Violet Jacob > Flemington

THE VANISHING BIRD 343
“you will think of me without bitterness, remember
“ that I should have been glad.
“Archibald Flemington.”
He folded the paper and rose, holding it out
to Callandar.
“ I am contented,” said he ; “ go now, Callandar.
You look worn out. I believe this last night is
trying you more than it tries me.”
It was some little time after daybreak that
Callandar stood again at the door of the tent
under the kindling skies. Archie was waiting
for him and he came out. The eyes of the sentries
never left them as they went away together,
followed by the small armed guard that was at
Callandar’s heels.
The two walked a little apart, and when they
reached the outskirts of the camp they came to a
field, an insignificant rough enclosure, in which
half a dozen soldiers were gathered, waiting. At
the sight of Callandar the sergeant who wras in
charge of them began to form them in a line some
paces from the wall.
Callandar and Flemington stopped. The light
had grown clear, and the smoke that was beginning
to rise from the town thickened the air over the
roofs that could be seen from where they stood.
The daily needs and the daily avocations were
beginning again for those below the hill, while
they were ceasing for ever for him who stood