or especially a spirited young girl, to suspect that they were awed, or made more serious even, by the thought that the battle was drawing nearer to them.  Lane was a leader in the gayety.  His presence was regarded by some with both surprise and surmise.  It had been thought that he had disappeared finally below Miss Vosburgh’s horizon, but his animated face and manner gave no indication of a rejected and despondent suitor.

The mirth was at its height when Strahan entered, dressed plainly in the uniform of a second lieutenant.  He was greeted with a shout of laughter by the young men, who knew him well, and by a cordial pressure from Marian’s hand.  This made the gauntlet which he knew he must run of little consequence to him.  All except Lane drew up and gave him a military salute.

“Pretty fair for the awkward squad,” he remarked, coolly.

“Come, report, report,” cried several voices; “where have you been?”

“In Virginia.”

“Why, of course, fellows, he’s been arranging the change of base with McClellan, only the army went south and he came north.”

“I’ve been farther south than any of you.”

“See here, Strahan, this uniform is rather new for a veteran’s.”

“Yes; never dealt in old clothes.”

“Where’s your command?”

“Here, if you’ll all enlist.  I think I could make soldiers of some of you.”

“Why, fellows, what a chance for us!  If Strahan can’t teach us the etiquette of war, who can?”

“Yes, gentlemen; and I will give you the first rule in advance.  Always face the music.”

“Dance music, you mean.  Strahan has been at West Point and knows that a fellow in civilian togs stands no chance.  How he eclipses us all to-night with the insignia of rank on his shoulders!  Where will you make headquarters?”

“At home, for the present.”

“That’s right.  We knew you would hit upon the true theory of campaigning.  Never was there a better strategic point for your operations, Strahan, than the banks of the Hudson.”

“I shall try to prove you right.  A recruiting sergeant will join me in a day or two, and then I can accommodate you all with muskets.”

“All?  Not Miss Marian?”

“Those possessing her rank and influence do not carry muskets.”

“Come, fellows, let us celebrate the 4th by enlisting under Strahan,” cried the chief spokesman, who was not a very friendly neighbor of the young officer.  “It won’t be long before we shall know all the gossip of the Confederacy.”

“You will certainly have to approach near enough to receive some very direct news.”

“Gentlemen,” cried Marian, “a truce!  Mr. Strahan has proved that he can face a hot fire, and send back good shots, even when greatly outnumbered.  I have such faith in him that I have already given him my colors.  You may take my word for it that he will render a good account of himself.  I am now eager to hear of his adventures.”