"Let him be searched, and bring me whatever you find!" said Price. The search was made, but nothing of the character desired by Price was found upon his person. Hayward was removed to the tent indicated by Price. A surgeon was soon in attendance, and after dressing his wounds, announced that with the proper attention, Hayward would recover. "If he becomes thoroughly conscious before morning, and is able to converse, let me know it. I wish to question him," said Price, as he left the wounded captain in charge of the guard. As Price was entering his tent, an orderly presented him with a letter. The general tore it open, and glanced over its contents. He said: "The lady asks the privilege of attending upon the wounded captain. Let her do so, but give instructions that if Hayward returns to consciousness, not one word is to pass between him and the lady, except in presence of the guard. And to prevent any conversation which may be understood by themselves, and not by the guard, let every word spoken by them be noted. Place four sentinels outside the tent, and one will remain within." "Your orders shall be strictly carried out, general." "If he again escape, those guarding him shall answer for it with their lives." "I will answer for his safety with mine," replied the orderly, as he departed. He proceeded at once to the tent of Alibamo, and informed her that she was at liberty to attend upon Hayward for the present, but that every word spoken between them was to be reported. Branch was with her, and when he heard this, he tore his hair from very rage. "This general is too soft-hearted!" muttered Branch to himself. "But come, Alibamo, I will go with you to Hayward's tent!" "I prefer to go without you, sir!" was the reply. "No doubt--and for that very reason I am going with you!" They soon reached the tent, and Alibamo seated herself beside the wounded man. Branch took his seat opposite. "Do you intend to remain here?" asked Alibamo. "I am not welcome, I suppose?" replied Branch with sarcasm. "I would prefer the tent should be filled with serpents?" Branch frowned terribly, and bit his lips, but did not reply. "Why don't you strike this senseless man, and thus revenge that honest, truthful answer?" asked Alibamo. "If you speak thus again, I will do so!" "Not while I am here. Soldier, hand me that knife!" But before she had finished the sentence, she had snatched the knife alluded to, from the belt of the attendant. "You know, Branch, I used a weapon of this sort to some purpose, once, and if you dare approach me, or this helpless officer, I will drive it to your heart." "Recover your knife!" cried Branch, who was now fairly foaming with rage, to the attendant. "Just you hand over that tool, you darn skunk, you!" said the soldier, as he arose, and advanced toward Alibamo. "Stand back, sir. Stand back. I do not wish to harm you, soldier, but if you attempt to take this weapon from me, you will feel its point."