"What did Ragan answer?" now thoroughly aroused to the knowledge this must be Billie.
"He only told her to git right back in thar, an' keep still. It was just as that whole caboodle come tearin' up this las' time, sir. It wan't no safe place fer a girl whar you was. Ragan he promised to tell you, only he got hit 'fore the fracas was done. That's why Foster chirked up, an' that's all of it."
The man had made it clear as far as he understood. There were no more questions to ask him, and I could only hope to uncover the mystery of her presence through the confession of her own lips. She had not gone over to the enemy then; had never left the house; instead, was seeking me. It was all so strange that I stood a moment bewildered, striving to reason the affair out, before attempting to approach the girl. What could have occurred? Where could she have hidden? Why, indeed, had she thus endeavored to conceal herself from both her father and myself? The troopers had scattered in obedience to orders, a few remaining at the openings watchful for any hostile movement without, before I ventured down the hall. It was dark behind the stairs, but she saw me instantly, greeting me with a little cry of delight and a quick outstretching of the hands.
"I am so glad you have come! I--I haven't known what to do."
"If I had supposed you still in the house," I explained, "I should have been with you before."
"But I sent word; I told the soldier it was most important."
"That was Ragan, Miss Billie--a big fellow, with red moustache?--he was killed."
"Killed! Oh, in the attack; yet--yet you still hold the house, do you not?"
"Yes, or I certainly should not be here with you. We have repulsed two assaults, but have lost heavily, and can scarcely hope to come safely through another. Before it is made I must get you away."
"Out of the house, you mean?"