fused to tell his destination. He promised to follow and locate him as quickly as possible.
It was the afternoon on the day following, during the progress of the election, before Ben received the message from Spartanburg that Stoneman had been found at the Old Red Tavern where the roads crossed from Piedmont to Hambright. It was only twelve miles away, just over the line on the North Carolina side.
He walked with Margaret to the block where Queen stood saddled, watching with pride the quiet air of self-control with which she bore herself.
"Now, my sister, you know the way to the tavern. Ride for your sweetheart's life. Bring the old man here by five o'clock, and we'll save Phil without a fight. Keep your nerve. The Commandant knows a regiment of mine is lying in the woods, and he's trying to slip out of town with his prisoner. I'll stand by my men ready for a battle at a moment's notice, but for God's sake get here in time to prevent it."
She stooped from the saddle, pressed her brother's hand, kissed him, and galloped swiftly over the old Way of Romance she knew so well.
On reaching the tavern, the landlord rudely denied that any such man was there, and left her standing dazed and struggling to keep back the tears.
A boy of eight, with big wide friendly eyes, slipped into the room, looked up into her face tenderly, and said:
"He's the biggest liar in North Carolina. The old man's right upstairs in the room over your head. Come on; I'll show you."
