it came at last and it was without dreams.



CHAPTER II

A COURIER TO THE SOUTH


Harry was awakened by his father shaking his shoulder. It was yet dark
outside, but a small lamp burned on his table.

"It is time for you to go, Harry," said Colonel Kenton, somewhat
unsteadily. "Your horse, bridle and saddle on, is waiting. Your
breakfast has been cooked for you, and everything else is ready."

Harry dressed rapidly in his heaviest and warmest clothing. He and his
father ate breakfast by lamplight, and when he finished it was not yet
dawn. Then the Colonel himself brought him his overcoat, comforter,
overshoes, and fur cap.

"The saddlebags are already on your horse," he said, "and they are
filled with the things you will need. In this pocket-book you will
find five hundred dollars, and here is, also, an order on a bank in
Charleston for more. See that you keep both money and order safely.
I trust to you to spend the money in the proper manner."

Harry put both in an inside pocket of his waistcoat, and then his father
handed him a heavy sealed letter.