really sent for aid, as you say."

There was a thinly veiled sneer in the words as he spoke them, but I
curbed my temper.

"Well, in my judgment, sir,--and I tell it you because I deem it a
duty,--" I retorted plainly, "you are making a grave mistake which you
may realize when it becomes too late to rectify it. Possibly I have no
right to criticise one who is technically in command; yet I am serving
as a volunteer, and the conditions are peculiar. I not only remember
the scene witnessed by me in the lines out yonder, but also recall the
fact that we are here to fulfil a sacred duty--the defence of helpless
women from outrage. A fatal mistake upon our part would be horrible."

"Your deep interest in the welfare of the ladies is purely chivalric, I
presume?"

"It is merely the interest a true soldier must always feel," I
responded, determined not to be goaded into quarrel. "I have neither
wife nor sister, but I have a mother."

"Very well, sir,"--and his tone was rough and overbearing,--"then
kindly recall your soldierly instincts to another little matter. I
chance to command here by authority of rank, and hold myself
responsible for the proper defence of this portion of the house. I
believe you have already been assigned your duties; if you will attend
to them I shall be greatly obliged, and whenever I may desire your
valuable advice I shall take pleasure in sending for you."

I have often wondered since how I controlled myself; yet I did, biting