my will, I assure you."

"You will doubtless not honor us by remaining?" There was more
seriousness of curiosity in this question than Elizabeth betrayed or
Peyton perceived.

"What can I do? I can neither ride nor walk."

"But your men will probably come for you?"

"I don't think any saw the horse bear me from the fight. The field was
in smoke and darkness. My troops must have pursued the enemy. They'll
think me killed or made prisoner. If they return this way, however, I
can have them stop and take me along."

"Then you expect that, in repayment of your treatment of me awhile
ago--" Elizabeth paused.

"Madam, you should allow for the exigencies of war! Yet, if you wish
to turn me out--"

Elizabeth interrupted him:

"So it is true that, if you fell into the hands of the British, they
would hang you?"

"Doubtless! But you shouldn't blame _me_ for what _they'd_ do. And how
did you know?"

"Help this gentleman into the east parlor," said Elizabeth, abruptly,
to Cuff.

"Ah!" cried Peyton, his face lighting up with quick gratitude. "Madam,
you then make me your guest?" He thrust forward his head, forgetful of
his condition.

"My guest?" rang out Elizabeth's voice in answer. "You insolent rebel,
I intend to hand you over to the British!"

There was a brief silence. Each gazed at the other.

"You will not--do that?" said Peyton, in a voice little above a
whisper.

"Wait and see!" And she stood regarding him with elation.

He stared at her in blank consternation.

Again, the sound of the trample of many horses.

"Ah!" cried Peyton, joyfully. "My men returning!"

He rose to go to the door, but his wounded leg gave way, and he
staggered to the staircase, and leaned against the balustrade.

Elizabeth's look of gratification faded. She ran to the door, fastened
it with bolt and key, and stood with her back against it.

The sound, first distant as if in the Mile Square road, was now
manifestly in the highway. Would it come southward, towards the house,
or go northward, decreasing?

"They are my men!" cried Peyton to Cuff. "Call them! They'll pass
without knowing I am here. Call them, I say! Quick! They'll be out of
hearing."

"Silence!" said Elizabeth to Cuff, in a low tone, and stood
listening.

Peyton made another attempt to move, but realized his inability. 'Twas
all he could do to support himself against the balustrade.

"My God, they've gone by!" he cried. "They'll return to our lines,
leav