novelty in those days as to chain my attention. Indeed, these
individuals were everywhere, a recognized institution, and, as
Thockmorton had intimated, the planter himself was fully conversant
with the game, and quite able to protect himself. Assuredly it was
none of my affair, and yet a certain curiosity caused me to observe the
movements of the two so long as they remained on deck. However, it was
but a short while before both retired to the cabin, and then my gaze
returned once more to the sullen sweep of water, while my thoughts
drifted far away.

A soldier was within a few feet of me, and had spoken, before I was
even aware of his approach.

"Lieutenant Knox."

I looked about quickly, recognizing the major's orderly.

"Yes, Sanders, what is it?"

"Major Bliss requests, sir, that you report at his office at once."

"Very well. Is he with Captain Thockmorton?"

"Not at present, sir; the captain has gone to the post-sutler's."

Wondering what might be desired of me, yet with no conception of the
reality, I followed after the orderly through the stockade gate, and
across the small parade ground toward the more pretentious structure
occupied by the officers of the garrison.

CHAPTER II

ON FURLOUGH

A number of soldiers off duty were loitering in front of the barracks,
while a small group of officers occupied chairs on the log porch of
their quarters, enjoying the warmth of the sun. I greeted these as I
passed, conscious that their eyes followed me curiously as I approached
the closed door of the commandant's office. The sentry without brought
his rifle to a salute, but permitted my passage without challenge. A
voice within answered my knock, and I entered, closing the door behind
me. The room was familiar--plain, almost shabbily furnished, the walls
decorated only by the skins of wild beasts, and holding merely a few
rudely constructed chairs and a long pine table. Major Bliss glanced
up at my entrance, with deep-set eyes hidden beneath bushy-gray
eyebrows, his smooth-shaven face appearing almost youthful in contrast
to a wealth of gray hair. A veteran of the old war, and a strict
disciplinarian, inclined to be austere, his smile of welcome gave me
instantly a distinct feeling of relief.

"How long have you been here at Armstrong, Lieutenant?" he questioned,
toying with an official-looking paper in his hands.

"Only about three weeks, sir. I came north on the _Enterprise_, with
dispatc