nd watched the soldiers while his order was being
obeyed, for he did not wish to have any of his men see him give the
package to Miss Osborne.

After his troop had moved off, Haines placed the bridle of his horse in
the hands of a waiting colored boy, and returning to the porch where Mr.
Osborne and the ladies still stood, said: "That is the horse I captured
from my foe. He is a beauty, isn't he? Jupiter was a splendid horse, but I
do not think I lost anything by the exchange. Here are the letters, Miss
Osborne; you see I have kept my promise," and he reached out the package
to her.

But before she could take them they were snatched from Haines's hand, and
a stern voice said, "I will take the letters, please."

Had a bombshell exploded at Lieutenant Haines's feet he would not have
been more surprised, and his surprise changed to consternation when he
found himself looking into the muzzle of a revolver. Lieutenant Haines was
no coward, but he was unarmed save his sword, and there was no mistaking
the look in Calhoun's eye. It meant death if he attempted to draw his
sword.

As for Mr. Osborne, he seemed as much surprised as Lieutenant Haines. Miss
Osborne gave a little shriek, and then cried. "Oh, how could you betray
us!" and stood with clasped hands, and with face as pale as death.

Mr. Osborne was the first to recover from his surprise. "I know not who
you are," he said, "but Lieutenant Haines is my guest, and I will have no
violence. Lower that weapon!"

Without doing so, Calhoun answered, "If I have done anything contrary to
the wishes of those who have so kindly befriended me, I am sorry; but I
could not withstand the temptation to claim my own. As it is, I will bid
you good day."

Thus saying, he dashed past them, and snatching the bridle of his horse
from the negro boy, he vaulted into the saddle and was away at full speed.

For a moment not a word was spoken, and then Lieutenant Haines turned on
Mr. Osborne and said, bitterly, "I congratulate you on the success of your
plot. I will not be fool enough again to take the word of a Southern
gentleman."

Mr. Osborne flushed deeply, but before he could reply, his daughter sprang
in front of him, and faced Lieutenant Haines with flashing eye.

"I will not have my father accused of deception and falsehood," she cried.
"He knew nothing of that Confederate being concealed in the house. I alone
am to blame, and I told you nothing. I strove to entertain you and ke