“Walk straight on out at the other door,” he whispered. “I see two soldiers coming in from the Charles Street side.” Without looking behind me I walked straight on as if I had merely passed through the store to get to the other sidewalk. I heard some one coming rapidly behind me, and then I was joined by Captain Hosmer. “What are you in such a hurry for?” he asked. “Wait a minute and I can walk home with you. I have a commission to execute back here.” Accordingly I returned to the store with him, was introduced to the friend accompanying him, and after a few moments walked home between the two. But the tailor had given me a hint--I was to come still earlier next day. The next morning, however, he signaled me to pass on as I was about to enter. At last one morning I caught him alone long enough to get my uniform. “I have to be very careful lately,” he apologized for waving me off the previous day. “These Yankees suspect me and are always on the lookout. Now we will get the uniform in a hurry. I have several pieces of fine Confederate cloth just in that I will show you. Is your husband a private?” “Oh, no-o!” I exclaimed indignantly. “I thought not,” he said suavely. “What is his rank?” “He is a captain of cavalry now. That is--he was when I left home. But I haven’t heard from him since. He may be major or colonel by now. Can’t you fix up a uniform that would do for him if he is a captain or a colonel or a major when I get back, or--that would do for a general?” “Certainly, certainly, madam. Very wise of you to think of that.” He showed me several pieces of very fine and beautiful cloth of Confederate gray, and I made my selection. “The question is, how are you to get it across the line. In what way will you carry it?” “Ah, that I don’t know. Captain Locke advised me to consult you.” The tailor, who seemed to have had a liberal experience in such matters, considered for a moment. “Are other ladies going with you?” “My mother.” “It is easy then. I will cut this cloth into lengths that will be all right for the tailor who makes the uniform. You and your mother can make it into two Balmoral skirts. That’s the way you get your cloth home. Now for the buttons and gold lace. Will you travel in the wrap you have on?” “In one like it; I shall pack this in my trunk. The inspectors will not be so likely to condemn this if they find it in a trunk as they would be to condemn a new one. So I will get a new cloak South; mother will wear another.” “I see.” He was impressed with the scheme and made a mental note of it. “Send me your cloaks and I’ll fix the buttons all right.”