Oh! Marse Harry, I can't let ye go! I been dat mizzable widout ye.

I ain't neber got over lovin' ye!" Here a voice from near the office broke out.

In the dusk the two could just make out the form of the colonel, who was evidently calling to some of his people.

He was bareheaded and without his shade.
"I've sent Alec to see him safe off the grounds.

You go yourself, Mr.
Grant, and follow him into the highroad; remember that after this I hold you responsible for these prowlers." The two had paused while the colonel was speaking, Harry, gathering the reins in his hand, ready to vault into the saddle, and Alec, holding on to his coat-sleeves hoping still to detain him.
"I haven't a minute more--quick, Alec, tell me how my mother is." "She's middlin' po'ly, same's ever; got great rings under her eyes and her heart's dat heaby makes abody cry ter look at 'er.