nce and forever. Yet in spite of his vague and
uncertain expression, the soldier's eyes were dark and fine and his
features well cut. He was merely thin and haggard and dirty from his
recent experiences.

From his uniform it was impossible to guess anything; at least, it was
impossible for Sally, who had but scant information with regard to
military accoutrements.

But even in the face of his confession she was not considering the
soldier's nationality. He looked so miserable and ill, so like a sick
boy, that the maternal spirit which was really strongly rooted in Sally
Ashton's nature awakened. He could scarcely stand as he talked to her.

"Please sit down. I don't know what you are to do," she remonstrated. "I
don't know _why_ you ran away or from whom, but no fate could be
much worse than starving to death here in this old place alone. Yet
certainly I don't want to give you up to--to anybody," she concluded
lamely, as a matter of fact not knowing to whom one should report a
runaway soldier.

This was a different Sally Ashton from the girl her family and friends
ordinarily knew. The evanescent dimple had disappeared entirely and also
the indolent expression in her golden brown eyes. She was frowning and
her lips were closed in a firmer line.

At her suggestion the soldier had returned to the chair which he had
been occupying at the moment of her intrusion. But Sally saw that
although he was seated he was swaying a little and that again he had put
up his uninjured arm to his head.

"Perhaps I can get away from here, if you will help me. I have escaped
being caught so far. I only ask you to bring me a little food. Tomorrow
I shall be stronger."

Unconsciously Sally sighed. What fate had ever driven her forth into
this undesired adventure?

She did not like to aid a runaway prisoner, nor did she wish him to meet
the disagreeable end he had suggested through any act of hers.

Any other one of the Camp Fire girls, Sally believed, would have given
the soldier a lecture on the high ideals of patriotism, or of meeting
with proper fortitude whatever fate might overtake him. At least he
would have been required to divulge his nationality, and if he were an
enemy, of course there could be no hesitation in delivering him to
justice.

However, Sally only found herself answering:

"Yes, I suppose I can manage to bring you something to eat once more.
But I cannot say when I can get here without anyone's knowing, so you