"It will be in the path of duty; and there are some things worth even that risk, Miss Nell."
He turned his head, and his eyes looked full into hers.
"They must be of very great importance," she answered, returning his look with one as calm and quiet as his own, though her pulses quickened at the thought that he was perhaps about to appeal to her for sympathy in his mysterious sorrow.
"Do you not agree in my opinion?" he asked.
"Yes; if I had been in Percy's place when the war broke out, I would have done just as he did—periled my life and all I had for my country," she said with kindling eyes.
He smiled approval, then rising, "Good-by, Miss Nell," he said, taking her hand in his, "I must away."
"What! to-night? and do you go alone?"
"I start to-night, Wawillaway is to be my guide a part of the way," he said; "after that my horse and gun will be my sole companions."
"Oh, can't you get Wawillaway to go with you all the way? I should feel—so much more hopeful for your safe return!" she exclaimed; then blushing deeply, as she saw his face light up with pleasure while he asked,