The man wheeled as if on a pivot, and disappeared.

"If Carter could only ride," began McDonald, but Travers interrupted
impatiently.

"If! But we all know he can't. Worst I ever saw, must have originally
been a sailor." He slowly refilled his pipe. "Now, see here, Dan,
it's your daughter that's to be looked after, and therefore I want you
to size this man up for yourself. I don't pretend to know anything
about him, only he looks like a soldier, and they must think well of
him at Union."

McDonald nodded, but without enthusiasm; then dropped his head into his
hands. In the silence a coyote howled mournfully not far away; then a
shadow appeared on the log step, the light of the candle flashing on a
row of buttons.

"This is the man, sir," said the orderly, and stood aside to permit the
other to enter.




CHAPTER II

"BRICK" HAMLIN

The two officers looked up with some eagerness, McDonald straightening
in his chair, and returning the cavalryman's salute instinctively, his