Moved by his earnestness the men obtained picks, shovels, spades, and anything that would move the dirt, and in spite of the flying shells began to dig out the unfortunate persons. Pale as death Jeanne stood by, clinging to Bob, unwilling to leave the spot until she could learn their condition. Her resentment toward her uncle and aunt was overcome by the great catastrophe that had overtaken them. Mr. Vance was found first. He was quite dead, as were also Mr. and Mrs. La Chaise. Madame Vance was alive but had sustained mortal injuries so that her death was but a question of a few moments. Her eyes lighted up when they fell upon Dick. "My boy," she cried feebly, "you did like me, didn't you?" "Indeed I did, Cherie," and Dick took the poor crushed form into his arms. "I knew it," she whispered looking at him lovingly. "Forgive me, Dick, that I used you so. I wanted you to think as I did." "It is all forgiven," said the boy tenderly. "Here is Jeanne, Cherie. Have you no word for her?" "No," said Madame. "I never liked her. She was a child, but she took you from me, my boy. "There is the property," said Madame suddenly to Jeanne. "That Yankee General seized it in your name and declared that he should hold it for you. It was to pay us for putting it in your name. It is yours, but I want Dick to have it. Will you give it to him?" "Yes," answered Jeanne her tender heart very full of sympathy for her aunt's sufferings. "I will do whatever you desire, dear Cherie." "Then give him the property and leave me with him. I don't want to die. It is so cold. So cold! Where are you, Dick?" "Here," and Dick held her tenderly. "It is getting dark. My boy,--ah!" a gasp and all was over. That night as the moon shed its softening rays over the besieged city, a little cortege consisting of Mr. Huntsworth, Dick, Aunt Sally, Jeanne, Bob and a few servants came forth from the cave to perform the last sad rites for all that remained of Mr. Vance, Madame and their relatives. Even in the softening light of the moon the blighting hand of warfare was visible over the town. The closed and desolate houses, the gardens with gates half open in which were the loveliest flowers and verdure! The carelessness of appearance and evident haste of departure was visible everywhere, the inhabitants feeling only anxiety for their personal safety and the strength of their cave homes. The guns were still and peace for a time reigned over the troubled city. The stars shone coldly down upon them, twinkling as brightly as though no great strife was being waged beneath them. Jeanne's tears were falling fast as she walked back by Dick's side in the cool fresh air of the morning. "Dick," she whispered, detaining him as the others entered the cave, "you don't harbor any bitterness toward me, do you?" "Toward you, Jeanne? No;" and Dick folded her in a close embrace. "Why did you think so?"