Poor Fred! He had yet to learn that deception was one of the least evils of war.
The dawn of the long summer day was just beginning to brighten the east when the train rolled into the station at Louisville. Early as it was, the streets were full of excited men and boys, cheering for Jeff Davis and the South. Fred at once found his way to the home of one of the best known Union men of the city, whom we will call Mr. Spear. The household was already astir, and Fred's ring was at once answered by a servant, who cautiously opened the door and asked, "Who is dar?"
"Is Mr. Spear at home?" inquired Fred.
"Yes, sah."
"Tell him a messenger from Lieutenant Nelson wishes to see him."
The servant withdrew, and in a moment returned, and throwing open the door, said, "Massa says, come right in, sah."
Fred was ushered into a large drawing-room, where to his surprise he met the inquiring gaze of more than a score of serious looking men. They were the prominent Union men of the city, conferring with a number of the city officials as to the best method of preserving peace and order during the day. The danger was great, and how to meet it without precipitating a conflict was the question which confronted them. Now all were interested in the message brought by Fred, and his youthful appearance caused them to wonder why Nelson had chosen so young a messenger.
"You have a message from Lieutenant Nelson, I understand," said Mr. Spear.
"I have."