“I’m flattered, sir, I’m sure,” she said. Then her manner changed suddenly. “I wanted you to come, Tom, ever so much, so you could tell me the news of Colonel Moultrie’s taking of Fort Johnson. Uncle Jasper heard that you were there; that you were the very first over the walls.” “Yes, I was there,” said Tom, proudly, “but Cole was first over the wall; I was second, because he reached down and pulled me over after him.” Laura Thornton clapped her hands delightedly. “Oh, you’re so brave, Tom; I wish I was a boy, then I, too, could do something for the cause. But they’re all Tories here--uncle, Cousin Mark and all; I dare not say a word of what I think about that hateful old King George!” “I call that too bad,” said Tom, warmly. “A person should always be allowed to say what he thinks.” “That’s what I say, too, but I’m afraid of Uncle Jasper, Tom; he’s so violent when he’s angry. Oh, if I could only break out on him as you did awhile ago! I stood at the window and heard it all. You were so splendid, Tom; you were not in the least bit afraid of him, were you?” “Well, I should hope not,” said Tom. “But don’t trust him, Tom,” she whispered, as though fearful of being overheard. “Don’t trust him or Mark, either; they both hate you, and just now I heard them talking to one of the officers whom they are entertaining; they are going to----” Here she was interrupted by her uncle’s harsh voice, calling: “Tom! Tom Deering, I say, where have you gotten to!” A heavy foot sounded upon the bare, polished floor of the hall, coming toward the door of the room in which they were standing. “He’s coming,” said Tom. “I must tell you about the despatch,” said Laura, hurriedly, catching Tom by the arm. “The despatch?” said he, looking at her wonderingly. “Lieutenant Cheyne is to ride with it after dark to a point below the city; there will be a boat’s crew awaiting to carry him aboard one of the king’s ships. Oh, Tom, they intend to-morrow night to bombard Charleston!” Tom’s face paled. “Are you sure?” he demanded. “I heard it from their own lips. Oh, Tom, Tom, what will the poor people do if the despatch reaches Lord Campbell’s hands?” “It shall not reach them,” said Tom, firmly. “I’ll give my life, if need be, to prevent it.” At this moment the door was pushed rudely open and Jasper Harwood strode into the apartment. “Ha!” said he, angrily. “I find you here, do I! I’ve been bawling all over the place for you.” “I saw Laura, sir,” said Tom, “and just paused for a moment to speak to her.” “Well,” growled he, not seeming to relish this explanation in the least, “now that you have spoken with her, suppose you come into the dining-hall and not keep my guests waiting for you.” Tom pressed Laura’s hands in hurried thanks; his glowing eyes told her how grateful he was for the information which she had just given him. In it he saw a chance to serve his country and make a name for himself at the same time.