They watered their horses at a clear creek, and then Sherburne and Harry,
from the summit of a low hill, scanned the country with their glasses.

They saw no human being. There was the rolling country, brown now with
autumn, and the clear, cool streams flowing through almost every valley,
but so far as man was concerned the scene was one of desolation.

"I should think that McClellan would have mounted scouts some distance
this side of the Potomac," said Sherburne. "Certainly, if he were
making the crossing, as our reports say, he would send them ahead."

"We're sure to strike 'em before we reach the river," said Harry.

"I think with you that we'll see 'em, but it's our business to avoid
'em. We're sent forth to see and not to fight. But if General Stuart
could ride away up into Pennsylvania, make a complete circuit around the
Union army and come back without loss, then we ought to be successful
with our own task, which is an easier one."

Harry smiled.

"I never knew you to fail, Captain. I consider your task as done
already."

"Thanks, Harry. You're a noble optimist. If we fail, it will not be
for lack of trying. Forward, my lads, and we'll reach the Potomac some
time to-night."

They rode on through the same silence and desolation. They had no doubt