hey were losing time.
A good-sized stream was reached, which they had to swim. They emerged from
it wet and out of humor, Givens cursing the Yankees to his heart's
content. He explained that it eased his mind. When the road was reached
their guide bade them good-bye, and disappeared as suddenly as he had
appeared.

Givens and Calhoun now urged their horses to their utmost speed, in order
to reach their next stopping-place by daylight. But do the best they
could, the sun was an hour high before they reached their haven of rest.
Luckily they met with no one, and they felt safe.

"One more night and we shall reach the Ohio," said Givens, when they
dismounted after a long, wearisome night ride. But it was destined that
they should not reach the Ohio the next night, for they had not ridden
more than five miles after they had started before they were brought up
with the sharp command: "Halt! Who comes there?"

"Citizens without the countersign," answered Givens without a moment's
hesitation, and then to Calhoun, "Wheel and run for your life."

They both turned and clapped spurs to their horses, but not before the
sentinel had fired. Calhoun heard a sharp exclamation of pain, and turning
his head saw Givens tumble from his horse. He had carried his last mail.
There was no time to halt, for Calhoun heard the rapid hoof-beats of
horses in pursuit. Coming to a cross-road, he sprang from his horse and
struck him a vicious blow which sent him galloping wildly down the road.
In a moment a squad of Federal cavalry passed in swift pursuit. Calhoun
breathed freer after the trampling of their horses died away in the
distance. But he was alone, without a horse, and in a strange country. He
was now thankful that Forrest had not sent his credentials with Givens.

Calhoun made his way slowly on foot, turning into a road which led in the
direction which he wished to go. All through the night he plodded, and
when morning came he found he was close to a large plantation. He
determined to make himself known. Placing his revolver in his bosom, where
he could get it in a moment, he boldly went up to the house. Fortunately
he met the owner of the plantation, who saluted him with, "Heah, git off
of my place, or I will set the dogs on you. I want no tramps around heah."

Calhoun glanced at himself, and did not wonder he had been mistaken for a
disreputable character. His night's walk had made sad havoc with the looks
of his clothes. The road wa