"And now, General, suppose that the rebel pickets are much this side of the road."
"Then use your discretion, but observe that road this night. Take your own way to do it, but the road must be observed."
"How far do the woods stretch beyond the road, General?"
"If this sketch can be relied on, not more than three hundred yards," said he; "but it will not do to rely on this piece of paper."
"May I not run foul of some man of ours sent out by one of the other brigades, General?"
"Not likely; each, brigade sends in its own front, and you will hardly find that any man will be so enterprising as to try to do our duty for us; still, you must avoid any chance of a collision such as you speak of."
"How shall I get through our own pickets, General?"
"My courier will see you through," said he. "No; I will see you through. I want to see our line again, and I will go with you."
"Suppose the brigade moves while I am at the front, and I can't find you when I get back."
"Then make your report to the picket that relieves ours, and get back to us as soon as you can. Our pickets will tell those that relieve them about you."