Johnston told me as much before he left, and I know we shall need every man to-morrow if we force the fighting." "Why does he accept leave then, if he is needed here ?" she asked quickly.
"For your sake and mine, not fear of battle, I am sure.

There will be no heavy action at this end of our line, as we shall fall back to protect the centre.

But the movement as contemplated will leave all this ground to be occupied by the Yankees; they'll be here by to-morrow night beyond doubt; even now we retain only a skeleton force west of the pike.

I cannot leave you here alone, unprotected." "Is that why you have pressed me so to assent to this hurried arrangement ?" "Yes, Billie," and he took her hands tenderly.

"Captain Le Gaire suggested it as soon as we learned this region was to be left unguarded, and when he succeeded in getting leave to go south it seemed to me the very best thing possible for you.