eep back,
curving a little in his course, toward his own horse. He did not believe
that Shepard's faculty of hearing was as keen as his own, and he moved
with the greatest deftness. He relied upon the fact that Shepard had not
yet located the horse, and if Harry could reach it quickly it would not
be hard for him, a mounted man, to leave behind Shepard, dismounted.
It might be possible, too, that Shepard had gone back to see about his
own horse, not knowing that it was slain.

He saw the dusky outline of his horse, and, rising, made two or three
jumps. Then he snatched the rein loose, sprang upon his back, and lying
down upon his neck to avoid bullets, crashed away, reckless of bushes and
briars. He heard one bullet flying near him, but he laughed in delight
and relief as his horse sped on toward Longstreet.

He did not diminish his speed until he had gone two or three miles,
and then, knowing that Shepard had been left hopelessly behind, even
if he had attempted pursuit, he brought his horse down to a walk, and
laughed. There was a bit of nervous excitement in the laugh. He had
outwitted Shepard again. He had never seen the man, but it did not enter
his mind that it was not he. Each had scored largely over the other from
time to time, but Harry believed that he was at least even.

He steadied his nerves now and rode calmly toward Longstreet, coming soon
upon his scouts, who informed him that the heavy columns were not far
behind, marching with stalwart step to their appointed place in the line.
But it was Harry's business to see Longstreet himself, and he continued
his way toward the center of the division, where they told him the
general could be found.

He rode forward and in the moonlight recognized Longstreet at once,
a heavy-set, bearded man, mounted on a strong bay horse. He had a very
small staff, and he was first to notice the young lieutenant advancing.
He knew Harry well, having seen him with Lee at Gettysburg and with
Jackson before. He stopped and said abruptly:

"You come from the commander-in-chief, do you not?"

"Yes, sir," replied Harry, "and I've been coming as fast as I could."

He did not deem it necessary to say anything about his encounter with
Shepard.

"There has been heavy fighting. What are his orders?"

Harry told him, also giving him a written message, which the general read
by the light of a torch an aide held.

"You can tell General Lee that all my men will be in posit