of
Home Guards were retreating at full speed; one far in advance of the
others was making frantic efforts to urge his horse to greater speed.
Calhoun saw that he could cut him off, and he did so, reaching the road
just as he came abreast of it. So intent was the fellow on getting away he
did not notice Calhoun until brought to a stand by the stern command,
"Surrender."

In his surprise and terror, the man rolled from his horse, the picture of
the most abject cowardice Calhoun ever saw. He fairly grovelled in the
dust. "Don't kill me! Don't kill me!" he cried, raising his hands in
supplication. "I didn't want to come; they forced me. I never did anything
against you."

Dismounting Calhoun gave him a kick which sent him rolling. "Get up, you
blubbering calf," he exclaimed, "and tell us what you know."

The fellow staggered to his feet, his teeth chattering, and trembling like
a leaf.

"Now, answer my questions, and see that you tell the truth," said Calhoun.
"Are there any forces in front of us?"

"N--not--not as I know," he managed to say.

"Do you know the shortest road to Salineville?"

"Yes; yes."

"Will you guide us there if I spare your life?"

"Anything, I will do anything, if you won't kill me," he whined.

"Very well, but I will exchange horses with you, as I see you are riding a
fine one, and he looks fresh," remarked Calhoun.

The exchange was made, and then Calhoun said, "Now lead on, and at the
first sign of treachery, I will blow out your brains. Do you understand?"

"Yes, yes, I will take you the shortest road."

"What's your name," asked Calhoun, as they rode along.

"Andrew Harmon."

"Well, Andrew, I wish all Yankees were like you. If they were, we should
have no trouble whipping the North. I reckon you are about as big a coward
as I ever met."

Harmon, still white and trembling, did not answer; he was too thoroughly
cowed.

Ride as hard as Morgan's men could, when they neared Salineville
Shackelford was pressing on their rear. They had either to fight or
surrender.

"My brave boys, you have done all that mortals can do. I cannot bear to
see you slaughtered. I will surrender."

As Morgan said this his voice trembled. It was a word his men had never
heard him use before.

"General, it is not all over for you," cried Calhoun, his voice quivering
with emotion. "Think of the joy of the Yankees if you should be captured.
Let me take half the men. You take the other half and escape. I