all the world, "has a Woodville refused to
pay his debts? Since when has a Woodville refused asylum to one who
protected him and his in the hour of danger? Margaret, lift the blanket
and invite our young friend in."

Dick was on his feet in an instant, and came into the chamber, uttering
thanks to the man who, in spite of so much bitterness against his cause,
could yet shelter him.

Young Woodville exclaimed in surprise.

"The Yankee with whom I fought at Bellevue!" he said.

"And the one who ignored your presence at Jackson," said Miss Woodville.

The two lads shook hands.

"And now," said Colonel Woodville, his old sharpness returning,
"we shall be on even terms, young sir. Your uniform bears a faint
resemblance to that of your own army, and Slade, cunning and cruel, may
have had you shot as a spy. You would be taken within our lines and this
is no time for long examinations."

"I know how much I owe you, sir," said Dick, "and I know how much danger
my presence here brings upon you. I will leave as soon as the ravine is
clear. The gathering of the troops for battle will give me a chance."

"You will do nothing of the kind. Having begun the task we will carry it
through. Our cave home rambles. There is a little apartment belonging
to Victor, in which you may put yourself in shape. I advise you to lie
quiet here for a day or two, and then if I am still able to put my hand
on you I may turn you over with full explanations to the authorities."

Dick noted the significance of the words, "if I am still able to put my
hand on you," but he merely spoke of his gratitude and went with young
Woodville into the little apartment. It was on the right side of the
hall, and a round shutterless hole opened into the ravine, admitting
light and air. The "window," which was not more than a foot in diameter
faced toward the east and gave a view of earthworks, and the region
beyond, where the Union army stood.

The room itself contained but little, a cot, some blankets, clothing,
and articles of the toilet.

"Mason," said Woodville, "make yourself as comfortable as you can here.
I did not know until I escaped from Jackson that it was you who ignored
my presence there. You seem in some manner to have won the good opinion
of my uncle, and, in any event, he could not bear to remain in debt to a
Yankee. If you're careful you're safe here for the day, although you may
be lonesome. I must go at once to our lines. Cousin Margaret wil