Revived by its potent power he started up to look wildly around. “Do you see them?” he asked, huskily. “Who?” she questioned in surprise. “A body of horsemen. I had a narrow escape from them. My horse was shot and after running until nearly exhausted I saw your house. I had barely strength to get here. I trust you will befriend me,” and his dark eyes were turned toward her in pleading more eloquent than words. Her eyes fell before his gaze. “You are a Yankee!” she exclaimed in confusion. “Yes,” he answered frankly. “I am one of Sherman’s scouts.” A shadow fell upon her fair countenance. “We are rebels, here!” she faltered. “I have a brother in Johnston’s army.” It was his turn to look dismayed. “Pardon me, I could go no further. I----” “Never mind; you seem like an honest man, though one of Abe Lincoln’s hirelings. You can rest here until you regain your strength.” “Thank you. I will not stop long, for it would not be well for you to have them find me here.” “They may not come this way. Do you know whose command it was?” “It was led by Captain Dermot.” She turned pale as he uttered the name. “He is a bad man. But you are wounded. Forgive me for not thinking of it before.” “I do not think it is anything serious. I bandaged it so as to stop somewhat the flow of blood. It is nothing,” and he smiled faintly. “But I must insist upon seeing that it is properly cared for with your permission. I am quite a surgeon.” “Your countenance seems very familiar to me, but it can’t be that we have met before.” “No; our name is Morland.” “Morland!” he repeated, excitedly. “Then you are Mara Morland?” She started with wonder as he mentioned her name. “Forgive me,” he hastened to say, “but I have recognized you from your portrait which I have seen many times. You have a brother Harry.” “Yes; but he is in the army now.” “He and I were chums at college.” “And you are Curtis Remington?” “The same. This is a glad surprise to me. I little dreamed of meeting you.” “I wish that Harry were here. He used to speak of you often, and he told me how you once saved his life. It seems like meeting an old friend.” “Thank you. So Harry is in the army. I have not heard from him since we left college. The war broke out soon after and I enlisted at once.” “I shall be glad when this cruel war is over,” she exclaimed with a shudder. “But look! there is a body of horsemen coming this way!” “It is Captain Dermot’s company!” declared Curtis Remington. “Can it be possible they have tracked me here?” “They are coming directly this way. They are riding fast, too.” “Then I must leave you at once. Many thanks for your kindness. Ah,” he added, suppressing a groan as he staggered to his feet, “my race is almost run.” CHAPTER III. TRACKED. “You cannot--you must not go!” she cried, excitedly. “You will fare no worse by staying here.” “But captivity means death,” he declared, quickly; “and I prefer to die as becomes a soldier. I thank you, but----”