and then another, all silent and watchful. He knew that the circle about
the defense was complete.

He could have escaped easily through the line, had he been willing to
leave his horse, and for a few moments he was sorely tempted to do so,
but he recalled that time was more precious than jewels. If he ever got
beyond the line of pickets he must go and go fast.

He was three or four hundred yards from the village and no one had yet
observed him, but he did not believe that he could go much farther
undetected. Some one was bound to hear the heavy footsteps of the horse.

The creek shallowed presently and the banks became very low. Then Harry
decided suddenly upon his course. He would put everything to the touch
and win or lose in one wild dash. Springing upon the back of his horse,
he raked him with the spur and put him straight at the creek. The
startled animal was across in two jumps, and then Harry sent him racing
across the fields. He heard two or three shouts and several shots,
but fortunately none touched him or his mount, and, not looking back,
he continually urged the horse to greater speed.

Bending low he heard the distant sound of hoofbeats behind him, but they
soon died away. Then he entered a belt of forest, and when he passed
out on the other side no pursuit could be seen. But he did not slacken
speed. He knew that all Sherburne had said about Stonewall Jackson was
true. He would forgive no dallying by the way. He demanded of every man
his uttermost.

He turned from the unfenced field into the road, and rode at a full
gallop toward Winchester. The cold wind swept past and his spirits