ince
Saturday, were just in, and the staff and company officers for the first
time since Saturday were beginning to gather at headquarters and to
compare notes. All had much to tell. Stannard's wood-pile, Snaffle's
storm-shed, and Barker's cow had blown away. Somebody had just reported
Sumter's north dormer window "torn out by the roots," which moved
Button to say:

"I hope your quarters sustained no damage in your absence."

"I do not know, sir, I came direct to the office to report."

"Ah, true; your household started before the storm."

"Only started, sir. They went no farther than the surgeon's quarters,
where we learned the train was six hours late. I had--business--in town,
and went on. They remained."

"Then the ladies have not gone East?"

"Neither they nor any one else, since early Saturday morning. The road
is blocked."

"The paymaster, too? He went in right after luncheon."

"I cannot say, sir. I neither saw nor heard of him about the station. It
is crowded with people. Three trains are stalled there, unable to go
either way, and now--with your permission, colonel----"

"Oh, certainly, certainly, Sumter. I didn't wish to detain you. I hope
you'll find the ladies well." Whereat the captain withdrew, giving place
to the quartermaster who had hurried in, an anxious look in his eyes.
That he should have numerous losses and damages to report was to be
expected; that he should appear in the least concerned was not. A
faithful and loyal staff officer was Horton, but one of the most
philosophic, if not phlegmatic, souls in the service. It took nothing
short of a national disaster seriously to disturb his equanimity;
therefore at sight of his face the colonel was almost instantly on his
feet.

"Can I have a sergeant and twenty men at once, sir, armed and mounted?
The ambulance with the paymaster never reached town."

"Order them out at once, Mr. Barker," was Button's instant answer,
turning to his adjutant, who went out like a shot. "What time did they
start?"

"About two Saturday afternoon. It was blowing a gale then and the snow
so thick we lost sight of them within a hundred yards. Major Scott
declined an escort; said he and the clerk and the two men inside were
more than enough. He had only three thousand dollars left and thought
that too little to tempt anybody. Everybody knew he was just back from a
long pay trip--not going--yet they have disappeared utterly. I had men
ride the length of the cree