"I don't know. But I _do_ want to know about that powder. When we got there, we found the powder gone, and a squad ready to receive us. We had to swim the river to get away, and, as it was, two of our own party were killed. Hello! There comes another party, headed by Branch. It may be all right, but d----n me if I don't hold you till they come up, because I believe you are nothing more nor less than abolition spies, and that the man you sent back after your revolver, went direct to Fremont and informed about the powder!" He had scarcely finished these words, when Nettleton's gun came crashing on his head, and the brains flew in every direction. He fell from his horse, dead. The attack now commenced in earnest, but it had been so sudden on the part of the attacking party, that eleven of the rebels bit the dust before the party had sufficiently recovered from surprise to make any effective defence. "Quick, Alibamo; to the river--save yourself--they are upon us!" shouted Hayward. The first attacking party had been entirely scattered by the lightning blows dealt by the little Union band, but, as they saw the approach of at least fifty other horsemen, they rallied for another charge. The horses of Hayward and his party were worn and jaded--so were those of his pursuers, while those of the fallen foe were fresh. "Spring into the saddles of those fresh horses--ride for your lives--quick!" It was accomplished in an instant. The approaching party were now only a few yards from the devoted band, when a shot was fired, and with a groan Captain Hayward fell to the ground. In an instant, Adjutant Hinton was by his side. "Captain--O God!--captain-speak!" he cried. "Are you hurt?" "Here--these papers--take them--go--go--save yourself!" "Never--never!" he cried. "Come on, ye fiends--I will sell my life dearly--I will die with my captain!" "No--no! Alibamo--save her--those papers--go, I command--I am mortally hurt--save yourselves--you cannot benefit me!" "You may live!" "Then go, and return to _rescue me_--oh!" And Hayward spoke no more. "Or to avenge your death!" cried Hinton, as he sprang into his saddle and darted from the spot, amid a shower of bullets, bearing the papers with him. In an instant Hayward was surrounded, but they could not overtake the flying party, who had the advantage of fresh horses. CHAPTER VII. _The Brother--The War Scout--The Union Camp--The Trail._ Find them--bring them back--then ask for millions. _Old Play._