"Lieutenant," said Zulma, with that bright laugh which had so enchanted Roderick the first time he heard it, "I have the honor of presenting to you a loyal soldier in the person of my brother, who has just decided upon entering the service in defence of the city." "I am proud to hear that. Eugene and I are old friends, and I am glad to know that we shall now be brothers in arms." "But, Lieutenant," continued Zulma, "you will perhaps be surprised to learn that he has acted thus at my recommendation." "Indeed! That is certainly an agreeable surprise. I may then be justified in hoping that you too, mademoiselle, will take part in our cause." "That is quite a different matter. Before I take, I must be taken, you know," with another merry laugh. "You mean that before we take you----." "You must catch me." "I own that is hard to do, considering my first experience, but it will be done all the same." "Never!" exclaimed Zulma, with a flush on her cheek. "I repeat it--and mark me--it _shall_ be done." And after a little more pleasantry, the party separated. On their way homeward, Sieur Sarpy lightly questioned his daughter. He knew the strength of her character, the high metal of her temper. Her words with Hardinge, all playful as they appeared on the surface, had, he was certain, a deeper significance. But this wonderful girl was dearly affectionate, in the midst of all her follies, and she would not grieve her father by telling him the secret of the thoughts which had moved her bosom since the morning. He had pleaded for quietude during the unquiet days that were coming. She was resolved he should have it in so far as it depended upon her. At least it was much too early in the day to vex his mind with forebodings. She therefore comforted and calmed him by words of assurance, and, when he crossed his threshold, that evening, the lonely old man felt that he was indeed secure under the protection of his daughter. III. THE SHEET-IRON MEN.