It will also be well to explain the presence of ladies in the camp. Miss Mamie Hayward was the sister of Captain Hayward, who, having received intelligence that her brother was wounded, had visited Springfield for the purpose of ministering to his wants. At the time of her arrival Fremont’s “Army of the Mississippi” was marching upon that place, and the journey from Rolla or Tipton was safe. But soon, those roads were infested with guerrillas, and, as they were poorly guarded, it was not thought prudent that the ladies who had reached Springfield should attempt a return. Miss Hayward, therefore, remained with her brother. This same reason will apply to all the ladies in camp, of which there were several—conspicuous among whom was the wife of Adjutant Hinton, one of the officers of the well-known “Benton Cadets.” She was usually addressed as “Alibamo”—her name when a captive in Price’s hands. She was very beautiful, and of that daring, determined nature which has immortalized so many women of the West. In company with Alibamo, was a young lady who acted in the capacity of waiting-maid, but who really appeared more like a companion. This female possessed the not particularly euphonious name of Sally Long. “I must join with Nettleton in my reproaches, Captain Hayward,” answered Lieutenant Wells, in a subdued tone. “You forget my conversation with you last night!” “No, Wells. You informed me of your affection for my sister, but you have never addressed her as a lover. How do you know that she will return your love? If she could return it, I confess, lieutenant, I do not know any one to whom I would more willingly see her united; but, if she can not, how could you assume to become her protector?” “If such should be the case, and the fortunes of war should deprive her of a brother, rest assured that, not only myself, but every man in camp would willingly shed his blood in her defense, and care for her as a sister!” “Thank you. I _do_ feel a foreboding of evil. I believe I shall be killed in the coming battle. If this should be the case, I commend her to your care. But, my nerves are excited. I will walk into the open air. No! I would be alone!” he added, as one of the officers arose as if to accompany him. As he left the tent one of the party, a Captain Walker, exclaimed: “Well, I hope things are all right, but I have my doubts!” “Your doubts of what?” asked Wells. “Humph! well, no matter. _You_ are too directly interested to listen to the explanation. But, perhaps you will find out some day.” “Do you intend, sir, to cast any slur upon Captain Hayward?” Captain Walker did not reply, but left the tent. An hour or more had passed, and Hayward did not return. It was now quite dark, when suddenly the assembly was sounded, and, all anxious, the troops fell in. The order was read: “Pack knapsacks, and have every thing in readiness for a move at daylight.”