"I will do so. To-morrow you start for Springfield under a strong guard. The next day you will be sent forward on your way to Memphis, through Arkansas. At Memphis you will be imprisoned, and detained for the present. There will be little hope of exchange, however, as you are a spy, and must eventually suffer death." "Why am I not at once executed?" "Because the federal forces hold some of our prisoners, on whom they would retaliate." "Will I be permitted to communicate with my friends or send them word where I have been taken?" "That cannot be permitted," answered Price. "Under whose charge am I to be sent?" asked Hayward. "Under that of Captain Branch as far as Springfield. From there it is left to the captain to make further arrangements." Hayward had started to his feet, and his eyes met those of Branch. There was lightning in that gaze, but it was met with equal sternness. "Do you object to Captain Branch?" asked Price. "Yes. I object to anyone who is so great a coward as to strike a wounded, senseless man, merely to revenge himself upon a woman!" "What do you mean?" asked Price. "I will tell you. This woman prisoner hates Branch, and I do not wonder. She taunts him, and what woman of spirit would not? He would strike her, if he dare, and because he dare not, he took the noble method of revenge, by striking me in the face with his sword-scabbard, when I was senseless and tied on my horse. He thought _she_ would suffer, because I did--the base, cowardly cur." "Of this I knew nothing. Is it true, Captain Branch?" asked Price. "It is _not_ true, but false as hell, and Hayward knows it is false?" replied Branch, in a rage. "Well, with this I have nothing to do. Good night, Captain Hayward. If you should make up your mind to accept my terms, let me hear from you." Price left the tent with Branch. "Let us sleep, friends, and prepare for to-morrow. God knows what it will bring for us. But still, let us hope. I am glad we go to Springfield." CHAPTER X. _The Departure--The Meeting--The Sister--The Breaking Hearts._ This is the heaviest blow of all.--_Bulwer._ The morning dawned, and still Captain Hayward slept. Alibamo was seated by his side, gazing intently upon him. Nettleton was standing in the entrance of the tent. The reveille was beating, and all without gave evidence of preparation to continue the march. As the maiden gazed upon Hayward, she said in saddened tones: "Would to God I knew the fate hanging over this poor man, or that, whatever it is, I might be permitted to share it with him. But, I fear we shall be separated to-day. That villain Branch will show no mercy when he is under no restraint. Nettleton!" "Here, Miss Alibamo." "Have you discovered nothing--no signs of friends?" "Nothing, but I will not give up yet. We may expect aid at Springfield."