Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/277

 he's from town, I'm afraid," John answered slowly.

A horse's hoof echoed on the flagstones before the columns, and in a moment the picket rushed to the window.

"Bad news, sir!"

"What is it?" John asked quietly:

"A regiment of United States cavalry slipped into town just after dark."

"I've been looking for it," John broke in. "Well?"

"A squadron has surrounded Mrs. Wilson's boarding house to wait for you."

"Merciful God! what have I done!" Stella sobbed inaudibly.

John touched her hand soothingly at the sound of her sob, bent low and whispered tenderly:

"It's all right—dearest—you love me!"