n.

"Keep watch to see if any Johnny attempts to cross the river," answered
the sergeant; "but I doubt if we see anything larger than buzzards, and we
can't stop them."

The men made themselves comfortable, and lay in the shade smoking their
pipes. Calhoun was considering the proposition whether he could not
quietly withdraw, and flank them without being seen, when one of the men
said: "Sergeant, let me go to that house we passed and see if I cannot get
a canteen of milk. It will go good with our hardtack."

"You can both go," replied the sergeant; "I guess I can stop any one who
attempts to cross the river while you are away. But don't be gone long."

The men quickly availed themselves of the opportunity, and mounting their
horses rode away. The sergeant stretched himself on the ground, and lazily
watched the river. Now was Calhoun's time. He had secured a good revolver
when he left Nashville. This he had kept dry when he swam the river by
wrapping it in his outside clothing, which he had made into a bundle, and
carried over on his head. Taking the revolver in his hand, ready for
instant use, he cautiously crept up on the sergeant.

[Illustration: HE CAUTIOUSLY CREPT UP ON THE SERGEANT.]

That individual leaped to his feet as if he had springs when he heard the
stern command, "Surrender!"

He reached for his weapon, but suddenly stopped when he saw he was looking
into the muzzle of a revolver.

"Hands up! Be quick about it!"

The hands of the sergeant slowly went above his head.

"Pardon me, but I will relieve you of this," said Calhoun, as he took a
revolver from the belt of his prisoner, and tossed it into the river.

Up to this time the sergeant had not said a word, but now he exclaimed,
with the utmost disgust, "How thundering careless of me! Sergeant Latham,
you are no good; you ought to be reduced to the ranks."

"Oh! don't feel too bad about it; better men than you have been caught
napping," replied Calhoun, consolingly.

"But no bigger fool. To be gobbled in like this, and by a blamed skulking
citizen, too. Now, if--"

"Rest your mind there, if it will make you feel any better," broke in
Calhoun, "I am no civilian, I am Lieutenant Calhoun Pennington of Morgan's
command."

"You don't say," replied the sergeant, apparently much relieved.
"Lieutenant, allow me to introduce myself. I am Sergeant Silas Latham. We
have had the pleasure of meeting before."

"Where?" asked Calhoun, in surprise.