"Perhaps there is a fortune coming to your brother, and the doctor wants to secure it. A man like Dr. Mackey wouldn't do a thing of this sort without an object. I can tell you one thing--the fellow worships money." "What makes you think that?" "Because I know that a wounded soldier once told him to be careful and he would give him all the money he had--twelve dollars. The doctor was careful, and took every dollar that was offered." "But had he a right to take the soldier's money?" asked Marion indignantly. "Not exactly, but in war times many queer things happen that are never told of at headquarters," answered George Walden. Here the conversation ceased, for the soldier was quite exhausted. Soon Marion gave him a quieting draught, and then George Walden slept. CHAPTER XX. THE STORM OF BATTLE AGAIN. As related in the last chapter, Mrs. Ruthven and Jack had gone to Oldville to do some necessary trading. Arriving at the town, they found all in high excitement. The stores were closed, and only the tavern was open, and here were congregated a number of men who had but lately joined the Confederate ranks. "What is the matter?" asked Mrs. Ruthven of one of the men. "Another battle is on," was the answer. "We are going to drive the Yanks out of this neighborhood." "Another battle!" cried Jack. "Where?" "They are fighting over near Larson's Corners. Can't you hear the shooting?" "I can hear it now--I didn't hear it before." "Do you think they will come this way?" questioned Mrs. Ruthven anxiously. "Aint no telling how matters will turn," answered the man addressed, and then hurried off to join the other newly enlisted soldiers. Soon the soldiers were leaving the town on the double-quick. Jack watched the departure of the men with interest, and then espied Darcy Gilbert running toward him. "Hi, Darcy!" he called out. "Where bound?" "Jack! Just the one I wanted to meet. There's a fight on." "So I hear. I reckon we had better call out the Home Guard again." "By all means. The stores want protection, and so do the homesteads," went on Darcy. "Shall I go down the shore road and call up the boys?" "Yes, and I'll take the Batsford road. If you see Doc Nivers tell him to call up the boys on the mountain road, will you?" "Yes. What of those at Brackett's plantation?" "I'll send Hackett or Purroy after them," answered Jack. The two lads separated, and Jack turned to his foster mother. "Mother, you heard what was said," he began. "You don't object, do you?" "No, Jack; do your duty, as a brave boy should. But be careful--I cannot afford to lose you!" and she wiped away the tears which gathered in her eyes. "You will return home?" "At once." "If I were you I'd place Old Ben on guard at the plantation. I don't believe anybody will harm the place, now it is flying a hospital flag. Certainly the troops under Colonel Stanton won't trouble us."