Shots were still being fired, and there was a confused sound of shouting; then a cavalry trumpet rang out sharply, and presently three shots fired in quick succession came upon the air.
"That is the signal agreed on," the Major said: "he is safely beyond their lines.

Now it is a question of riding; some of the cavalry will be in pursuit of him before many minutes are over." Forster's adieus had been brief.

He had busied himself up to the last moment in looking to the saddling of the two horses, and had only gone into the house and said goodby to the ladies just when it was time to start.

He had said a few hopeful words as to the success of the mission, but it had evidently needed an effort for him to do so.

He had no opportunity of speaking a word apart with Isobel, and he shook her hand silently when it came to her turn.
"I should not have given him credit for so much feeling," Mrs.Doolan whispered to Isobel, as he went out; "he was really sorry to leave us, and I didn't think he was a man to be sorry for anything that didn't affect himself.