It was evident to both Sherburne and Harry that the Federal pickets and
outriders had acquired much skill and alertness, and they urged the
troop to its greatest speed. Even if they should be able to defeat
their immediate pursuers, it was no place for them to engage in battle,
as the enemy could soon come up in thousands.

As they galloped down the road they heard bullets kicking up the dust
behind, and the sound made them go faster. But they were still out of
range and the pursuit did not make any gain in the next few minutes.
But Harry, looking back, saw that the Union cavalry was hanging on
grimly, and he surmised also that other forces might appear soon on
their flanks.

"We've got to use every effort," he said to Sherburne.

"That's apparent. You were right about your man Shepard, Harry.
He has certainly inherited all the eyes of his ancestor, Argus, and
about three times as many besides. He's omniscient, right enough."

"Are they gaining?"

"Not yet. But they will, as fresh pursuers come up on the flank.
Some of us must fall or be taken, but then at least one of us must get
back to Old Jack with the news. So we're bound to scatter. When we
reach that patch of woods on the left running down to the road, you're
to leave us, gallop into it and make your way back through the gorge.
I'll throw off the other messengers as we go on."

"Must I be the first to go?"