"ButI'mgladIcamesonear。Iwantedtoseeyouoncemore。IwishIcouldmakeyouunderstand。Butnobodyunderstands。Ihardlyunderstandmyself。ButpleasetrytobelievethatwhatIsayistrue。I'mjustbackfromthemountains，andlisten，Margaret——"Hehaltedamomenttosteadyhisvoice。
　　"TheTurnersdowntheretookmeinwhenIwasaraggedoutcast。Theyclothedme，fedme，educatedme。TheMajortookmewhenIwaslittlemore；andhefedme，clothedme，educatedme。TheTurnersscornedme——MelissatoldmetogoherdwiththeDillons。TheMajorallbutturnedmefromhisdoor。Yourfatherwasbittertowardme，thinkingthatIhadhelpedturnHarrytotheUnioncause。Butletmetellyou！IftheTurnersdied，believingmeatraitor；ifLissydiedwithacurseonherlipsforme；iftheMajordiedwithout，ashebelieved，everhavingpollutedhislipsagainwithmyname；ifHarrywerebroughtbackheredead，andyourfatherdied，believingthathisbloodwasonmyhands；andifIlostyouandyourlove，andyoudied，believingthesamething——Imuststillgo。Oh，Margaret，Ican'tunderstand——Ihaveceasedtoreason。IonlyknowImustgo！"
　　Thegirlinthemountainshadletherrageandscornlooselikeastorm，butthegentlewomanonlygrewmorecalm。Everyvestigeofcolorlefther，buthereyesneverforamomentwaveredfromhisface。Hervoicewasquietandevenandpassionless。
　　"Then，whydon'tyougo？"
　　Thelashofanoverseer'swhipacrosshisfacecouldnothavemadehissoulsobleed。Eventhenhedidnotlosehimself。
　　"Iaminyourway，"hesaid，quietly。AndbackingDixiefromtheroad，andwithoutbendinghisheadorloweringhiseyes，hewaited，hatinhand，forMargarettopass。
　　AllthatdayChadrode，and，nextmorning，DixieclimbedtheUnionbankoftheOhioandtrottedintotherecruitingcampoftheFourthOhioCavalry。ThefirstmanChadsawwasHarryDean——grave，sombre，taciturn，thoughhesmiledandthrustouthishandeagerly。Chad'seyesdroppedtothesergeant'sstripesonHarry'ssleeves，andagainHarrysmiled。
　　"You'llhave'emyourselfinaweek。Thesefellowsridelikealotofmeal-bagsoverhere。Here'smycaptain，"headded，inalowervoice。
　　Apompousofficerrodeslowlyup。HepulledinhishorsewhenhesawChad。
　　"Youwanttojointhearmy？"
　　"Yes，"saidChad。
　　"Allright。That'safinehorseyou'vegot。"
　　Chadsaidnothing。
　　"What'shisname？"
　　"HERnameisDixie。"
　　Thecaptainstared。Somesoldiersbehindlaughedinasmotheredfashion，soberingtheir'facesquicklywhenthecaptainturneduponthem，furious。
　　"Well，changehername！"
　　"I'llnotchangehername，"saidChad，quietly。
　　"What！"shoutedtheofficer。"Howdareyou——"Chad'seyeslookedominous。
　　"Don'tyougiveanyorderstome——notyet。Youhaven'ttheright；andwhenyouhave，youcansaveyourbreathbynotgivingthatone。ThishorsecomesfromKentucky，andsodoI；hernamewillstayDixieaslongasIstraddleher，andIproposetostraddleheruntiloneofusdies，or，"——hesmiledandnoddedacrosstheriver——"somebodyovertheregetsherwhowon'tobjecttohernameasmuchasyoudo。"
　　Theastonishedcaptain'slipsopened，butaquietvoicebehindinterruptedhim：
　　"Nevermind，Captain。"Chadturnedandsawashort，thick-setmanwithastubblybrownbeard，whoseeyesweretwinkling，thoughhisfacewasgrave。"A
　　boywhowantstofightfortheUnion，andinsistsoncallinghishorseDixie，mustbeallright。Comewithme，mylad。"
　　AsChadfollowed，heheardthemansalutedasColonelGrant，buthepaidnoheed。FewpeopleatthattimedidpayheedtothenameofUlyssesGrant。
　　CHAPTER22。MORGAN'SMEN
　　Bootsandsaddlesatdaybreak！
　　Overtheborder，inDixie，twovidettesingraytrotbrisklyfromoutaleafywoodland，sidebyside，andlookingwithkeeneyesrightandleft；one，erect，boyish，bronzed；theother，slouching，bearded，huge——theboy，DanielDean；
　　theman，RebelJerryDillon，oneofthegianttwins。
　　Fiftyyardsbehindthememergesasinglepicket；afterhimcomethreemorevidettes，thesamedistanceapart。Fiftyyardsbehindthelastrides"theadvance"——aguardoftwenty-fivepickedmen。Nocommissionamong"Morgan'sMen"wasmoreeagerlysoughtthanaplaceonthatguardofhourlyriskandhonor。Behindittrotstillthreemorevidettes，atintervalsofonehundredyards，andjustthatintervalbehindthelastoftheserideMorgan'sMen，theflowerofKentucky'syouth，incolumnsoffours——ColonelHunt'sregimentinadvance，thecolorsbornebyRenfrewtheSilentinabrilliantZouavejacketstuddedwithbuttonsofredcoral。IntherearrumbletwoParrotguns，affectionatelychristenedthe"BullPups。"
　　Skirtingthenextwoodlandranacross-road。DownonewaygallopsDan，anddowntheotherlumbersRebelJerry，eachtwohundredyards。Acryringsfromvidettetovidettebehindthemandbacktotheguard。Twohorsemenspurfromthe"advance"andtaketheplacesofthelasttwovidettes，whilethevidettesinfronttakeandkeeptheoriginalformationuntilthecolumnpassesthatcross-road，whenDeanandDillongallopuptotheiroldplacesintheextremefrontagain。Farinfront，andonbothflanks，arescoutingparties，milesaway。
　　ThiswasthewayMorganmarched。
　　Yankeesahead！Notmany，tobesure——nomorenumerousthantwoorthreetoone；sobackfallthevidettesandforwardchargesthatadvanceguardlikeathunderbolt，nottroublingthecolumnbehind。Wildyells，aclatteringofhoofs，thecrackofpistol-shots，awildflight，amerrychase，afewriderlesshorsesgatheredinfromthefleeingYankees，andtheincidentisover。
　　Tenmilesmore，andmanyhostilebayonetsgleamahead。Aseriousfight，this，perhaps——sobackdropstheadvance，thistimeasareserve；upgallopsthecolumnintosinglerankanddismounts，whiletheflankcompanies，deployingasskirmishers，coverthewholefront，onemanoutofeachsetoffoursandthecorporalsholdingthehorsesintherear。The"BullPups"barkandtheRebelyellringsastheline——thefilestwoyardsapart——"alongflexiblelinecurvingforwardateachextremity"——slipsforwardatahalfrun。ThistimetheYankeescharge。
　　Fromeverypointofthatcurvinglinepoursamercilessfire，andthechargingmeninbluerecoil——allbutone。Warisfullofgrimhumor。OncomesoneloneYankee，hatless，red-headed，pullingonhisreinswithmightandmain，hishorsebeyondcontrol，andnotoneoftheenemyshootashesweepshelplesslyintotheirline。Ahugerebelgrabshisbridle-rein。
　　"Idon'tknowwhethertokillyounow，"hesays，withpretendedferocity，"orwaittillthefightisover。"
　　"ForGod'ssake，don'tkillmeatall！"shoutstheYankee。"I'madissipatedcharacter，andnotpreparedtodie。"
　　Shotsfromtherightflankandrear，andthelineisthrownaboutlikearope。
　　ButthemainbodyoftheYankeesistotheleft。
　　"Leftface！Double-quick！"istheringingorder，and，bymagic，thelineconcentratesinasolidphalanxandsweepsforward。
　　ThiswasthewayMorganfought。
　　Andthus，marchingandfighting，hewenthistriumphantwayintothelandoftheenemy，withoutsabres，withoutartillery，withouteventhe"BullPups，"
　　sometimes——fightinginfantry，cavalry，artillerywithonlymuzzle-loadingrifles，pistols，andshotguns；scatteringHomeGuardsliketurkeys；destroyingrailroadsandbridges；takingtownsandburningGovernmentstores，andencompassed，usually，withforcestreblehisown。
　　ThiswaswhatMorgandidonaraid，waswhathehaddone，whathewasstartingoutnowtodoagain。
　　Darknessthreatens，andthecolumnhaltstobivouacforthenightontheveryspotwhere，nearlyayearbefore，Morgan'sMenfirstjoinedJohnston'sarmy，which，likeagreat，lean，hungryhawk，guardedtheSouthernborder。
　　DanielDeanwasawar-wornveterannow。Hecouldridetwentyhoursoutofthetwenty-four；hecouldsleepinhissaddleoranywherebutonpicketduty，andtherewasnotrickofthetradeincamp，oronthemarch，thatwasnotathisfinger'send。
　　Firefirst！Nobodyhadamatch，theleaveswerewetandthetwigssoggy，butbysomemagicatinysparkglowsundersomeshadowyfigure，bitesatthetwigs，snapsatthebranches，andwrapsaloginflames。
　　Waternext！Atincuprattlesinabucket，andanothershadowyfigurestealsoffintothedarkness，withaninstinctasunerringastheskillofawater-witchwithawillowwand。TheYankeeschoseopenfieldsforcamps，butyourrebeltooktothewoods。Eachmanandhischumpickedatreeforahome，hungupcanteensandspreadblanketsatthefootofit。Supper——Heavens，whatluck——freshbeef！Onemanbroilsitoncoals，pinningpiecesoffattoittomakegravy；anotherroastsitonaforkedstick，forMorgancarriednocookingutensilsonaraid。
　　Here，onemanmadeupbreadinanoilclothandeveryMorgan'smanhadonesoonaftertheywereissuedtotheFederals；anotherworkedupcorn-mealintodoughinthescooped-outhalfofapumpkin；onebakedbreadonaflatrock，anotheronaboard，whileathirdhadtwistedhisdougharoundhisram-rod；ifitwerespring-time，afourthmightbefittinghisintoacornshucktoroastinashes。AllthisDanDeancoulddo。
　　Theroaringfirethickensthegloomofthewoodswherethelonelypicketsstand。Pipesareoutnow。Anoracleoutlinesthegeneralcampaignofthewarasitwillbeandasitshouldhavebeen。Along-winded，innocentbraggarttellsofhispersonalprowessthatday。Alittlegroupisguyingthenewrecruit。Awagshavesabeardedcomradeononesideofhisface，pocketshisrazorandrefusestoshavetheotherside。Apoet，withabandagedeye，andhairlikeawindblownhay-stack，recites"Iamdying，Egypt——dying，"andthenapure，clear，tenorvoicestartsthroughtheforest-aisles，andthereissuddensilence。Everymanknowsthatvoice，andlovestheboywhoownsit——littleTomMorgan，Dan'sbrother-in-arms，theGeneral'sseventeen-year-oldbrother——andtherehestandsleaningagainstatree，fullinthelightofthefire，ahandsome，gallantfigure——asonglikeaseraph'spouringfromhislips。Onebeardedsoldierisgazingathimwithcuriousintentness，andwhenthesongceases，liesdownwithasuddenlytroubledface。Hehasseenthe"death-look"intheboy'seyes——thatpropheticdeath-lookinwhichhehasunshakenfaith。Thenightdeepens，figuresrollupinblankets，quietcomes，andDanlieswideawakeanddeepinmemories，andlookingbackonthoseearlyhelplessdaysofthewarwithatolerantsmile。
　　Hewasawar-wornveterannow，buthowvividlyhecouldrecallthatfirstnightinthecampofabigarmy，intheverywoodswherehenowlay——dusksettlingovertheGreenRivercountry，whichMorgan'sMengrewtolovesowell；amocking-birdsingingafarewellsongfromthetopofastuntedoaktothedeadsummerandthedyingday；Morganseatedonacracker-boxinfrontofhistent，contemplativelychewingoneendofhismustache；LieutenantHuntswingingfromhishorse，smilinggrimly。
　　"Itwouldmakeahorselaugh——aYankeecavalryhorse，anyhow——toseethisarmy。"
　　Hunthadbeenoverthecampthatfirstafternoononapersonaltourofinvestigation。TheywerenotathousandSpringfieldandEnfieldriflesatthattimeinJohnston'sarmy。Halfofthesoldierswerearmedwithshotgunsandsquirrelrifleandthegreaterpartoftheotherhalfwithflintlockmuskets。
　　Butnearlyeveryman，thinkinghewasinforarough-and-tumblefight，hadabowieknifeandarevolverswungtohisbelt。
　　"ThoseArkansasandTexasfellowshavegotknivesthatwouldmakeaMalay'sbloodruncold。"
　　"Well，they'lldotohewfirewoodandcutmeat，"laughedMorgan。
　　Thetroopswerenotonlybadlyarmed。Onhistour，Hunthadseenmenmakingblanketsofpiecesofoldcarpet，linedononesidewithapieceofcottoncloth；menwearingox-hidebuskins，orcomplicatedwrappingofrags，forshoes；orderlysergeantsmakingoutreportsonshingles；surgeonusingatwistedhandkerchiefinsteadofatourniquet。Therewasatotallackofmedicine，andcampdiseaseswerealreadybreakingout——measles，typhoidfever，pneumonia，boweltroubles——eachfatal，itseemed，intimeofwar。
　　"GeneralJohnstonhasaskedRichmondforastandofthirtythousandarms，"
　　Morganhadmused，andHuntlookedupinquiringly。
　　"Mr。Daviscanonlyspareathousand。"
　　"That'slucky，"saidHunt，grimly。
　　Andthenthemilitaryorganizationofthatarmy，socharacteristicoftheSoutherner！Anofficerwhowantedtobemorethanacolonel，andcouldn'tbeabrigadier，wouldhavea"legion"——ahybridunitbetweenaregimentandabrigade。Sometimestherewasaregimentwhoseroll-callwasmorethantwothousandmen，sopopularwasitscolonel。Companieswouldoftenrefusetodesignatethemselvesbyletter，butbythethrillingtitlestheyhadgiventhemselves。HowMorganandHunthadlaughedover"TheYellowJackets，""TheDeadShots，""TheEarthquakes，""TheChickashaDesperadoes，"and"TheHellRoarers"！Regimentswouldbearthenamesoftheircommanders——asingularinstanceoftheSoutherner'spassionforindividuality，asaman，acompany，aregiment，orabrigade。Andtherewaslittleornodiscipline，asthewordisunderstoodamongthemilitaryelect，andwithnoarmythattheworldhaseverseen，RichardHuntalwaysclaimed，wastheresolittleneedofit。ForSouthernsoldiers，heargued，were，fromthestart，obedient，zealous，andtolerablypatient，fromgoodsenseandastrongsenseofduty。Theywerebornfighters；aspiritofemulationinducedthemtolearnthedrill；prideandpatriotismkeptthemtrueandpatienttothelast，buttheycouldnotbemade，bypunishmentorthefearofit，intomachines。Theyreadtheirchanceofsuccess，notinopposingnumbers，butinthecharacterandreputationoftheircommanders，who，inturn，believed，asarule，that"theunthinkingautomaton，formedbyroutineandpunishment，couldnomorestandbeforethehigh-strungyoungsoldierwithbrainsandgoodblood，andsomepracticeandknowledgeofwarfare，thanatreecouldresistastrokeoflightning。"SothatwithSouthernsoldiersdisciplinecametomean"thepridewhichmadesoldierslearntheirdutiesratherthanincurdisgrace；thesubordinationthatcamefromself-respectandrespectforthemanwhomtheythoughtworthytocommandthem。"
　　Bootsandsaddlesagainatdaybreak！BynoonthecolumnreachedGreenRiver，overtheKentuckyline，whereMorgan，evenonhiswaydowntojoinJohnston，hadbeguntheoperationswhichweretomakehimfamous。Nopicketdutythatinfantrycoulddoaswell，forMorgan'scavalry！Hewanteditkeptoutonthefrontortheflanksofanarmy，andascloseaspossibleupontheenemy。Rightaway，therehadbeenthrillingtimesforDanintheGreenRivercountry——settingoutatdark，chasingcountrymeninFederalpayorsympathy，prowlingallnightaroundandamongpicketsandoutposts；entrappingtheunwary；takingapositiononthelineofretreatatdaybreak，andturningleisurelybacktocampwithprisonersandinformation。Howmemoriesthronged！
　　Atthisveryturnoftheroad，Danremembered，theyhadtheirfirstbrushwiththeenemy。Noplanofbattlehadbeenadopted，otherthantohideonbothsidesoftheroadandsendtheirhorsestotherear。
　　"Ithinkweoughttocharge'em，"saidGeorgieForbes，Chad'soldenemy。Dansawthathisliptrembled，and，amomentlater，Georgie，mutteringsomething，disappeared。
　　TheYankeeshadcomeon，and，discoveringthem，halted。Morganhimselfsteppedoutintheroadandshottheofficerridingattheheadofthecolumn。Hismenfellbackwithoutreturningthefire，deployedandopenedup。Danrecognizedtheverytreebehindwhichhehadstood，andagainhecouldalmosthearRichardHuntchucklingfrombehindanothercloseby。
　　"Wewouldbeinbadshape，"saidRichardHunt，asthebulletswhistledhighoverhead，"ifwewereinthetopsofthesetreesinsteadofbehindthem。"
　　Therehadbeennomaneuvering，nocommandgivenamongtheConfederates。Eachmanfoughthisownfight。Intenminutesahorse-holderranupfromtherear，breathless，andannouncedthattheYankeeswereflanking。Everymanwithdrew，straightway，afterhisownfashion，andinhisowntime。Onemanwaswoundedandseveralwereshotthroughtheclothes。
　　"Thatwaslikeacamp-meetingoranelectionrow，"laughedMorgan，whentheywereincamp。
　　"OranaffairbetweenAustrianandItalianoutposts，"saidHunt。
　　Achucklerosebehindthem。Alamecolonelwaslimpingpast。
　　"Igotyourcourier，"hesaid。
　　"Isentnocourier，"saidMorgan。
　　"ItwasForbeswhowantedtocharge'em，"saidDan。
　　AgaintheColonelchuckled。
　　"TheYankeesranwhenyoudid，"hesaid，andlimped，chuckling，away。
　　Butitwasgreatfun，thosemoonlitnights，burningbridgesandchasingHomeGuardswhowouldfleefifteenortwentymilessometimesto"rally。"HerewasalittletownthroughwhichDanandRichardHunthadmarchedwithnineprisonersinacolumn——takenbythemalone——andacapturedUnitedStatesflag，flyinginfront，scaringConfederatesympathizersandstragglingsoldiers，asHuntreported，horribly。Danchuckledatthememory，fortheprisonerswerequarteredwithdifferentmesses，and，thatnight，severalbottlesofsparklingCatawbahappened，bysomemystery，tobeonhand。Theprisonersweretoldthatthiswasregularlyissuedbytheircommissaries，andthereupontheyplead，withtears，tobereceivedintotheConfederateranks。
　　ThiskindofservicewasvaluabletrainingforMorgan'slaterwork。Slightasitwas，itsoonbroughthimthirtyold，condemnedartillery-horses——Dansmilednowatthememoryofthoseancientchargers——whichwereturnedovertoMorgantobenurseduntiltheywouldbearamount，and，byandby，itgainedhimacolonelcyandthreecompanies，superblymountedandequipped，which，as"Morgan'sSquadron，"becameknownfarandnear。Thenrealservicebegan。
　　InJanuary，therightwingofJohnston'shungryhawkhadbeenbrokenintheCumberlandMountains。EarlyinFebruary，JohnstonhadwithdrawnitfromKentuckybeforeBuell'shosts，withitsbeakalwaystothefoe。Bythemiddleofthemonth，GranthadwontheWesternborderStatestotheUnion，withthecaptureofFortDonelson。InApril，thesunofShilohroseandsetonthefailureofthefirstConfederateaggressivecampaignattheWest；andinthatfightDansawhisfirstrealbattle，andCaptainHuntwaswounded。InMay，BuellhadpushedtheConfederatelinessouthandeasttowardChattanooga。ToretainaholdontheMississippivalley，theConfederatesmustmakeanotherpushforKentucky，anditwasthisgreatSouthernneedthatsoonputJohnMorgan'snameonthelipsofeveryrebelandYankeeinthemiddleSouth。InJune，provost-marshalswereappointedineverycountyinKentucky；thedogsofwarbegantobeturnedlocalsonthe"seceshsympathizers"throughouttheState，andJeromeConners，overseer，begantorenderslyservicetotheUnioncause。
　　ForitwasinJunethatMorganpaidhisfirstmemorablelittlevisittotheBluegrass，andDanielDeanwrotehisbrotherHarrytheshorttaleoftheraid。
　　"WeleftDixiewithninehundredmen，"theletterran，"andgotbackintwenty-fourdayswithtwelvehundred。Travelledoveronethousandmiles，capturedseventeentowns，destroyedallGovernmentsuppliesandarmsinthem，scatteredfifteenhundredHomeGuards，andparoledtwelvehundredregulartroops。Lostoftheoriginalninehundred，inkilled，wounded，andmissing，aboutninetymen。How'sthat？WekepttwentythousandmenbusyguardingGovernmentpostsorchasingus，andwe'regoingbackoften。OhHarry，IAM
　　gladthatyouarewithGrant。"
　　ButHarrywasnotwithGrant——notnowWhileMorganwasmarchingupfromDixietohelpKirbySmithinthelastgreateffortthattheConfederacywasabouttomaketowinKentucky——downfromtheyellowrivermarchedtheFourthOhioCavalrytogointocampatLexington；andwithitmarchedChadwickBufordandHarryDeanwho，too，wereveteransnow——who，too，weregoinghome。Bothladsworeasecondlieutenant'semptyshoulder-straps，whichbothyetmeanttofillwithbars，butChad'spromotionhadnotcomeasswiftlyasHarryhadpredicted；theCaptain，whosedispleasurehehadincurred，preventedthat。Ithadcome，intime，however，andwithoneleaphehadlanded，afterShiloh，atHarry'sside。Inthebeginning，youngDeanhadwantedtogototheArmyofthePotomac，asdidChad，butonequietwordfromthetaciturncolonelwiththestubblyreddish-brownbeardandtheperpetualblackcigarkeptbothwheretheywere。
　　"Though，"saidGranttoChad，ashiseyeranoverbeautifulDixiefromtipofnosetotipoftail，andcamebacktoChad，slightlytwinkling，"I'veagreatnotiontoputyouintheinfantryjusttogetholdofthathorse。"
　　SoitwasnoqueerturnoffatethathadsoonsentboththeladstohelpholdZollicofferatCumberlandGap，thatstoppedthematCampDickRobinsontojoinforceswithWolford'scavalry，andbroughtChadfacetofacewithanoldfriend。Wolford'scavalrywasgatheredfromthemountainsandthehills，andwhensomescoutscameinthatafternoon，Chad，tohisgreatjoy，saw，mountedonagauntsorrel，noneotherthanhisoldschool-master，CalebHazel，who，aftershakinghandswithbothHarryandChad，pointedsilentlyatagreat，strangefigurefollowinghimonasplendidhorsesomefiftyyardsbehind。Themanworeaslouchhat，towlinenbreeches，home-madesuspenders，abeltwithtwopistols，andonhisnakedheelsweretwohugeTexanspurs。Harrybrokeintoalaugh，andChad'spuzzledfaceclearedwhenthemangrinned；itwasYankeeJakeDillon，oneofthegianttwins。Chadlookedathimcuriously；thatblowontheheadthathisbrother，RebelJerry，hadgivenhim，hadwroughtamiracle。Thelipsnolongerhungapart，butweresetfirmly，andtheeyewasalmostkeen；thefacewasstillratherstupid，butnotfoolish——anditwasstillkind。Chadknewthat，somewhereintheConfederatelines，RebelJerrywaslookingforJake，asYankeeJake，doubtless，wasnowlookingforJerry，andhebegantothinkthatitmightbewellforJerryifneitherwaseverfound。DawsDillon，sohelearnedfromCalebHazelandJake，wasalreadymakinghisnameawatchwordofterroralongtheborderofVirginiaandTennessee，andwasprowling，likeawolf，nowandthen，alongtheedgeoftheBluegrass。OldJoelTurnerhaddiedofhiswound，RubehadgoneofftothewarandMotherTurnerandMelissawereleftathome，alone。
　　"Dawsfitfustononesideandthenont'other，"saidJake，andthenhesmiledinawaythatChadunderstood；"an'senceyouwasdowntharlastDawsdon'tseemtohankermuchattermeddlin'withtheTurners，thoughthetwowomendidhavetorunoverintoVirginny，onceinawhile。Melissy，"headded，"wasa-goin'tomarryDaveHilton，sofolkssaid；andhereckonedthey'dalreadyhitchedmostlikely，senceChadthar——"
　　AflashfromChad'seyesstoppedhim，andChad，seeingHarry'spuzzledface，turnedaway。HewasgladthatMelissawasgoingtomarry——yes，hewasglad；
　　andhowhedidpraythatshemightbehappy！
　　FightingZollicoffer，onlyafewdayslater，ChadandHarryhadtheirbaptismoffire，andstrangebattleorderstheyheard，thatmadethemsmileeveninthethickofthefight。
　　"Huddleupthar！""Scatterout，now！""Formalineoffight！""Waittillyouseetheshineoftheireyes！"
　　"Isee'em！"shoutedaprivate，and"bang"wenthisgun。Thatwasthewaythefightopened。ChadsawHarry'seyesblazinglikestarsfromhispaleface，whichlookedpainedandhalfsick，andChadunderstood——theladswerefightingtheirownpeople，andtherewasnohelpforit。Avoicebellowedfromtherear，andamaninaredcaploomedinthesmoke-mistahead：
　　"Now，now！Gitupandgit，boys！"
　　Thatwastheorderforthecharge，andthebluelinewentforward。Chadneverforgotthatfirstbattle-fieldwhenhesawitafewhourslaterstrewnwithdeadandwounded，thedeadlying，astheydropped，ineveryconceivableposition，featuresstark，limbsrigid；onemanwithahalf-smokedcigaronhisbreast；thefacesofsomanybeardless；somefrowning，someasifasleepanddreaming；andthewounded——sometalkingpitifully，someindelirium，somecourteous，patient，anxioustosavetrouble，othersmorose，sullen，stolid，independent；neverforgotit，eventheterriblenightafterShiloh，whenhesearchedheapsofwoundedandslainforCalebHazel，wholayallthroughthenightwoundedalmosttodeath。
　　Later，theFourthOhiofollowedJohnston，ashegavewaybeforeBuell，andmanytimesdidtheyskirmishandfightwithubiquitousMorgan'sMen。SeveraltimesHarryandDansenteachothermessagestosaythateachwasstillunhurt，andbothwereinconstanthorrorofsomedaycomingfacetoface。
　　Once，indeed，Harry，chasingarebelandfiringathim，sawhimlurchinhissaddle，andChad，comingup，foundtheladontheground，cryingoveracanteenwhichtherebelhaddropped。ItwasmarkedwiththeinitialsD。D。，thestrapwascutbythebulletHarryhadfired，andnotforaweekofagonizingtorturedidHarrylearnthatthecanteen，thoughDan's，hadbeencarriedthatdaybyanotherman。
　　Itwasonthesescoutsandskirmishesthatthefour——HarryandChad，andCalebHazelandYankeeJakeDillon，whosedog-likedevotiontoChadsoonbecamearegimentaljoke——becameknown，notonlyamongtheirownmen，butamongtheirenemies，astheshrewdestandmostdaringscoutsintheFederalservice。EveryMorgan'smancametoknowthenameofChadBuford；butitwasnotuntilShilohthatChadgothisshoulder-straps，leadingachargeundertheveryeyeofGeneralGrant。AfterShiloh，theFourthOhiowentbacktoitsoldquartersacrosstheriver，andnosoonerwereChadandHarrytherethanKentuckywasputundertheDepartmentoftheOhio；andsoitwasalsonoqueerturnoffatethatnowtheywereontheirwaytonewhead-quartersinLexington。
　　StraightalongtheturnpikethatranbetweentheDeanandtheBufordfarms，theFourthOhiowentinacloudofthickdustthatroseandsettledlikeagraychokingmistonthesearedfields。SidebysiderodeHarryandChad，andneitherspokewhen，ontheleft，thewhitecolumnsoftheDeanhousecameintoview，and，ontheright，theredbrickofChad'soldhomeshowedthroughthedustyleaves；notevenwhenbothsawontheDeanporchthefiguresoftwowomenwho，standingmotionless，werelookingatthem。Harry'sshouldersdrooped，andhestaredstonilyahead，whileChadturnedhisheadquickly。ThefrontdoorandshuttersoftheBufordhousewereclosed，andtherewerefewsignsoflifeabouttheplace。OnlyatthegatewastheslouchingfigureofJeromeConners，theoverseer，who，wavinghishatatthecolumn，recognizedChad，asherodeby，andspoketohim，Chadthought，withacovertsneer。
　　Fartherahead，andonthefarthestboundaryoftheBufordfarm，wasaFederalfort，nowdeserted，andthebeautifulwoodlandthathadoncestoodinperfectbeautyarounditwassadlyravagedandnearlygone，aswastheDeanwoodlandacrosstheroad。ItwasplainthatsomepeoplewerepayingtheYankeepiperforthedeath-danceinwhichamightynationwasshakingitsfeet。
　　Ontheywent，pasttheoldcollege，downBroadway，wheelingatSecondStreet——Harrygoingonwiththeregimenttocampontheotheredgeofthetown；ChadreportingwithhiscolonelatGeneralWard'shead-quarters，acolumnedbrickhouseononecornerofthecollegecampus，andstraightacrossfromtheHunthome，wherehehadfirstdancedwithMargaretDean。
　　ThatnightthetwolayontheedgeoftheAshlandwoods，lookingupatthestars，theripenedbluegrass——ayellow，moonlitsea——aroundthemandthewoodsdarkandstillbehindthem。Bothsmokedandweresilent，buteachknewthattotheotherhisthoughtswereknown；forbothhadbeenonthesameerrandthatday，andthemiserabletaleofthelasttenmonthsbothhadlearned。
　　Troublehadsoonbegunfortheoneswhoweredeartothem，whenbothleftforthewar。AtonceGeneralAndersonhadpromisedimmunityfromarresttoeverypeaceablecitizenintheState，butatoncetheshiftless，theprowling，thelawless，gatheredtotheHomeGuardsforself-protection，tomaskdeviltryandtowreakvengeanceforprivatewrongs。Atoncemischiefbegan。AlongtheOhio，menwithSouthernsympathieswereclappedintoprison。CitizenswhohadjoinedtheConfederateswerepronouncedguiltyoftreason，andBreckinridgewasexpelledfromtheSenateasatraitor。Morgan'sgreatraidinJune，'61，spreadconsternationthroughthelandand，straightway，everydistrictandcountywereatthemercyofapettylocalprovost。NomanofSouthernsympathiescouldstandforoffice。Courtsinsessionwerebrokenupwiththebayonet。Civilauthoritywasoverthrown。Destructionofproperty，indemnityassessmentsoninnocentmen，arrests，imprisonment，andmurderbecameofdailyoccurrence。Ministerswerejailedandlatelyprisonshadevenbeenpreparedfordisloyalwomen。MajorBuford，forcedtostayathomeonaccountofhisrheumatismandtheseriousillnessofMissLucy，hadbeensenttoprisononceandwasnowunderarrestagain。GeneralDean，oldashewas，hadescapedandhadgonetoVirginiatofightwithLee；andMargaretandMrs。Dean，withafewservants，wereoutonthefarmalone。
　　Butneitherspokeoftheworstthatbothfearedwasyettocome——and"Taps"
　　soundedsoftanddearonthenightair。
　　CHAPTER23。CHADCAPTURESANOLDFRIEND
　　MeanwhileMorganwascomingon——ledbythetwovidettesingray——DanielDeanandRebelJerryDillon——comingontomeetKirbySmithinLexingtonafterthatgeneralhadledtheBluegrassintotheConfederatefold。Theyweretakingshortcutsthroughthehillsnow，andRebelJerrywasguide，forhehadjoinedMorganforthatpurpose。Jerryhadlongbeennotoriousalongtheborder。Henevergavequarteronhisexpeditionsforpersonalvengeance，anditwassaidthatnotevenheknewhowmanymenhehadkilled。EveryMorgan'smanhadheardofhim，andwasanxioustoseehim；andseehimtheydid，thoughtheyneverheardhimopenhislipsexceptinanswertoaquestion。ToDanheseemedtotakeastrangefancyrightaway，buthewasasvoicelessasthegrave，exceptforanoccasionaloath，whenbush-whackersofDawsDillon'silkwouldpopattheadvanceguard——sometimesfromarockdirectlyoverhead，forchasewasuseless。Ittookaroundaboutclimbofonehundredyardstogettothetopofthatrock，sotherewasnothingforvidettesandguardstodobutpopback，whichtheydidtonopurpose。Onthethirdday，however，afteraskirmishinwhichDanhadchargedwithalittlemoredare-deviltrythanusual，thebigDillonrippedoutanoathofprotest。Anhourlaterhespokeagain：
　　"Igotabrotheront'otherside。"
　　Danstarted。"Why，sohaveI，"hesaid。"What'syourbrotherwith？"
　　"Wolford'scavalry。"
　　"That'scurious。Sowasmine——forawhile。He'swithGrantnow。"Theboyturnedhisheadawaysuddenly。
　　"Imightmeethim，ifhewerewithWolfordnow，"hesaid，halftohimself，butJerryheardhimandsmiledviciously。
　　"Well，that'swhatI'mgoin'withyoufellersfer——tomeetmine。"
　　"What！"saidDan，puzzled。
　　"We'vebeenlookin'fereachothersencethewarbrokeout。Ireckonhewentont'othersidetokeepmefromkillin'him。"
　　Danshrankawayfromthegiantwithhorror；butnextdaythemountaineersavedtheboy'slifeinafightinwhichDan'schum——gallantlittleTomMorgan——losthis；andthatnight，asDanlaysleeplessandcryinginhisblanket，JerryDilloncameinfromguard-dutyandlaydownbyhim。
　　"I'mgoin'totakekeero'you。"
　　"Idon'tneedyou，"saidDan，gruffly，andRebelJerrygrunted，turnedoveronhissideandwenttosleep。Nightanddaythereafterhewasbytheboy'sside。
　　AthrillranthroughtheentirecommandwhenthecolumnstruckthefirstBluegrassturnpike，andacheerrangfromfronttorear。NearMidway，alittleBluegrasstownsomefifteenmilesfromLexington，ahaltwascalled，andanotherdeafeningcheeraroseintheextremerearandcameforwardlikearushingwind，asacoal-blackhorsegallopedthelengthofthecolumn——itsrider，hatinhand，bowingwithaproudsmiletotheflatteringstorm——fortheidolatryofthemanandhismenwasmutual——withtheerectgraceofanIndian，theairofacourtier，andthebearingofasoldierineverylineofthesixfeetandmoreofhistirelessframe。NomanwhoeversawJohnMorganonhorsebackbuthadthepicturestampedforeveronhisbrain，asnomanwhoeversawthatcoal-blackhorseeverforgotBlackBess。Behindhimcamehisstaff，andbehindthemcameawizenedlittleman，whosenicknamewas"Lightning"——telegraphoperatorforMorgan'sMen。TherewasneedofLightningnow，soMorgansenthimonintotownwithDanandJerryDillon，whileheandRichardHuntfollowedleisurely。
　　Thethreetroopersfoundthestationoperatorseatedontheplatform——pipeinmouth，andenjoyinghimselfhugely。Helookedlazilyatthem。
　　"CallupLexington，"saidLightning，sharply。
　　"Gotohell！"saidtheoperator，andthenhenearlytoppledfromhischair。
　　Lightning，withaviciousgesture，hadswungapistolonhim。
　　"Here——here！"hegasped，"what'dyoumean？"
　　"CallupLexington，"repeatedLightning。Theoperatorseatedhimself。
　　"WhatdoyouwantinLexington？"hegrowled。
　　"Askthetimeofday？"Theoperatorstared，buttheinstrumentclicked。
　　"What'syourname？"askedLightning。
　　"Woolums。"
　　"Well，Woolums，you'rea'plug。'Iwantedtoseehowyouhandledthekey。Yes，Woolums，you'reaplug。"
　　ThenLightningseatedhimself，andWoolums'mouthflewopen——Lightningcopiedhisstylewithsuchexactness。AgaintheinstrumentclickedandLightninglistened，smiling：
　　"WilltherebeanydangercomingtoMidway？"askedarailroadconductorinLexington。Lightninganswered，grinning：
　　"None。Comerighton。Nosignofrebelshere。"AgainaclickfromLexington。
　　"GeneralWardordersGeneralFinnellofFrankforttomovehisforces。GeneralWardwillmovetowardGeorgetown，towhichMorganwitheighteenhundredmenismarching。"
　　Lightningcaughthisbreath——thiswasMorgan'sforceandhisintentionexactly。Heanswered：
　　"MorganwithupwardoftwothousandmenhastakentheroadtoFrankfort。Thisisreliable。"Tenminuteslater，Lightningchuckled。
　　"WardordersFinnelltorecallhisregimenttoFrankfort。"
　　HalfanhourlateranotherideastruckLightning。HeclickedasthoughtelegraphingfromFrankfort：
　　"Ourpicketsjustdrivenin。Greatexcitement。Forceofenemymustbetwothousand。"
　　ThenLightninglaughed。"I'vefooled'em，"saidLightning。
　　TherewasturmoilinLexington。ThestreetsthunderedwiththetrampofcavalrygoingtocatchMorgan。Daylightcameandnothingwasdone——nothingknown。Theafternoonwaned，andstillWardfrettedathead-quarters，whilehisimpatientstaff-satonthepiazzatalking，speculating，wonderingwherethewilyraiderwas。Leaningonthecampus-fencenearbywereChadwickBufordandHarryDean。
　　Ithadbeenasaddayforthosetwo。Themutualtolerancethatprevailedamongtheirfriendsinthebeginningofthewarhadgivenwaytointensebitternessnow。Therewasnothrillforthemintheflagsflutteringawelcometothemfromthewindowsofloyalists，forunderthoseflagsoldfriendspassedtheminthestreetwithnosignofrecognition，butasullen，avertedface，orastareofopencontempt。ElizabethMorganhadmetthem，andturnedherheadwhenHarryraisedhiscap，thoughChadsawtearsspringtohereyesasshepassed。Sadasitwasforhim，ChadknewwhatthesilenttortureinHarry'sheartmustbe，forHarrycouldnotbringhimself，thatday，eventovisithisownhome。AndnowMorganwascoming，andtheymightsoonbeinadeath-fight，Harrywithhisownblood-brotherandbothwithboyhoodfriends。
　　"Godgrantthatyoutwomaynevermeet！"
　　ThatcryfromGeneralDeanwasbeatingceaselesslythroughHarry'sbrainnow，andhebroughtonehanddownonthefence，hardlynoticingthedropofbloodthatoozedfromtheforceoftheblow。
　　"Oh，IwishIcouldgetawayfromhere！"
　　"Ishallthefirstchancethatcomes，"saidChad，andheliftedhisheadsharply，staringdownthestreet。Aphaetonwascomingslowlytowardthemandinitwereanegroservantandagirlinwhite。Harrywasleaningoverthefencewithhisbacktowardthestreet，andChad，thebloodrushingtohisface，lookedinsilence，forthenegrowasSnowballandthegirlwasMargaret。
　　Hesawherstartandflushwhenshesawhim，herhandsgivingalittleconvulsiveclutchatthereins；butshecameon，lookingstraightahead。
　　Chad'shandwentunconsciouslytohiscap，andwhenHarryrose，puzzledtoseehimbareheaded，thephaetonstopped，andtherewasahalf-brokencry：
　　"Harry！"
　　Capstillinhand，Chadstrodeawayasthebrother，withanansweringcry，sprangtowardher……
　　Whenhecameback，anhourlater，atdusk，Harrywasseatedontheportico，andthelongsilencebetweenthemwasbrokenatlast。
　　"She——theyoughtn'ttocometotownatatimelikethis，"saidChad，roughly。
　　"Itoldherthat，"saidHarry，"butitwasuseless。Shewillcomeandgojustasshepleases。"
　　Harryroseandleanedforamomentagainstoneofthebigpillars，andthenheturnedimpulsively，andputonehandlightlyontheother'sshoulder。
　　"I'msorry，oldman，"hesaid，gently。
　　Apairofheelsclickedsuddenlytogetheronthegrassbeforethem，andanorderlystoodatsalute。
　　"GeneralWard'scompliments，andwillLieutenantBufordandLieutenantDeanreporttohimatonce？"
　　Thetwoexchangedaswiftglance，andthefacesofbothgrewgravewithsuddenapprehension。
　　Inside，theGenerallookedworried，andhitmannerwasrathersharp。
　　"DoyouknowGeneralDean？"heasked，lookingatHarry"Heismyfather，TheGeneralwheeledinhischair。
　　"What！"heexclaimed。"Well——um——Isupposeoneofyouwillbeenough。Youcango。"
　　WhenthedoorclosedbehindHarry，helookedatChad。
　　"TherearetworebelsatGeneralDean'shouseto-night，"hesaid，quietly。
　　"Oneofthem，Iamtold——why，hemustbethatboy'sbrother，"andagaintheGeneralmused；thenheadded，sharply：
　　"Takesixgoodmenoutthererightawayandcapturethem。AndwatchoutforDawsDillonandhisbandofcut-throats。Iamtoldheisinthisregion。I'vesentacompanyafterhim。ButyoucapturethetwoatGeneralDean's。"
　　"Yes，sir，"saidChad，turningquickly，buttheGeneralhadseenthelad'sfacegrowpale。
　　"Itisverystrangedownhere——theymaybehisbestfriends，"hethought，and，beingakindheartedman，hereachedouthishandtowardabelltosummonChadback，anddrewitinagain。
　　"Icannothelpthat；butthatboymusthavegoodstuffinhim。"
　　Harrywaswaitingforhimoutside。HeknewthatDanwouldgohomeifitwaspossible，andwhatChad'smissionmustbe。
　　"Don'thurthim，Chad。"
　　"Youdon'thavetoaskthat，"answeredChad，sadly……
　　SoChad'soldenemy，DawsDillon，wasabroad。TherewasabigmanwiththeboyattheDeans'，GeneralWardhadsaid，butChadlittleguessedthatitwasanotheroldacquaintance，RebelJerryDillon，who，atthathour，washavinghissupperbroughtouttothestabletohim，sayingthathewouldsleepthere，takecareofthehorses，andkeeponthelook-outforYankees。JeromeConners'shandmustbeinthis，Chadthought，forheneverforamomentdoubtedthattheoverseerhadbroughtthenewstoGeneralWard。Hewasplayingafinegameofloyaltytobothsides，thatoverseer，andChadgrimlymadeuphismindthat，fromonesideortheother，hisdaywouldcome。Andthiswasthefortuneofwar——tobetrotting，attheheadofsixmen，onsuchamission，alongaroadthat，ateveryturn，oneverylittlehill，andalmostineveryfence-corner，wasstoredwithhappymemoriesforhim；toforceentranceasanenemyunderaroofthathadshoweredcourtesyandkindnessdownonhimlikerain，thatinalltheworldwasmostsacredtohim；tobringdeathtoanoldplaymate，thebrotherofthewomanwhomheloved，orcapture，whichmightmeanaworsedeathinaloathsomeprison。HethoughtofthatdawnwhenhedrovehomeafterthedanceattheHunts'withtheoldMajorasleepathissideandhisheartalmostburstingwithhighhopeandhappiness，andheranhishandoverhiseyestobrushthememoryaway。Hemustthinkonlyofhisdutynow，andthatdutywasplain。
　　Acrossthefieldstheywentinanoiselesswalk，andleavingtheirhorsesinthewoods，underthecareofonesoldier，slippedintotheyard。Twomenwerepostedattherearofthehouse，onewasstationedateachendofthelongporchtocommandthewindowsoneitherside，and，withasergeantathiselbow，Chadclimbedthelongstepsnoiselesslyandknockedatthefrontdoor。
　　Inamomentitwasthrownopenbyawoman，andthelightfellfullinChad'sface。
　　"You——you——YOU！"saidavoicethatshookwithmingledterrorandcontempt，andMargaretshrankback，stepbystep。Hearingher，Mrs。Deanhurriedintothehallway。HerfacepaledwhenshesawtheFederaluniforminherdoorway，butherchinrosehaughtily，andhervoicewassteadyandmostcourteous：
　　"Whatcanwedoforyou？"sheasked，andshe，too，recognizedChad，andherfacegrewsternasshewaitedforhimtoanswer。
　　"Mrs。Dean，"hesaid，halfchoking，"wordhascometohead-quartersthattwoConfederatesoldiersarespendingthenighthere，andIhavebeenorderedtosearchthehouseforthem。Mymenhavesurroundedit，butifyouwillgivemeyourwordthattheyarenothere，notamanshallcrossyourthreshold——notevenmyself。"
　　WithoutawordMrs。Deanstoodaside。
　　"Iamsorry，"saidChad，motioningtotheSergeanttofollowhim。Ashepassedthedoorofthedrawing-room，hesaw，underthelamp，apipewithashesstrewnaboutitsbowl。Chadpointedtoit。
　　"Spareme，Mrs。Dean。"Butthetwowomenstoodwithclinchedhands，silent。
　　Danhadflashedintothekitchen，andwasabouttoleapfromthewindowwhenhesawthegleamofarifle-barrel，nottenfeetaway。Hewouldbepottedlikearatifhesprangoutthere，andhedashednoiselesslyupthebackstairs，asChadstartedupthefrontstairwaytowardthegarret，wherehehadpassedmanyahappyhourplayingwithMargaretandHarryandtheboywhomhewasafterasanenemy，now。Thedoorwasopenatthefirstlanding，andthecreakofthestairsunderDan'sfeet，heardplainly，stopped。TheSergeant，pistolinhand，startedtopushpasthissuperior。
　　"Keepback，"saidChad，sternly，andashedrewhispistol，aterrifiedwhisperrosefrombelow。
　　"Don't，don't！"AndthenDan，withhandsup，steppedintosight。
　　"I'llspareyou，"hesaid，quietly。"Notaword，mother。They'vegotme。Youcantellhimthereisnooneelseinthehouse，though。"
　　Mrs。Dean'seyesfilledwithtears，andasobbrokefromMargaret。
　　"Thereisnooneelse，"shesaid，andChadbowed。"Inthehouse，"sheadded，proudly，scorningthesubterfuge。
　　"Searchthebarn，"saidChad，"quick！"TheSergeantrandownthesteps。
　　"Ireckonyouarealittletoolate，myfriend，"saidDan。"Why，blessme，it'smyoldfriendChad——andalieutenant！Icongratulateyou，"headded，buthedidnotoffertoshakehands。
　　Chadhadthoughtofthebarntoolate。Snowballhadseenthemencreepingthroughtheyard，hadwarnedJerryDillon，andJerryhadslippedthehorsesintothewoodland，andhadcreptbacktolearnwhatwasgoingon。
　　"Iwillwaitforyououthere，"saidChad。"Takeyourtime。"
　　"Thankyou，"saidDan。
　　HecameoutinamomentandMrs。DeanandMargaretfollowedhim。AtagesturefromtheSergeant，asoldierstationedhimselfoneachsideofDan，and，asChadturned，hetookoffhiscapagain。Hisfacewasverypaleandhisvoicealmostbroke：
　　"Youwillbelieve，Mrs。Dean，"hesaid，"thatthiswassomethingIHADtodo。"
　　Mrs。Deanbentherheadslightly。
　　"Certainly，mother，"saidDan。"Don'tblameLieutenantChad。MorganwillhaveLexingtoninafewdaysandthenI'llbefreeagain。MaybeI'llhaveLieutenantChadaprisoner——notelling！"
　　Chadsmiledfaintly，andthen，withaflush，hespokeagain——warningMrs。
　　Dean，inthekindliestway，that，henceforth，herhousewouldbeundersuspicion，andtellingheroftheseveremeasuresthathadbeeninauguratedagainstrebelsympathizers。
　　"Suchsympathizershavetotakeoathofallegianceandgivebondstokeepit。"
　　"Iftheydon't？"
　　"Arrestandimprisonment。"
　　"Andiftheygivetheoathandviolateit？"
　　"Thepenaltyisdeath，Mrs。Dean。"
　　"Andiftheyaidtheirfriends？"
　　"Theyaretobedealtwithaccordingtomilitarylaw。"
　　"Anythingelse？"
　　"Ifloyalcitizensarehurtordamagedbyguerrillas，disloyalcitizensofthelocalitymustmakecompensation。"
　　"IsittruethataConfederatesympathizerwillbeshotdownifonthestreetsofLexington？"
　　"Therewassuchanorder，Mrs。Dean。"
　　"Andifaloyalcitizeniskilledbyoneoftheseso-calledguerillas，forwhoseactsnobodyisresponsible，prisonersofwararetobeshotinretaliation？"
　　"Mother！"criedMargaret。
　　"No，Mrs。Dean——notprisonersofwar——guerillas。"
　　"Andwhenwillyoubeginwaronwomen？"
　　"Never，Ihope。"HishesitancybroughtascornintothesearchingeyesofhispalequestionerthatChadcouldnotface，andwithoutdaringeventolookatMargaretheturnedaway。
　　SuchretaliatorymeasuresmadestartlingnewstoDan。Hegrewverygravewhilehelistened，butashefollowedChadhechattedandlaughedandjokedwithhiscaptors。MorganwouldhaveLexingtoninthreedays。HewasreallygladtogetachancetofillhisbellywithYankeegrub。Ithadn'tbeenfullmorethantwoorthreetimesinsixmonths。
　　AllthetimehewaswatchingforJerryDillon，who，heknew，wouldnotleavehimiftherewastheleastchanceofgettinghimoutoftheYankee'sclutches。
　　Hedidnothavetowaitlong。Twomenhadgonetogetthehorses，andasDansteppedthroughtheyard-gatewithhiscaptors，twofiguresroseoutoftheground。Onecamewithheadbentlikeabattering-ram。HeheardSnowball'sheadstrikeastomachononesideofhim，andwithanastonishedgroanthemanwentdown。Hesawthemanonhisothersidedropfromsomecrashingblow，andhesawChadtryingtodrawhispistol。Hisownfistshotout，catchingChadonthepointofthechin。AtthesameinstanttherewasashotandtheSergeantdropped。
　　"Comeon，boy！"saidahoarsevoice，andthenhewasspeedingawayafterthegiganticfigureofJerryDillonthroughthethickdarkness，whileaharmlessvolleyofshotsspedafterthem。Attheedgeofthewoodstheydropped。JerryDillonhadhishandoverhismouthtokeepfromlaughingaloud。
　　"Thehossesain'tferaway，"hesaid。"Oh，Lawd！"
　　"Didyoukillhim？"
　　"Ireckonnot，"whisperedJerry。"Ishothimonthewrongside。I'mal'aysa-fergettin'whichsideaman'sheart'son。"
　　"WhatbecameofSnowball？"
　　"Herunjes'assoonashebuttedthefelleronhisright。Hesaidhe'dgitone，butIdidn'tknowwhathewasdoin'whenIseedhimstartlikeasheep。
　　Listen！"
　　Therewasatumultatthehouse——movinglights，excitedcries，andagreathurrying。BlackRufuswasthefirsttoappearwithalantern，andwhenheheldithighasthefence，ChadsawMargaretinthelight，herhandsclinchedandhereyesburning。
　　"Haveyoukilledhim？"sheasked，quietlybutfiercely。"Younearlydidoncebefore。Haveyousucceededthistime？"ThenshesawtheSergeantwrithingontheground，hisrightforearmhugginghisbreast，andherhandsrelaxedandherfacechanged。
　　"DidDandothat？DidDandothat？"
　　"Danwasunarmed，"saidChad，quietly。
　　"Mother，"calledthegirl，asthoughshehadnotheardhim，sendsomeonetohelp。Bringhimtothehouse，"sheadded，turning。Asnomovementwasmade，sheturnedagain。
　　"Bringhimuptothehouse，"shesaid，imperiously，andwhenthehesitatingsoldiersstoopedtopickupthewoundedman，shesawthestreakofbloodrunningdownChad'schinandshestaredopen-eyed。Shemadeonesteptowardhim，andthensheshrankbackoutofthelight。
　　"Oh！，"shesaid。"Areyouwounded，too？Oh！"
　　"No！"saidChad，grimly。"Dandidn'tdothat"——pointingtotheSergeant——"hedidthis——withhisfist。It'sthesecondtimeDanhasdonethis。Easy，men，"
　　headded，withlow-voicedauthority。
　　Mrs。Deanwasholdingthedooropen。
　　"No，"saidChad，quickly。"Thatwickerloungewilldo。Hewillbecoolerontheporch。"Thenhestooped，andlooseningtheSergeant'sblouseandshirtexaminedthewound。
　　"It'sonlythroughtheshoulder，Lieutenant，"saidtheman，faintly。Butitwasundertheshoulder，andChadturned。
　　"Jake，"hesaid，sharply，"gobackandbringasurgeon——andanofficertorelieveme。Ithinkhecanbemovedinthemorning，Mrs。Dean。WithyourpermissionIwillwaithereuntiltheSurgeoncomes。Pleasedon'tdisturbyourselffurther"——Margarethadappearedatthedoor，withsomebandagesthatsheandhermotherhadbeenmakingforConfederatesandbehindheraservantfollowedwithtowelsandapailofwater——"Iamsorrytotrespass。"
　　"Didthebulletpassthrough？"askedMrs。Dean，simply。
　　"No，Mrs。Dean，"saidChad。
　　Margaretturnedindoors。Withoutanotherword，hermotherkneltabovethewoundedman，cuttheshirtaway，staunchedthetricklingblood，anddeftlyboundthewoundwithlintandbandages，whileChadstood，helplesslywatchingher。
　　"Iamsorry，"hesaidagain，whensherose，"sorry——"
　　"Itisnothing，"saidMrs。Dean，quietly。"Ifyouneedanything，youwillletmeknow。Ishallbewaitinginside。"
　　SheturnedandafewmomentslaterChadsawMargaret'swhitefigureswiftlyclimbthestairs——butthelightstillburnedinthenoiselessroombelow……
　　MeanwhileDanandJerryDillonwerefaracrossthefieldsontheirwaytorejoinMorgan。Whentheyweretenmilesaway，Dan，whowasleading，turned。
　　"Jerry，thatLieutenantwasanoldfriendofmine。GeneralMorganusedtosayhewasthebestscoutintheUnionArmy。Hecomesfromyourpartofthecountry，andhisnameisChadBuford。Everheardofhim？"
　　"I'veknowedhimsencehewasachunkofaboy，butIdon'trickollecteverhearin'hislastnameafore。Inaverknowedhehadany。"
　　"Well，IheardhimcalloneofhismenJake——andhelookedexactlylikeyou。"
　　Thegiantpulledinhishorse。
　　"I'mgoin'back。"
　　"No，youaren't，"saidDan；"notnow——it'stoolate。That'swhyIdidn'ttellyoubefore。"Thenheadded，angrily："Youareasavageandyououghttobeashamedofyourselfharboringsuchhatredagainstyourownblood-brother。"
　　DanwasperhapstheonlyoneofMorgan'sMenwhowouldhavedaredtotalkthatwaytotheman，andJerryDillontookitonlyinsullensilence。
　　Amilefarthertheystruckapike，and，astheysweptalong，abrilliantlightglaredintotheskyaheadofthem，andtheypulledin。Ahousewasinflamesontheedgeofawoodland，andbyitslighttheycouldseeabodyofmendashoutofthewoodsandacrossthefieldonhorseback，andanotherbodydashaftertheminpursuit——thepursuersfiringandthepursuedsendingbackdefiantyells。DawsDillonwasathisworkagain，andtheYankeeswereafterhim……
　　LongaftermidnightChadreportedthelossofhisprisoner。Hewasmuchchagrined——forfailurewasrarewithhim——andhisjawandteethachedfromtheblowDanhadgivenhim，butinhishearthewasgladthattheboyhadgotawayWhenhewenttohistent，Harrywasawakeandwaitingforhim。
　　"It'sIwhohaveescaped，"hesaid；"escapedagain。Fourtimesnowwehavebeeninthesamefight。Somehowfateseemstobepointingalwaysoneway——alwaysoneway。Why，nightafternight，IdreamthateitherheorI——"
　　Harry'svoicetrembled——hestoppedshort，and，leaningforward，staredoutthedoorofhistent。AgroupoffigureshadhaltedinfrontoftheColonel'stentopposite，andavoicecalled，sharply：
　　"Twoprisoners，sir。Wecaptured'emwithDawsDillon。Theyareguerillas，sir。"
　　"It'salie，Colonel，"saidaneasyvoice，thatbroughtbothChadandHarrytotheirfeet，andplaininthemoonlightbothsawDanielDean，palebutcool，andnearhim，RebelJerryDillon——bothwiththeirhandsboundbehindthem。
　　CHAPTER24。ARACEBETWEENDIXIEANDDAWN
　　Butthesunsanknextdayfromaskythatwasaflamewithrebelvictories。Itroseonadayrosywithrebelhopes，andthepropheticcoolnessofautumnwasintheearlymorningairwhenMargaretinherphaetonmovedthroughthefrontpastureonherwaytotown——alone。Shewasinhighspiritsandherheadwasliftedproudly。Dan'sboasthadcometrue。KirbySmithhadrisenswiftlyfromTennessee，hadstrucktheFederalArmyontheedgeoftheBluegrassthedaybeforeandsentithelter-skeltertothefourwinds。OnlythatmorningshehadseenaregimentofthehatedYankeesmovealongtheturnpikeinflightfortheOhio。ItwastheFourthOhioCavalry，andHarryandonewhosenameneverpassedherlipswereamongthosedustycavalrymen；butshewasglad，andsherandownothestileand，fromthefence，wavedtheStarsandBarsatthemastheypassed——whichwasveryfoolish，butwhichbroughtherdeepcontent。NowherebelsdidholdLexington。Morgan'sMenwerecomingthatdayandshewasgoingintotowntoseeDanandColonelHuntandGeneralMorganandbefearlesslyhappyandtriumphant。AttheMajor'sgate，whomshouldsheseecomingoutbutthedearoldfellowhimself，and，whenhegotoffhishorseandcametoher，sheleanedforwardandkissedhim，becausehelookedsothinandpalefromconfinement，andbecauseshewassogladtoseehim。Morgan'sMenwerereallycoming，thatveryday，theMajorsaid，andhetoldhermuchthrillingnews。JacksonhadobliteratedPopeatthesecondbattleofManassas。
　　EleventhousandprisonershadbeentakenatHarper'sFerryandLeehadgoneonintoMarylandontheflankofWashington。RecruitswerecomingintotheConfederacybythethousands。Bragghadfifty-fivethousandmenandanimpregnablestrongholdinfrontofBuell，whohadbutfewmenmore——notenoughtocountaminute，theMajorsaid。
　　"Leehasrouted'emoutofVirginia，"criedtheoldfellow，"andBuellisdoomed。Itellyou，littlegirl，thefightisalmostwon。"
　　JeromeConnersrodetothegateandcalledtotheMajorinatonethatarrestedthegirl'sattention。Shehatedthatmanandshehadnotedaqueerchangeinhisbearingsincethewarbegan。ShelookedforaflashofangerfromtheMajor，butnonecame，andshebegantowonderwhatholdtheoverseercouldhaveonhisoldmaster。
　　Shedroveon，puzzled，wondering，anddisturbed；buthercheekswereflushed——theSouthwasgoingtowin，theYankeesweregone，andshemustgettotownintimetoseethetriumphantcomingofMorgan'sMen。TheywerecominginwhenshereachedtheYankeehead-quarters，which，shesaw，hadchangedflags——thankGod——comingproudlyin，amidthewavingoftheStarsandBarsandfrenziedshoutsofwelcome。WhereweretheBluegrassYankeesnow？TheStarsandStripesthathadflutteredfromtheirwindowshadbeendrawninandtheywerekeepingveryquiet，indeed——Oh！itwasjoy！TherewasgallantMorganhimselfswingingfromBlackBesstokisshismother，whostoodwaitingforhimathergate，andtherewasColonelHunt，gay，debonair，jesting，shakinghandsrightandleft，andcrowdingthestreets，Morgan'sMen——theproudestbloodinthelandeverygallanttroopergettinghiswelcomefromthelipsandarmsofmother，sister，sweetheart，orcousinoffarthestdegree。ButwherewasDan？
　　Shehadheardnothingofhimsincethenighthehadescapedcapture，andwhileshelookedrightandleftforhimtodashtowardherandswingfromhishorse，sheheardhernamecalled，andturningshesawRichardHuntatthewheelofherphaeton。Hewavedhishandtowardthehappyreunionsgoingonaroundthem。
　　"Theenforcedbrotherhood，MissMargaret，"hesaid，hiseyesflashing，"I
　　belongtothat，youknow。"
　　ForoncethesubtleColonelmadeamistake。Perhapsthegirlinhertremblinghappinessandundertheexcitementofthemomentmighthavewelcomedhim，asshewaswaitingtowelcomeDan，butshedrewbacknow。
　　"Oh！no，Colonel——notonthatground。"
　　Hereyesdanced，sheflushedcuriously，assheheldoutherhand，andtheColonel'sbraveheartquickened。Straightwayhebegantowonder——butaquickshadowinMargaret'sfacecheckedhim。
　　"Butwhere'sDan？WhereisDan？"sherepeated，impatiently。
　　RichardHuntlookedpuzzled。HehadjustjoinedhiscommandandsomethingmusthavegonewrongwithDan。Soheliedswiftly。
　　"Danisoutonascout。Idon'tthinkhehasgotbackyet。I'llfindout。"
　　MargaretwatchedhimridetowhereMorganstoodwithhismotherinthemidstofajoyousgroupofneighborsandfriends，and，amomentlater，thetwoofficerscametowardheronfoot。
　　"Don'tworry，MissMargaret，"saidMorgan，withasmile。"TheYankeeshavegotDanandhavetakenhimawayasprisoner——butdon'tworry，we'llgethimexchangedinaweek。I'llgivethreebrigadier-generalsforhim。"
　　Tearscametothegirl'seyes，butshesmiledthroughthembravely。
　　"Imustgobackandtellmother，"shesaid，brokenly。"Ihoped——"
　　"Don'tworry，littlegirl，"saidMorganagain。"I'llhavehimifIhavetocapturethewholeStateofOhio。"
　　AgainMargaretsmiled，butherheartwasheavy，andRichardHuntwasunhappy。
　　Hehungaroundherphaetonallthewhileshewasintown。Hewenthomewithher，cheeringheronthewayandtellingheroftheConfederatetriumphthatwasathand。HecomfortedMrs。DeanoverDan'scapture，andherodebacktotownslowly，withhishandsonhissaddle-bow——wonderingagain。PerhapsMargarethadgottenoverherfeelingforthatmountainboy——thatYankee——andthereRichardHuntcheckedhisownthoughts，forthatmountainboy，hehaddiscovered，wasabraveandchivalrousenemy，andtosuch，hisownhighchivalrygavesalutealways。
　　Hewasverythoughtfulwhenhereachedcamp。Hehadanunusualdesiretobealone，andthatnight，helookedlongatthestars，thinkingofthegirlwhomhehadknownsinceherbabyhood——knowingthathewouldneverthinkofherexceptasawomanagain。
　　SotheConfederateswaitednowintheUnionhourofdarknessforBraggtostrikehisblow。Hedidstrikeit，butitwasattheheartoftheSouth。HestunnedtheConfederacybygivingwaybeforeBuell。HebroughthopebackwiththebloodybattleofPerryville。AgainhefacedBuellatHarrodsburg，andthenhewroughtbroadcastdespairbyfallingbackwithoutbattle，dividinghisforcesandretreatingintoTennessee。Thedreamofabattle-linealongtheOhiowithahundredthousandmoremenbehinditwasgoneandthelastandbestchancetowinthewarwaslostforever。Morgan，furiouswithdisappointment，leftLexington。KentuckyfellunderFederalcontroloncemore；andMajorBuford，dazed，dismayed，unnerved，hopeless，broughtthenewsouttotheDeans。
　　"They'llgetmeagain，Isuppose，andIcan'tleavehomeonaccountofLucy。"
　　"Pleasedo，Major，"saidMrs。Dean。"SendMissLucyoverhereandmakeyourescape。Wewilltakecareofher。"TheMajorshookhisheadsadlyandrodeaway。
　　NextdayMargaretsatonthestileandsawtheYankeescomingbacktoLexington。OnonesideofhertheStarsandBarswerefixedtothefencefromwhichtheyhadfloatedsincethedayshehadwavedtheflagatthemastheyfled。Shesawtheadvanceguardcomeoverthehillandjogdowntheslopeandthentheregimentslowlyfollowingafter。Intherearshecouldseetwomen，ridingunarmed。Suddenlythreecavalrymenspurredforwardatagallopandturnedinathergate。Thesoldierinadvancewasanofficer，andhepulledoutahandkerchief，waveditonce，and，withagesturetohiscompanions，cameonalone。Sheknewthehorseevenbeforesherecognizedtherider，andhercheeksflushed，herlipswereset，andhernostrilsbegantodilate。Thehorsemanreinedinandtookoffhiscap。
　　"Icomeunderaflagoftruce，"hesaid，gravely，toaskthisgarrisontohauldownitscolors——and——tosaveuselesseffusionofblood，"headded，stillmoregravely。
　　"Yourwaronwomenhasbegun，then？"
　　Iamobeyingorders——nomore，noless。"
　　"IcongratulateyouonyourluckoryourgoodJudgmentalwaystobeonhandwhendisagreeabledutiesaretobedone。"
　　Chadflushed。
　　"Won'tyoutaketheflagdown？"
　　"No，makeyourattack。Youwillhaveoneofyourusualvictories——withoverwhelmingnumbers——anditwillbesafeandbloodless。Thereareonlytwonegroesdefendingthisgarrison。Theywillnotfight，norwillwe。"
　　"Won'tyoutaketheflagdown？"
　　"No！"
　　Chadliftedhiscapandwheeled。TheColonelwaswatchingatthegate。
　　"Well，sir"heasked，frowning。
　　"Ishallneedhelp，sir，totakethatflagdown，"saidChad。
　　"Whatdoyoumean，sir？"
　　"Awomanisdefendingit。"
　　"What！"shoutedtheColonel。
　　"Thatismysister，Colonel，"saidHarryDean。TheColonelsmiledandthengrewgrave。
　　"Youshouldwarnhernottoprovoketheauthorities。TheGovernmentisadvisingverystrictmeasuresnowwithrebelsympathizers。"Thenhesmiledagain。
　　"Fours！Leftwheel！Halt！Present——sabres！"
　　Alineofsabresflashedinthesun，andMargaret，notunderstanding，snatchedtheflagfromthefenceandwaveditbackinanswer。TheColonellaughedaloud。Thecolumnmovedon，andeachcaptain，following，caughtthehumorofthesituationandeachcompanyflasheditssabresasitwentby，whileMargaretstoodmotionless。
　　Intherearrodethosetwounarmedprisoners。Shecouldseenowthattheiruniformsweregrayandsheknewthattheywereprisoners，butshelittledreamedthattheywereherbrotherDanandRebelJerryDillon，nordidChadBufordorHarryDeandreamofthepurposeforwhich，justatthattime，theywerebeingbroughtbacktoLexington。Perhapsonemanwhosawthemdidknow：
　　forJeromeConners，fromthewoodsopposite，watchedtheprisonersridebywithamalicioussmilethatnothingbutimpendingdangertoanenemycouldeverbringtohisface；andwiththesamesmilehewatchedMargaretgoslowlybacktothehouse，whileherflagstillflutteredfromthestile。
　　ThehightideofConfederatehopeswasfastrecedingnow。ThearmyofthePotomac，afterAntietam，whichoverthrewthefirstConfederateaggressivecampaignattheEast，wasretreatingintoitsSouthernstronghold，aswasthearmyoftheWestafterBragg'sabandonmentofMumfordsville，andtherebelretirementhadgiventheprovost-marshalsinKentuckyfullsway。TwohundredSouthernsympathizers，underarrest，hadbeensentintoexilenorthoftheOhio，andlargesumsofmoneywereleviedforguerillaoutrageshereandthere——aheavysumfallingonMajorBufordforaviciousmurderdoneinhisneighborhoodbyDawsDillonandhisbandonthenightofthecaptureofDanielDeanandRebelJerry。TheMajorpaidthelevywiththefirstmortgagehehadevergiveninhislife，andstraightwayJeromeConners，whohadbeendealinginmulesandotherGovernmentsupplies，tookanattitudethatwaslittleshortofinsolencetowardhisoldmaster，whosefarmwaspassingintotheoverseer'sclutchesatlast。Onlytwonightsbefore，anotherbandofguerillashadburnedafarm-house，killedaUnionist，andfledtothehillsbeforetheincomingYankees，andtheKentuckyCommandanthadswornvengeanceaftertheoldMosaicwayonvictimsalreadywithinhispower。
　　ThatnightChadandHarryweresummonedbeforeGeneralWard。Theyfoundhimseatedwithhischininhishand，lookingoutthewindowatthemoonlitcampus。Withoutmoving，heheldoutadirtypieceofpapertoChad。
　　"Readthat，"hesaid。
　　"YOUHAVEKETCHEDTWOOFMYMENANDIHEARASHOWYOUMEANTOHANG'EM。IFYOU
　　HANGTHEMTWOMEN，I'MA-GOIN'TOHANGEVERYMANOFYOURSICANGITMYHANDS
　　ON。
　　DAWSDILLON——Captain。
　　ChadgavealowlaughandHarrysmiled，buttheGeneralkeptgrave。
　　"Youknow，ofcourse，thatyourbrotherbelongstoMorgan'scommand？"
　　"Ido，sir，"saidHarry，wonderingly。
　　"Doyouknowthathiscompanion——themanDillon——JerryDillon——does？"
　　"Idonot，sir。"
　　"TheywerecapturedbyasquadthatwasfightingDawsDillon。ThisJerryDillonhasthesamenameandyoufoundthetwotogetheratGeneralDean's。"
　　"ButtheyhadbothjustleftGeneralMorgan'scommand，"saidHarry，indignantly。
　　"Thatmaybetrue，butthisDawsDillonhassentasimilarmessagetotheCommandant，andhehasjustbeeninhereagainandcommittedtwowantonoutragesnightbeforelast。TheCommandantisenragedandhasissuedordersforsternretaliation。"
　　"It'satrickofDawsDillon，"saidChad，hotly，"aninfamoustrick。HehateshisCousinJerry，hehatesme，andhehatestheDeans，becausetheywerefriendsofmine。"GeneralWardlookedtroubled。
　　"TheCommandantsayshehasbeenpositivelyinformedthatboththemenjoinedDawsDilloninthefightthatnight。Hehasissuedordersthatnotonlyeveryguerillacapturedshallbehung，butthat，wheneveraUnioncitizenhasbeenkilledbyoneofthem，fourofsuchmaraudersaretobetakentothespotandshotinretaliation。Itistheonlymeansleft，hesays。"
　　Therewasalongsilence。ThefacesofboththeladshadturnedwhiteaseachsawthedriftoftheGeneral'smeaning，andHarrystrodeforwardtohisdesk。
　　"Doyoumeantosay，GeneralWard——"
　　TheGeneralwheeledinhischairandpointedsilentlytoanorderthatlayonthedesk，andasHarrystartedtoreadit，hisvoicebroke。DanielDeanandRebelJerryweretobeshotnextmorningatsunrise……
　　TheGeneralspokeverykindlytoHarry。
　　"Ihaveknownthisallday，butIdidnotwishtotellyouuntilIhaddoneeverythingIcould。Ididnotthinkitwouldbenecessarytotellyouatall，forIthoughttherewouldbenotrouble。ItelegraphedtheCommandant，but"——heturnedagaintothewindow——"Ihavenotbeenabletogetthematrialbycourt-martial，orevenastayintheexecution。You'dbettergoseeyourbrother——heknowsnow——andyou'dbettersendwordtoyourmotherandsister。"
　　Harryshookhishead。HisfacewassodrawnandghastlyashestoodleaningheavilyagainstthetablethatChadmovedunconsciouslytohisside。
　　"WhereistheCommandant？"heasked。
　　"InFrankfort，"saidtheGeneral。Chad'seyeskindled。
　　"Willyouletmegoseehimto-night？"
　　"Certainly，andIwillgiveyouamessagetohim。Perhapsyoucanyetsavetheboy，butthereisnochanceforthemanDillon。"TheGeneraltookupapen。
　　Harryseemedtoswayasheturnedtogo，andChadputonearmaroundhimandwentwithhimtothedoor。
　　"TherehavebeensomesurprisingdesertionsfromtheConfederateranks，"saidtheGeneral，ashewrote。"That'sthetrouble。"helookedathiswatchashehandedthemessageoverhisshouldertoChad。"YouhavetenhoursbeforesunriseanditisnearlysixtymilesthereandbackIfyouarenotherewithastayofexecutionbothwillbeshot。Doyouthinkthatyoucanmakeit。Ofcourseyouneednotbringthemessagebackyourself。YoucangettheCommandanttotelegraph——"Theslamofadoorinterruptedhim——Chadwasgone。
　　HarrywasholdingDixie'sbridlewhenhereachedthestreetandChadswungintothe"Don'ttellthemathome，"hesaid。"I'llbebackhereontime，orI'llbedead。"
　　Thetwograspedhands。HarrynoddeddumblyandDixie'sfeetbeattherhythmofhermatchlessgallopdownthequietstreet。Thesensitivelittlemareseemedtocatchatoncethespiritofherrider。Herhaunchesquivered。Shetossedherheadandchampedherbit，butnotapounddidshepullasshesettledintoaneasylopethattoldhowwellsheknewthattheridebeforeherwaslongandhard。Outtheywentpasttheoldcemetery，pasttheshafttoClayrisingfromit，silveredwithmoonlight，outwherethepicketfiresgleamedandconvergingontowardtheCapital，unchallengedforthemoonshowedtheblueofChad'suniformandhisfacegavesignthatnotrivialbusiness，thatnight，washis。
　　Overquietfieldsandintotheaislesofsleepingwoodsbeatthatmusicalrhythmceaselessly，awakeningdrowsybirdsbythewayside，makingbridgesthunder，beatingonandonuphillanddownuntilpicketfiresshoneonthehillsthatguardtheCapital。Throughthem，withbutonechallenge，Chadwent，downthebighill，pasttheArmory，andintothetown——pullingpantingDixieupbeforeawonderingsentinelwhoguardedtheCommandant'ssleepingquarters。
　　"TheCommandantisasleep。"
　　"Wakehimup，"saidChad，sharply。Astaff-officerappearedatthedoorinanswertothesentinel'sknock。
　　"Whatisyourbusiness？"
　　"AmessagefromGeneralWard。"
　　"TheCommandantgaveordersthathewasnottobedisturbed。"
　　"Hemustbe，"saidChad。"Itisamatteroflifeanddeath。"