Bugles tooted their inspiring calls, and the officers, who knew the significance of the cadence of notes, issued their orders accordingly. "Deploy to the left!" came the command to a squad of Union cavalry, and the men trotted off, to try a flank movement. Then came the firing of a Confederate battery in a desperate attempt to scatter the Union forces. All the camera men in the employ of the Comet Film Company were engaged this day, and Russ was at his wits' end to keep each machine loaded with film, and to see that his own was working properly. Pop Snooks had never before been called on to provide so many "props" as he was for this occasion, but he thoroughly enjoyed the work, and when, at the last minute, he had to make a rustic bridge whereon two lovers had a farewell before the soldier rode off to battle, the veteran property man improvised one out of bean poles and fence rails that made a most artistic picture. "They'll have to get up the day before breakfast to beat Pop Snooks!" exclaimed Russ, admiringly. All was now ready for the big cavalry charge. "All ready!" came the order from Mr. Pertell. "Cameras!" And the cranks began to work, reeling off the sensitive film. The two bodies of cavalry rushed toward one another, hoofs thundering, carbines cracking, sabres flashing in the sun, white puffs of smoke showing where the cannon were firing. "Now Miss Brown!" yelled the director, above the riot of noise. "This is where you make the ride of your life!" "All right!" answered the brave girl, and, giving rein to her horse, she dashed off ahead of a detachment of cavalry that was to try to intercept her. On and on rode Estelle. Ruth and Alice, who had finished their part in this scene, stood on a little hill, watching her. On and on dashed Estelle, doing her part well, and foot after foot of the film registered her action. She was almost at the end now. She reached the Confederate ranks, gave over the message she had carried through such danger, and then, turning her horse, dashed away. How it happened no one could tell. But suddenly Petro stumbled, and though Estelle tried to keep him on his feet she could not. "Oh--oh!" gasped Ruth. "Look!" and then she turned her head away so as not to see. Alice had a flash of Estelle flying over the head of her falling horse, and then, unable to stop, the rushing soldiers on their horses rode over the very place where Estelle had fallen. CHAPTER XXIV A DENIAL OF IDENTITY Confused shouts, cries, and orders echoed over the field, Mr. Pertell, dropping his megaphone, rushed toward the scene of the accident, calling on Russ to follow and yelling back an order to have the stretcher men and the doctor follow him. Dr. Wherry was even then waiting in readiness, for it had been feared that this big scene might result painfully, if not dangerously, for more than one. Some men had also been detailed as stretcher bearers and were in waiting.