another pair of eyes
were observing him.

Watching his opportunity, Calhoun gave this gentleman the sign of
recognition. The gentleman shifted uneasily in his seat, but did not
answer.

"I will give you something stronger," thought Calhoun, and the next time
he caught the gentleman's eye, he gave the sign of distress. This was a
sign no true knight could afford to ignore. Leaning over, the gentleman
said, "My boy, you look pale. Have you been sick?"

"Very, and I now need friends," answered Calhoun.

"Come over here and tell me about it," said the gentleman.

Calhoun took a seat by his side, and the man whispered, "Are you a
deserter, and are they after you?"

"Yes," said Calhoun.

"Where are you going?"

"To Columbus."

"That is a poor place to go to keep out of the hands of Lincoln's
minions," answered the man.

"I am not afraid," said Calhoun. "What I want to know is where I can find
friends in Columbus whom I can trust--true, firm friends of the South."

"My name is Pettis," replied the man. "I reside in Columbus. Once let me
be satisfied as to who you are and what you are wearing that uniform for
and I may be able to help you."

"That is easily answered," said Calhoun; "but first I must be fully
satisfied as to you. Let me prove you, my brother."

Calhoun found that Mr. Pettis was high up in the order, and was violent in
his hatred of the Lincoln government. He could be trusted.

"I am not a Federal soldier," said Calhoun after he had fully tested him.
"I am wearing this uniform as a disguise. I am a Confederate officer."

"What! escaped from Johnson's Island?" asked Mr. Pettis, in astonishment.

"No, I am one of Morgan's officers."

Mr. Pettis nearly jumped off the seat in surprise.

"Morgan's officers are all in the penitentiary," he gasped.

"One is not and never was," answered Calhoun.

Mr. Pettis regarded him closely, and then said: "It can't be, but it must
be. Is your name Pennington?"

"It is," replied Calhoun.

"Why, the papers have been full of your escape. But the general opinion
seemed to be that you wandered away in a delirium and died."

"Which you see is not so," said Calhoun, with a smile.

"How in the world did you get away?"

"That is a secret which I cannot tell even you."

"Very well; but, Mr. Pennington, you must come home with me. You will find
friends in Columbus, many of them, who will be delighted to meet you."

When Columbus was reached, Calhoun, on advice