It was whispered that there was a plan on foot to mass the three great bands respectively commanded by Monck, Corsoni and Goldsborough; then to cross the river above the Point of Rocks, slip down behind the line of forts, and make a sudden dash into Washington. Such were the rumors among the country people; but whether they were true or false, or by whom, or upon what ground they had been started, no one could tell. Reconnoitering parties had been sent to beat up the country in the neighborhood of L.; but they had returned without having seen or heard anything about the dreaded Free Sword or any of his followers. Either he was not there, or his encampment was well concealed, and the people of the country were keeping his secret. And as for Monck’s and Goldsborough’s bands, there was not even a rumor suggestive of their whereabouts. It became now advisable to send some person of equal tact and courage, who should go among the country people in the vicinity of L., pass for a secessionist, discover the retreat of the Free Sword, penetrate to his camp, and find out what foundation there might be for all the rumors that were afloat. The duty must be undertaken voluntarily of course; but no one in the regiment was found willing to go upon this dangerous expedition, until Will. Wing, the major’s second orderly, proffered his services for the forlorn hope. His major was surprised and softened by this devotion in one so young and tender as this boy, and he kindly and candidly set before him the extreme perils of the enterprise. But Wing was firm, and respectfully represented that his very youth would be his protection, as it would render him an object of less suspicion to the enemy; and he begged that he might be permitted to render the required service to his country. So the major had consented, and the young orderly, disguised in a suit of confederate gray, had left H. some seven days before, and since that he had not been seen or heard from. And now Colonel Rosenthal’s soul was pierced by remorse for having suffered the boy to go upon such a fatal errand, and by grief for his probable fate; for scarcely a doubt remained upon the colonel’s mind that his spy had been discovered, and had fallen a victim to the vengeance of the terrible Free Sword. With a spirit burdened and darkened by these thoughts and feelings, Colonel Rosenthal rode on his way. So few travellers passed this old, deserted turnpike road, that the sound of horse’s feet, galloping rapidly towards him, startled Justin and caused him to look up; when, to his unspeakable joy, he recognized Wing. Smiling, the boy saluted his officer and sprang from his horse. “Oh, Wing, my child! I am so rejoiced to see you safe back again! What news?” eagerly exclaimed Colonel Rosenthal.