“I think you can mount your horse now, sir. I think he will go without trouble,” said the boy. And Colonel Rosenthal got into his saddle and rode on towards W., followed by his favorite orderly. Day was breaking when they rode into the town. They went immediately to the head quarters of General W., to whom Colonel Rosenthal reported. Active preparations were set on foot in W. for an expedition against the guerrilla bands who were now ascertained to have joined forces at the Black Bear’s Pass, from which point they were preparing to make a descent upon Maryland. And now it is time to return to Elfie, and see how she fares with her wild lover. CHAPTER XXI. THE MOUNTAIN CAMP. Now, my co-mates and brothers in this cause, Hath not our custom made this life more sweet Than that of city pomp? Are not these rocks More free from peril than the envious town? Here we but feel the penalty of Adam— The seasons’ difference, as the frosty fancy And churlish chiding of the winter’s wind; Which, when it bites and blows upon my body, Even till I shrink with cold, I smile and say— This is no flattery; these are counsellors That feelingly persuade me what I am.—SHAKSPEARE. While Vittorio and Alberta talked together outside the door, Elfie entered the leafy hut and threw herself down upon the fragrant pallet that had been spread for her accommodation. Her shelter was like a fairy bower. Wherever she stretched her hands out towards the walls, or the floor, or the ceiling, she found leaves. Yet the hut was not so compactly built as to prevent the moonbeams from shining in between the loosely woven pine boughs; so the place was dappled over with spots of moonlight; and filled with the fragrance of pine blooms; and cheered with the chirp of insects that sung from every twig. Elfie lay and rested well, luxuriously; but she could not sleep. Outside they were beating the tattoo, and the guerrillas were putting away their horses or hurrying to their quarters; and the rolling of the drums, the prancing of the steeds, and the tramping of the men would have kept Elfie awake, even if her own troubled thoughts had not banished sleep from her eyes.