"Beg pardon, sir; won't you be so good as to send a man with me to the point from which the rebels could be seen at dark?"
"Yes; I'll do that much for you. Here, Johnson!"
As Johnson and I rode forward, I tried to get all he knew--but he knew nothing; he had no idea whether the enemy were cavalry or infantry, whether they had retired or were yet in position, or how many they were. The moon was almost overhead; the sandy road muffled the sounds of the horses' hoofs; no noise came from front or rear. The way was through the woods; in little more than half a mile open ground was seen ahead. Johnson stopped; so did I.
"They are on the other side of the field," said he,
"How wide is the field?"
"A quarter, I guess."
"What was planted in the field last year?"
"Corn."
"Stalks still standing?"
"Yes, but they are very small."