Ned knew, as well as I, that he run but slight risks of being interfered with. At that time the Confederates paid but little attention to the coming and going of the negroes. They were allowed to move from place to place, and run in and out the lines without question or detention, and their queries made from curiosity excited no distrust. Ned also was aware that he would have no trouble in getting a pass on any slight pretext if he should need one. I gave him a number of places along the way, where we were to meet after any enforced separation if we could, but if by so doing either of us incurred the slightest risk or delay, we were each to make our way separately to a point which I named and which I felt confident was beyond the invading troops. I was to wait there until as late as nine o'clock that night for Ned, but in case he reached there first he was to stay until I came, unless I did not get there for three days, thus allowing for my possible capture, detention and escape. I also told him on what points I wanted him to get information, by observation or in any other way possible. From my entertainer of the night before, I had learned enough about the movements of Luce's army to enable me to block out my plans with a considerable degree of confidence. If I did not know exactly where the particular division I wanted to strike was, I knew where it was not, and that was a good deal. Events sometimes follow each other with startling rapidity, but if no unusual hurry had occurred I felt quite sure my destination would be between two points, and not more than twenty miles back from the river. More explicit information as to their precise location must be obtained on the way, also exact knowledge as to Captain DeLacy's whereabouts. All the preparation Ned made was to hide his few valuables and securely close the house. This done, he was ready to follow me to the ends of the earth if need be. It was barely twelve o'clock when we started on our way. Ned rode the horse he had provided in anticipation of coming to me. The clothes had been done up into a compact roll, with the cloak outside, in order to look as much like a rolled-up blanket as possible, and I carried them like a huge rag baby on the saddle in front of me. I did not dare either trust them to Ned or fasten them to my saddle. I might have to part with either, or both negro and horse on any sudden emergency, but I was determined to hold onto and make use of my disguise unless death or capture prevented me. For obvious reasons we avoided all well-traveled roads and made our way through fields, along lanes, and as much as possible in the shelter of the timber. Our route was through a well-settled country until we neared the river. We crossed it by a ford that was little known and seldom used, but at that time, I, like the illustrious Susan, did not care for a crowd. CHAPTER IX.