“A foraging party; they went west; we have the bridge guarded.”

“Beauregard’s advance may hurry Johnston,” I continued, eager to draw out of him some information of value.  “How came he to move without orders?”

“He concluded so wide a gap was dangerous, and that Johnston’s despatch-carriers must have been unable to get through, so he began feeling his way east.  The orders Billie brought will undoubtedly hurry the advance.”

“They have gone forward then?”

“Certainly—­I sent a man with them at once.”

I shot an inquiring glance toward her, but she had found a seat at the table, and was toying idly with a spoon, her eyes cast down.

“And Beauregard is marching along this road, I presume?”

“No; back behind the hills where he runs no risk of being seen by any prowling Yankee scouts.  We are in advance on the left flank.”

I understood the movement clearly enough now, and realized the importance of getting this news to our headquarters.  A swift advance of troops would throw a column between these two forces of Confederates, and hold them apart for separate battle.  But there was no time for delay.  Le Gaire failed to comprehend my anxious glance out the open window.

“We all better be at it,” he said quickly.  “By the way, with that cavalry uniform you ought to have a horse.  We’re leading one with Yankee accoutrements you can use.  Come on, Slade.  Miss Hardy, I hope to see you at your own home in a few days.”

He bowed, hat in hand, the girl rising to her feet, as the sergeant left the room.  She did not smile, her eyes flashing from his face to mine.

“I may remain here until the armies leave this section,” she replied quietly.  “There is too much risk in travelling alone.”

“You might ride with us,” he suggested gallantly.  She shook her head, her lips smiling.

“I think I better not.”

“Does that mean you are still angry?”

“I didn’t know I had been, Captain.  Perhaps I spoke rather hastily, but you must forgive that.”

Her hand was extended, and he came a step back from the door to grasp it, and lift the fingers to his lips.  With a fierce throbbing of the heart I turned my back to them, staring out the window.  There was a low murmur of voices, and then the door clicked.  I never moved, watching Le Gaire go down the steps, his men swing into their saddles, at a sharp order, and ride away in column of fours.  When they had all disappeared a single horse remained, tied to the railing of the veranda.  I turned about, and picked up my hat from the floor.  Miss Hardy was seated again at the table, her head resting upon one hand.  I could see the round, white arm where the sleeve fell away, and her cheeks were flushed.  She did not lift her eyes at my movement, and, half angry at her studied indifference, I advanced straight toward the door.  But there I hesitated, unable to part without at least another word.  She was looking at me now.