He was of middle age, medium in stature, and with a well-knit frame. His cleanly shaven face was frank and handsome. Perhaps his eyes were a bit too bright, but on the whole he seemed every inch a gentleman. He was in citizen’s dress and as far as was seen he carried no weapons. All this Mara saw at a glance. “Are we likely to be interrupted by the soldiers?” “Not for a short time,” she replied, imitating his tone. “What is your errand, sir?” “I will state it briefly,” he answered. “A body of horsemen are even now on the road from Dalton to effect your capture. General Johnston is calling in all of the skirmishing parties he has sent out so as to concentrate his forces as much as possible. He cannot afford to keep any soldiers here longer. You will be taken to Dalton, or what I fear most, will be shot as a traitor as soon as you are dragged from the house. I have come to save you.” All this was spoken so rapidly that Mara could only listen in mute amazement. “Who are you?” she faltered at last. “Don’t be surprised at the mention of my name,” he replied. “I am the Wizard Scout.” In spite of his warning she could hardly suppress a cry of amazement. “I knew you would be surprised,” he declared. “I was in disguise when you saw me before, as I am now. But that makes me none the less your friend. I know of all that has transpired since we parted and knowing your peril, I have come to help you escape.” “How?” she asked. “By flight. We must lose no time either. The troops will be here in half an hour. If you have no place you can go to, I will guide you to a friend of mine.” “I don’t know what to do,” she declared. “All this is so sudden and terrible. I want to go to Dalton to see Harry.” “But he is not there. He went to Reseca. To give you more confidence in what I promise to do here is a line I have brought you from Cavalry Curt.” As he spoke he unscrewed one of his buttons from his coat to produce a small piece of paper disclosed beneath its cap. Mara took the missive with a trembling hand. She read: “DEAR MISS MORLAND:--Learning of your danger I am anxious to lend you my assistance toward escape. But it is impossible for me to do so. Thus I send my friend whom you have met before, knowing that he can do much better than I. You can trust him. I escaped safely from the enemy, thanks to the friend who will help you now. “Respectfully, “C. REMINGTON.” “I will do as you think best,” she said, handing him back the paper. “Then get ready to leave as soon as possible. Have you any place you wish to go?” “Yes, to my cousins in Woodsville.” “Very well. But perhaps you had better go back now as your absence may create a suspicion. Boyd Wyman is still here?” “Yes.” “It may be best to speak to him. He is to be trusted in your behalf. While you are gone I will plan a way of escape. Return soon.”