"I know, I know," answered Calhoun, laying his hand caressingly on Fred's shoulder. "I was badly shaken up by that fall, but not seriously hurt. Now, comes the most dangerous of my adventures. When I met you in the road, I——"
"Stop!" broke in Fred, "not another word. Of course you were on one of your scouting expeditions."
A curious look came over Calhoun's face, and then he said, in a low voice: "You are right, Fred; I was on one of my scouting expeditions," and he shuddered slightly.
"Fred," suddenly asked Calhoun, "is there any possible way for me to keep from going to prison?"
"Sometimes prisoners give their parole," answered Fred. "I will see what can be done."
The next morning General Thomas sent for Fred, and said that he was about to send some dispatches to General Buell at Louisville. "And," continued he, "owing to your splendid conduct and the value of the services you have rendered, I have selected you as the messenger. Then, in all probability, it will be very quiet in my front for some time, and General Nelson may have more active work for you. You know," he concluded with a smile, "I only have the loan of you."
Fred heartily thanked the general for the honor bestowed, and then said: "General, I have a great boon to ask."
"What is it?" asked the general, kindly. "If possible I will grant it."
"You know my cousin is here a prisoner. He is more like a brother than a cousin—the only brother I ever knew. The boon I ask is that you grant him a parole."
"Bring him here," said the general.