In a short time he reached a rock, upon which, in the clear moonlight, could be seen, two forms. The one a female, pure and lovely as the moon's own rays; the other, a delicate youth, of about twenty years of age, yet bearing the impress of a noble soldier. Alibamo spoke: "Are you not required in camp, dear Harry?" "Yes, love--but here, also!" "You would not sacrifice your duty for love?" "My first duty is here--with one I love so wildly. And you love me, do you not, Alibamo?" "Oh! Harry--I cannot tell you how dearly!" "Then you are not _my_ sister!" shrieked William, who had heard these words. "Halt! Who comes there?" These words were spoken by one of the sentinels of the picket. In an instant, William had darted from the spot. The sentinel fired upon him without effect. He was soon out of danger, and then paused irresolute. At length he said: "It will be useless to return to night. That gun has aroused the camp, and they are beating the long roll. But, why should I wish to return. My sister loves a rebel. No! what is that? Why, he--her lover is waving the Stars and Stripes from yonder rock. He knows I see him--and hark!--she--my sister--is singing--The Star-Spangled Banner. Surely this is all a dream." CHAPTER III. _The General--His Quarters--The Delay--The Expedition--The Instructions--The Departure_. We should have else desired your good advice (Which still hath been both grave and prosperous) In this day's council; but we'll take to-morrow, Is't far you ride?--_Shakespeare._ The Union army, or rather a portion of it, was encamped at Warsaw, waiting for the completion of the Osage river bridge, which was being built by the soldiers, at that point. The division under the command of acting Major-General Sigel, had succeeded, after an extraordinary effort, in reaching the west side of the river, but it was impossible to convey the heavy trains which accompanied the army across, without something more than the small scow, which was termed a ferry-boat, and plying between Warsaw and the opposite shore. The divisions under the command of McKinstry, Hunter, and Pope, had not yet arrived. Therefore the troops occupying Warsaw and its vicinity, numbered only about ten or twelve thousand. Under the incessant toil of the soldiers, who labored day and night, it was expected that the bridge would be complete by the time the rear divisions of the army arrived.