“Why, our little girl is becoming a soldier and a strategist.  I think you had better make your report over again, Mr. Merwyn;” and he drew out a fuller account of events than had been given the evening before, also the result of the young man’s morning observations.

Marian made no effort to secure attention beyond offering Merwyn a cup of coffee.

“I have breakfasted,” he said, coldly.

“Take it, Merwyn, take it,” cried Mr. Vosburgh.  “Next to courage, nothing keeps up a soldier better than coffee.  According to your own view we have another hard day before us.”

Merwyn complied, and bowed his thanks.

“Now for plans,” resumed Mr. Vosburgh.  “Are you going to police headquarters again?”

“Direct from here.”

“I shall be there occasionally, and if you learn anything important, leave me a note.  If I am not there and you can get away, come here.  Of course I only ask this as of a friend and loyal man.  You can see how vitally important it is that the authorities at Washington should be informed.  They can put forth vast powers, and will do so as the necessity is impressed upon them.  If we can only hold our own for a day or two the city will be full of troops.  Therefore remember that in aiding me you are helping the cause even more than by fighting with the best and bravest, as you did yesterday.  You recognize this fact, do you not?  I am not laying any constraint on you contrary to your sense of duty and inclination.”

“No, sir, you are not.  I should be dull indeed did I not perceive that you are burdened with the gravest responsibilities.  What is more, your knowledge guides, in a measure, the strong national hand, and I now believe we shall need its aid.”

“That’s it, that’s the point.  Therefore you can see why I am eager to secure the assistance of one who has the brains to appreciate the fact so quickly and fully.  Moreover, you are cool, and seem to understand the nature of this outbreak as if you had made a study of the mobs.”

“I have, and I have been preparing for this one, for I knew that it would soon give me a chance to prove that I was not a coward.”

Marian’s cheeks crimsoned.

“No more of that, if you please,” said Mr. Vosburgh, gravely.  “While it is natural that you should feel strongly, you must remember that both I and my daughter have asked your pardon, and that you yourself admitted that we had cause for misjudging you.  We have been prompt to make amends, and I followed you through yesterday’s fight at some risk to see that you did not fall into the hands of strangers, if wounded.  I could have learned all about the fight at a safer distance.  You are now showing the best qualities of a soldier.  Add to them a soldier’s full and generous forgiveness when a wrong is atoned for,—­an unintentional wrong at that.  We trust you implicitly as a man of honor, but we also wish to work with you as a friend.”