"
"It is much nearer by the bridge,--and I have my horse over there."
"We shall get the horse without trouble," he said, and she walked beside
him through the starlighted wood. As they crossed the open tract she
said:
"This is the Port of Missing Men."
"Yes, here the lost legion made its last stand. There lie the graves of
some of them. It's a pretty story; I hope some day to know more of it
from some such authority as yourself."
"I used to ride here on my pony when I was a little girl, and dream about
the gray soldiers who would not surrender. It was as beautiful as an old
ballad. I'll wait here. Fetch the horse," she said, "and hurry, please."
"If there are explanations to make," he began, looking at her gravely.
"I am not a person who makes explanations, Mr. Armitage. You may meet me
at the gate."
As he ran toward the house he met Oscar, who had become alarmed at his
absence and was setting forth in search of him.
"Come; saddle both the horses, Oscar," Armitage commanded.
They went together to the barn and quickly brought out the horses.
"You are not to come with me, Oscar.
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