mainly, that the Major is in the hands of the
Philistians," said Horse Shoe, rummaging through the plaits of his
dress, and getting loose the belt and leathern pouch from which, by the
help of his jack-knife, he extricated the missives; "but they leave the
story to be told pretty much by me. The long and the short of it is,
that the Major is a prisoner, and wants some assistance from you: but
there is no danger of any harm being done him."

Mildred eagerly tore open the letters and read them; then heaving a
sigh, she said, "He is closely watched, and galled with misfortune. He
refers to you, Mr. Robinson, and I must beg you to tell me all."

Horse Shoe, with a cheerful and occasionally even with a laughing
manner, adopted to reassure the lady and quell her fears, recounted all
such particulars of Butler's adventures as were necessary to enable her
to comprehend the nature of his present mission to the Dove Cote.

Before this narrative was brought to a close, Henry and Foster had
returned, bringing with them a large turkey which Henry had shot, and
which the young sportsman was exhibiting with ostentatious triumph.

"Huzza, here's a new turn of good luck! Horse Shoe Robinson, the brave
sergeant," shouted Henry, as soon as he observed the stout figure of our
old friend. "Is Major Butler here too?" he demanded, as he shook the
sergeant's hand, "or have you come alone? Now, sister, you ought to be a
happy woman. You bring us good news, Mr. Horse Shoe, I know you do."

"The news is better than it mought have been if the Tories had had their
way," replied Horse Shoe. "But a sodger's life has both shade and
sunshine in it; and the Major is now a little in the shade."

"Brother, mount quickly," said Mildred, "we have business before us. Mr.
Robinson, ride beside me; I have much to say to you."

Stephen Foster, after saluting the sergeant, and reminding Mildred of
his engagement to meet his troop, took his leave of the party.

The rest repaired, with as much expedition as they were able to employ,
to the Dove Cote, Horse Shoe detailing to the brother and sister, as
they went along, a great many particulars of the late history of Butler.

When they reached the house, orders were given for the accommodation of
the sergeant; and the most sedulous attention was shown to everything
that regarded his comfort. Frequent conferences were held between
Mildred and Henry, and the trusty emissary. The letters were reperused,
and all