o the right conclusion. "The bugler
intends to remind us that the old Continentals who stood so well were
from both North and South, and perhaps he means, too, that we should
stand together again instead of fighting each other."

"Then let the North give up at once," snapped Colonel Talbot.

"But in the trumpeter's opinion that means we should be apart forever."

"Then let him play on to ears that will not heed."

But the bugler was riding away. The music came faintly, and then died in
one last sighing note. It left Harry grave and troubled, and he began
to ask himself new questions. If the South succeeded in forcing a
separation, what then? But the talk of his comrades drove the thought
from his mind. Colonel Talbot sent St. Clair, Langdon and a small party
of horsemen forward to see what the close approach of the daring bugler
meant. Harry went with them.

Scouts in the brushwood quickly told them that a troop of Union cavalry
had appeared in a meadow some distance ahead of them, and that it was one
of their number who had played the song on the bugle. Should they stalk
the detachment and open fire? St. Clair, who was in command, shook his
head.

"It would mean nothing now," he said, and rode on with his men, knowing
that the watchful Southern sharpshooters were on their flanks. It was
night now, and a bright moon was coming out, enabling them to use their
glasses with effect.

"There they are!" exclaimed Harry, pointing to the strip of forest on the
far side of the opening, "and there is the bugler, too."

He was studying the party intently. The brilliant moonlight, and the
strength of his glasses made everything sharp and clear and his gaze
concentrated upon the bugler. He knew that man, his powerful chest and
shoulders, and the well-shaped head on its strong neck. Nor did he deny
to himself that he had a feeling of gladness when he recognized him.

"It's none other," he said aloud.

"None other what?" asked St. Clair.

"Our warning bugler was Shepard, the Union spy. I can make him out
clearly on his horse with his bugle in his hand. You'll remember my
telling you how I had that fight with him in the river."

"And perhaps it would have been better for us all if you had finished him
off then."

"I couldn't have done it, Arthur, nor could you, if you had been in my
place."

"No, I suppose not, but these Yankees are coming up pretty close.
It's sure proof that Meade's whole army will be