s a race-horse does an old
cob. The cob has its uses, though," he added with a feint of resignation
to circumstances that he waited to hear denied. A flash of amusement
shot over Elizabeth's face.

"When danger is scented from afar, when battles are to be fought, or hot
work to be done, when spirit and daring are needed," she answered, "this
'old cob' that has been spoken of so disrespectfully will turn out a
war-horse clothed with thunder, and swallowing the ground with
fierceness and rage, if everybody else is not equally brave."

"You have hit the nail on the head," said Colonel Pepperell's voice
behind her; "a good telling hit, too; that is Vaughan to the life. When
this war that has just begun here grows hot we we shall hear from him."

"And from you, too," volunteered Sir Temple, who a few minutes before
had been talking with the speaker.

"I hope I shall not be backward in the service of my king and my
country," said Pepperell. "And all these men that are thinking merely of
pleasure to-day I have no doubt will soon be deep in deadly work; for
the war is coming upon us, we shall have to meet it."

As Elizabeth listened, she looked from one to another of the men about
her, and her eyes fell at last upon Archdale. War was coming, and he
would be sure to go to meet it; perhaps this would solve his
difficulties for him and take him from the burden he hated, since
perhaps it could, not be taken from him. Yet, it would be a hard way for
a man so young,--with so much of life in him. The feeling that some one
was watching her made her turn her eyes suddenly to the left whence the
disturbing force had come. They met those of Edmonson, brighter than
ever, and fixed upon her, as if he were reading her thoughts. Perhaps he
had been, for he stood quite near and Colonel Pepperell's words had been
loud enough to be heard by several. She moved her head, resenting the
surveillance. What right had he to say to her in any manner, "I know
what your trouble is." His further thought she did not arrive at.
Stephen crossed the room and came up to the speaker. Edmonson resumed
his conversation with Katie.

"Yes," said Stephen, "war has come. When are we to pay back the Canso
affairs, and how? Our forts are not to be taken like that while we sit
tamely down and bear it; the sooner we act the better. Where shall we
strike? Who is to tell us? We must have a General. There are soldiers
enough."

Major Vaughan's eyes flashed, and he tu