Releasing Stella, he turned to the white figures gathered in an excited group and in short sharp accents said: “I thank you boys for your kindness in coming to the little masquerade we had prepared to celebrate the announcement of my engagement to the woman who is the queen of my heart. Sorry the Yanks have interrupted us. Get home as fast as your horses can carry you. Burn your costumes the minute you reach a safe place. Hide them under your saddles as usual until you can burn them. Leave one at a time and go home by unused roads if possible. And listen--every man of you who can, should leave the state in twenty-four hours and stay until the trouble blows over.” “What are you goin’ to do?” asked a tall masked figure. “Don’t worry, Dan. I’ll look out for myself. You boys do the same and do it quick.” “We’ll stan’ by you if ye give the word,” persisted Dan. John left Stella’s side, stepped to the men and growled: “I’ve given the word. Run, and run like hell!” “We don’t like the orders, Chief, but orders is orders--git boys!” The men quickly disappeared, and John took Stella’s hand: “Come, dearest, we must go.” “Yes,” she answered, timidly clinging to his arm and holding him back. “We must hurry,” he urged. “I won’t hurry,” she said with tender wilfulness. “When a woman won’t, she won’t,” John laughed. She gently stroked his hand and slowly slipped her arm in his as she allowed him to lead her out into the moonlight beside the white silent pillars. “Wait here until I bring the horses,” John said, gently disengaging his arm. Stella clung to him firmly. “No, don’t go yet. Why hurry? Let them wait. I wish to be alone with you for a while here on this beautiful spot. It’s all so new and wonderful. This knowing that I love and am loved! I’ve just begun to live the past hour. I’m afraid to go back to the world.” “I must face some stern realities to-night. But you love me. That’s the only thing of any importance. What do jails matter? They can only imprison the body--my soul will follow you, hover about you, laugh and cry with you day and night, waking or dreaming.” “They won’t put you in jail to-night, dear?” she asked, piteously. “Yes.” “Then you shall not give yourself up to them! You’ll let me have my own way now that you know that I love you, won’t you, John dear? There! I’ve called your name for the first time--haven’t I?--I love your name!--You’re not going to give up to them--are you?” “I see no other way, dearest.” “You told your men to fly. Our horses are fresh. We can put miles between us and these troops before day. I’ll go with you, just as I am in this riding habit--no matter--I’ll get a dress somewhere when you’re out of danger.” He slipped his arm about her, bent his tall form, and stopped her with a kiss. “How sweet to hear you talk this beautiful nonsense!”