"If that is so," said Mr. Baron, majestically, "Lieutenant Whately
proves that our brave men are not far off, either, and the way he
chased some of them shows how all the vile invaders will eventually
be driven out of the country. Be vigilant, Perkins, and let it be
understood at the quarters that Lieutenant Whately is within call."

The overseer bowed awkwardly and limped away. His lameness had
secured him immunity from military duty.

"Ah, that's a man for you," said Mr. Baron, glaring at his niece.
"Your cousin is a true scion of Southern chivalry. That is the kind
of a man you do not know whether you wish to marry or not--a brave
defender of our hearths and liberties."

"If he wishes to marry me against my will, he's not a defender of my
liberty," retorted the girl.

"If you had the spirit which should be your birthright your eyes
would flash with joy at the prospect of seeing a hero who could thus
chase your enemies from our soil. If you could only have seen him in
his headlong--"

"I did see him."

"What!"

"I saw Cousin Madison leading a dozen or more men in pursuit of half
a dozen. That does not strike me as sublimely heroic."