"He and I are good friends," I said. "I have ridden him daily. We understand each other," I added softly; "we both love you."
"And Jack," her hand was instantly in mine in the old way, "in after years you won't think evil of me for selling myself this way, will you?"
"Why, no," I said seriously. "I have been thinking of it, and all life is just a barter and trade."
I saw her face in the starlight.
"I've no right to make you wretched like this, Jack," she said, rising. "I am going in; and when I return do you be gone Jack, somewhere—anywhere." Her voice trembled. She stood quiet, and I by her, dazed and helpless.
"There is one thing I am going to take to England with me, Jack," and she pulled out from beneath her gown yoke, a little token I had forgotten. I recognized the locket and the chain I had given her years ago. "And this little picture in it is you, Jack. You gave them both to me the day I helped you lick Braxton Bragg."
Then she turned quickly and left me.
"Jack," said my Aunt, as we parted the next day at the station, "I am afraid things are all against us. Father, I see, is going to will The Home Stretch to Braxton Bragg. If I were you—"
"I have already done it," I said. "I am going to move to-day to Dr. Gottlieb's; there I shall work out my plans."
My Aunt smiled grimly. "I want you to remember one thing when I am gone. Don't give up—remember Old Hickory."