“Well, these are lurid times.  I dreaded the thing enough, but now that it has come so unexpectedly, it is far worse—­But enough of this.  Mr. Merwyn, are you willing to take the risks that I shall?”

“Yes, on condition that I save you unnecessary risks.”

“Oh what a fool I’ve been!” Marian exclaimed, with one of her expressive gestures.

“Mr. Vosburgh,” said Merwyn, “there is one duty which I feel I ought to perform first of all.  Mrs. Ghegan, your old waitress, should be taken to her husband.”

“What!  Barney?  What has happened to him?”

“I fear he is dead.  I disguised myself as you see—­”

“Yes, sensibly.  No well-dressed man is safe on some streets.”

“Certainly not where I’ve been.  I determined to learn the character of the mob, and I have mingled among them all the morning.  I saw the invalid corps put to flight instantly, and the fight with a handful of police that followed.  I looked on, for to take part was to risk life and means of knowledge uselessly.  The savage, murderous spirit shown on every side also proved that your household might be in danger while you were absent.  The police fought bravely and vainly.  They were overpowered as a matter of course, and yet the police will prove the city’s chief defence.  When I saw Barney running and fighting heroically for his life, I couldn’t remain spectator any longer, but before I could reach him he was prostrate, senseless, and nearly stripped.  With my revolver and a little persuasion I secured his body, and took it to a hospital.  A surgeon thought he was dead.  I don’t know, but that his wife should be informed and go to him seems only common humanity.”

“Well, Merwyn, I don’t know,” said Mr. Vosburgh, dubiously; “we are in the midst of a great battle, and when one is down—­Well, the cause must be first, you know.  Whether this is a part of the rebellion or not, it will soon be utilized by the Confederate leaders.  What I say of Barney I would say of myself and mine,—­all private considerations must give—­”

“I understand,” interrupted Merwyn, impatiently.  “But in taking Mrs. Ghegan across town I could see and learn as much as if alone, and she would even be a protection to me.  In getting information one will have to use every subterfuge.  I think nothing will be lost by this act.  From the hospital I will go direct to police headquarters, and stipulate as to my service,—­for I shall serve in my own way,—­and then, if there is no pressing duty, I will report to you again.”

Mr. Vosburgh sprung up and wrung the young fellow’s hand as he said:  “We have done you great wrong.  I, too, beg your pardon.  But more than all the city to me is my duty to the general government.  To a certain extent I must keep aloof from the actual scenes of violence, or I fail my employers and risk vast interests.  If consistently with your ideas of duty you can aid me now, I shall be more grateful than if you saved my life.  Information now may be vital to the nation’s safety.  You may find me at police headquarters an hour or two hence.”