at we should meet in time. I want
to tell you that I've met your cousin, Richard Mason, here, and his
commanding officer, Colonel Winchester. Oh, I know much more about you
and your relationships than you think."

"How is Dick?"

"He has not been hurt, nor has Colonel Winchester. Mr. Mason has
received a letter from his home and your home in Pendleton in Kentucky.
The outlaws to the eastward are troublesome, but the town is occupied by
an efficient Union garrison and is in no danger. His mother and all of
his and your old friends, who did not go to the war, are in good health.
He thought that in my various capacities as ranger, scout and spy I might
meet you, and he asked me, if it so happened, to tell these things to
you."

"I thank you," said Harry very earnestly, "and I'm truly sorry,
Mr. Shepard, that you and I are on different sides."

"I suppose it's too late for you to come over to the Union and the true
cause."

Harry laughed.

"You know, Mr. Shepard, there are no traitors in this war."

"I know it. I was merely jesting."

He slipped into the underbrush and disappeared. Harry confessed to
himself once more that he liked Shepard, but he felt more strongly than
ever that it had become a personal duel between them, and they would meet
yet again in violence.

That night he had little to do. It was a typical May night in Virginia,
clear and beautiful with an air that would have been a tonic to the
nerves, had it not been for the bitter smoke and odors that yet lingered
from the battle of the Wilderness.

Before dawn the scouts brought in a rumor that there was a heavy movement
of Federal troops, although they did not know its meaning. It might
portend another flank march by Grant, but a mist that had begun to rise
after midnight hid much from them. The mist deepened into a fog, which
made it harder for the Southern leaders to learn the meaning of the
Northern movement.

Just as the dawn was beginning to show a little through the fog, Hancock
and Burnside, with many more generals, led a tremendous attack upon the
Southern right center. They had come so silently through the thickets
that for once the Southern leaders were surprised. The Union veterans,
rushing forward in dense columns, stormed and took the breastworks with
the bayonet.

Many of the Southern troops, sound asleep, awoke to find themselves in
the enemy's hands. Others, having no time to fire them, fought with
clubbed rifles.