m--the one with
the most steamer labels on it--go bring it, Claiborne, and we'll throw it
to the free airs of Virginia. And be quick--they ought to be here by this
time!"

He stood in the door and watched Claiborne haul up the flag, and he made
a mockery of saluting it as it snapped out in the fresh morning air.

"The Port of Missing Men! It was designed to be extra-territorial, and
there's no treason in hauling up an alien flag," and his high spirits
returned, and he stalked back to the fireplace, chaffing Claiborne and
warning him against ever again fighting under an unknown banner.

"Here they are," called Claiborne, and flung open the door as Shirley,
her father and Baron von Marhof rode up under the billowing ensign. Dick
stepped out to meet them and answer their questions.

"Mr. Armitage is here. He has been hurt and we have sent for a doctor;
but"--and he looked at Shirley.

"If you will do me the honor to enter--all of you!" and Armitage came out
quickly and smiled upon them.

"We had started off to look for Dick when we met your man," said Shirley,
standing on the steps, rein in hand.

"What has happened, and how was Armitage injured?" demanded Judge
Claiborne.

"There was a battle," replied Dick, grinning, "and Mr. Armitage got in
the way of a bullet."

Her ride through the keen morning air had flooded Shirley's cheeks with
color. She wore a dark blue skirt and a mackintosh with the collar turned
up about her neck, and a red scarf at her throat matched the band of her
soft felt hat. She drew off her gauntlets and felt in her pocket for a
handkerchief with which to brush some splashes of mud that had dried on
her cheek, and the action was so feminine, and marked so abrupt a
transition from the strange business of the night and morning, that
Armitage and Dick laughed and Judge Claiborne turned upon them
frowningly.

Shirley had been awake much of the night. On returning from the ball at
the inn she found Dick still absent, and when at six o'clock he had not
returned she called her father and they had set off together for the
hills, toward which, the stablemen reported, Dick had ridden. They had
met Oscar just outside the Springs, and had returned to the hotel for
Baron von Marhof. Having performed her office as guide and satisfied
herself that Dick was safe, she felt her conscience eased, and could see
no reason why she should not ride home and leave the men to their
council. Armitage saw her turn t