They proceeded in the direction indicated for about three miles without being molested, or even challenged by a sentinel. The Army of the Potomac had been on the other side of the river nearly a month, and had ceased to be a curiosity to the rebel inhabitants in the vicinity; and like sensible people, as they were in this respect if in no other, they devoted the hours of darkness to sleep. On the shore opposite the camp, they found a battery of artillery. Rude field-works had been constructed near the water, on which the guns of the company had been placed. Our travelers were too modest to make the acquaintance of the rebels, and kept at a respectful distance from them, crawling on the ground near enough to ascertain the force of the enemy. Taking to the fields for greater safety, the scouts went up the river several miles farther, without making any discoveries worthy of notice. The object of the excursion had been fully accomplished; and they began to retrace their steps towards the creek, where the boat was waiting their return. When we are well employed, time passes away very rapidly; and our adventurers had taken no note of its passage. Before they had made a single mile, the bright streaks of day in the east warned them that they had remained too long for their own safety. The prospect of being examined by rebel officers in broad daylight was not pleasant; and, increasing their speed, they walked by the shortest way towards the creek. When they had passed the battery of artillery, they abandoned the fields, through which they could make but slow progress, for the road. They had three miles farther to go, and it was now nearly sunrise. "I think we must have lost two or three hours," said Somers as they hastened on their way. "I had no idea that it was more than two o'clock in the morning when we turned about." "Nor I," replied De Banyan. "We must have spent two or three hours in crawling on the ground about that battery." "I don't see where the time is all gone." "It goes fast when we are busy. When I was in the Crimea----" "Never mind the Crimea now," protested Somers, who was in no mood for his companion's fibs. "Don't be crusty, Somers." "I did not mean to be crusty; but you know my opinion about those stories of the Crimea and the Italian war, and I don't think it is a good plan to talk so much over here." "As you please; it is your turn to speak next." "I meant no offense." "I know you didn't, Somers; but you reproved me, and I can only hold my peace; for you are the commander of this expedition." "You know I like you as a brother; but I don't like those silly yarns about your impossible achievements. Hark! What's that?" This last remark was caused by the sound of horses' feet behind them; and our travelers looked back with eager interest to ascertain what was approaching. It was a body of cavalry, which had just swept round a bend of the road, and was now in plain sight of them.