"Every bridle-path, sir, either by night or day."

"Then possibly you can inform me whether the Big Hickory is fordable at
Deer Gap."

"Not for infantry at high water, sir; but there is another ford two
miles north where it is never over waist deep."

"That would be at Brixton's Mill?"

"No, sir; the other way."

Lee smiled, and rested his hand almost caressingly on the trooper's
knee.

"You are a valuable man for us to risk on such a ride," he said kindly.
"But I desire you to understand, Sergeant, how deeply I value the
service you are about to render, and that I shall never permit it to be
forgotten or go unrewarded. And now, good-night, Sergeant; good-night,
Captain Wayne."

As we turned into the main road, riding slowly, I glanced backward. The
General was yet standing there in front of his tent, gazing after us,
the rays of the westering sun gleaming on his gray hair.




CHAPTER II