Prince turned his head and whinnied as if he knew all about it.
Towards evening Fred fell in with some of Forest's troopers who had escaped from Donelson and were making their way to Nashville.
The officer in command asked Fred who he was and where he was going, and was frankly told.
"I know Major Shackelford well," replied the officer, "an honorable man and a gallant soldier. I shall be happy to have you accompany us to Nashville."
Fred preferred to make more haste, but remembering his adventure, resolved to run no more risk, and so gladly accepted the invitation.
The news of the surrender of Fort Donelson had become known, and the whole country was wild with terror. Consternation was depicted in every countenance. For the first time the people of the South began to realize that after all they might be defeated.
When Fred entered Nashville the scene was indescribable. The whole city was terror-stricken. Women walked the streets wringing their hands in the agony of despair. Every avenue was blocked with vehicles of all kinds, loaded with valuables and household goods. The inhabitants were fleeing from what they considered destruction. Sobs and groans and piteous wails were heard on every side. Could this be the same people he had seen a few months before? Through the wild confusion, Fred rode until he reached the door of his uncle's house. He found the family preparing for hasty flight.
"Aunt Jennie, how are you?" exclaimed he, holding out his hand.
Mrs. Shackelford gave a shriek, and then exclaimed: "Fred Shackelford! where did you come from?"
"From Donelson and Uncle Charles," replied Fred.