only safety in guarding against Morgan, and the troops which held the left
of Rosecrans's army were always in fear. No Federal soldier was safe half
a mile outside the lines. Bitterly did many sleepy soldiers curse him, for
at three o'clock every morning they were forced to get up and stand at
arms until broad daylight. The Federal officers wanted no more surprises.
But in spite of all their vigilance, Morgan would swoop down and carry off
prisoners from under their very noses.

These months were busy ones for Calhoun; he and his scouts were always on
the go. At the battle of Milton he greatly distinguished himself, and was
the subject of a complimentary order. But during the battle he received a
slight flesh wound in the arm and the ball came from the rear. Again was
Conway behind him. The thought that he might be slain in this treacherous
manner was distracting, but what could he do? He durst not complain; such
a monstrous charge against a brother officer would have to be
substantiated by the best of proof. He could only avoid Conway as much as
possible during battle, and hope for the best. After the battle at Milton,
by reason of losses in the regiment, Conway was promoted, being appointed
major. It was fortunate for Calhoun that he was chief of scouts, and on
Morgan's staff, or Conway would have made his life a burden, for he was a
member of the regiment of which Conway was major.

One day Calhoun, being sent on special duty over to the left of Bragg's
army, found himself in Columbia. He now remembered what Captain Haines had
told him of the misfortunes which had befallen the Osbornes, and he
determined to visit them. As he approached the place a sigh escaped him,
for the plantation no longer was blooming like a rose, and the splendid
mansion house was a charred mass of ruins.

He found the family living in a small house which once had been occupied
by the overseer. Their story was soon told. After Lieutenant Haines had
been exchanged, he came back and was stationed at Columbia. He visited
them frequently, was very attentive to Miss Osborne, and at last asked her
to become his wife. He was very politely but firmly refused. He now began
a series of petty persecutions, and was forbidden the house as a guest.
Then he began to threaten. He reported to the commander that Osborne's
house was the headquarters of a gang of guerrillas which gave the Federal
authorities in Columbia and Pulaski a great deal of trouble.

Abou