"I don't care if I do!" replied Hayward again, in a singular tone. "Oh! you have been with McIntosh, sure," said the Orderly, who made himself very familiar with his new acquaintance. He had evidently been already very familiar with the brandy, and was getting very drunk. "I should know you had drank with Mac many a time. That is always his reply, and we use it all over the camp--Don't care if I do," and the orderly drained his glass again. Hayward pretended to drink. "What news do you bring from Mac?" asked the orderly. "I expect it is advice to retreat!" "Oh! he need not have sent us that advice!" "Why, I thought General Price had determined to make a stand here!" "So did I. But he won't now. Mum's the word, you know, if I tell you!" "Oh! yes, mum!" answered Hayward in a confidential tone. "Well, you see, the general sent out spies several days ago, and he thought they were taken, or had played him false, because they didn't come back. But they did come this morning while the general was absent, and brought these papers. The general was so busy examining the Indian, that he did not see them, and I forgot to tell him they were here." "What do the papers contain?" "A plan of the federal camp--the names and description of all the principal officers, even General Fremont, and their entire force in round numbers--their guns--kind of rifle which the infantry use, and, in fact, all the particulars, even to where they post their pickets." "Orderly, do you think we can successfully contend with their army?" "I _know_ we cannot! They have more fighting men than we, and are much better armed." "What shall you do, orderly, if Price does make up his mind to fight?" "You won't betray me?" "Not if you tell me in confidence." "Well, then, before the fight begins, _I_ shall run like the devil, and get out of the way. Those d----d abolitionists don't take me prisoner, if I can help it!" "Then you are convinced Price would be whipped?" "I _know_ it!" "I am of your opinion, orderly. But Price has determined to fight. He has great confidence in his position here, and thinks that he can whip twice his number. Let mo look at those papers!" The orderly passed the papers to Hayward.