Katherine went to the door with him. "Can I do anything more, dear?" she asked.
"No," he said roughly, "unless you want to mind your own business for a while!" He laughed harshly, pushed her from him, and went out.
"Ralph isn't well," she sighed, going back to the table; "and I'm afraid something has happened outside, too. I wonder where the boys are?"
The whole garrison was asking the same question secretly; but no man would openly admit that there was ground for anxiety. Beatrice had tied Queen to the flag-pole, and was besieging the Doctor with inquiries.
"Tell me," she pleaded, for the third time, "haven't they been gone long enough to get back?"
"Yes," he answered finally; "they have. They should have been here long ago."
"I knew it!" she exclaimed. "I'm going to the blockhouse to see if they aren't coming!"
She called to those above her, but no one heard, so she went up the ladder. "Where are they?" she cried, bursting in upon the startled group.
Even as she spoke there was a faint "halloo" from the west. "They're coming," shouted Robert, but his voice was lost, for the sentinel at the gate had heard also.
The parade-ground filled with people, and Beatrice had turned to descend the ladder, when Robert caught her by the arm.