led as he answered: "A Yankee paymaster don't come amiss once in
a while."

Calhoun was next given an official envelope, which he was to hand to
General Forrest, who was then operating in Northern Mississippi and
Western Tennessee.

"You will receive full instructions from Forrest," continued Morgan, "what
to do, and how to get through the Yankee lines. We have concluded to send
you by the way of Western Tennessee, as you will not be so apt to meet
with any Federal officer who might know you. Now go, and may success
attend you."

Calhoun took his chief's hand. His heart was too full to say a word. A
strong grasp, and he was gone. He had no trouble in finding General
Forrest, who carefully read the papers that Calhoun handed him. He then
scanned Calhoun closely from head to feet. "I reckon you understand the
purport of these papers," he said, in rather a harsh voice.

"I suppose they relate to sending me through the lines," answered Calhoun.

"Well, I can send you through, young man, but you are going on a fool's
errand. I have had a good deal to do with those Knights of the Golden
Circle, as they call themselves. They are all right in giving away
everything they know; but when it comes to fighting, bah! one of my
companies would lick ten thousand."

"Then you haven't much faith in the fighting qualities of the Knights?"
said Calhoun, with a smile.

"Faith? Not I. They are Yankees, mere money-grabbers. Ask one of them for
ten dollars and he will shut up as tight as a clam. But they worry the
Lincoln government, and keep up a fire in the rear; therefore they should
be encouraged. You will find them a scurvy lot to deal with, though."

"How soon can I start North?" asked Calhoun.

"To-night," answered Forrest. "I am the president of an underground
railroad, took my cue from the Abolitionists when they were engaged in
running our niggers through to Canada. I have a regular mail North. I will
send you through with one of the carriers. I reckon I had better send your
credentials by a second carrier. It might be awkward if you were captured
with them. You must leave here dressed as a citizen, and bear in mind that
your name is W. B. Harrison."

"Where shall I find my credentials?" asked Calhoun.

"At Mount Vernon, Illinois, which is the terminus of my railroad at
present. Inquire for Judge Worley. Once in his hands, you will be all
right. If all the Knights were like him there would be something doing;
but he is a