nt was gone.
She had not heard the slightest sound during the night.

Doctor Hopkins was summoned. The old Doctor was thunderstruck when he
heard the news. He could scarcely believe it. To add to the mystery,
Calhoun's Confederate uniform was found. Apparently he had gone away with
only his night clothes on. Doctor Hopkins at once gave it as his opinion
that Calhoun had been seized with a sudden delirium and had stolen out of
the house and wandered away; no doubt the body would be found somewhere.
His professional services were needed in the care of Joyce, for she seemed
to be completely prostrated, and had a high fever.

"Poor girl," said the Doctor, "the excitement has been too much for her."
If he suspected anything he kept his secret well.

The spy employed by Andrew Harmon reported that he had not seen or heard
anything suspicious during the night, so that gentleman concluded to say
nothing, as he did not wish it to be known that he had had the house
secretly watched.

Mr. Crawford returned the day after the escape. He was greatly exercised
over what had happened, and blamed every one that Calhoun had been kept so
long as he had. Poor Joyce came in for her share, but she wisely held her
peace. The country was scoured for miles around, but nothing was seen or
heard of the escaped prisoner, and at last the excitement died out.

Joyce did not lack news from Calhoun. The faithful Abe kept her fully
informed. Joyce told him that both of them would go to prison if it was
known what they had done, and he kept the secret well. He reported that
Calhoun was gaining rapidly, and would soon be able to go his way. "He
want to see yo' awful bad befo' he goes," said Abe.

But Joyce resolutely refused. It would not do either of them any good. One
day the negro brought her a letter. It was from Calhoun, telling her that
when she received it he would be gone. He thought it cruel that she had
not come to see him just once. He closed as follows:

"Joyce, I feel that my life is yours, for you saved it. Not only that, but
to you I now owe my liberty, and I realize the struggle you have had to do
as you have done. But be of good cheer. When the war is over the thunder
of the last cannon will hardly have died away before I shall be at your
side. Till then adieu."

That letter was very precious to Joyce. Before the war was over it was
nearly worn out by being read and reread.

Shortly after Mr. Crawford's return he was asked by An