s a heap more
than jus' a minute."

"Was it?" he asked, and forced a smile. "Well, you see, we had a lot to
say." He seated himself and, drawing her between his knees, took both
her hands. "Now listen, honey; I'm going away with this gentleman,
and--" He stopped as she looked up doubtfully; then added a dash of
gayety to his tender tone: "Oh, but he _invited_ me. And think! He's
coming back for _you_--to-day--to send you up to Richmond. Now, isn't
that just fine?"

Virgie looked slowly from her father to the Union soldier, who stood
with downcast eyes, his back to them.

"Daddy," she whispered, "he's a right good Yankee--isn't he?"

"Yes, dear," her father murmured sadly, and in yearning love for the
baby he must leave behind; "yes--he's mighty good!"

He knelt and folded her in his arms, kissing her, over and over, while
his hand went fluttering about her soft brown throat; then he wrenched
himself away, but stood for a lingering instant more, his hands
outstretched, atremble for a last and lingering touch, his heart a
racing protest at the parting he must speak.

"Cary!"

It was Morrison who spoke, in mercy for the man; and once more Cary
understood. He turned to cross the broken door; to face a firing squad
in the hot, brown woods; to cross the gulf which stretched beyond the
rumble of the guns and the snarling lip of war. But even as he turned, a
baby's voice called out, in cheerful parting, which he himself had
failed to speak:

"Good-by, Daddy-man. I'll see you up in Richmon'."

The eyes of the two men met and held, in the hardest moment of it all;
for well they knew this hopeful prophecy could never be fulfilled.
Morrison sighed and moved toward the door; but, from its threshold, he
could see his troopers returning at a trot across the fields.

"Wait," he said to Cary; "I'd rather my men shouldn't know I've talked
with you." He pointed to the scuttle in the ceiling. "Would you mind if
I asked you to go back again? Hurry! They are coming."

The captured scout saluted, crossed to the ladder, and began to mount.
At the top he paused to smile and blow a kiss to Virgie, then
disappeared, drew up the ladder after him, and closed the trap.

The captor stood in silence, waiting for his men; yet, while he stood,
the little rebel pattered to his side, slipping her hand in his
confidingly.

"Mr. Yankee," she asked, and looked up into his face, "are you goin' to
let Daddy come to Richmon', too?"

Morrison