Then, with a groan he gave back his answer: "I _hope_ not, darling.

I hope not!" Down the road a riderless horse was coming, head up and stirrups flying.
As it galloped past Cary scrutinized it closely and was glad he did not recognize it.

In its wake came soldiers, infantry and dismounted cavalry, firing, retreating, loading and firing again, but always retreating.
"Here come the stragglers," he cried.

"We're whipping 'em! Close, darling, _close_.

Lie down against the wall." He crouched above her, shielding her as best he could with his body.
Then, suddenly, a man in blue leaped on the wall not ten feet away.