at fault she was a Pierpont?"

"She is now in Richmond, sir, and the old plantation is but a ruin."

"War is indeed sad," he said slowly; "and I often feel that our
Southern women are compelled to bear the brunt of it. What heroines
they have proven! History records no equal to the daily sacrifices I
have witnessed in the past three years. God grant it may be soon
ended."

Then, as if suddenly moved by the impulse of the moment, he again
extended his hand.

"Well, lad," he said kindly, the same grave smile lighting his face,
"our country needs us. We must not waste time here in conversation. I
am very glad to have been permitted to meet the son of my old friend,
and trust you will remember me to your mother. But now good-bye,
Captain, and may He in whose hand we all are guide and guard you. I
know that a Wayne of Virginia will always do his duty."

Bareheaded and with proudly swelling heart I backed out of the tent as
I might have left the throne-room of an emperor, but as I grasped the
reins and swung up into saddle, I became conscious that he had followed
me. Craig flung up his hand in quick, soldierly salute, and then, with
a single rapid stride, the General stood at his horse's head.

"Sergeant," he said,--and I was struck by the incisive military tone of
his voice, so different from the gentleness shown within,--"I am
informed that you are intimately acquainted with the roads to the
westward."