It will only be a skirmish." "Ye-e-e-s, possibly," the Northerner assented, and he looked thoughtfully at Virgie, "but still--" "What is it ?" "I can't send you forward now--in the face of that fire.

And, for that matter, I can't send you to the rear.

In five minutes this road will be glutted with cavalry and guns." "Never mind, Morrison," the Southerner returned.

"I couldn't go now--anyway." "Why ?" Cary opened out his hands in a simple gesture.

"Because, in case of trouble for you at headquarters, I'm _still_ your prisoner." With his eyes brave and steady on the others he took the newly written pass from his breast--and tore it in pieces.