"Sergeant Craig of my troop, sir, a good soldier, who knows the country
well."

He lowered his eyes to the numerous papers littering the table, and
then, leaning over, traced lightly with a colored pencil a line across
an outspread map.

"You speak of his knowing the country well; are you aware, then, of
your destination?"

"I merely inferred from what Colonel Carter said that it was your
desire to re-establish communication with General Longstreet."

"That is true; but do you know where Longstreet is?"

"Only that we of the line suppose him to be somewhere west of the
mountains, sir. It is camp gossip that his present base of supplies is
at Minersville."

"Your conjecture is partly correct, although I have more reason to
believe that the head of his column has reached Bear Fork, or will by
to-morrow morning. Kindly step this way, Captain Wayne, and make note
of the blue lines I have traced across this map. Here, you will
observe, is Minersville, directly beyond the high ridge. You will
notice that the Federal lines extend north and south directly between
us, with their heavier bodies of infantry along the Wharton pike, and
so disposed as to shut off all communication between us and our left
wing. Now, the message I must get into Longstreet's hands is
imperative; indeed, I will say to you, the very safety of this army
depends upon its reaching him before his advance passes Bear Fork.