Another thick clump of undergrowth hid him at that moment from the
cavalrymen, and he did the only thing that was left to him. Throwing
one leg over the saddle, he leaped clear and darted away. Before he had
gone a dozen steps he heard his horse fall heavily, and he sighed for a
true and faithful servant and comrade gone forever.

He heard the shouts of the Union horsemen who had overtaken the fallen
horse, but not the rider. Then the shouts ceased, and for a little
while there was no thud of hoofs. Evidently they were puzzled. They
had no use for a dead horse, but they wanted his rider, and they did not
know which way he had gone. Harry knew, however, that they would soon
spread out to a yet greater extent, and being able to go much faster on
horseback than he could on foot, they would have a certain advantage.

He had lost his blanket from his shoulders, but he still had his pistol,
and he kept one hand on the butt, resolved not to be taken. He heard
the horsemen crashing here and there among the bushes and calling to one
another. He knew that they pursued him so persistently because they
believed him to be one who had spied upon their army and it would be of
great value to them that he be taken or slain.

He might have turned and run back toward the Potomac, doubling on his
own track, as it were, a trick which would have deluded the Union
cavalry, but his resolution held firm not only to escape, but also to
reach Jackson with his news.

He stood at least a minute behind some thick bushes, and it was a
precious minute to his panting lungs. The fresh air flowed in again and
strength returned. His pulses leaped once more with courage and resolve,
and he plunged anew into the deep wood. If he could only reach a