trike past Kelly at Rosecrans."

"I hope that He will give it, sir. That part of Virginia is worth making
an effort for."

"That is my opinion, sir. While I march toward Romney the government at
Washington may thrust General Banks across the Potomac. I do not want
him in my rear, nor between me and General Johnston." He again sucked
the lemon. "The Secretary of War writes that our spies report a clamour
at Washington for some movement before spring. It is thought at Richmond
that General Banks has been ordered to cross the Potomac as soon as
practicable, effecting if possible a junction with Kelly and descending
upon Winchester; General McClellan at the same time to advance against
General Johnston at Manassas. Maybe it is so, maybe not. Of one thing I
am sure--General McClellan will not move until General Banks is on this
side of the river. Yesterday Colonel Ashby captured a courier of Kelly's
bearing a letter to Banks. The letter, which demands an answer, asks to
know explicitly what are Banks's instructions from Washington."

He put the lemon down. "Captain Cleave, I very particularly wish to know
what are General Banks's instructions from Washington. Were Jarrow here
he would find out for me, but I have sent Jarrow on other business. I
want to know within four days."

There was a moment's stillness in the room; then, "Very well, sir," said
Cleave.

"I remember," said Jackson, "that you sent me the scout here. He does
good service. He is at your disposal for the next few days." Drawing ink
and paper toward him, he wrote a few lines. "Go to the adjutant for
anything you may need. _Captain Cleave on Special Service._ Here, too,
is the name and address of a Catholic priest in Frederick City. He may
be depended upon for some readiness of mind, and for good-will. That is
all, I think. Good-night, captain. In four days, if you please. You will
find me somewhere between Martinsburg and the river."

"You spoke, sir," said Cleave, "of a captured dispatch from General
Kelly. May I see it?"

Jackson took it from a box upon the table. "There it is."

"Do you object, sir, to its reaching General Banks?"

The other retook the paper, glanced over it, and gave it back. "No, not
if it goes by a proper courier."

"Has the former courier been sent to Richmond?"

"Not yet." He wrote another line. "This, if you wish to see the
courier."

"That is all, sir?"

"That is all, captain. Within four days, near Martinsburg. Good-