"Halt! Who comes there?"
These words were spoken by one of the sentinels of the picket. In an instant, William had darted from the spot. The sentinel fired upon him without effect. He was soon out of danger, and then paused irresolute. At length he said:
"It will be useless to return to night. That gun has aroused the camp, and they are beating the long roll. But, why should I wish to return. My sister loves a rebel. No! what is that? Why, he—her lover is waving the Stars and Stripes from yonder rock. He knows I see him—and hark!—she—my sister—is singing—The Star-Spangled Banner. Surely this is all a dream."
CHAPTER III.
The General—His Quarters—The Delay—The Expedition—The Instructions—The Departure.
We should have else desired your good advice
(Which still hath been both grave and prosperous)
In this day's council; but we'll take to-morrow,
Is't far you ride?—Shakespeare.