"O captain! _that_ dream should make you happy--very happy. It fills _my_ heart with joy!" "Why so, Alibamo?" "Because your troubles will end in the same manner. I feel sure they will." "It cannot be!" "And why not?" "Because my sister was prominent in my vision, she can be in no manner connected with me here!" "She may hear of your misfortune and visit you here." "God forbid. No! she has no means of hearing from me. And, if she had, I would rather die a thousand deaths than have that angel sister gaze upon my sufferings. It would add to them a thousand fold, and that would drive me mad." "Are you ready to depart?" asked Branch, who entered the tent at that moment. "Quite ready. Am I to walk?" asked Hayward. "No, you are to ride. Do you prefer a horse or a carriage?" "It matters very little, as the distance is not far," answered Hayward. "Then I will send a horse around to your tent. I intend also to grant you a great favor!" "I shall decline any favors at your hands!" replied Hayward. "You did not hear what that favor is to be!" "Well, sir!" "I intend to permit Alibamo to accompany you as far as Springfield. But to-morrow you are to take your last farewell of her. I have my plans for both you and her arranged." Branch left the tent. In a few moments horses were brought, and Hayward, with some difficulty gained the saddle. Nettleton helped Alibamo into her seat. By this time Branch came up in company with some twenty horsemen, who were to act as the guard, and the party prepared to depart. "Is not this young man to accompany us? He has attended to the captain's wounds, and appears familiar with the business. He is a poor, foolish fellow, and will be of little service as a soldier!" said Alibamo, pointing to Nettleton. "Yes, he can go, if he will walk!" replied Branch. "Will you go?" asked Alibamo. "Well, I don't care much about it one way or t'other. But if _you_ want me to go with _you_ very much, I will, Miss Alibamo," replied Nettleton. The party set off, and Nettleton trudged along after them, with his usual rickety and unsteady motion, whistling as he proceeded. They had proceeded about two miles from camp upon the Springfield road, when Branch ordered a halt. "Where are those hand-cuffs?" he asked. "Here, sir!" replied one of the soldiers. "Place them on his hands. No! not that way. Chain his hands behind him! But wait. I will reserve them for future use. Leave his hands free." Hayward spoke not. In the course of three or four hours they reached Springfield, and halted in front of the hotel building which had been used as a rebel hospital since the battle at Wilson's creek. "Dismount!" said Branch, in a voice of excitement, mingled with hatred. Hayward obeyed. "Is Davis here?" asked Branch. "Here, sir!" replied a soldier, stepping forward. "Has the person I wrote for arrived?" "Yes, she is in a room above!" was the reply. "O my God!" groaned Alibamo.