“Monck, I think, will be found somewhere in the neighborhood of the Black Bear’s Pass, where he is expected to combine with Goldsborough and Corsoni for a new raid on an extensive scale. Thanks to the courage and discretion of my young orderly here, whom I sent as a spy into the camp of the Free Sword, I am in possession of all their plans, which I intend to reveal to General W. as soon as I get into the town.” Major O’Neale deigned to turn his eyes for a moment upon the young orderly whom Col. Rosenthal had praised; but the question of the guerrillas was of too absorbing interest to admit of a moment’s wandering from the subject, and so he replied: “Your information, obtained by so much courage and tact, and at so great a risk, may be very correct. I have no doubt that Corsoni and Goldsborough may both be at the Black Bear’s Pass, and that Monck may be on his way to join them; but, in the meantime, it is certain that he is ravaging the country about here. I suppose a score of fugitives have rushed into W. within the last twelve hours with tales of Monck’s burnings and wastings.” “Then there can be no mistake about his near neighborhood.” “None in the world. But the question is, where did his band spring from? One would think that they had sprung full grown, armed and equipped, out of the ground, like the myrmidons of classic story.” “These vast forests afford too good a cover for these bandits. They should all be levelled,” said Colonel Rosenthal. “But what a Herculean labor. And think how many of them _have_ been levelled——But you, Colonel, you are going on to W.?” “Of course.” “And with only these two orderlies by way of a body guard?——” “Just as you see.” “I strongly advise you not to do so. The road is certainly very unsafe,” said Major O’Neale. “It is the road you have just passed?” “Yes.” “And you saw nothing of these reported guerrillas?” “No—not a hair! But then they would not be apt to show themselves to a force like ours. But you and your two orderlies, Colonel, would be a great temptation to them. If I might do so, I should strongly urge you not to go forward, but to turn back with us!” “I am ordered to proceed to W. immediately to take command of my regiment, and I must go on,” said Colonel Rosenthal, decisively. “Then allow me to detail a portion of my men to guard you on your way, Colonel.” “Not on any account. It would be very unwise for you to do so; for the withdrawal of such a number of your men as could be of any sort of use to me, in case of an encounter with Monck, would so weaken your force as to leave it liable to capture. No, I must go on with my boys and trust to Providence,” said Colonel Rosenthal. Major O’Neale still respectfully remonstrated, but with little effect. “If you were to divide your men you would render your own force inefficient, without affording me adequate protection,” said Colonel Rosenthal.