and villain as you, Dr. Mackey," was our
hero's calm reply. "You will never make me believe that any of your
blood flows in my veins."

"Then you believe I am an impostor?"

"I do."

The doctor fell back and sank on a bench. Jack's firm manner appeared to
take his nerve from him.

"What shall you do next?" he asked finally.

"Take you straight to our plantation."

"No! no! Colonel----" Dr. Mackey stopped short. "Do not take me there,
I beg of you!"

"But I shall take you there, and what is more, I am going to find out
what Colonel Stanton has to say concerning you."

At this the surgeon grew as pale as death.

"You--have no right to take me to the plantation. Remember, I am a
Confederate officer. If you keep me a prisoner, you will be liable to
heavy punishment."

"We'll risk it." Jack turned to Columbus Washington. "See if the rain is
letting up."

The colored man went out and presently reported that the worst of the
storm seemed over.

"Then we will start," said Jack. "Now, Dr. Mackey, if you try to escape,
I will order Old Ben to fire at you."

"You are very hard on your father."

"If you call me your son again, I will knock you down where you stand."

At this curt threat the surgeon relapsed into silence, his brow showing
plainly that he was in deep thought. The cabin was soon left behind, and
Columbus Washington showed the most direct route to the Ruthven
plantation. Jack came behind the colored man, with Dr. Mackey beside
him, and Old Ben brought up the rear, his gun ready to shoot at the
first sign of opposition upon the prisoner's part.

The first streaks of dawn were beginning to show themselves when the
party of four came in sight of the mansion. As they came closer Dr.
Mackey showed increased alarm over the situation.

"Jack, let us come to terms," he said presently.

"What terms?"

"For reasons of my own I do not wish to visit Mrs. Ruthven's house while
Colonel Stanton is under her roof."

"Surely you are not afraid of a sick man, even if he is a Yankee spy."

At this the surgeon winced.

"It is not that. I--I----"

"I will not listen to you. March!"

"But, Jack----"

"March, I say, or Old Ben shall fire on you."

With something resembling a groan the surgeon went on, and in a few
minutes more the party gained the piazza, and Jack was using the big
knocker on the door lustily.

"Who is there?" came from an upper window, and then Mrs. Ruthven uttered
a cry of joy. "Jack!