"Dance music, you mean. Strahan has been at West Point and knows that a fellow in civilian togs stands no chance. How he eclipses us all to-night with the insignia of rank on his shoulders! Where will you make headquarters?" "At home, for the present." "That's right. We knew you would hit upon the true theory of campaigning. Never was there a better strategic point for your operations, Strahan, than the banks of the Hudson." "I shall try to prove you right. A recruiting sergeant will join me in a day or two, and then I can accommodate you all with muskets." "All? Not Miss Marian?" "Those possessing her rank and influence do not carry muskets." "Come, fellows, let us celebrate the 4th by enlisting under Strahan," cried the chief spokesman, who was not a very friendly neighbor of the young officer. "It won't be long before we shall know all the gossip of the Confederacy." "You will certainly have to approach near enough to receive some very direct news." "Gentlemen," cried Marian, "a truce! Mr. Strahan has proved that he can face a hot fire, and send back good shots, even when greatly outnumbered. I have such faith in him that I have already given him my colors. You may take my word for it that he will render a good account of himself. I am now eager to hear of his adventures." "I haven't had any, Miss Marian. What I said about Virginia was mere bluff,--merely made an excursion or two on the Virginia side of the Potomac, out of curiosity." "But what does this uniform mean?" "Merely what it suggests. I went to Washington, which is a great camp, you know. Through relatives I had some influence there, and at last obtained a commission at the bottom of the ladder in a new regiment that is to be recruited. Meanwhile I was put through the manual of arms, with a lot of other awkward fellows, by a drill officer. I kept shady and told my people to be mum until something came out of it all. Come, fellows, thirteen dollars a month, hard tack, and glory! Don't all speak at once!" "I'm with you as far as going is concerned," said Lane, shaking Strahan's hand warmly, "only I've decided on the cavalry." "Were I a man, you should have one recruit for your regiment to-night," said Marian. "You have gone to work in a way that inspires confidence." "I foresee, fellows, that we shall all have to go, or else Miss Marian will cross us out of her books," remarked one of the young men. "No, indeed," she replied. "I would not dare urge any one to go. But those who, like Mr. Lane and Mr. Strahan, decide the question for themselves, cannot fail to carry my admiration with them." "That's the loudest bugle call I expect to hear," remarked Mr. Blauvelt, who entered at that moment. "Here's the place to open your recruiting-office," added another, laughing. "If Miss Marian would be free with her colors, she could raise a brigade."