I--if I can--will get word back to the General. I want you to locate Brown.
I was told that he and the man who is traveling with him--I don't know who
it is--managed to get a ride in a farmer's wagon. They left here this
morning, and the farmer was going to take them as far as a village called
Coal Mines. You'll probably overtake them, but if you don't find them on
the road, go into Chattanooga and catch the train for Marietta Thursday.
Brown will probably catch that train. Tell him about the change in plans,
and wait in Marietta for us. We will be there Friday night. In the
meantime, I will locate Knight. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," answered Tom. "What shall I do with the horse?"

"The poor brute is just about ready to drop now," replied Andrews. "Ride
him as far as he'll carry you, then turn him loose. Throw the saddle and
bridle into the bushes. It's after four o'clock now. You'd better be
getting along."

"Yes, sir." Tom took the reins.

"Say!" Shadrack broke in, "he'd better have something to eat, or he'll fall
off the horse. We were just going to the Widow Fry's to persuade her to
give us a meal."

Andrews reached into his pockets, and drew forth two paper packages.
"Here's some bread and meat. I'm sorry I haven't anything more, or anything
better. You can eat it while you ride."

Tom thanked him and mounted the horse. "Good-by, sir. Good-by, Wilson and
Shadrack. Luck to you." He turned the horse into the road, and started
southward. Now he was alone, with the South before him.