Margaret tied the mare. Ben, her mother and father, and every servant were gone.
In a few moments the second officer hurried to Stoneman, saluted, and said:
"We've pulled it off in good shape, sir. They've tried to fool us with a dozen tricks, and a whole regiment has been lying in wait for us all day. But at dark the Captain outwitted them, took his prisoner with a squad of picked cavalry, and escaped their pickets. They've been gone an hour, and ought to be back with the body"
Old Stoneman sprang on him with the sudden fury of a madman, clutching at his throat.
"If you've killed my son," he gasped—"go—go! Follow them with a swift messenger and stop them! It's a mistake—you're killing the wrong man—you're killing my boy—quick—my God, quick—don't stand there staring at me!"
The officer rushed to obey his order, as Margaret entered.
The old man seized her arm, and said with laboured breath:
"Your father, my child, ask him to come to me quickly."
Margaret hurried to the church, and an usher called the doctor to the door.
He read the question trembling on the girl's lips.
"Nothing has happened yet, my daughter. Your brother has held a regiment of his men in readiness every moment of the day."
"Mr. Stoneman is at the hotel and asks to see you immediately," she whispered.
