Now, boys," he continued, turning to the others, "don't watch me too closely when we get in the house, or you will betray me." The major--after making sure that the papers, which had already been of so much service to them, were still in his pocket--ascended the broad stone steps that led up to the portico, and knocked at the door.
It was opened by a servant, who, after inquiring what he wanted, led the way into a brilliantly-lighted parlor, where he saw before him George's mother and sisters.
"Good evening, sir," said Mrs.Le Dell, rising from her seat.

"Is there any way in which we can serve you ?" The major made known his wants, and a servant was at once dispatched to order supper, and to invite the remainder of the fugitives into the house.

As they filed slowly into the room--George bringing up the rear--the particular orders which the major gave about the muskets caused the lady to say: "You need have no fear, sir.

The Yankees have never yet favored us with a visit." "I know it, ma'am," replied the major, accepting a chair that one of the sisters offered him, "but I have been a soldier so long, that I never omit to make preparations for a fight." As soon as they were fairly seated, Frank turned to look at George.
"That boy must be made of iron," said he to himself, "or else he is among his friends, and we are betrayed;" for, instead of being embarrassed, or wearing his habitual sorrowful look, he sat easily in his chair, and gazed carelessly about the room, as though he were a perfect stranger there, and not a muscle quivered, to show the emotion he really felt, as his eye rested on the familiar faces of his relatives.

He calmly met their glances, which Frank thought were directed toward him rather suspiciously, but all attempts to draw him into the conversation that followed, about the war, and the certainty of speedily overpowering the Yankees, and driving them from the land, were unavailing.