depart,
leaving the commander behind.

"Now is my time!" he exclaimed, exultingly, and looking to see that his
revolver was in perfect condition, he crept softly downstairs, and as has
been noted, was perfectly successful. So sudden was his appearance, so
swift were his movements, that the little company could only gaze after
him in astonishment until he had disappeared.

For a few minutes Calhoun was hilarious over the success of his bold dash;
then came to him the thought that he had cruelly wronged the Osbornes in
what he had done. He suddenly checked his horse, and then turned as if he
would ride back, hesitated, then turned once more, and rode on his way,
but more slowly.

"It is too late now," he sighed, to himself, "to undo the wrong I may have
done. To think I may have brought trouble on the head of that glorious
girl, who even would give me her own horse! It's the meanest trick you
ever did, Calhoun Pennington, and it would serve you right if the Yankees
captured you."

It was in no enviable frame of mind that Calhoun continued his journey. It
was not long before he noticed that his horse was lame. The fall that he
had had, had evidently strained his shoulder. Calhoun more bitterly than
ever regretted that he had not restrained himself. If he had, he might now
have been riding a good fresh horse, given him by Mr. Osborne.

"Serves me right," he groaned. "Oh, what a fool, and not only a fool, but
a brute, I have been. That girl! I can't help thinking that I may have got
her into serious trouble."

A few miles more and his horse became so lame that Calhoun had to come
down to a walk. He dismounted with a ruthful face.

"It's no use," he said; "I shall have to leave him. Where can I get
another horse?"

The opportunity came sooner than he expected. He had dismounted in a wood,
a thick growth of cedars screening him from the observation of any one
passing along the road. Hearing the sound of an approaching horseman, he
crept to the side of the road, and to his surprise saw a Federal officer
approaching unattended. He was riding leisurely along unsuspicious of
danger, and whistling merrily. With Calhoun to think was to act.

"Halt! Surrender!" were the words which saluted the startled officer, as
Calhoun sprang into the road by his side, and levelled a revolver at his
breast.

The officer was a brave man, and he reached for his revolver.

"Touch that weapon, and you are a dead man," said Calhoun, in a