wondering where Brennan had concealed the women to keep them from harm.
Would he inform them of our arrival? He could scarcely hope to keep the
fact long hidden, for they would certainly see some of my gray-jackets,
and ask questions. I doubted, however, if he would mention my name, yet
Caton surely would, and Caton could not be kept long away from Miss
Minor, unless serious attack was imminent. Unquestionably, I should be
compelled to meet them before this duty was concluded; how should I be
received, and how should I conduct myself? There was but one way--a
dignified courtesy, seemingly ignoring all that had previously
occurred. Any explanation at present was apparently out of the
question, and I certainly could not venture to intrude after the
coldness of my last reception. Besides, there was Brennan to be
considered. He would make use of my services in this emergency, but I
had been distinctly informed it could make no difference in the feud
existing between us. I had no wish that it should, and I could
consistently hope for very little consideration from the wife of a man
whom I was destined to meet upon the field of honor. No, the far better
way was to see as little of her as possible, to meet almost as
strangers, and then to part for ever. Difficult as this programme
assuredly was, it seemed the only honorable course left me. Even had
she loved me as truly as I did her, I could yet do no less.

"They seem to be peckin' away pretty lively out in front," said the
corporal, interrupting my reverie.

"Yes," I admitted. "In my judgment that will prove the main point of
attack. How many men did the Major have there before we came?"

"Same as here, sir."