state of affairs cannot endure much longer. We have
reason to believe that the Northern advance in great force will soon
be made, but we wish to know, meanwhile, what is going on behind their
lines, what forces are coming down from Washington, what is the state of
their defenses, and any other information that you may obtain. If you
can get through their lines you can bring us news which may have vital
results."

He paused and looked thoughtfully at the boy. His manner was that of
one conferring a great honor, and the impression upon Harry was strong.
But he remembered. This was the duty of a spy, or something like it.
He recalled Shepard and the risk he ran. Spies die ingloriously.
Yet he might do a great service. Beauregard read his mind.

"We ask you to be a scout, not a spy," he said. "You may ride in your
own uniform, and, if you are taken, you will merely be a prisoner of
war."

Harry's last doubt disappeared.

"I will do my best, sir," he said.

"No one can do more," said Beauregard.

"When do you wish me to start?"

"As soon as you can get ready. How long will that be? Your horse will
be provided for you."

"In a half hour."

"Good," said Beauregard. "Now, I will leave you with Colonel Talbot,
who will give you a few parting instructions."

He left the tent, but, as he went, gave Harry a strong clasp of the hand.

"Now, my boy," said Colonel Leonidas Talbot, when they were alone in the
tent, "I've but little more to say to you. It is an arduous task that
you've undertaken, and one full of danger. You must temper courage
with caution. You will be of no use to our cause unless you come back.
And, Harry, you are your father's son; I want to see you come back for
your own sake, too. Good-bye, your horse will be waiting."

Harry quickly made ready. St. Clair and Langdon, burning with curiosity,
besieged him with questions, but he merely replied that he was riding on
an errand for Colonel Talbot. He did not know when he would come back,
but if it should be a long time they must not forget him.

"A long time?" said St. Clair. "A long time, Harry, means that you've
got a dangerous mission. We'll wish you safely through it, old fellow."

"And don't forget the charm!" exclaimed Langdon. "Of course I don't
believe in such foolishness, I wouldn't think of it for a minute, but,
anyway, they don't do any harm. Good-bye and God bless you, Harry."

"The same from me, Harry," said St. Clair