Cybo lunged at them, pink-eyed, barking. They kicked him out of the way. “In here,” Bale directed. “This is the cob-shed. Lie low for a minute.” He raced up to the rear stoop and pounded upon the door jamb. “Mrs. Fanning!” he called.

“She’s resting,” came Irene’s voice, tight and disbelieving. Then she appeared in the kitchen doorway, and slowly her hand crept against her mouth … She whispered, “Oh, come in—quickly! Gretel’s gone to Spanglers’… everyone’s gone except mother—”

Inside, the startled shadows bending beside them, he fed on her mouth. “It’s a world gone to rack,” he whispered.

“Lover.” Her arms binding him for a moment. “But—here? You must not—oh, Dan, you—” She whined in fright, falling away from him, and knowing suddenly that this was Tyler Fanning’s house … Tyler Fanning’s people all around—specters of her betrayal swooping close—

Bale pointed toward the barns. “The militia’s been scattered by the rebels. They’re close—coming in along the Pike. Elijah and another fellow are hiding out there in the barn. There’s a chance for them to avoid capture by hustling south at once; the main Federal army is on the way north, they think … Will Mrs. Fanning let them take a horse and any sort of a rig, and try it? I’ll pay for it, if they are unsuccessful.”

Irene said, “Of course. I’ll tell her. Of course they mustn’t be—” She caught up her gown and sped in to the front hall. Her voice rapped out, fiercely, “Mother!” and there was an answering groan upstairs. The stairway echoed crazily as the woman’s pointed heels stabbed against it. Dan waited, trying not to look at the room around him … A despoiler, he thought. I can’t forget. In my house it is not the same. Here—

“The Jenny Lind.” The girl’s voice echoed down from the top of the stair-pit. “Mr. Bale, mother says for them to take the Jenny Lind. The top was broken when Demon had the runaway, but it rolls nicely still. It’s at the far end of the shed … Take the colt. He’s broke to harness, and the rebels will carry him off if they come to Gettysburg … Father’s gone in the carriage, with Demon.” The ceiling quaked as Mrs. Fanning climbed from out of her bed.