Elsie started and turned pale.
“And father has hidden to avoid me—merciful God—if Phil is executed——”
“He isn’t dead yet, either,” said Ben, slipping his arm around her. “But we must save him without a clash or a drop of bloodshed, if possible. The fate of our people may hang on this. A battle with United States troops now might mean ruin for the South——”
“But you will save him?” Elsie pleaded, looking into his face.
“Yes—or I’ll go down with him,” was the steady answer.
“Where is Margaret?” he asked.
“Gone to McAllister’s with a message from your father,” Mrs. Cameron replied,
“Tell her when she returns to keep a steady nerve. I’ll save Phil. Send her to find her father. Tell him to hold five hundred men ready for action in the woods by the river and the rest in reserve two miles out of town——”
“May I go with her?” Elsie asked eagerly.
“No. I may need you,” he said. “I am going to find the old statesman now, if I have to drag the bottomless pit. Wait here until I return.”