y foolhardiness had involved my sister. The colonel has
told you of my story. I have told him and Captain Armitage what led to
my mad freak at Sibley; and, while I have much to make amends for, I
want to apologize for the blow I gave you that night on the terrace. I
was far more scared than you were, sir."

"I think we can afford to forgive him, Chester. He knocked us both out,"
said the colonel.

Chester bowed gravely. "That was the easiest part of the affair to
forgive," he said, "and it is hardly for me, I presume, to be the only
one to blame the sergeant for the trouble that has involved us all,
especially your household, colonel."

"It was expensive masquerading, to say the least," replied the colonel;
"but he never realized the consequences until Armitage told him to-day.
You must hear his story in brief, Chester. It is needful that three or
four of us know it, so that some may be left to set things right at
Sibley. God grant us all safe return!" he added, piously, and with deep
emotion. "I can far better appreciate our home and happiness than I
could a month ago. Now, Renwick, tell the captain what you have told
us."

And briefly it _was_ told: how in his youthful fury he had sworn never
again to set foot within the door of the father and mother who had so
wronged the poor girl he loved with boyish fervor; how he called down
the vengeance of heaven upon them in his frenzy and distress; how he had
sworn never again to set eyes on their faces. "May God strike me dead if
ever I return to this roof until she is avenged! May He deal with you as
you have dealt with her!" was the curse that flew from his wild lips,
and with that he left them, stunned. He went West, was soon penniless,
and, caring not what he did, seeking change, adventure, anything to take
him out of his past, he enlisted in the cavalry, and was speedily
drafted to the ----th, which was just starting forth on a stirring
summer campaign. He was a fine horseman, a fine shot, a man who
instantly attracted the notice of his officers: the campaign was full of
danger, adventure, rapid and constant marching, and before he knew it or
dreamed it possible he had become deeply interested in his new life.
Only in the monotony of a month or two in garrison that winter did the
service seem intolerable. His comrades were rough, in the main, but
thoroughly good-hearted, and he soon won their esteem. The spring sent
them again into the field; another stirring campai