Seeing
sister's face covered with blood, I picked her up and carried her into the
parlor. By this time the soldiers were breaking down the door, and I went
and unlocked it."

Annette only knew that she tried to oppose the entrance of a strange man,
who knocked her down. She must have been rendered unconscious, for she
remembered nothing more, until she found herself lying on the sofa in the
parlor. The mother, Mrs. Lovell, was upstairs, and knew nothing of what
had happened until alarmed by the screams of her daughters and the noisy
entrance of the soldiers. These stories so accorded with the known facts
that the captain did not for a moment doubt them. But when the sergeant
returned and reported that no trace of the fugitive could be discovered,
he was puzzled.

Orders were given to search every house in the block. This was done, but
the search was fruitless. When this fact was reported, the captain bit his
lip in vexation. Then turning to Inez, he said: "Pardon me, Miss Lovell,
while I do not doubt your story in the least, are you sure the fellow ran
out of the house? Was not his opening the back door just a ruse? He opened
the door and then dodged into some room, thinking this house the safest
place for him. Every house in the block has been searched except this one,
and we can find no trace of him. While I regret it, I shall be compelled
to have this house searched."

"I am sure he ran out," answered Inez, "but I confess I was very badly
frightened. If you think he is in the house, search it. I ask as a favor
that you search it, for if he is concealed in the house as you think, he
may murder us all."

A thorough search was made, but there was found no trace of Calhoun. The
officers and soldiers retired greatly puzzled. A strong guard was
maintained around the block for three days; then all hopes of catching
Calhoun were given up, and the guard was withdrawn.

The Federal authorities had become aware who the fugitive was through
Captain Haines. "I cannot be mistaken," he said; "I have met him too many
times. He is one of the most daring of all of Morgan's cutthroats"; and
then he gave an account of his first meeting with Calhoun.

But where was Calhoun all this time? When he rushed upstairs at the
command of Inez, he was met at the top by Mrs. Lovell, who started in
affright at the sight of him.

"Your daughter said, 'The secret place!' " he exclaimed, as he gave her
the sign of danger. "My pursuers are alrea