"A trifle," was the answer. "What he needs is rest and quiet. He has a strong constitution, and that is in his favor."
It did not take long to transfer Colonel Stanton to the bedchamber prepared for his reception, and once he was in the house Mrs. Ruthven did all in her power to make him comfortable. The ride had somewhat exhausted the officer, and he slept heavily until far into the next morning.
DR. MACKEY SHOWS HIS HAND.
"Well, what do these fellows intend to do with me, anyway?"
It was Jack who asked himself the question, as he sat up, after quite a long sleep.
He was a close prisoner in a little cabin far up the mountain side. His hands were bound tightly behind him and were made fast to a heavy wooden stake driven into the hard mud flooring.
Night had come and gone, and all of the Confederates had left him. Now it was almost night again.
"If they would only give me something to eat and to drink," he went on. He was very dry, and his stomach was empty.
Half an hour later a footstep sounded outside, and Dr. Mackey appeared, carrying a knapsack filled with provisions, and a canteen of water.