I gave that man more news about what had happened down below than he had had for a long time. I did not care a hard tack about keeping to facts and no punctillo prevented me from arranging the stories to suit his taste. In return he told me all he knew about the late movements of troops, and as he had just returned that afternoon from M----, he was pretty well posted in affairs across the river. Returning to the immediate vicinity, I soon discovered that the country in the direction I was going was clear. I did not care what high jinks they cut up down the other way just then, as long as I was not detained. I also learned that word had been brought in that afternoon that General Leonard and his troops were to pass through the town before morning, and that the red-hot Rebels which made up the population were planning to give them a loyal reception. I was finishing an excellent cup of coffee when a shout from the little fellow at the gate took Deputy out. I heard a call or two and some hasty talking with passers by, then Deputy entered, much excited. "Lucky for you, some of Leonard's troops are just crossing the bridge and some in advance have already stopped on the Square," was his astounding announcement. "Sure it's not some of the Yankees?" I asked. "You bet it ain't; Jim Buckner came in with them and that man I was talkin' to was Bill Stiver, hurryin' down to tell Jim's folks to go up and see him, because they ain't goin' to 'tinner on long." I did not wait for a very formal leave taking. With a muttered excuse about my being obliged to report at once, I hurried out, untied my horse and was off. I could see a crowd in front of the tavern as I passed into a side street. When I turned into my road again I struck into a gallop. As I passed a road running into mine at an obtuse angle, a small squad of cavalry was coming down it at a leisurely pace. I saw plainly in the bright moonlight that there were not more than two dozen of them. They sang out a challenge, but I neither stopped or increased my speed. Looking back I saw them turn toward town when they entered the road I was on. They must have had their suspicions roused, however, and turned back almost immediately, for I soon heard the sound of fast riding behind me. I put my horse to his best speed, but he was jaded, while theirs were evidently fresh. The bullets soon came spattering against the rocks and trees around me with alarming frequency. They certainly did their best to persuade me to stop, but did not happen to touch a spot to make their coaxing effectual.