“First, that you leave these people in peace. They are not to blame for my presence here. Second, that I shall be treated as a prisoner of war.” “Of course we intend to do all that you have asked. So you will surrender? Men----” “Hold! not too fast. Remember that I am not in your hands yet.” “I should like to know what stands between us.” “Your life!” was the cool reply. “Have done with this fooling. Do you surrender or not? Girl, be careful how you handle that pistol.” “You promise that these people shall not be disturbed, sir?” “I do.” “And that you will take me to your headquarters before your commander?” “Of course.” “Then I give myself up as a prisoner of war.” It required no second bidding for the soldiers to secure so valuable a captive, and a minute later Cavalry Curt was in the power of his foes. Colonel Morland had been freed, so that he breathed easier. Mara looked on in silence, and though she had lowered the weapon she still held it in her hand. “I hope you will lose nothing by your conduct to-day,” said Captain Dermot, more in mockery, we suspect, than sincerity. She offered no reply. “Come, men,” he continued, “we can afford to start for headquarters now. We have done a good day’s work.” “Good-day, Colonel Morland; I am sorry for the treatment we were forced to give you, but it may learn you a lesson.” A minute later the party were mounting their horses. Curt had whispered a kind good-bye to her who had so nobly defended him, as his captors bore him out of the room. “Never fear for me,” he said. “I am a soldier who is not afraid to die. Give my regards to Hal when you see him.” She would fain have spoken to him, but the Confederate chief pushed her rudely aside as he hurried past. She stood at the window watching the cavalcade in their preparations to start, while in spite of herself tears came into her eyes. Buck Logan returned to the room for something he had forgotten, or at least pretended to have left. Mara turned at the sound of his footsteps. “What, in tears!” he exclaimed in surprise. “I thought you were too brave a girl for that.” “Oh, Mr. Logan, what will they do with him?” “He is a spy and will have to meet the fate of a spy, I suppose. But I did not know he was your friend, Mara--Miss Morland.” “I never saw him until to-day, but he was a friend to Harry. He seems like a noble man.” “Well enough I dare say. But do not let your sympathy rob you of your reason. The boys are starting and I must not delay longer. I hope to see you again soon.” He had taken one of her hands in his and pressing it to his lips, he hastily left the room. “Mara, I don’t understand this,” said Colonel Morland, turning to her as the horsemen rode away with the captive scout in their midst. Not without some confusion did she tell him of the morning’s adventures. Half an hour later she laid her hand on his shoulder saying: “Grandpa, I am going to Dalton.” “To Dalton?” he echoed. “What for, my child?”