months of separation, after dangers and terrors and privations which had
seemed as if they never would end.

Sally Ann was one of the first to interrupt, edging up at the earliest
opportunity with her beard in her hand. "How you does, Mars' Cary? How
you fine yo'sef, seh?"

"Why, hullo, Sally Ann!" said Cary, and put out his hand. "What on earth
is this thing?"

Virgie ran to his side and caught his hand in hers. "We were playing
'Blue Beard,' Daddy,--an' you came just like the brother."

"So you've been Blue Beard, have you, Sally Ann?--then I must have the
pleasure of cutting you into ribbons." Herbert Cary's shining saber
flashed half out of its scabbard and then, laughing, he slapped it back
with a clank.

"Sally Ann," he announced, "I'm going to turn you into Sister Anne for a
while. You run up to Miss Hallie's room and sit by the window where you
can watch the road and woods. If you see anything--soldiers, I mean--"

"Oh, Herbert!" cried his wife in anguish.

"S-s-sh!" he whispered. "Go along, Sally Ann. If you see anyone at all
report to me at once. Understand? Off with you!"

Uncle Billy now came forward in an effort to make his master's clothes
more presentable.