Nettleton looked at his dress, and for the first time became conscious that he had not changed it. He, however, instantly replied: “I am a spy for the General.” “What General?” “General Price, to be sure.” This created another fit of merriment. “Just as if the likes of you would be employed as a spy! Why, you don’t know enough to last you half a mile.” “That’s just the reason why I _am_ a spy. I am such a darn skunk no one pays any attention to me.” “Have you been in the Yankee camp here?” “Yes.” “Have you a Confederate uniform under that blue?” “Yes,” replied Nettleton, throwing off his coat and exposing the gray. “To what company and regiment do you belong?” “No company. I go it on my own hook.” “You know General Price?” “Yes, very well.” “Have you ever been in his camp?” “Often.” “Describe him.” Nettleton had, on one occasion, accompanied a party of disguised Union officers into the very camp of Price, while that General held possession of the upper Osage. One of the officers being detected and wounded, was borne along with the retreating rebel army from the Osage to Springfield, and Nettleton had followed on for the purpose of rendering assistance if possible. His apparent stupidity prevented suspicion, and he had been one of the leading spirits in a rescue which afterward occurred. He was, in consequence, not only known to General Price himself, but to a large number of his officers and men, and hence it was very desirable for him to avoid the main army. He supposed that he could deceive his captors, or effect his escape. And the shadowy thought that Captain Hayward might have been seized and borne toward the rebel quarters at once decided his course. He gave an accurate description of Price. “Good!” answered one of the party, “it is evident you _are_ a spy. I find you on the spot the Yankees have just left. You have _their_ uniform on and _ours_ under it. So far that _looks_ well. You know and have perfectly described our General. That renders it certain you have seen him. Now, one of two things is certain: you are a _Yankee_ spy, and have been in our camps with that gray uniform _outside_, and then communicated your information to _your_ General, or you are a _Confederate_ spy, who, having just been in the Yankee camp, must have important information for _our_ General. In either case we shall conduct you to him. If you are his man, then all will be right. If you are _not_, then you will be hung within half an hour after your arrival. You understand?” “I first thought of going on to Springfield, but I think I have all the information necessary, and I had made up my mind to return. I halted here a moment to change my dress; and to look for a Yankee officer who was supposed to be killed last night. But I think he was only badly wounded, and may yet be found alive in the tall grass. Look for him.” These words were spoken by Nettleton in an apparently cheerful tone. “Oh! you mean the captain who was stabbed last night.”