ey had been talking about her strange case, and the possible outcome
of it. Alice had suggested that a motion picture story be written around
it.

"It could be called 'Who is Estelle Brown?'" Alice said, "and it could
be a serial. You could pose in it, Estelle, and make a lot of money.
And, not only that, but you'd find out who your relatives were, I'm
sure."

"Oh, I couldn't do it!" Estelle had cried. "I'd like the money, of
course. I never was so happy as when I found I had a purse full when I
was on that Cleveland boat! But I could not capitalize my misfortune
that way."

"No, I was only joking," said Alice. And so the matter had gone on. Now
Ruth had broached the subject again, and Estelle was still undecided.

"Wait until after this big ride of mine," she said. "Then I'll make up
my mind. I really do want to know who I am, and I think, after this
engagement, if I don't find out before, I'll go to Boston again. I'm
sure my people are from that vicinity."

So it was left.

From outside came the stirring notes of a bugle. At the sound of it Ruth
and Estelle started.

"That's the signal," said the latter. "I must hurry."

"I'll help you," offered Ruth, and she assisted in the tying of the last
strings, and the snapping of the final fastenings of the suit of
protective padding the rider wore.

"You don't take part in the actual charge, do you?" asked Alice, who
came in at this point.

"Well, I have to ride ahead of the Union forces for a way," Estelle
answered. "But I'm not afraid. Petro will carry me safely, as he has
done before."

The girls went down and out into the yard. Off on the distant meadow of
Oak Farm, which had been turned into a battlefield for the time being,
were two hostile armies. The two regiments of cavalry were to meet in a
final clash that was to end the war. There was to be the firing of many
rifles and cannon. There were to be charges and countercharges. Men
would fall from their horses shot dead. Certain horses, trained for the
work, would stumble and fall, going down with those who rode them, the
men having learned how to roll out of the way without getting a broken
arm or leg. In spite of their training and practice, nearly all expected
to be scratched and bruised. However, it was all part of the game and in
the day's work.

"All ready now!" called Mr. Pertell. "We're going to have the first
skirmish, and, after that, Miss Brown, you are to do your ride. Are you
ready?"

"Ye