en that Rodolph was dead. "Leave him there for
awhile," said the Captain, as he came to assist Dick in my removal.
"The dog had a better death than he deserved."

CHAPTER VI

A TALE IS TOLD

I lay there at the inn, I do not know how long, but they told me
afterward it was for many days, hanging on the brink between life and
death, until one day I heard in my dreams the music of the fife and
the rattle of the drums, and awoke to life and hope again. The
sunlight was streaming through the south window across the counterpane
of the bed, and outside could be heard the steady tread of marching
men.

"What troops are those?" I asked somewhat hazily, for I was still on
the borderland of dreams.

"They are the Maryland Line marching away to the North to join General
Washington."

"Marching to the North? Then I must join them." And I tried to rise in
my bed, for it came back to me with a rush that I was a Lieutenant in
the Line. But strong hands pushed me gently back upon my pillow, and I
recognised now the voice of my nurse, Mrs. McLean.

"No, no, Mr. Frisby; be still. You are a regular little bantam, but
your spurs are clipped for some time yet."

"Why, what is the matter, Mrs. McLean? How did I come here?"

"Law bless the boy!" said the good old soul. "He has clean forgot."

But the dull pain in my side soon brought back to me that clear, fresh
morning on the bank of the Elk, and for a moment I lay still.

"Did I kill Rodolph?" I asked.

"That you did, lad; and no man deserved it more."

Then I heard a heavy step in the passageway outside, and then a
lighter one. The next moment the door opened and I saw my mother, more
pale and fairy-like than ever, and behind her came Captain Ramsay,
bluff and hearty, but looking very solemn at that moment. But they saw
the news on Mrs. McLean's good-natured face, and when I spoke to my
lady, the old-time happy look came back again, as she came to my
bedside and kissed me, while the great voice of the Captain came
hearty and strong.

"Aye, lad, I told them that you would pull through; make a gallant
fight, my boy, and you will have a shot at the redcoats yet."

"But, Captain, you are marching away without me."

"You will be in time for the fighting, never worry; lie still and get
well. Half the young men in the Line are envying you, you rogue, for
becoming a hero before them all." And the Captain took my hand, and
bade me good-bye, for he must hurry away to join