, and looked me frankly in the face. 

"I am going to be honest, " she said softly. "I have loved you ever sincewe were at Jonesboro; I--love you now. "

I knew this before she spoke; had known it almost from the beginning, and yet her words, the message of her uplifted eyes, gave me a newconception of all love meant. A moment I gazed into the blue-gray depthswhere her heart was revealed, and then my arms were about her, and ourlips met. Surely no one ever received the gift of love in strangersituation. On the stairs leading down into that gloomy cellar where amurderer hid, his victim borne past as we talked; all about us silenceand gloom hiding a mysterious crime; above us the heavy feet of mentreading the echoing floor, and without the ceaseless roar of battle, volleying musketry, and hoarse shouting. Yet it was all forgotten--thefierce fighting of the past, the passions of war, the sudden death, thesurrounding peril--and we knew only we were together, alone, the wordsof love upon our lips. I felt the pressure of her arms, and crushed herto me, every nerve throbbing with delight. 

"Sweetheart, sweetheart, " I whispered, "you have kept me in doubt solong. "

"It has only been because I also doubted, " she answered, --"not my love, but my right to love. To a Hardy honor is everything, and I was bound byhonor. Dear, could you ever think a uniform made any difference?--it isthe man I love. " She drew gently back, holding me from her, and yet oureyes met. "But we must not remain here, thinking only of ourselves, whenthere is so much to be done. Remember what is down there, and whatscenes of horror surround us. You have work to do. "

The way in which she spoke aroused me as from a dream, yet with aquestion upon my lips. 

"Yes, " I said, "and we are in midst of war--in this are we yet enemies?"

"I am a Southerner, " smiling softly, "and I hope the South wins. Myfather is out yonder fighting, if he be not already down, and I would domy best to serve his cause. Do you care for me less because Iconfess this?"

"No. "

"But now, " she went on, more softly still, her words barely audible, "myheart is with you here; with you, because I love you. "

We both glanced up swiftly, startled by the sound of heavy steps in theupper hall. A man's head was thrust through the half-opened door at thetop of the stairs. Apparently he could not see any distance through thegloom, and I hailed him, although still retaining my clasp of thegirl's hand. 

"What is it, my man?"

"Sergeant Mahoney told me to find the lieutenant. "

"Well, you have; I am the one sought. What's happening?"

"They're a-comin', sorr, " his voice hoarse with excitement, and wavingone hand toward the front of the house, "an' thar's goin' ter be hellter pay this toime"

"You mean the gray-backs? From the front? What force?"

"Domn'd if Oi know; Oi wasn't seein' out thar--the sergeant told me. "

I could not leave Billie down there alone, nor the door open. Whoeverthe crazed assassin was, he must still remain somewhere in the cellar, watching for an opportunity to escape. But I was needed above to directthe defence. It seemed to me I thought of a thousand things in aninstant, --of my desire to clear up the mystery, of my orders to hold thehouse, of Willifred Hardy's danger, --and I had but the one instant inwhich to decide. The next I made my choice, at least until I coulddiscover the exact situation for myself. 

"Come, " I said soberly. 

I closed the door, and faced the trooper. 

"You remain here with the lady. Don't leave her for a moment except as Iorder. Keep your revolver drawn, and your eyes on that door. Do youunderstand?"

"Oi do, sorr. "

"She will explain what you are to guard against. I'll be back to you ina moment, Billie. "

I caught one glimpse out through the south windows as I passed the doorof the dining-room--moving troops covered the distance, half concealedunder clouds of smoke, but none were facing toward us. On the floor, behind the barricades, a dozen of my men were peering out along thebrown carbine barrels, eager and expectant, cartridges piled besidethem on the floor. At the front door I encountered Mahoney, so excitedhe could hardly talk. 

"What is it?" I questioned swiftly. "An attack in front?"

"It's the big guns, sorr; be gorry, they're goin' to shell us out, an'whar the hell was them reinforcemints, Oi'd loike to know!"

"So would I. If it's artillery we may as well hoist a white flag. Here, my lad, let me look. "

A glance was sufficient. Just within the gate, barely beyond reach ofour weapons, with a clear stretch of lawn between, was a battery of fourguns, already in position, the caissons at the rear, the cannoneerspointing the muzzles. Back of these grim dogs was a supporting column ofinfantry, leaning on their muskets. There was no doubting what wasmeant. Angered by loss, Chambers had dragged these commands out of thebattle to wipe us clean. He was taking no more chances--now he wouldblow the house into bits, and bury us in the ruins. What should I do?What ought I to do? The entire burden of decision was mine. Must Isacrifice these men who had already fought so desperately? Should Iexpose Billie to almost certain death? Surely we had done our full duty;we had held the house for hours, driving back two fierce assaults. Thefault was not ours, but those laggards out yonder. I would tell Mahoneyand Miles I was going to put out a white flag; that further resistancewas useless. Miles! With remembrance of the name I recalled where theman was--down below searching for the murderer. I sprang back, passingBillie and her guard, and flung open the door. 

"Miles, " I cried into the silent darkness, "we need you up here atonce. "

There was just a moment of tense waiting, and then a gruff voicesounding afar off, "I can't, sir, I've got him. "

CHAPTER XXVI

THE LAST STAND

I had no time to answer, no opportunity to even realize what was meant. There was a fiendish roar, a crash that shook the house to its veryfoundations, sending us staggering back against the walls. I remembergripping Billie closely, and seeing her white face, even as I warded offwith uplifted arm the falling plaster. The soldier was on his knees, grovelling with face against the floor. A great jagged hole appeared inthe opposite wall, and I could see daylight through it. My ears roared, my brain reeled. 

"Lie down, " I cried, forcing her to the floor. "Both of you lie down!"

"And you--you!"

I caught a glimpse of her eyes staring up at me, her arms uplifted. 

"I am going to stop this, " I answered, "and you must stay here. "

I stumbled over the rubbish, with but one thought driving me--thedining-room table, its white cloth, and the possibility of gettingoutside before those deadly guns could be discharged again. I knew thehouse was already in ruins, tottering, with huge gaping holes ripped inits sides; that dead men littered the floor; and the walls threatened tofall and bury us. Another round would complete the horror, would crushus into dust. I gripped the cloth, jerking it from the table, stumblingblindly toward the nearest glare of light. There was a pile of shatteredfurniture in the way, and I tore a path through, hurling the fragmentsto left and right. I smelt the fumes of powder, the odor of plaster, andheard groans and cries. The sharp barking of carbines echoed to me, anda wild yell rose without. There were others living in the room; I wasaware of their voices, of the movement of forms. Yet all was chaos, bewildering confusion. I had but the single thought, could conceive onlythe one thing. I was outside, gripping the white cloth, clinging withone hand to the shattered casing. Some one called, but the words diedout in the roar of musketry. The flame of carbines seemed in my veryface, the crack of revolvers at my ears. Then a hand jerked me back headfirst into the debris. I staggered to my knees, only to hearMahoney shout, "They're coomin', lads, they're coomin'! Howly Mary, we've got 'em now!"

"Who's coming?"

"Our own fellars, sorr! They're risin' out o' the groun' yonder loikeso many rats. Here they are, byes! Now ter hell wid 'em!"

His words flashed the whole situation back to my consciousness. Thehouse still stood, wrecked by cannon, but yet a protection. To the leftour troops were swarming out of the ravine, and forming for a charge, while in front, under the concealment of the smoke, believing us alreadyhelpless, the Confederate infantry were rushing forward to completetheir work of destruction. We must hold out now, five minutes, tenminutes, if necessary. I got to my feet, gripping a carbine. I knew notif I had a dozen men behind me, but the fighting spirit had come again. 

"To the openings, men! To the openings!" I shouted. "Beat them back!"

I heard the rush of feet, the shout of hoarse voices, the crash offurniture flung aside. Bullets from some firing line chugged into thewall; the room was obscured by smoke, noisy with the sharp report ofguns. I could dimly see the figures of men struggling forward, and Ialso made for the nearest light, stumbling over the debris. But we weretoo late. Already the gray mass were upon the veranda, battering in thedoor, clambering through the windows, dashing recklessly at every holecleft by the plunging shells. Rifles flared in our faces; steelflashed, as blade or bayonet caught the glare; clubbed muskets fell insweep of death; and men, maddened by the fierce passion of war, pushedand hacked their way against our feeble defence, hurling us back, stumbling, fighting, cursing, until they also gained foothold with us onthe bloody floor. The memory of it is but hellish delirium, arecollection of fiends battling in a strange glare, amid stifling smoke, their faces distorted with passion, their muscles strained to theuttermost, their only desire to kill. Uniform, organization, were alikeblotted out; we scarcely recognized friend or foe; shoulder to shoulder, back to back we fought with whatever weapon came to hand. I heard thecrack of rifles; saw the leaping flames of discharge, the dazzle ofplunging steel, the downward sweep of musket stocks. There were crash ofblows, the thud of falling bodies, cries of agony, and yells ofexultation. I was hurled back across the table by the rush, yet fellupon my feet. The room seemed filled with dead men; I stepped upon themas I struggled for the door. There were others with me--who, or howmany, I knew not. They were but grim, battling demons, striking, gouging, firing. I saw the gleam of knives, the gripping of fingers, themad outshooting of fists. I was a part of it, and yet hardly realizedwhat I was doing. I had lost all consciousness save the desire tostrike. I know I shouted orders into the din, driving my carbine atevery face fronting me; I know others came through the smoke cloud, andwe hurled them back, fairly cleaving a lane through them to the halldoor. I recall stumbling over dead bodies, of having a wounded manclutch at my legs, of facing that mob with whirling gun stock until thelast fugitive was safely behind me, and then being hurled back againstthe wall by sudden rush. 

How I got there I cannot tell, but I was in the hall, my clothing a massof rags, my body aching from head to foot, and still struggling. Aboutme were men, my own men--pressed together back to back, meeting as bestthey could the tide pouring against them from two sides. Remorselesslythey hurled us back, those behind pushing the front ranks into us. Wefought with fingers, fists, clubbed revolvers, paving the floor withbodies, yet inch by inch were compelled to give way, our little circlenarrowing, and wedged tighter against the wall. Mahoney had made thestairs, and fought there like a demon until some one shot him down. Isaw three men lift the great log which had barricaded the door, and hurlit crashing against the gray mass. But nothing could stop them. I feltwithin me the strength of ten men; the carbine stock shattered, I swungthe iron barrel, striking until it bent in my hands. I was dazed by ablow in the face, blood trickled into my eyes where a bullet had grazedmy forehead, one shoulder smarted as though burned by fire, yet it neveroccurred to me to cease fighting. Again and again the men rallied to mycall, devils incarnate now, only to have their formation shattered bynumbers. We went back, back, inch by inch, slipping in blood, fallingover our own dead, until we were pinned against the wall. How many wereon their feet then I shall never know, but I was in the narrow passagebeside the stairs alone. Out of the clangor and confusion, the yells andoaths, there came a memory of Billie. My God! I had forgotten! and shewas there, crouching in the blackness, not five feet away. The thoughtgave me the reckless strength of insanity. My feet were upon a rubbishheap of plaster, where a shell had shaken the ceiling to the floor. Itgave me vantage, a height from which to strike. Never again will I fightas I did then. Twice they came, and I beat them back, the iron clubsweeping a death circle. Somewhere out from the murk two men joined me, one with barking revolver, the other with gleam of steel; together weblocked the passage. Some one on the stairs above reached over, strikingwith his gun, and the man at my right went down. I caught a glimpse ofthe other's face--it was Miles. Then, behind us, about us, rose a cheer;something sent me reeling over against the wall, striking it with myhead, and I lost consciousness. 

I doubt if to exceed a minute elapsed before I was able to lift my headsufficiently to see about me. Across my body sprang a Federal officer, and behind him pressed a surging mass of blue-clad men. They trod on meas though I were dead, sweeping their way forward with plunging steel. Others poured out of the parlor, and fought their way in through theshattered front door. It was over so quickly as to seem a dream--just ablue cloud, a cheer, a dozen shots, those heavy feet crunching me, theflicker of weapons, a shouted order, and then the hall was swept bare ofthe living, and we lay there motionless under the clouds of smoke. Theswift reaction left me weak as a child, yet conscious, able to realizeall within range of my vision. My fingers still gripped the carbinebarrel, and dripping blood half blinded me. Between where I lay and thefoot of the stairs were bodies heaped together, dead and motionless mostof them, but with here and there a wounded man struggling to extricatehimself. They were clad in gray and blue, but with clothing so torn, soblackened by powder, or reddened by blood, as to be almostindistinguishable. The walls were jabbed and cut, the stair-railbroken, the chandelier crushed into fragments. Somehow my heart seemedto rise up into my throat and choke me--we had accomplished it! We hadheld the house! Whether for death or life, we had performed our duty. 

I could hear the echoing noises without; above the moans and cries, nearer at hand, and even drowning the deep roar of the guns, sounded thesturdy Northern cheers. They were driving them, and after the fight, those same lads would come back, tender as women, and care for us. Itwas not so bad within, now the smoke was drifting away, and nothingreally hurt me except my shoulder. It was the body lying half across methat held me prone, and I struggled vainly to roll it to one side. But Ihad no strength, and the effort was vain. The pain made me writhe andmoan, my face beaded with perspiration. A wounded man lifted his armfrom out a tangled heap of dead, and fired a revolver up into theceiling; I saw the bullet tear through the plaster, and the hand sinkback nerveless, the fingers dropping the weapon. The sounds of battlewere dying away to the eastward; I could distinguish the volleys ofmusketry from the roar of the big guns. I worked my head about, littleby little, until I was able to see the face of the man lying across me. It was ghastly white, except where blood discolored his cheek, and Istared without recognition. Then I knew he must be Miles. Oh, yes, Iremembered; he had come up at the very last, he and another man, and onehad been knocked down when the stair-rail broke. I wondered how theycame to be there; who the other man was. I felt sorry for Miles, sorryfor that girl back in Illinois he had told me about. I reached back andtouched his hand--it felt warm still, and, in some manner, I got myfingers upon his pulse. It beat feebly. Then he was not dead--not dead!Perhaps if I could get up, get him turned over, it might save his life. The thought brought me strength. Here was something worthy the effort--and I made it, gritting my teeth grimly to the pain, and bracing myhands against the wall. Once I had to stop, faint and sick, everythingabout swimming in mist; then I made the supreme effort, and turned over, my back against the wall, and Miles' ghastly face in my lap. I satstaring at it, half demented, utterly helpless to do more, my own bodythrobbing with a thousand agonies. Some poor devil shrieked, and Itrembled and shook as though lashed by a whip. Then a hand fell softlyon my forehead, and I looked up dizzily, half believing it a dream, intoBillie's eyes. She was upon her knees beside me, her unbound hairsweeping to the floor, her face as white as the sergeant's. 

"And you live?--you live!" she cried, as though doubting her own eyes. "O God, I thank you!"

CHAPTER XXXVII

THE MYSTERY SOLVED

It was impossible for me to speak. Twice I endeavored, but no sound camefrom my parched lips, and I think my eyes must have filled with tears, her dear face was so blurred and indistinct. She must have understood, for she drew my head down upon her shoulder, pressing back the mattedhair with one hand. 

"My poor boy!" she whispered sobbingly. "My poor boy!"

"And you--you are injured?" I managed to ask with supreme effort. 

"No, not physically--but the horror of it; the thought of you in midstof that awful fighting! Oh, I never knew before what fiends men canbecome. This has taught me to hate war, " and she hid her face against mycheek. "I was in that dark corner against the wall; I saw nothing, yetcould not stop my ears. But this sight sickens me. I--I stood thereholding onto the rail staring at all those dead bodies, believing youto be among them. I thought I should go mad, and then--then I saw you. "

Her words--wild, almost incoherent--aroused me to new strength ofpurpose. To remain idle there, amid such surroundings, would wreck thegirl's reason. 

"It was a desperate struggle, lass, " I said, "but there are living menhere as well as dead, and they need help. Draw this man off me, so I cansit up against the wall. Don't be afraid, dear; that is Miles, and he isyet alive. I felt his pulse a moment ago, and it was still beating. "

She shrank from the grewsome task, her hands trembling, her face white, yet she drew the heavy body back, resting the head upon the pile ofplaster. The next moment her arms were about me, and I sat up supportedby her shoulder. Even this slight movement caused me to clinch my teethin agony, and she cried out, "You are hurt? Tell me the truth!"

"My shoulder and side pain me, " I admitted, "but they are nothing toworry over. Can you find water?"

"Yes, " eager now for action. She was gone not to exceed a minute, returning with a pail and cloth, and dropping again on her knees, beganbathing my face. 

"It is a charnel house, with dead lying everywhere. I had to step acrosstheir bodies to get to the kitchen, and stopped to give one poorwounded lad a drink. Oh, I never can blot this scene out; it will hauntme in my dreams. " Tears were in her eyes, and stealing down her cheeks, but there was no faltering. Softly she bathed the wound on my head, andbound it up. Then she kissed me. "Will they never come to help us?" shecried, lifting her eyes from mine. "Hear that man yonder groan. What canI do, Robert? I cannot sit still here!"

"Try to revive Miles, " I suggested, pointing to him. "You heard what hereplied when I called him just before the charge. He had caught themurderer, and, if he dies, we may never know the man's identity. Here, Billie, take this cloth and sprinkle water on his face. Don't mind meany more; I am all right now. "

She started to do as I requested but had scarcely dampened the rag whena man came in through the wrecked door, picked his way forward a coupleof steps, and stopped, staring about at the scene. Behind him were otherfigures blocking the entrance. Apparently we were indistinguishable fromwhere he stood, for he called out, "Is there any one alive here?"

I heard a weak response or two, and then answered, "A few, yes--backhere behind the stairs. "

He moved to one side, shading his eyes with one hand so as to seebetter. I could tell now he wore the uniform of a Federal officer, butwas unable to distinguish his rank. The sight of the girl, standing inthe midst of all that horror, her loosened hair falling below her waist, evidently startled him. An instant he stared toward us incredulously;then removed his hat. 

"Who are you?"

"I am Lieutenant Galesworth, " I answered, although his question wasdirected to her. "And this lady is Miss Hardy, the daughter of MajorHardy of the Confederate army. "

"This, I believe, was the Hardy plantation?"

"Yes--she was present throughout the fight. "

"I understand. By all the gods, I thought I had gone crazy when I firstsaw her. A woman in such a scene as this seemed impossible. Here, men, quick now, " and he turned to his following, pointing. "There wereseveral voices answered among those lying there. Place the dead againstthe wall, and, " glancing through the doorway beside him, "carry thewounded into the parlor. Corporal, you and one man come with me. "

He stepped across carefully, picking a way between the bodies. 

"Galesworth, did you say? Then you were in command here?"

I bowed, feeling as I did so that Billie had slipped her hand into mine. 

"Great fight you made, " he went on warmly. "Perfect shambles, outsidethe house as well as in. Nothing like it in my experience. I am DoctorMcFarlan, Surgeon Medical Corps. Much hurt yourself?"

"Nothing serious, I think, Doctor. Shoulder and side pain some, but Iwant you to look at this fellow. He was my sergeant, and seems tobe alive. "

The shrewd gray eyes surveyed us quizzically. 

"Exactly, I see, " he replied. "Love and war--the old story. Ah! thatbrought a little red into your cheeks, my girl. Well, it's good for you. Which is the man?--this one? Here, Corporal, lift his head, and you, Jones, bring me the water; easy now. "

I drew her closer to me, our eyes on the surgeon and Miles. The formerworked with swift professionalism, forgetful of all else in his task, yet commenting audibly. 

"Ah, a bad blow, a bad blow; however, skull intact; concussion merely. Bullet wound right chest--must probe for it later; right arm broken; notlikely to see any more of this war. Live? Of course he'll live, so faras I can see. Tough as a knot--country stock, and that's the best kind;constitution pull him through. More water, Jones; that's it, mylad--yes, you're all right now, and among friends. Lift him up higher, Corporal. Do you begin to see things?--know that man over there?"

Miles looked at me dully, but slowly the light of returning intelligencecame into his eyes. 

"The lieutenant?" he asked weakly, "the lieutenant?"

"Yes, Sergeant, " I replied eagerly, "we're both here, but we're aboutall there is left. "

"Did they come, sir? Did our boys get here?"

"Did they!" broke in the surgeon, his face glowing. "It was like beesout of a hive the way they came up from that ravine. The lads had beenheld back until they were mad clear through. The moment they saw whatwas going on they broke for the house; never waited for orders, orformation--just made a run for it. I guess they didn't get here any toosoon either. Well, that's all I can do for you now, son. Jones, you stayhere until I come back--you know what to do. "

Miles' eyes followed him; then he looked at the dead bodies, shuddering, his hands to his face. When he took them down again heseemed to see Billie for the first time. 

"You--you here, Miss! Oh, I remember now; it had been knocked plum outo' me. Did he get away?"

"Who?"

"That feller who knifed Burke. I had him all right, sir, back in thecoal cellar. He'd crawled away there into one corner, an' it was dark ashell--beg your pardon, Miss. " The sergeant sank back against Jones'shoulder, and the man wet his lips with water. "I couldn't see only themere outline of him, and didn't dare crawl in, for I knew he had aknife. All I could do was cover him with a gun, an' try to make him comeout. That's what I was up to when you called. Damned if I knew what todo then--there was some racket up stairs, let me tell you, an' I knewthere was a devil of a fight goin' on. I wanted to be in it the worstway, but I couldn't find it in my heart to let that devil loose again. Finally I got desperate, an' grabbed him by the leg, an' hauled him out, spittin' and fightin' like a cat. He cut me once, before I got a grip onhis wrist, an' my gun shoved against him. Then he went weak as a rag. But I wan't thinkin' much except about the fracas up stairs--the boyscatchin' hell, an' me not with 'em. So I didn't fool long with thatfeller. I just naturally yanked him 'long with me up stairs into thekitchen, an' flung him down against the wall. I got one glance out intothe hall, an' didn't care no more what become o' him. You was facin' thewhole mob of 'em, swingin' a gun barrel, an' I knew where I belonged. But damned if that feller didn't startle me. He was up like a flash tohis feet, an' I thought he was trying to get me. But he wasn't. When Irun to you, he wasn't two steps behind, an' may I be jiggered, sir, ifhe didn't jump in there on your right, an' fight like a wild man. That'sall I saw, just the first glimpse. He sure went into it all right, but Idon't know how he come out. "

"Well, I do; I happened to see that myself, though I hardly know how. Hewas clubbed with a musket from the stairs. The man who hit him fell whenthe railing broke. The two of them must be lying over there now. Who washe, Miles? Did you know him?"

The sergeant wiped the perspiration from his face with his sleeve, andJones moistened his lips again. I felt Billie's grasp tighten, and herhair brush my cheek. 

"Well, I thought I did, sir, " he admitted at last, but as though notwholly convinced, "only I don't like to say till you have a look at thelad. He was dead game anyhow, I'll say that for him, an' I don't feeljust sure. I never got eyes on him in daylight, an' when I yanked himout o' the coal hole he was mostly black. Maybe that's him overthere, sir. "

The hospital squad had cleared out much of the front hall, but had notreached the plaster pile where we had made our last stand. Those thatwere left were mostly clad in gray, but over against the stairs, one legand arm showing, was a blue uniform. The hospital men came back, and Icalled to them, "Sergeant, there is one of our men lying in that pile. Will you lift himup so I can see the face?"

This was the work of a moment only, and for an instant no one spoke. Disfigured as the face was, blackened and bloody, there could be nomistake in identity--it was that of Charles Le Gaire. 

"Why--why, " exclaimed Billie, thunderstruck. "I know him, but I cannotremember. Who is the man?"

It was all clear enough to me now; I only wondered at not suspecting thetruth before. After guiding us up the ravine he had not returned tocamp, but remained, intent on revenge, feeling that this was anopportunity for vengeance which would insure his own safety. Yet she didnot know, did not understand, and it must all be explained to her. Miles broke in impatiently. 

"Ain't it the same nigger, sir, what brought us up here?"

"Yes, " I said, but with my eyes on the girl's face. "Billie, listen, dear. The man was Le Gaire's servant, his slave, but also his son. Hewas here with his master, but you never knew of the real relationshipbetween them. The boy was our guide last night, and he told me hisstory--of how justly he hated Le Gaire. Shall I tell it to you now, orwait? The doctor is coming. "

She glanced from my face up into that of the approaching surgeon. Thehospital squad, at the nod of command, were bearing the body downthe hall. 

"Tell me now. "

"It will require but a moment, dear. It was because this Charles LeGaire had lived here that I asked for him as a guide. He agreed to comeas far as the end of the ravine only, as he did not wish to berecognized. Then he disappeared, and, I supposed, returned to camp. Instead, he evidently stole into the house. He was Captain Le Gaire'sson by a slave mother. Bell told me later that the mother was sent backinto the fields, and died as a result. That would account for the hatethe boy felt against the father. "

"How--how old was he?" her trembling lips white. 

"Not over eighteen. "

Billie hid her face on my shoulder, sobbing silently. A moment thesurgeon stood looking down at us compassionately. 

"I am going to have both you and your sergeant taken up stairs, " he saidat last. "Come, Miss Hardy, you have no right to break down now. "

CHAPTER XXXVIII

THE COMING OF THE NIGHT

It was sundown, and silent without, except for voices and the constantmovement of men. The din of battle, the roar of guns, had ceased, andeverywhere gleamed the light of fires where the tired commands rested. The house stood, shattered but stanch, great gaping holes in its side, the front a mere wreck, the lower rooms in disorder, with windowssmashed, and pools of hardening blood staining the floors. Appearingfrom without a ruin, it yet afforded shelter to the wounded. 

I had had my own wounds washed and cared for. They were numerous enoughand painful--an ugly slash in the side, a broken rib, the crease of abullet across the temple, and a shoulder crushed by a terrific blow, together with minor bruises from head to heels--and yet none to beconsidered serious. They had carried me up the shattered stairs to herroom, and I lay there bolstered up by soft pillows, and between cleansheets, my eyes, feverish and wide-awake, seeking out the many littlethings belonging to her scattered about, ever reminded of what hadoccurred, and why I was there, by my own ragged, stained uniform leftlying upon a chair. I could look far away out of the northern windowfrom where I rested, could see the black specks of moving columns oftroops beyond the orchard, the vista extending as far as the log church, including a glimpse of the white pike. The faint odor of near-bycamp-fires reached my nostrils, and the murmur of voices was wafted tome on the slight breeze. Some lad was singing not far away, although thewords could not be distinguished, and from the farther distance soundedclearly a cavalry bugle. I could hardly realize, hardly comprehend whatit all meant. It hurt me to move, and the fever made me half delirious. I fingered the soft, white sheets almost with awe, and the pillowsseemed hot and smothering. Every apartment in the house held its quotaof wounded, and down below the busy surgeons had transformed the parlorinto an operating room. In spite of my closed door I could overhearoccasionally a cry of pain. 

Yet I was only conscious of wanting one presence--Billie. I could notunderstand where she had gone, why she had left me. She had been there, over in the far corner, her face hidden in her hands, when the surgeonprobed my wounds. She had been beside me when he went out, her softhand brushing back my hair. I remembered looking up at her, and seeingtears in the gray-blue eyes. Then some one had come to the door, and, after speaking, she came back to me, kissed me, said something softly, and went out, leaving me alone. I could not recall what it was she said. That must have been an hour, maybe two hours, ago, for it was alreadygrowing dusk. I do not know whether I thought or dreamed, but I seemedto live over again all the events of the past few days. Every incidentcame before me in vividness of coloring, causing my nerves to throb. Iwas riding with Billie through the early morning, and seeing her facefor the first time with the sunlight reflected in her smiling eyes; Iwas facing Grant, receiving orders; I was struggling with Le Gaire, hisolive face vindictive and cruel; I was with Billie again, hearing hervoice, tantalized by her coquetry; then I was searching for Le Gaire'smurderer, and in the fight, slashing madly at the faces fronting me. Itmust have been delirium, the wild fantasy of fever, for it was all soreal, leaving me staring about half crazed, every nerve throbbing. ThenI sank back dazed and tired, sobbing from the reaction, all lifeapparently departed from the brain. I could not realize where I was, orhow I got there, and a memory of mother came gliding in to takeBillie's place. I was in the old room at home, the old room with the oaktree before the window, and father's picture upon the wall at the footof the bed. I thought it was mother when she came in, and it was thetouch of mother's hand that fell so soft and tender upon my temple, soothing the hot pain. Gradually the mists seemed to drift away, and Isaw the gray-blue eyes, and Billie. 

She was kneeling there beside me clasping one of my hands, and shelooked so happy, the old, girlish smile upon her lips. 

"You have been away so long, " I began petulantly, but she interrupted, "No, dear, scarcely fifteen minutes, and I have had such good news. Ihurried back just to share it with you. The doctor says you are going toget well, that all you need is nursing, and--and I have heardfrom father. "

I looked at her, dimly understanding, and beginning to reflect her ownhappiness. 

"How did you hear? Is he a prisoner?"

"Oh, no! Could I be happy under those conditions? He is unhurt, and hassent for me. General Johnston despatched an officer through the lineswith a flag of truce. He was brought here, and that was why I left you. He had a letter for me, and authority to conduct me back to thegeneral's headquarters. Was not that thoughtful of them?"

"Yes, " I answered wearily, clinging to her hand, "and--and you are goingnow? You came to say good-bye?"

"You poor boy, do you really think that? Shall I tell you what message Isent back?"

My face must have answered, for she lowered her head until her cheekrested against mine, her eyes hidden. 

"I--I said I would stay here with my soldier. "

I was still a long while it seemed to me, our hands clasped, our cheekspressing. I could feel her soft breath, and the strands of her hair. 

"Billie, there is no regret, no doubt any more?" I asked falteringly. "It is all love for me?"

"All love, " she answered, moving just enough so that our eyes met. "Youare my world forever. "

"And that uniform yonder--it is no barrier, dear? I am still a Federalofficer. "

She glanced at the rags, and then back into my face. 

"Sweetheart, " she whispered gently, "I can be loyal to the South, and toyou also--you must be content with that. "

Content! It was as though everything else had been forgotten, blottedout. It was almost dark now, and far away the camp-fires blazed red andyellow among the trees. I lay there, gazing out through the open window, her rounded arm under my head, her cheek still pressed tightly againstmine. My nerves no longer throbbed, my veins no longer pulsed withfever. She never moved; just held me there against her, and in thesilence I fell asleep. 

THE END