"Colonel," said I, "would not a rebel spy be an idiot to come voluntarily into the Union lines dressed as I am dressed?" "One cannot be too careful," said he. "You claim to be a Union man, but you cannot prove it." "Then, Colonel, since you refuse to send me back to General Morell, I beg that you at once send back for my companion." "What companion?" "His name is Jones. He was chosen by General Morell to accompany me. He is near the spot where I met the lancers. He has both of our horses, and I fear he will wait too long for me, and be captured." "By the lancers?" "No, sir, by the rebels. He has on his own Federal uniform." "But why did you not tell me this before?" "Because I wanted you first to consent to send me to General Morell; you refuse, and I now tell you about Jones. He can justify me to you; but time is lost in getting to General Morell, sir." Colonel Tyler wrote something and handed it to the sergeant, who at once went off, accompanied by his two men. "What force of the enemy is in our front?" asked the colonel. "My report is to be made to General Morell, Colonel." "But if I order you to report to me?" "Do you recognize me as a Union soldier, Colonel?" "What has that got to do with it?" "You would hardly have the right to command a rebel spy to betray his cause," said I. "But you may be a rebel deserter," said he, smiling. "If I were a rebel deserter, why should I not claim to be one, after having reached safety?" "But you may have intended to go home, or you may have been lost, and if so you are properly a prisoner of war." "How should a lost rebel know what I know about the composition of the Union army?" "I know your case seems pretty strong; but why not give me the benefit of your knowledge? Some of my men are now almost in the presence of the enemy." "General Morell advised me to report only to him, unless our advanced troops should be in any danger." "Then I tell you that we are in danger. We contemplate attacking a small force, but we don't want to run our heads into a hornet's nest." "Well, Colonel, since you put it so, I will answer you." "What force is in our front?" "There are six or seven regiments of infantry and a battery. There are cavalry, also; several hundred, I presume." "And where are they?" "The cavalry?" "The whole force of which you speak." "They were at Hanover Court-House all last night, and until day this morning, I cannot say that they have not moved since." "Do you know who commands them?" "Yes, sir." "Who is it?" "General Branch." "Did you see him?" "No, sir." "How then do you know that he is in command?" "I see that I misunderstood your question, Colonel. I do not know that General Branch is present with his brigade, but I do know that the troops at Hanover compose Branch's brigade." "How did you learn it? A man told you?" "Three different men, of different regiments, told me." "Well, that ought to be accepted," said he.