About 2 o'clock in the morning the troops were wakened up, and given orders to put two days' cooked rations in their haversacks, and be ready to march at a moment's notice. It seemed a strange move for me, for I thought that I was as well posted as any body of the whereabouts of the enemy. I could not comprehend what the move meant. My curiosity became so excited about it, that I started for head-quarters to report much earlier than I otherwise would have done. As I passed the different camps, every thing was bustle and hurry, with preparations for a march. The cavalry horses were saddled and the artillery horses harnessed, in preparation for a move. Something was up, sure, and I wondered what it could be. "What's up? What do you think is the matter?" said I, calling to an artilleryman, as I passed. "The cavalry that went out yesterday reported a large force of rebel cavalry on the Hickory Flats, and I expect that we are going out there," was the reply. It was all clear enough then! I had done the mischief! I felt badly worked up about it. I knew that I had no business to fire a gun; but I was so far away that I did not suppose any of our forces would hear it. It was my first scout for General Hurlbut, and I expected that it would destroy his confidence in me. I expected a severe rebuke, at least, and I dreaded to report. I determined, however, to face the music, let come what would; so I went in. "Good morning, General," said I, saluting him as I went in. "I have got back." "Good morning, Bunker. What's the news?" "Nothing; I haven't got any news this morning." "Where did you go?" "I went right where you told me to go--out to Hickory Flats, and back, by way of Middleburg, to camp." "Have you been out to the Hickory Flats?" "Yes, sir." "Did you see any rebel cavalry there?" "No, sir, I did not." "Well, Bunker, your report and that of the cavalry don't agree at all." "I can't help it, General; I have been right where you told me to go, and I did not see any rebel cavalry." "_Bunker!_" said the General, with emphasis, "_do you come here and tell me that you have been down on the Hickory Flats, and that there is no rebel cavalry there?_" "Yes, sir, I do. I know what the trouble is. I expect that I'll catch "Hail Columbia" now! I caused the mischief." "How so?" "After I finished my reconnoissance yesterday, before starting back, I allowed the men to fire at the mark, and they kept up a pretty brisk fire until they had fired forty-seven shots. I suspect that the cavalry has been out there and heard it. I knew that we were fifteen miles away from camp, and I did not think that we might cause an alarm by it." "That's a _fact_, is it?" "Yes, sir." "Very well; that will do. Be careful the next time." An hour later all was quiet in camp; the horses were unharnessed, and every thing moved off as usual. * * * * *