een with his own eyes. Military duty demanded that he invade the
second floor of the Woodville house. But there were feelings of humanity
and mercy, moral issues not less powerful than military duty, and maybe
more so.

He was pulled back and forth with great mental violence. He was sorry
that he had seen Miss Woodville with the tray. And then he wasn't.
Nevertheless, he stayed in his own room, and Warner, waking for a
moment, regarded him with wonder as he sat outlined against the window
which they had left unshuttered and opened to admit air.

"What's the matter, Dick? Have you got a fever?" he asked. "Why haven't
you gone to bed?"

"I'm going to do so right away. Don't bother yourself about me, George.
My nerves have been strained pretty hard, and I had to wait until they
were quiet until I could go to sleep."

"Don't have nerves," said Warner, as he turned back on his side and
returned to slumber.

Dick undressed and got into bed. It was the first time in many nights
that he had not slept in his clothes, and beds had been unknown for many
weeks. It was a luxury so penetrating and powerful that it affected
him like an opiate. Such questions as military and moral duty floated
swiftly away, and he slept the sleep of youth and a good heart.

Breakfast was almost a repetition of supper. The army cook prepared and
served it, and the Woodvilles remained invisible. Colonel Winchester
informed the young officers that they would remain in Jackson two or
three days, and then great events might be expected. All felt sure
that he was predicting aright. Pemberton must be approaching with the
Vicksburg army. The wary and skillful Johnston had another army, and he
could not be far away. Moreover, this was the heart of the Confederacy
and other unknown forces might be gathering.

They felt the greatness of the hour, Grant's daring stroke, and the
possibility that he might yet be surrounded and overwhelmed. Their minds
were attuned, too, to other and yet mightier deeds, but they were glad,
nevertheless, of a little rest. The Woodville house was a splendid
place, and in the morning they did not feel so much the chill of
embarrassment that had been created for them the night before.

Dick went straight to the room of Colonel Woodville, opened the door
without knocking, and closed it behind him quickly but noiselessly.

The colonel was propped up in his bed and a tray bearing light and
delicate food lay on a chair. His daughte