There it was--the largest and most dominant window in that part of the building--and within it, a distinct and vivid object almost filling the opening, was the vase of flowers, which he had a few hours ago removed, RESTORED TO ITS ORIGINAL POSITION! He smiled.

The hurried entrance and consternation of Miss Faulkner were now fully explained.
He had interrupted some impassioned message, perhaps even countermanded some affectionate rendezvous beyond the lines.

And it seemed to settle the fact that it was she who had done the signaling! But would not this also make her cognizant of the taking of the dispatch-box?
He reflected, however, that the room was apparently occupied by the mulatto woman--he remembered the calico dresses and turban on the bed--and it was possible that Miss Faulkner had only visited it for the purpose of signaling to her lover.

Although this circumstance did not tend to make his mind easier, it was, however, presently diverted by a new arrival and a strange recognition.
As he rode through the camp a group of officers congregated before a large mess tent appeared to be highly amused by the conversation--half monologue and half harangue of a singular-looking individual who stood in the centre.

He wore a "slouch" hat, to the band of which he had imparted a military air by the addition of a gold cord, but the brim was caught up at the side in a peculiarly theatrical and highly artificial fashion.