charming a guide, madam, and I can assure you I shall most gladly do my
part toward the success of the expedition. The Major was expected back
before this, I believe?"

"He left word that if he had not returned by twelve I was to wait for
him no longer, as he should go directly to his quarters. I find the
life of a soldier to be extremely uncertain."

"We are our country's servants, madam," he replied proudly, and then
taking out a pad of blanks from his pocket, turned to me.

"May I ask your full name and rank, Colonel?"

"Patrick L. Curran, Colonel, Sixth Ohio Light Artillery."

He wrote it down rapidly, tore off the paper, and handed it to me.

"That will take you safely through our inner guard lines," he said
gravely, "that being as far as my jurisdiction extends. Good-night,
Colonel; good-night, Mrs. Brennan."

She smiled her good-bye to him, and placed a gloved hand confidingly on
my arm.

"I believe I recall the road and shall find no difficulty in guiding
you," she said. "At least we cannot go so very far astray."

How cool and self-possessed she appeared--no hurry, no outward
nervousness marred a single action. I felt my heart throb with new-born
pride of her as I marked the marvellous self-control which