r saw an ambulance approaching. The colonel was inside, and they
hastened to prepare a bedroom for his accommodation.

"Is he better?" asked Mrs. Ruthven of the surgeon in charge.

"A trifle," was the answer. "What he needs is rest and quiet. He has a
strong constitution, and that is in his favor."

It did not take long to transfer Colonel Stanton to the bedchamber
prepared for his reception, and once he was in the house Mrs. Ruthven
did all in her power to make him comfortable. The ride had somewhat
exhausted the officer, and he slept heavily until far into the next
morning.

CHAPTER XXVI.

DR. MACKEY SHOWS HIS HAND.

"Well, what do these fellows intend to do with me, anyway?"

It was Jack who asked himself the question, as he sat up, after quite a
long sleep.

He was a close prisoner in a little cabin far up the mountain side. His
hands were bound tightly behind him and were made fast to a heavy wooden
stake driven into the hard mud flooring.

Night had come and gone, and all of the Confederates had left him. Now
it was almost night again.

"If they would only give me something to eat and to drink," he went on.
He was very dry, and his stomach was empty.

Half an hour later a footstep sounded outside, and Dr. Mackey appeared,
carrying a knapsack filled with provisions, and a canteen of water.

"Sorry I had to keep you waiting. Jack," he said, as he set the articles
down and proceeded to liberate our hero. "But I had the whole affair to
smooth over, and I had also to get Gendron out of the muss," and he
smiled grimly.

"Dr. Mackey, why do you treat me in this fashion?" demanded Jack.

"Because I want you to come to your senses and understand that I am your
father."

"Do you think you are treating me as a father should?"

"A son who will not obey must be made to obey. Here, I have brought you
something to eat and to drink. Fall to and make the most of it."

It would have been foolish to refuse the invitation, and our hero began
to eat without delay. The surgeon watched him curiously.

"Jack, don't you think you are acting the part of a fool?" said the man
presently.

"No, I do not."

"I offer you a name, a good home, and your share of a large fortune, and
yet you turn your back on me and my offers."

"Have you a large fortune coming to me?"

"There is a large fortune coming to both of us. You shall have your full
share of it--providing you will do as I wish."

"And what do you wish?