Just as she was coming to this conclusion she reached the point where she must turn from the Buzzard’s Gap road in order to reach her home. This then would prove the test. If the riders kept straight on she need have no further fear. If not--she dared not contemplate the worst. She heard them reach the forks of the road, and for a moment she thought they passed on; and then a low exclamation escaped her lips as she realized that her worst fears were stern facts. The horsemen were in earnest pursuit of her! The road now was more broken and her progress was slower. She was a good rider, but her horse was no match for those in pursuit. She had gone perhaps a couple of miles further when a loud shout attracted her attention, and looking back she saw her pursuers in plain sight! The foremost was waving something in the air, as if motioning for her to stop. At first thought she was inclined to do so, but something in their manner seemed to tell her that their presence boded her no good. Their shouts were like those of a maddened mob rather than the words of friends. With her white face set despairingly toward home she swept wildly on. Her long hair broke from its confinement, to stream in the night air, adding to the wildness of her appearance. Over the hills and through the valleys she flew, the clatter of her enemies in pursuit growing plainer and nearer. Then shots were fired while the bullets flew uncomfortably near. But one thought was in her mind now. Could she reach home? Ever and anon she glanced wildly back, and every time her hopes sank lower. “Hold up there if you value your life!” thundered the leader of the horsemen. His words only served to make her urge her failing horse on to greater exertions. The next moment her home burst into view. Notwithstanding the hour she saw a light at its windows. A murmured thanksgiving escaped her lips. “Almost there!” she exclaimed. A minute later she rode furiously into the yard. Reining up her foam-flecked horse in front of the door she sprang from the saddle just as her grandfather appeared in the doorway with a light in his hand. “What has happened?” he cried, excitedly. “I am pursued! Oh, save me!” she panted, falling exhausted on the threshold. With a cry almost human the steed she had ridden staggered forward and fell at the old man’s feet in the throes of death! At the same instant the horsemen dashed upon the scene. “What, ho! there!” cried the leader. “It is a long race that has no end!” “What does this mean?” asked Colonel Morland, trembling like an aspen leaf. “We are after Cavalry Curt! He has made a bold dash for freedom. Stand aside, old man, if you value your life!” “No--no! you shall not harm her!” cried the old soldier, bending over Mara, who was just opening her eyes. “Are you hurt, my child?” “No; but see they are coming. Back--back, every man of you! I am armed!” She had gained her feet and like a tigress at bay faced them.