mbled something, and Mathews turning around, said: "Gentlemen, my
principal acknowledges himself satisfied. It is with pleasure that I
compliment both of the principals in this affair. They have conducted
themselves like true Kentucky gentlemen, and I trust they will part as
such."

"Shake hands, gentlemen, shake hands," cried their friends, crowding
around them.

Calhoun gave his freely, but Conway extended his coldly. There was a look
in his eye which foreboded future trouble.

Such a meeting could not be kept secret, and it soon came to the ears of
Morgan. Both of the principals, as well as the seconds were summoned into
his presence. He listened to all the details in silence, and then said:

"It is well that this affair resulted as it did. If either one of the
principals had fallen, the other would have been summarily dealt with.
Both of you," looking at Conway and Calhoun, "were to blame. Lieutenant
Pennington should not have struck the blow: no gentleman will tamely
submit to the indignity of a blow. As for you, Captain Conway, I am
surprised that you, one of my officers, should insult a lady. If this
offence is ever repeated, intoxication will be no plea in its extenuation.
Heretofore it has been our proud boast that where Morgan's men are there
any lady, be she for North or South, is as safe as in her own home. Let us
see that it will always be so."

The men who heard burst into a wild cheer. Each of them was a knight to
uphold the honor of woman.

As Captain Conway listened to the reprimand, his red face became redder.
His heart was full of anger, but he was diplomat enough to listen with
becoming humility. To his fellow-officers his plea was intoxication, and
in the stirring times which followed, his offence was forgotten.

Scouts came dashing into the city with the startling intelligence that a
large Federal force was advancing on the place. It was not long before a
battle was being waged through the streets. Before an overwhelming force
of infantry Morgan had to fall back.

Bragg was in full retreat, and to Morgan fell the lot of guarding the
rear. As they were falling back from Camp Dick Robinson, Calhoun met a
Major Hockoday, who to him was the bearer of sad news. The Major said that
that morning his men pursued a Federal scout who had ventured inside their
lines. In his effort to escape he had fallen over the cliff of Dick River,
and been killed. "And I am sorry to say," added the Major, "that tha