“Are we likely to be interrupted by the soldiers?”
“Not for a short time,” she replied, imitating his tone. “What is your errand, sir?”
“I will state it briefly,” he answered. “A body of horsemen are even now on the road from Dalton to effect your capture. General Johnston is calling in all of the skirmishing parties he has sent out so as to concentrate his forces as much as possible. He cannot afford to keep any soldiers here longer. You will be taken to Dalton, or what I fear most, will be shot as a traitor as soon as you are dragged from the house. I have come to save you.”
All this was spoken so rapidly that Mara could only listen in mute amazement.
“Who are you?” she faltered at last.
“Don’t be surprised at the mention of my name,” he replied. “I am the Wizard Scout.”
In spite of his warning she could hardly suppress a cry of amazement.
“I knew you would be surprised,” he declared. “I was in disguise when you saw me before, as I am now. But that makes me none the less your friend. I know of all that has transpired since we parted and knowing your peril, I have come to help you escape.”
“How?” she asked.
“By flight. We must lose no time either. The troops will be here in half an hour. If you have no place you can go to, I will guide you to a friend of mine.”