While I hid there a cavalry soldier from the fort rode up, swung down from his saddle, and ran up the steps.

I heard him ask for Major McDonald.

Almost immediately he came out again, and I passed him on the porch.

Just inside the door I met my father.

He was leaving the hotel with Dupont, and the latter swore savagely when I caught my father's arm, asking what message the orderly had brought.