ngerous mission
and on the delivery of that message depended not alone his honor but a
large measure of the success of the Northern cause. He pledged his life
to carry that word. All went well until quite without warning he found
himself in a rebel ambush. He made his escape but in so doing was
seriously wounded and nothing but the speed of his horse prevented his
recapture. His enemies were still hot in pursuit when he found he could
go no further. Then when he saw his strength failing and knew the
struggle was useless he took a desperate chance. A plantation stood in
his path and he rode up to the house and begged for aid. Now it happened
that the owners of that plantation, although Southerners, were in
sympathy with the Northern cause; not only did they take in the wounded
man and nurse him back to life, but the son of the family, a daring lad,
ventured to continue the ride through the lines and deliver the
stranger's message."

Mr. Coddington paused a moment.

"And did he succeed?" cried Peter breathlessly.

"Yes."

"Oh, it was splendid! Think of a boy's doing a thing like that for his
country!"

"And a boy not much older than you either, Peter," added Mrs. Jackson
eagerly.

"Why--why--how did you know?" queried Peter, bewildered.

Instantly Mrs. Jackson was all confusion; but she did not explain her
impulsive words.

"That Northern soldier, Peter, was your grandfather," declared Mr.
Coddington quickly. "He all but died in the fulfilment of his task and
had it not been for the nursing he received in that Southern home he
undoubtedly would have done so. His family owed his life, his honor, and
the success of the cause they prized so dearly to those brave friends
who risked everything they possessed to serve their country and a fellow
creature. And now if you will ask Mrs. Jackson perhaps she can tell you
who the boy was who carried the dispatch through the Southern lines."

"It was my brother--Nat's uncle, Peter," whispered Mrs. Jackson.

"Why, mother," Nat ejaculated, "you never told me it was these
Coddingtons!"

"And not until the day I came to see you at the hospital, Nat, did I
find out that it was these Jacksons," said Mr. Coddington. Then turning
to Nat's mother he said: "Now you must certainly admit that the
Coddingtons, Mrs. Jackson, owe a good deal to the Jacksons--life, honor,
their country's success. Between your family and mine on which side lies
the obligation?"

"It was a service gladl