bear. A little later, when the cold has formed a crust, our men can get in
on snowshoes. There is nothing for it but patience, Mrs. Bogardus, and
faith in the boy's endurance. The pluck that made him stay behind will
help him to hold out."

Moya gave a hurt sob; the colonel stepped to the desk and stood there a
moment turning over his papers. Behind his back the mother sent a glance
to Moya expressive of despair.

"Do you know what happened to his father? Did he ever tell you?" she
whispered.

Moya assented; she could not speak.

"Twice, twice in a lifetime!" said the older woman.

With a gesture, Moya protested against this wild prophecy; but as Paul's
mother left the room she rushed upon her father, crying: "Tell _me_ the
truth! What do you think of it? Did you ever hear of such a dastardly
thing?"

"It was a rout," said the colonel coolly. "They were in full flight before
the enemy."

"What enemy? They deserted a wounded comrade, and a servant at that!"

"The enemy was panic,--panic, my dear. In these woods I've seen strong men
go half beside themselves with fear of something--the Lord knows what!
Then, add the winter and what they had seen and heard of that. Anyway, you
can afford to be easy on the other boys. The honors of the day are with