"Then I'm off for home at once, for Pauline." The delay of that train was a blessing in disguise. CHAPTER VIII. A dim, murky morning it was that dawned on Sandbrook the following day. I had spent the livelong night at the station. The missing train came unheeded, soon after Colonel Summers on "Billy's" horse loped off into the northern darkness. I had sent a dispatch to Amory, care of Department Headquarters in New Orleans. "Billy" had hospitably invited me to share his humble breakfast, made most relishable though by the steaming coffee "cooked" army fashion in a battered old pot with a reliable lid. I had noted with respect and with pleasure the fine picture of General Lee hanging over the narrow mantel, and the battered old cavalry sabre beneath it; and was beginning to ask myself how I could best employ the day until evening train-time, when the rapid beat of hoofs and the familiar rattle of the carriage-wheels sounded in my ears. "Hyar they come," said "Billy." "I knew they would." Even before we could reach the platform, the carriage had whirled up there and Harrod sprang from the box-seat. "That freight gone by yet, Billy?" "The freight! Lord, no! Colonel, you're not going to take Miss Summers that way?" "It hasn't gone, dear," he quickly spoke to the silent inmate of the carriage. "But it's due how soon?" turning again to his friend. "Ten minutes, colonel, and on time, too, if you're bound to go by her." "By all means. We may strike something at Corinth; if not, we'll go on to the Junction." Then with lowered voice, "Anything is better than waiting at such a time. We'd better get them out, I think." Them! Who could be there? thought I, for up to this time I had thought best not to intrude. Now I stepped forward as he opened the carriage-door, and with light, quick spring out popped Kitty. "Mr. Brandon will take charge of you, Kit; there's a dear," said he, gently, then turned again to the door, and tenderly handed out his sister. She came instantly to me with dry eyes, and firm, low voice, only with face so pale. She frankly held forth her hand, which--which I took in both my own. "Have you heard anything further?" I shook my head. "And you have been sitting up here all night waiting for us. How kind, yet how tired you must be!" "I never expected you till evening," I answered, bluntly, and was rewarded by a look of quick, reproachful surprise. "Harrod reached us at one o'clock. It took very little time to get ready. Mr. Brandon, can you make _any_ conjecture as to the nature of his illness?" "None whatever; fever of some kind, I am half inclined to believe, contracted while off on this court-martial tour." She bowed her head, and now silent tears fell from her eyes. Harrod led her to one side and, putting his arm around her, stood whispering cheeringly to her. Then I turned to Kitty, who was very quietly engaged in getting out satchels, baskets, and travelling-bags; all was done before I reached her.