t was
unhappy. He hung around her phaeton all the while she was in town. He
went home with her, cheering her on the way and telling her of the
Confederate triumph that was at hand. He comforted Mrs. Dean over Dan's
capture, and he rode back to town slowly, with his hands on his
saddle-bow--wondering again. Perhaps Margaret had gotten over her
feeling for that mountain boy--that Yankee--and there Richard Hunt
checked his own thoughts, for that mountain boy, he had discovered, was
a brave and chivalrous enemy, and to such, his own high chivalry gave
salute always.

He was very thoughtful when he reached camp. He had an unusual desire
to be alone, and that night, he looked long at the stars, thinking of
the girl whom he had known since her babyhood--knowing that he would
never think of her except as a woman again.

So the Confederates waited now in the Union hour of darkness for Bragg
to strike his blow. He did strike it, but it was at the heart of the
South. He stunned the Confederacy by giving way before Buell. He
brought hope back with the bloody battle of Perryville. Again he faced
Buell at Harrodsburg, and then he wrought broadcast despair by falling
back without battle, dividing his forces and retreating into Tennessee.
The dream of a battle-line along the Ohio with a hundred thousand more
men behind it was gone and the last and best chance to win the war was
lost forever. Morgan, furious with disappointment, left Lexington.
Kentucky fell under Federal control once more; and Major Buford, dazed,
dismayed, unnerved, hopeless, brought the news out to the Deans.

"They'll get me again, I suppose, and I can't leave home on account of
Lucy."

"Please do, Major," said Mrs. Dean. "Send Miss Lucy over here and make
your escape. We will take care of her." The Major shook his head sadly
and rode away.

Next day Margaret sat on the stile and saw the Yankees coming back to
Lexington. On one side of her the Stars and Bars were fixed to the
fence from which they had floated since the day she had waved the flag
at them as they fled. She saw the advance guard come over the hill and
jog down the slope and then the regiment slowly following after. In the
rear she could see two men, riding unarmed. Suddenly three cavalrymen
spurred forward at a gallop and turned in at her gate. The soldier in
advance was an officer, and he pulled out a handkerchief, waved it
once, and, with a gesture to his companions, came on alone. She knew
th