sketches of their instructors.  As the country passed into deeper and stronger excitement over the prospect of secession and its consequences, he was among the first to catch the military spirit and to take an active part in the formation of a little company among the students.  It was not his disposition to be excited merely because others were.  Certain qualities of mind led him to look beneath the surface for the causes of national commotion.  He read carefully the utterances of leaders, North and South, and to some extent traced back their views and animating spirit to historical sources.

In the year of ’63 he found to his joy that he had attained such physical proportions as would secure his acceptance in a cavalry regiment forming in his vicinity.  His uncle, who was also guardian, for reasons already known, made slight opposition, and he at once donned the blue with its bluff trimmings.  In camp and field he quickly learned the routine of duty, and then his daring, active temperament led him gradually into the scouting service.  Now, although so young, he was a veteran in experience, frank to friends, but secretive and ready to deceive the very elect among his enemies.  Few could take more risks than he, yet he had not a particle of Mad Whately’s recklessness.  Courage, but rarely impulse, controlled his action.  As we have seen, he could instantly stay his hand the second a deadly enemy, seeking his life in personal encounter, was disarmed.

The prospect of talking with such a host as Mr. Baron pleased him immensely.  He scarcely knew to whom he was indebted for the courtesy, but rightly surmised that it was Mrs. Whately, since she, with good reason, felt under obligations to him.  Even more than an adventurous scouting expedition he relished a situation full of humor, and such, his presence at Mr. Baron’s supper-table promised to be.  He knew his entertainment would be gall and wormwood to the old Bourbon and his wife, and that the courtesy had been wrung from them by his own forbearance.  It might be his only opportunity to see Miss Lou and suggest the liberty he had brought to her as well as to the slaves.

Mrs. Whately met him on the veranda and said politely, “Lieutenant Scoville, you have proved yourself to be a generous and forbearing enemy.  If you feel that you can meet frank enemies who wish to return courtesy with courtesy, we shall be glad to have you take supper with us.”

“Yes,” added Mr. Baron, “my sister has convinced me, somewhat against my will, I must in honesty admit, that such hospitality as we can offer under the circumstances is your due.”

“I appreciate the circumstances, Mr. Baron,” was the grave reply, “and honor the Southern trait which is so strong that even I can receive the benefit of it.  Your courtesy, madam, will put me at ease.”