nded
by a Minnesota lieutenant; and he had kept pickets out in the rear, who
had given him early notice of the approach of the enemy.

If the train continued on the pike, it was sure to be captured; but the
officer in command determined to make the attempt to escape with his
wagons, and with infinite labor and exertion he had made a mile on his
way to the road. He was certainly a plucky fellow; but he could not
fight a whole brigade of infantry with two companies of cavalry. He
had, therefore, taken his chance of reaching the Jamestown Road, and
fortunately he had posted himself on the roads and distances of the
locality.

The Riverlawn Cavalry, with its riflemen, were in the road some time
before Captain Woodbine, mounted on a magnificent steed, arrived at the
place of rendezvous. The company were at ease, and the aide-de-camp of
the general rode directly to the head of the column and saluted the
major.

"I may say now that this was to be a reconnaissance in force, though
your command is all the general can send for the purpose," said the
captain. "But I have heard of the advance of the enemy, and it may not
be necessary to feel of them; so you may send out the platoon under the
command of Lieutenant Lyon, in whom the captain appears to have
unlimited confidence, by a road I will point out to you, to reconnoitre
in the direction of the pike, on which and the road to Somerset the
general is encamped."

"Do you expect this force will find an enemy in that direction?" asked
the major.

"I do not, though it is possible. That heavy baggage-train must have
moved to the north by the pike, if it has not been captured before this
time. If Lieutenant Lyon should discover the escort, he will re-enforce
it, sending back a messenger to you, Major. If not too late, it is of
vital importance that this train be saved, for the general says it has
rations enough in its wagons to feed the Confederate army for a week at
least," replied the captain.

"How far is it to the pike?" inquired the major.

"It is about five miles; and till the platoon comes to a piece of wood,
the lieutenant will have a tolerable road, and through the forest,
which is over a half a mile across."

"How far is it to the woods?"

"Two miles, more or less. You had better send two scouts out in advance
of the platoon, and do so at once," added the captain; and the major
regarded his requests as orders coming directly from the general.

"Send Sergeant Kno