A stir ran through the picket lines, as the news was passed on that a rebel spy had been captured, and soon the lad, whose proud carriage and haughty face involuntarily commanded attention, was at headquarters, where to all questioning he remained dumb, after telling an apparently truthful story that he was crossing the river to visit an old uncle, and knew nothing of the movements of either army. “This 'old uncle' is one I fancy we'd better try to unearth,” said Colonel Tuttle. “His acquaintance would be worth cultivating.” {062} [Illustration: 0070] The boy would give no further account of himself. His frank, boyish face and manly bearing impressed the officer of the day favorably, and he muttered to himself--“Wonder if he is a spy. If all the Johnnies are as brave and resolute as this youth we'll have to work hard to conquer them.” An opinion which he found cause to verify often. CHAPTER V. RALPH AT HEADQUARTERS. [Illustration: 9071] OU'RE in {063}luck, my boy,” and Bill Elliott's face showed genuine pleasure as he shook hands with Ralph. “You are to show yourself at headquarters and receive your reward, as the good boys in story books always do.” An orderly came up to Ralph, and said:--“You are wanted at headquarters.” Ralph proceeded to the officers' tent. For the first time he stood in the presence of his commanding officers, and as he saluted respectfully, a tall, kindly-faced man looked at him with some surprise. “How old are you?” was the abrupt query, as the officer looked in the beardless face of the boy. “Nearly eighteen, sir.” “Have you seen any service yet?” “I was at Bull Run.” The fine face clouded with sadness. “That was hard and tedious fighting. You brought in a prisoner last night, whom we have strong reasons to believe is a rebel spy. You have shown two qualities befitting a soldier--pluck and forgetfulness of self. Your captain commends you to me, and I have thought proper to make you a corporal.” Ralph's heart beat loud and fast. What had he done to deserve this honor? “Your warrant will be handed to you, and you are expected to attend strictly to all its requirements.” To a general or a colonel the promotion would not seem very exalted; but to this boy, who could not realize why he had been selected, it was as if he had suddenly been lifted into the seventh {064}heaven To be sure, it only meant two stripes on his jacket sleeve, and a trifle of authority, but it also meant encouragement and notice from his superiors, He could not answer, but, bowing low, he left the tent. [9072] “A board of inquiry must be appointed at once, and we'll see what this lad whom Corporal Gregory brought in is doing within our lines.” The boy was marched before them, but he parried all their questions, and maintained a resolute and fearless mien. “I have told you the truth,” he said proudly. “I was going to make a visit when I was seized. You see I have no weapons.”