“This, I believe, was the Hardy plantation?”

“Yes—­she was present throughout the fight.”

“I understand.  By all the gods, I thought I had gone crazy when I first saw her.  A woman in such a scene as this seemed impossible.  Here, men, quick now,” and he turned to his following, pointing.  “There were several voices answered among those lying there.  Place the dead against the wall, and,” glancing through the doorway beside him, “carry the wounded into the parlor.  Corporal, you and one man come with me.”

He stepped across carefully, picking a way between the bodies.

“Galesworth, did you say?  Then you were in command here?”

I bowed, feeling as I did so that Billie had slipped her hand into mine.

“Great fight you made,” he went on warmly.  “Perfect shambles, outside the house as well as in.  Nothing like it in my experience.  I am Doctor McFarlan, Surgeon Medical Corps.  Much hurt yourself?”

“Nothing serious, I think, Doctor.  Shoulder and side pain some, but I want you to look at this fellow.  He was my sergeant, and seems to be alive.”

The shrewd gray eyes surveyed us quizzically.

“Exactly, I see,” he replied.  “Love and war—­the old story.  Ah! that brought a little red into your cheeks, my girl.  Well, it’s good for you.  Which is the man?—­this one?  Here, Corporal, lift his head, and you, Jones, bring me the water; easy now.”

I drew her closer to me, our eyes on the surgeon and Miles.  The former worked with swift professionalism, forgetful of all else in his task, yet commenting audibly.

“Ah, a bad blow, a bad blow; however, skull intact; concussion merely.  Bullet wound right chest—­must probe for it later; right arm broken; not likely to see any more of this war.  Live?  Of course he’ll live, so far as I can see.  Tough as a knot—­country stock, and that’s the best kind; constitution pull him through.  More water, Jones; that’s it, my lad—­yes, you’re all right now, and among friends.  Lift him up higher, Corporal.  Do you begin to see things?—­know that man over there?”

Miles looked at me dully, but slowly the light of returning intelligence came into his eyes.

“The lieutenant?” he asked weakly, “the lieutenant?”

“Yes, Sergeant,” I replied eagerly, “we’re both here, but we’re about all there is left.”

“Did they come, sir?  Did our boys get here?”

“Did they!” broke in the surgeon, his face glowing.  “It was like bees out of a hive the way they came up from that ravine.  The lads had been held back until they were mad clear through.  The moment they saw what was going on they broke for the house; never waited for orders, or formation—­just made a run for it.  I guess they didn’t get here any too soon either.  Well, that’s all I can do for you now, son.  Jones, you stay here until I come back—­you know what to do.”

Miles’ eyes followed him; then he looked at the dead bodies, shuddering, his hands to his face.  When he took them down again he seemed to see Billie for the first time.