turned quickly away in order that he might not see
her. She had not been as much affected by his words as by another look
in Jeb's grinning, sickly face which made her want to run and hide--and
cry. She, more than any of those present, could read his expressions
like type in a book; yet in all justice to him she had never before seen
an indication of cowardice and, impulsively loyal, desiring only to
rescue him in time so that the Colonel might not find him out, she swung
upon the old fellow's arm, saying gaily:

"He's unhappy thinking he won't get a chance!--that's what's the
matter, Uncle Roger!"

But even this new and affectionate title of "Uncle Roger" did not at
once penetrate the old gentleman's mind. His eyes, which had been fixed
on Jeb with an expression of hopefulness, were now studiously looking at
the floor. Rather hysterically, Marian caught the lapels of his coat and
put her face directly in his range of vision, crying:

"That's what it is!--I know it, Uncle Roger! Please understand me!"

"Sure, that's what it is," Jeb shouted forcefully, seeing the brink upon
which he had been standing, and making an heroic effort to act the part
of a man. "Sure it is," he repeated, with even more emphasis. "I don't
care how long the darned old war lasts!--it's only how short it might
last, that gets my goat!"

Marian was not deceived, but the Colonel, looking as though twenty years
had been taken from his shoulders, swallowed it whole and struck the
table sharply with his hand.

"By gad!" he cried, in a voice of thunder. "I know it, lad; I know it!
For a second--why, by gad, sir!"

Mr. Strong turned from the window.

"What's the matter, Roger?" he asked.

Marian, seeing traces of tears upon his cheeks--and guessing well the
reason--affectionately took his hand and pressed it to her lips. But her
eyes were staring, somewhat fearfully, at the Colonel, who cleared his
throat, looked at her steadily, and answered:

"Nothing, Amos."

"I--I'd better be going now," Jeb suggested, "for Aunt Sallie and Aunt
Veemie will want to hear the news."

"Tell them the town will be proud of you, my boy," Mr. Strong gave him a
salute; and the Colonel, in his enthusiasm forgetting he had harbored a
doubt of Jeb, shouted:

"And tell 'em I wouldn't be surprised if some day we put up a monument
to you! When a fellow charges through hails of bullets, each singing him
a lullaby, he never knows what instant one will come 'chunk!' in