As they sprang eagerly forward over the dead bodies littering the floor
at the foot of the stairs, Brennan scrambled unsteadily to his feet,
and halted them with imperious gesture.

"Leave him alone!" he commanded. "That is the commander of the
Confederate detachment who came to our aid. The guerillas have fled
down the hallway, and are most of them outside by now. Wayne," he
turned and glanced up at us, his face instantly darkening at the
tableau, "kindly assist the ladies to descend; we must get them out of
this shambles."

He lifted them one by one and with ceremonious politeness across the
ghastly pile of dead and wounded men.

"Escort them to the library," he suggested, as I hesitated. "That room
will probably be found clear."

I was somewhat surprised that Brennan should not have come personally
to the aid of his wife, but as he ignored her presence utterly, I at
once offered her my arm, and silently led the way to the room
designated, the others following as best they might. The apartment was
unoccupied, exhibiting no signs of the late struggle, and I found
comfortable resting places for all. Miss Minor was yet sobbing softly,
her face hidden upon her mother's shoulder, and I felt constrained to
speak with her.

"I shall go at once" I said kindly, "to ascertain all I can regarding
Lieutenant Caton, and will bring you word."