In the infantry, when the order for "route step!" is given, the men need not even keep step, and the formalities are relaxed in some other respects. In the cavalry, in which the horses take all the steps, the strain of precise position and movement is removed, and the soldiers may make the best of their journey. Artie wanted to know all about his two cousins he had seen at Pickford's, and Deck told him the whole story of what had occurred there. "Is it possible that Uncle Titus's family are reduced to such a strait?" demanded Artie, his pity and sympathy apparent on his face. "The boys say Aunt Meely and the girls are going back to Derry; and that looks as though the family were very hard up," replied Deck. "And Mabel has gone out to work in the family of Dr. Falkirk." "I think Sandy and Orly must be in a desperate situation when they try to collect a bill with a gun." "I have no doubt of it; though Sandy tried to put the best face on the matter, and said the part of the Confederate army that was to come to Bowling Green had not got there yet, and that they will be all right as soon as the company is mustered in. Orly speaks out loud, and tells all he knows about the condition of the family. He wants to join one of our companies." "Orly Lyon!" exclaimed Artie. "Why, he was one of the loudest Secessionists in the village!" "He has got enough of it, working without pay or rations," added Deck. "But where are we going, Artie?" "I'm sure I don't know; why didn't you ask your father, if you want to know?" "Ask my father! You know better than that, Artie; for you are aware that commanding officers don't tell what they are going to do till they get ready to do it," returned Deck. "We are provided with ammunition and rations, and very likely we have come out to-day in order to get used to carrying them on a march," suggested Artie. "Not at all; for father told me we were out on duty to-day, though he did not say what it was," replied Deck. The march continued all day long, and it began to look as though it would extend into the night. About nine o'clock in the evening Major Lyon called a halt at a point where a railroad could be seen in the gloom of the night. The column had just crossed a bridge of considerable length over a creek, and the position of the railroad indicated that it must be bridged over the same stream. While the commander and his officers were trying to make out the surroundings, half a dozen muskets were discharged from a covert of trees; but fortunately none of the cavalrymen appeared to be struck by the bullets. But it was evident that the time for action had come. CHAPTER V THE LEADER OF THE SCOUTING-PARTY