As Mara returned to the side of Wyman’s couch she saw by the actions of the soldiers that she had appeared none too soon to allay their suspicions. Whatever the scout may have thought he remained quiet. As she gazed upon his pale face bearing so plainly the evidence of his suffering it occurred to her as an act of selfishness and cowardice to leave him. Nevertheless as soon as the soldiers turned away, she whispered to him of the presence of the strange man in the adjoining room and what he had told her. If Boyd Wyman was surprised he did not show it by look or word. “The Wizard Scout, you say?” “Yes; but how could he have got here?” “Nothing seems impossible with him. You could not have had a better friend come to your rescue. I am glad he has come. Trust in him and you will have little to fear. You had better get ready at once.” “But what will become of you?” “Oh, I shall get along all right,” he replied, carelessly. “Remember I shall be among friends. I wish you god-speed in your escape. If we never meet again, remember Boyd Wyman will never forget your kindness to him. There, you had better return to your friend as there is no time to be lost.” Not without some reluctance Mara returned to the Wizard Scout. “I am glad you have come,” he said. “I can think of but one way to escape. You will have to personate the colored servant who was here. I suppose she is allowed to go about the house at will and even out of it.” “Oh, yes. She goes to the spring for water often.” “I mistrusted as much. Now isn’t there one I can personate?” After a moment’s thought she answered as her countenance brightened: “Oh, yes; there is Pete. And they are together much.” “They are just the ones then. We shall not have to separate. If you can manage to get some of their clothing I will arrange the rest. I am almost prepared for such a disguise. I was a darky all day yesterday. The day before an Irishman.” Mara went out to find Dinah. She was in the kitchen and alone. A few words explained all to the faithful servant, at least, all that was necessary to tell. “’Deed I will, missus.” “And you must keep out of sight as soon as I tell you to.” “’Deed I will, missus. Is it fer yees to git away from ’em whurrible sojers?” “Yes, Dinah. Be quick about it, only don’t let them see you.” “’Deed I won’t, missus.” Mara returned to the wounded scout while Dinah was getting the garments. “Has he hit upon a plan?” he asked. Then as she explained the plan he nodded his head in approval. “It is best.” Mara was too anxious to remain idle long, so she soon returned to the kitchen. Dinah seemed greatly agitated. “What is it, Dinah?” “’Fore the lawd, it am s’prisin’! Fust dar ain’t no man; den I’se fin’ white, and jess now w’en I tote dem fings dar what s’pose I find. A man black--yah, black as Pete. Shure nuff----” “Hush! some one is coming.” In a louder tone: “Aren’t those cakes about done, Dinah--You seem slower than ever.”