"Oh! no; but why do you object to being in the ranks?" "I can't turn round quick enough!" "Why?" "My feet are too big?" "I am afraid, William, that you are a coward!" "I don't think I am, captain!" "If you were to meet the enemy in battle, would you run?" "Which way?" "Why, _from_ the enemy." "I suspect I should, captain!" "Why, William, you said you were not a coward!" "Well, I say so again!" "Then why would you run _from_ the enemy?" "Why, _I must follow my captain of course_!" "Good, Nettleton, good," shouted the listeners. "You are matched this time, captain." And all joined in the laugh. "Well, William, I expect I shall go to-night, where there is some danger. Will you go with me?" "Yes, captain." "Think again, William. We may both be killed?" "Oh! well, if we are only _both_ killed, I can serve you still?" "Serve me! In what way?" "By bringing _coal for your fire_, instead of wood!" "Come--come, William, no more of this levity. If you will go, or wish to go, you can do so. Saddle White Surry for yourself. Give my brown horse to Swasey's nigger! prepare my horse, and be ready in half an hour. Come, gentlemen, it is time to report to the general." The four officers left the tent, and proceeded to the headquarters of the commanding officer. They were duly announced by the guard. They entered the tent. The general was seated at a small table, busy with his papers. But he rose instantly, and in a cordial manner, invited them to a seat. "We report for orders, general," said the captain. "Then you have resolved to undertake this task?" answered the general in an inquiring manner. "Yes, although ignorant of its nature, we have resolved to attempt anything that may benefit our army and our cause. You have only to give your commands, to have them faithfully executed, if it is possible to do so!" "I have no commands to give. That which I ask is a mere request, which you are at liberty to decline if you wish. Here are the directions. You, Captain Hayward, will act as you think best, so far as details are concerned, and will take command. If, however, after reading the directions contained in that envelope, you wish to decline the service, let me hear of it soon as convenient." "You have our answer now. Good evening, general." "Good evening, gentlemen." The officers at once left the tent, and proceeded to that of the captain. "Be seated," said Captain Hayward, as he opened the envelope. He glanced over its contents, and turning to his companions he said: "We must disguise ourselves. It is as I suspected--we are to go to the camp of Price. I have in my possession one of the secesh uniforms, which formerly belonged to an officer. I shall wear it. You will dress in the plain homespun worn by the rebel soldiers." "Where are we to procure them?" "They will be sent to my tent in a few moments. The general has provided them. William Nettleton!" "Yes, captain." "Are our horses ready?" "Yes, captain."