n of the night had already passed, and Fort Meade
was still a long distance away, with a dangerous stretch of country to
pass.

It seemed to the husband and wife that they hardly breathed, as they
moved through the wood. He held his pony by the rein with his left hand,
while he used the right, grasping the Winchester, to open the way in
front. They could do nothing more, listening meanwhile for the sounds of
danger which they expected to hear every moment.

But lo! while they were advancing in this guarded manner, they suddenly
came out of the wood and into the open country again.

The husband uttered another exclamation of thankfulness, and checked the
animals.

"Now it looks as if we had a chance to accomplish something," he said,
"and I am sure you are in need of rest."

"I am somewhat weary, but I can stand a great deal more, George; give no
thought to me, but think only of the peril from which we must escape
this night or never."

He gently took the little Dot, swathed as she was in the heavy blanket,
and held her while his wife remounted the mare, without help. We have
said she was an excellent horsewoman, as she had proved before this
eventful night.

"Now," said he, when she was firmly seated and extended her arms to take
the child, "I am going to use my authority as a husband over you."

"Have I not always been an obedient wife?" she asked, with mock
humility.

"No man was ever blessed with a better helpmate," was the reply.

"I await your commands, my lord."

Instead of passing the child to her, he reached up his rifle.

"What is the meaning of that?" she asked wonderingly.

"Lay it across the saddle in front, where its weight will not discommode
you. I shall carry Dot."

"But think, George, of the risk it involves. I assure you that it will
be no task for me to take care of her now that I am in the saddle
again."

"All discussion is ended," he replied, with a severity which she well
knew was assumed, though she did not dispute him. She accepted the
weapon and placed it in position as he directed. Then supporting the
precious child with one arm, he mounted his pony and placed himself by
her side.

"We will ride abreast; if any emergency calls for the use of my gun, I
can pass Dot to you in an instant; you must remember too, that I have a
revolver, which may serve me better in any sudden peril."

"I obey," she replied, "but you will not deny me the right to think you
are committing a mist