th his gallant companions, to prepare their
horses for the meditated sortie. On passing the women's quarters on his
way to the rear of the fort, as it wanted but a short time to sunrise,
he saw Violet, with Nuna and Mrs Molony, who had already risen and were
on their way to the hospital huts, and he could not resist stopping for
one moment to bid her and his young sister farewell,--it might be for
ever. Should he and his brave followers perish, what a terrible fate
might be theirs! He instantly, however, banished the thought.

"Heaven will preserve us, dear ones," he said, as he embraced his sister
and Violet. "I have good news for all of us. He on whose account your
heart has long been cast down has escaped all dangers, and is near at
hand, and I hope ere long to see him and to return with him in triumph
to the fort. The cowardly rebels will not dare to face us. When we
attack them in the open ground, they will fly like chaff before the
wind. Though Burnett does not tell us the amount of the force with him,
I trust that it will be sufficient to enable us to follow up our victory
and prevent the enemy from rallying."

A few more words only were spoken, and Reginald hurried on to the spot
where the horses were picketed. The men were busily engaged in saddling
their steeds; which done, every one carefully examined his arms, and
felt that his sabre was loose in its scabbard.

Among the officers who had volunteered to accompany him, Reginald was
surprised to find Captain Hawkesford.

"I was not aware that you were to accompany us," Reginald could not help
observing.

"I have the colonel's leave; and I wish to have an opportunity this
morning of proving which of us is the best swordsman," answered Captain
Hawkesford in a peculiar tone. "We have long been rivals, and I intend
to settle the matter one way or another before the close of day," he
muttered.

"I have confidence in your gallantry, and believe you to be a good
swordsman," answered Reginald, not hearing his latter remark.

In a few minutes all were ready; and the order to march being given,
each man sprang into his saddle and fixed himself firmly in his seat.
In perfect silence the gallant troop of horse rode out of the fort, led
by Reginald; while the infantry, who were destined to attack the guns,
stood ready for the signal he was to give,--a wave of his sabre,--when
they were to jump from the entrenchments and rush onward to attack the
foe. The