"I am prepared to dare anything," said Estella, and catching up a few things, she followed Cara out of the bedroom, taking the precaution to lock the door after her, that the servants might suppose she was still inside. The lower floor of the mansion was easily gained. From this they passed into the buttery, and here entered an arched place, which covered the stream of spring water which flowed through the buttery to the river beyond. It was a low opening, scarcely four feet high, and in places they were compelled to wade through the water. Estella shivered with the cold, but no thought of turning back entered her head. "Here we are," said Cara, and stopped at a spot where there was an opening overhead. She thrust up a hand, and two rebel soldiers drew her up. Estella immediately followed, and the little party ran for the shelter of some bushes which lined the river bank. They were soon joined by the four remaining rebels, who had been on guard about the mansion. "The coast is clear," said the leader. "I trust we shall have as easy a time at the city line." No more was said. They walked to a bit of woods skirting the river, and then entered a bypath leading to the rebel camp. In a quarter of an hour the leader called a halt. "We will go ahead and reconnoitre," he said. "You two women remain where you are. This is where we came in. I want to see if our men are still doing duty as Spanish pickets." Estella and her maid were left behind in the shelter of a cattle herder's lodge, and the soldiers went on silently, and with guns ready for use. With wildly beating hearts, the pair waited for them to return. Five--ten--fifteen minutes passed. Then suddenly they heard half a dozen shots and loud shouting. Soon one of the soldiers came running toward them. "We are discovered! Run for it!" he cried, and hurried on. Estella started and grasped Cara's hand. What course was now best to pursue? A bold light sprang into the beautiful girl's eyes. "Cara, I am going to brave the pickets," she said. "I would rather die than remain in the city." "I will accompany you, no matter what the consequences," responded the maid. "But it may mean death, Cara." "Let us hope for the best," was the cheery reply. They left the lodge and struck out into the woods. The firing still continued, but grew fainter and fainter to their ears. Soon they reached the edge of the woods. Beyond was a large meadow filled with grazing cattle. "If we can but cross yonder meadow, I think we shall be safe," said Estella. "Come! every moment is precious." She went on, Cara closely following. The cattle looked up in wonder as they flew along, but offered them no harm. Presently a shout rang out from behind. "Halt!" "We are discovered, dear mistress!" cried Cara. "Come, come! do not waste a second," ejaculated Estella. "Turn to the left. Beyond that strip of brush is another meadow, and that must reach beyond the picket lines."