There was a rustling in the bushes, an angry exclamation as well as a groan. Harry's shot had gone true, and came as a surprise to the bushwhackers as well, for two or three seconds elapsed before three or four shots rang out, and they went wild. "Well, how do you like it?" asked Harry, as he drew rein, considering the danger past. "It was so sudden," said Dave. "I think I would have halted, and asked what was wanted." "And got gobbled, and in all probability hanged afterwards. Dave, you have to learn something yet before you become a scout. Always be ready to fire at a moment's notice; and if you have to run don't tarry on your going. I took chances as to whether there was a large party or not, but concluded it was not, or some of them would have been in the road." "Did you think of all that? Why, the word 'Halt' was hardly out of the fellow's mouth when you fired." "Think quickly, act quickly; it has saved my bacon many a time. You ought to have been with me when I was with Captain Lawrence Middleton. There is the fellow to ride with. But this wouldn't have happened if Bruno had been with me." "Bruno? Who is Bruno?" asked Dave. "Bruno is my dog. He would have smelled those fellows out before we were within forty rods of them. I am never afraid of a surprise when Bruno is with me. But no more talking now." Once more their horses took up a swinging gallop, and they met with no further adventures, and within less than three hours from the time they started they were halted by the Union pickets who guarded the approach to the river opposite Jefferson City. Harry demanded of the Lieutenant in command of the picket that they be ferried across the river without loss of time, but the Lieutenant demurred, saying it was against orders to allow anyone to cross the river during the night. "I have important dispatches from Captain Duffield to Colonel Guitar. Refuse to take me over, and I would not give much for your command," angrily answered Harry. "Who are you?" demanded the Lieutenant. "From your dress you are certainly not a soldier." "I am Harry Semans, scout for the Merrill Horse," answered Harry. "At the name 'Merrill Horse' the Lieutenant became as meek as a lamb. "Excuse me," he exclaimed. "I will see that you get over the river immediately. Anything new at Fulton?" "Porter and Poindexter are within eleven miles of the place, and Duffield expects to be attacked by morning." The Lieutenant gave a low whistle. "The devil," he ejaculated, and rushed to give the necessary orders. It was eleven o'clock before the river was crossed and the headquarters of Colonel Guitar reached. He had just retired, but Harry and Dave were without ceremony admitted into his bedroom. The Colonel read the dispatch of Captain Duffield, sitting on his bed in his nightclothes.