“No, Madam; by the opposite side, which is much easier of ascent. _Our_ straggling men are also arriving by scores; the Colonel will soon re-organize his whole force; and when Monck’s men join us, we shall be able to hold this post against any number that may be brought against it.” “But we are not to remain here.” “No, Madam. As soon as our whole force, including the three independent commands, is mustered, there is to be another great raid into Pennsylvania or Maryland, before the winter sets in.” Alberta clasped her hands together, with a look of woe unutterable and indescribable. “Will you have anything more, Madam?” inquired her attendant, who had not seen the misery on her face. “No, Abershaw. Take all those things away!—You have finished, I believe, Elfie?” “Yes; ever so long ago!” “Remove them, Abershaw; and pray ask Colonel Corsoni if he will step here and see me before I retire.” The man promptly obeyed the order by piling up as much of the cracked crockery and broken cutlery as he could carry, and walking off with his arms full. He came back a second time with an assistant who helped him to take away all that was left; and he gave message to Madam Corsoni to the effect that the colonel would attend her immediately. When the two men had finally left the spot, and the Free Sword was seen approaching it, Elfie retired within the hut leaving the husband and wife together. CHAPTER XV. COLONEL ROSENTHAL. His eyebrow dark and eye of fire Showed spirit proud and prompt to ire; Yet lines of thought upon his cheek, Did deep design and counsel speak; His forehead by his casque worn bare, His thick moustache and curling hair, Dark brown and grizzled here and there, But more through toil than age. His square turned joints and strength of limb Showed him no carpet knight so trim, But in close fight a champion grim, In camps a leader sage.—SCOTT. Elfie in the hands of the guerrillas, we must go and look after Justin, from whom we have been separated too long. It is true that we have heard of him from time to time, and by little fragments of news picked up here and there, we have been able to keep track of his movements since he left us. We know, for instance, that his regiment has been engaged in several sharp skirmishes, such as would be set down as great battles in any other country than this, the theatre of our colossal war, and that in every one of these fights he distinguished himself alike by his personal courage and his military skill. We have heard that, for gallant and meritorious conduct, he was promoted to the rank of major, and that, by the death or disabling of his superior officers, the temporary command of his regiment, then on duty at H., devolved upon him.