"At about what point will my danger begin, General?" "You will be in danger from scouting parties of the rebel cavalry from the moment when you reach this point," putting his pencil on a spot marked Old Church, "and you will be delayed in getting around them perhaps. You have a full day to Hanover Court-House, and another day to the Junction, if you find that you must go there; that gives you two days more; but if you find the enemy at the Court-House, you may get back in three days." "Why should I go by Old Church?" "Well, it seems longer, but it will prove shorter in the end; the country between Old Church and Mechanicsville is neutral ground, and you would be delayed in going through it." [Illustration: Map] "Am I to report the conditions between Old Church and Hanover Court-House?" "Take no time for that, but impress the character of the roads and the profile of the country on your mind--I mean in regard to military obstacles; of course if you find rebels in there, a force, I mean--look into them." "Well, sir, I am ready." "You may have everything you want; as many men as you want, mounted or afoot; can you start to-morrow morning, Berwick?" "Yes, General; by daylight I want to be at Old Church. Please have a good man to report to me two hours before day." "Mounted?" "Yes, sir; and with a led saddle horse and three days' rations and corn--or oats would be better. Let him come armed." "Very well, Berwick. Is that all?" "Yes, sir; I think that will do. I suppose the man will know the road to Old Church." "If not, I will send a guide along. Now, Berwick, good night, and good luck. You have my thanks, and you shall have more if your success will justify it." "Good night, General. I will do my best." * * * * * Dr. Khayme argued that I should not make this venture in disguise, and I had great doubt what to do; however, I at last compromised matters by deciding to take the Confederate uniform to be used in case I should need it. A thought occurred to me: "Doctor," said I, "these palmetto buttons might prove a bad thing. Suppose I should get into a brigade of Georgians occupying some position where there are no other troops; what would a Carolinian be doing amongst them?" "I have provided for that," said the Doctor; "you see that these buttons are fastened with rings; here are others that are smooth: all you have to do is to change when you wish--it takes but a few moments. However, nobody would notice your buttons unless you should be within six feet of him and in broad daylight." "Yet I think it would be better to change now," said I; "there are more Confederates than Carolinians." The Doctor assented, and we made the change. I put the palmetto buttons into my haversack.