CHAPTER XXIV.
THE ATTACK IN THE ROAD Cowards and laggards fall back; but alert to the saddle, Straight, grim and abreast, vault our weather-worn galloping legion, With a stirrup-cup each to the one gracious woman that loves him.
-- Louise Imogen Guiney.
"There's an abandoned lumber camp down here, if I'm not mistaken, and if we've made the right turns we ought to be south of Lamar and near the railroad." Armitage passed his rein to Claiborne and plunged down the steep road to reconnoiter.
"It's a strange business," Claiborne muttered half-aloud.
The cool air of the ridge sobered him, but he reviewed the events of the night without regret.

Every young officer in the service would envy him this adventure.

At military posts scattered across the continent men whom he knew well were either abroad on duty, or slept the sleep of peace.

He lifted his eyes to the paling stars.

Before long bugle and morning gun would announce the new day at points all along the seaboard.