THE POP OF THE closed portal was the same sound as the time I thought I would be stranded in Lee"s office. Lee turned to Colonel Taylor, and instructed him to take me back to the McLean house. “Take him quickly. His time is running down.” He took my arm again, and said, “Godspeed, young man. I have enjoyed knowing you. But now you must hurry.”
THE POP OF THE“Thank you, sir. For everything.” I mounted my horse and dashed off with the colonel leading, through the woods, up the hill, and as close to the McLean house as the colonel dared. He pointed to the sparkling rectangle, as yet undiscovered by the men in blue. I dismounted as quickly as possible, eager to avoid detection. As I climbed the incline toward the portal, the fluorescence evaporated. I turned to see the dust of Taylor"s gallop
