n, furious at the restraint put upon him, and
conscious, now, that surveillance was useless, since the Northerner
had been put upon his guard.

His impatience filled him with rage. He was honest, and he was a
fighter, but of what use was that since he had blundered? He had dealt
clumsy strokes with both hands, but the other had parried each thrust
with a foil. He was worsted--the game was up, but he at least meant to
let the interloper know that however clever he might be, there were
some people, at least, whom he could not deceive.

That was the humor he was in when he saw Monroe excuse himself to
Loring, step through the window, and light a cigar, preparatory to a
stroll towards the tryst with Pluto.

Masterson watched him sauntering carelessly down the steps. He had
removed the cigar and was whistling very softly, unconsciously, as one
who is deep in some quandary, but to Masterson it seemed the acme of
studious carelessness to ignore his own presence; it seemed insolent
as the mocking glance through the window, and it decided him. His
shoulders unconsciously squared as he stepped forward.

"Captain Monroe, I want a word with you," and his tone was a challenge
in itself. Monroe turned his head, slowly, finished the bar he was
whistling in a slightly louder tone--loud enough to distinguish that
it was "Rally 'Round the Flag," whistled very badly. Monroe had
evidently little music in his soul, however much patriotism he had in
his heart.

"Only one, I hope," he said, carelessly, with an irritating smile.

"You may have to listen to several before you get away from here!"

"From--you?" and there was perceptible doubt in the tone; it added to
Masterson's conviction of his own impotence. He dared not fight the
man unless Monroe gave the challenge, though it was the one thing he
wanted to do with all his heart.

"From those in authority over this section," he said, sternly.

"Ah!--that is a different matter."

"You may find it a very serious matter, Captain Monroe."

"Oh, no; I shan't find it, I'm not looking for it," and Monroe softly
resumed, _"The Union Forever."_

"If you take my advice," began Masterson, angrily, "you'll"--but
Monroe shook his head.

"I shan't, so don't mention it," he said, blandly. Masterson's wordy
anger showed him that he was master of the situation, so he only
smiled as he added, "advice, you know, is something everybody gives
and nobody takes," and Monroe resumed his whistle.