Would it inconvenience you, Judge, if I made your house my headquarters for the night ?" "Everything I possess is freely at your service." "Thank you.

From all I have heard I could never question the loyalty of Judge Moran." He spoke a few short orders, swung down from the saddle, and, followed by a half-dozen others, began climbing the steps, talking with Miss Willifred.

I heard the party enter the hall, and pause for a moment, the sound of voices mingling but indistinguishable.

Then a door opened, and the men trooped into the front parlor.

There was a rattle as accoutrements were laid aside; then a table was drawn forth, and Beauregard's voice spoke: "The portfolio, Sternes; now, Captain, let me read over that last despatch again.