“He is a soldier, sir,” she said, “and versed in the law of war.”
“He is a gallant gentleman, Peggy. He will meet his doom bravely. But you! Would that some of your people were with you.”
“If father were but here,” she wept. “If father were here to be with him. ’Tis hard to go to death alone. Oh, sir, thee won’t mind if I——”
“Not to the execution?” he exclaimed hastily.
“Clifford will not permit that, sir. ’Tis only that I may stand at the door of the guard-house to give him a last good-bye. He is alone. His sister would wish it.”
“Is it wise, Peggy?” he asked regarding her with deep concern.
“Yes, oh, yes! ’Twill cheer him to have a friendly face near him.”
“If it will be of comfort to either of you, it may be done,” he said rising. “Come in, child. Mrs. Dayton must take you in charge.”
Obediently Peggy followed him to the house. The colonel’s wife was very kind, but presently left her, thinking that she slept. It was strange that no word had come from Harriet, she mused. Was it possible that she had indeed lost all hope after her failure to rescue her brother? It was unlike Harriet to give up like that. Peggy could not believe it. Why then had she not heard? And her father! Perhaps he was even then speeding toward them. Surely, surely, something must occur to prevent this dreadful thing from happening!