He was moving away, when she caught him by the arm. “You will see Cavalry Curt when he has escaped?” “Without doubt.” “A favor then, please.” “It is granted.” “You will not mention my name to him? He must not know that I helped him to get free.” “Ha! I see. Your secret is safe with me.” The next moment he disappeared from sight. Time passed slowly enough to Mara as she waited for the hour to wear away. Nothing new occurred to awaken her interest. As she pondered over the events of the evening she wondered more and more over the unexpected appearance of the Wizard Scout. Who was he? From whence had he come? and how had he learned of her presence there? Then too his fearful warning--must she put credence in that? The thought startled her. She had heard of him before--had heard that he was mad. Were this the fact, could she depend upon his assistance in the rescue of Cavalry Curt? The more she reviewed her situation, the more she became entangled in the web of mystery and doubt. The time for action came at last and she resolved to hazard the desperate venture. Not without many misgivings did she start on her perilous mission. “’Tis his life or mine!” she murmured under her breath. Running the gantlet of others, Mara at last reached the guard who stood on duty over the captive scout. “A permission to see Cavalry Curt?” “Who from, mister?” “General Johnston.” “Sho! so ’tis. Genuine, by Jeff. Git ’long and be lively.” Glad to pass so easily Mara entered the doomed spy’s quarters. He was lying upon the bare earth as if asleep when she entered, to quickly look up at sight of her. “Is this Cavalry Curt?” she asked in a low tone. “They call me by that name sometimes.” “I need not ask if you are anxious to escape from your present plight.” Her tone was low and her calmness surprised herself. “Hardly. Who are you?” “A friend. Let me prove it.” No sooner had she spoken than she cut the ligatures that bound him. “May heaven bless you,” he murmured, starting to his feet, to find his limbs so cramped and benumbed that it was some time before he could stand. “Here, don this suit of gray. It will help you escape detection. I will see that no one enters.” Cavalry Curt quickly made the change. “I am ready,” he whispered. “But how are we to run the guard?” “Follow me closely.” “Into the jaws of death though it be,” replied the scout through his clinched teeth. “I wish I were armed.” “Take this,” and Mara thrust a revolver into his hand. “Thanks. Lead on. I am impatient to get out of this place.” “Come.” But Mara’s heart sank within her as they reached the door. The same sentry was on duty as had been when she entered the building. The Wizard Scout had failed to do his part. CHAPTER XI. WAS HE MAD? This was the first thought that flashed through her mind. She hesitated. Was it fancy or did the guard beckon her to come? It was too late to turn back. She rapidly advanced, with Cavalry Curt beside her.