tent spread in the shade of an old oak, and Harry found that Captain
Sherburne had already preceded him there. All signs of splendor were
hidden completely. Jackson once more wore with ease his dingy old gray
clothes, but the skin of his brow was drawn into a tiny knot in the
center, as if he were concentrating thought with his utmost power.

"Sit down, Mr. Kenton," he said kindly. "I've already been speaking
to Captain Sherburne and I'll tell you now what I want. General
McClellan's army is still beyond the Potomac. As nearly as our
spies can estimate it has, present and fit for duty, one hundred and
thirty-five thousand men and three hundred and fifty cannon. McClellan,
as we well know, is always overcautious and overestimates our numbers,
but public opinion in the North will force him to action. They claim
there that Antietam was a victory for them, and he will surely invade
Virginia again. I shall send Captain Sherburne and his troop to find
out where and when, and you are to go with him as my aide and personal
representative."

"Thanks, sir," said Harry.

"When can you start?"

"Within five minutes."

"Good. I was going to allow you ten, but it's better to take only five.
Captain Sherburne, you have your instructions already. Now go, and bear
in mind, both of you, that you are to bring back what you are sent to
get, no matter what the cost. Prepare no excuses."

There was a stern and ominous ring in his last words, and Harry and
Sherburne, saluting, retired with all speed. Harry ran to his own tent,
snatched up his arms and blanket-roll, saddled and bridled his horse,
and well within five minutes was riding by the side of Captain
Sherburne. He shouted to St. Clair, who had run forward in amazement:

"Gone on a mission for Old Jack. Will be back--some time."

The cavalry troop of two hundred splendid men, led by Sherburne, one of
the finest of the younger leaders, trotted fast through the oak forest.
They were fully refreshed and they were glad of action. The great
heats of that famous summer, unusually hot alike in both east and west,
were gone, and now the cool, crisp breezes of autumn blew in their faces.

"Have you heard at what point on the Potomac the Union army is gathered?"
Harry asked.

"At a village called Berlin, so our spies say. You know McClellan
really has some high qualities. We found a heavy reconnoitering force
of cavalry not far in our front two or three days ago, and