ppointed him at the specified time. I shall not send for
him. If he has forgotten himself, his duty, for any cause, he shall
suffer the consequences."

Lacy was in despair. He could not understand the situation. He had not
the slightest doubt of Sempland's courage. He knew his friend's rigid
idea of soldierly duty or honor. Where had he gone? If there had been
any way, he would have despatched men to hunt for him in every
direction, but the general's prohibition was positive. And for some
reason which he could not explain he refrained from saying anything
about Sempland's visit to Fanny Glen, merely advising the general, in
response to an inquiry, that he had left him to go to his quarters to
write a letter.

Five minutes more dragged along.

"General Beauregard," said Lacy at last, "with your permission I will
seek him myself."

"No," said the general, sternly, "we can wait no longer. I need you for
something else."

"You mean--?"

"I mean that I shall carry out the original plan. Mr. Sempland has
forfeited any consideration whatever at our hands."

"Then I am to--?"

Lacy pointed toward the _David_.

"Unless you wish to back out."

"No one has ever used these words to me, sir," answered Lacy, proudly.
"I am as ready, as anxious, to go as I ever was. But Sempland--sir, I
would stake my life on his fidelity."

"It may be so. I can wait no longer. Will you go, or shall I give up
the expedition?"

"Rather than that, sir," said one of his staff officers, "if Major Lacy
hesitates, let me go."

"Enough!" said Lacy. "Will you explain to Sempland how it came about?
Good-by."

CHAPTER VII

THE HOUR AND THE MAN

Lacy tore off his coat and vest, and threw them on the wharf, saluted
the general and stepped into the boat. Some one in the group lifted a
lantern. The flickering light fell on the pale faces of the determined
men.

"Good-by, sir," said Beauregard. "You, at least, are an officer, a
soldier of whom the South is proud. Remember the flagship is your game.
She lies at anchor right off the Main Ship Channel. Good luck to you. A
colonel's shoulder straps await you here if you come back. God bless
you all!"

He wrung the major's hand, watched him step into the _David_ and
whisper an order to his men, heard him call out "Good-by, sir. If we
don't come back, don't forget us," and that was all.

The little boat was shoved away from the wharf by willing hands and in
a moment was lost in the dar