Mr. Vosburgh felt that, whatever happened, he must attend to his duties.  Therefore he went to headquarters and learned that the crisis of the insurrection had passed.  The Seventh Regiment was on duty, and other militia organizations were near at hand.

He also related briefly how he had been driven from his home on the previous night, and was told that policemen were in charge of the building.  Having received a permit to enter it, he sent his despatch to Washington, also a quieting telegram to his wife, assuring her that all danger was past.

Then he went to his abandoned home and looked sadly on the havoc that had been made.  Nearly all light articles of value had been carried away, and then, in a spirit of revenge, the rioters had destroyed and defaced nearly everything.  His desk had been broken, but the secret drawer remained undiscovered.  Having obtained his private papers, he left the place, and, as it was a rented house, resolved that he would not reside there again.

On his return to Merwyn’s home, the first one to greet him was Strahan, his face full of the deepest solicitude.

“I have just arrived,” he said.  “I first went to your house and was overwhelmed at seeing its condition; then I drove here and have only learned enough to make me anxious indeed.  O my accursed wound and fever!  They kept the fact of the riot from me until this morning, and then I learned of it almost by accident, and came instantly in spite of them.”

“Mr. Strahan, I entreat you to be prudent.  I am overwhelmed with trouble and fear for Merwyn, and I and mine must cause no more mischief.  Everything is being done that can be, and all must be patient and quiet and keep their senses.”

“Oh, I’m all right now.  As Merwyn’s friend, this is my place.  Remember what he did for me.”

“Very well.  If you are equal to it I shall be glad to have you take charge here.  As soon as I have learned of my daughter’s and Merwyn’s welfare I shall engage rooms at the nearest hotel, and, if the city remains quiet, telegraph for my wife;” and he sent Thomas to Dr. Henderson with a request to see him.

“No special change, and there cannot be very soon,” reported the physician.

“But my daughter—­she must not be allowed to go beyond her strength.”

“I will look after her as carefully as after my other patient,” was the reassuring reply.

“It’s a strange story, Mr. Strahan,” resumed Mr. Vosburgh, when they were alone.  “You are undoubtedly surprised that my daughter should be one of Merwyn’s watchers.  He saved my life last night, and my daughter and home the night before.  They are virtually engaged.”

“Oh that I had been here!” groaned Strahan.

“Under the circumstances it was well that you were not.  It would probably have cost you your life.  Only the strongest and soundest men could endure the strain.  Merwyn came to our assistance from the first;” and he told the young officer enough of what had occurred to make it all intelligible to him.