of money in a belt around me when I was wounded," whispered
Calhoun.

"The belt, oh, I forgot! The Doctor gave it to me for safe keeping."
Noiselessly she moved to the bureau, opened a drawer, and returned with
the belt.

"Joyce, I shall not need your money now, but I thank you for the offer."

"It was nothing. Be sure and be ready," and she glided from the room.

The minutes were like hours to Calhoun. At one time he had made up his
mind not to accept his proffered liberty, as it might bring serious
trouble on Joyce; but he concluded that he must accept.

As for Joyce, she went to her room and threw herself down on a lounge. Her
heart was beating tumultuously; every little noise startled her like the
report of a gun. She waited in fear and apprehension. At length the clock
struck eleven. "They must be all asleep by this time," she thought. She
arose and softly went downstairs, carrying blankets and pillows. She
stopped and listened as she stepped out of doors. There was no moon, it
was slightly cloudy, and darkness was over everything. Without hesitating
she made her way through the back yard and the barn lot to the grove,
where she had told Abe to be in waiting. She found that the faithful
fellow had everything in readiness.

"Abe, I want you to come with me now and get the sick soldier. Drive
through the lane until you reach the road; then drive straight to your
house. The road is not much frequented, and you will not be apt to meet
any one at this time of night. If you do, say nothing. Leave the soldier
when you get home, drive straight back the way you came. Turn the horses
into the pasture, put the harness and carriage where you found them. Be
careful and make no noise. When you have done this go home again and be
sure you get there before daylight. It's a hard night's work I have put on
you, Abe, but I will pay you well for it. Now, take off your boots and
come with me."

The obedient fellow did as he was bid, and followed Joyce into the house
and to Calhoun's room.

"Take him to the carriage," whispered Joyce.

The stalwart Abe took Calhoun in his arms as if he had been a child, and
carried him to the carriage.

"Now, Abe, remember and do just as I told you," said Joyce.

"Yes, Missy, I 'member ebberyting."

She went to the side of the carriage, arranged the pillows and comforts
around Calhoun, and then gave him her hand. "Good-bye," she whispered;
"may God keep you safe."

The hand was cold as