was nothing more formidable than a stout stick just picked up. He
reached the road at last, and leaped into the saddle once more.

Deck came into the opening before Vallingham had advanced more than ten
yards. In the gloom he saw the forms of horse and rider, and fired twice
in quick succession, at the same time calling upon Clefton and Sanford
that the prisoner was again in sight.

The second leaden messenger from the major's weapon struck the
Confederate's horse in the flank, and he leaped to one side from the
pain, unseating Vallingham, and sending the captain to the ground. The
shock was a heavy one, and ere the captain could recover, Deck was upon
him.

"Do you surrender, or shall I fire on you?" demanded the young Union
officer.

"I--I surrender," groaned Vallingham. "Oh! I am afraid I have broken a
rib."

"If you have, I am sorry for you, but you brought it on yourself,"
answered Deck, coolly. "Sit still until the others come up."

Clefton and Sanford were in sight, and a call brought them to Deck's
side. By this time Captain Vallingham had grown very pale; and suddenly
he fainted. Water was brought, and he revived, but he said his right
side hurt him a good deal where it had struck against a sharp stone.

The horse that had been wounded walked lamely, but was still in fair
condition, and the Confederate, being unable to walk, was allowed to
ride, Sanford leading the steed. The whole party turned back to the
trail, where they found Life and his men and the third prisoner awaiting
them.

"And so Colver is gone," said Captain Vallingham, when told of the
shooting of the man who had leaped into the creek. "Poor fellow; I am
afraid I am responsible for his rashness."

"It was a fool move all round, Cap'n," growled the third prisoner, and
the captain did not gainsay it.

Once more the march for the Union encampment was resumed, and this time
a close watch was kept on the prisoners, something which was now
scarcely necessary, as Captain Vallingham was in no condition to attempt
another escape, and the other prisoner being far too scared to dream of
such a thing.

It was dawn of the following day when Major Lyon finally reached
headquarters, having placed the prisoners in Life's charge, to be turned
over to the proper authorities in the camp.

He found the general commander just finishing his scant toilet, after
taking a much-needed sleep of a few hours.

"Be brief, Major Lyon, for I have little time t