Even the short stop had allowed their horses a breathing spell and they could now ride more leisurely. "Dan, I'm a poor stick. I should be reduced to the ranks and you given my commission," said Lawrence. "How's that?" asked Dan. "Didn't you get three of those fellows, and I only killed a horse and disabled a revolver. Missed three shots." Lawrence had fired again at Jerry as he disappeared in the brush. "Bah! I'm ashamed of myself." "Look here!" said Dan. "It was that measly horse. He had no business to throw up his head at that moment. Served him right to get killed." "But the second shot, Dan. It went wild and hit his revolver, and the third missed altogether. And of all men to let Jerry Alcorn escape. Kick me, Dan." "Might have bored one of us if you hadn't knocked the revolver out of his hand," answered Dan, "so shut up." They had ridden far out of their way and had to make a wide circuit to get back. A little before noon the distant booming of the cannon was heard no longer. "It's all over," sighed Lawrence, "and I'm afraid." Dan's jaws came together with a snap and a dark scowl came over his face. "Why in thunder didn't Warren come?" he wrathfully exclaimed. "Some of these officers make me tired." It was the middle of the afternoon before Warren was found. He was fearful of an attack on himself, and was several miles from the battlefield. To Lawrence's request to hurry the Colonel replied, "You say the battle is over and in all probability Foster's whole force captured. In that case I can do no good. My force is but little greater than that Foster had." "But they may not all be captured. You may be able to cover the retreat," Lawrence urged. "The best I can do is to stay and watch the enemy, and wait for reinforcements," replied Warren. Lawrence and Dan were disgusted, but Warren was right in not seeking an engagement with his small force. "What shall we do, Dan?" Lawrence asked with a heavy heart as they turned away. "Try and see what has become of Foster," answered Dan. "You're right, Dan." They were about to ride away when news came that Foster's force was in full retreat for Lexington, and that those who survived the battle were safe. Lawrence and Dan concluded to stay with Warren. Knowing that a force from Kansas City, as well as General Blunt from the far south, was closing in on the Confederates, they had high hopes that they might be captured. But during the night Coffee's entire force slipped by Blunt and, before the movement was discovered, was well on its way to Arkansas. The guerrilla bands of Quantrell, Red Jerry and others took to the brush, there to remain hidden until the Federal troops had returned to their several posts. Lawrence and Dan returned to Lexington disgusted. They believed that if the different forces had acted together, and the campaign been managed rightly, the entire force of the enemy could have been captured. CHAPTER IX CAPTURED BY GUERRILLAS