"Is he at home?"
"Not now, sah; he down to Zollicoffer camp."
"Oh, then General Zollicoffer is camped near here?"
"Yes, sah; 'bout two mile down de road."
"Do any of the soldiers ever come this way?" queried Fred.
"Yes, sah; 'bout twenty went up de road not mo' than two hours ago. Den a capin man, he cum to see Missy Alice most ebber day."
"Thank you," said Fred, as he rode away. "I think I will pay a visit to Missy Alice myself."
Riding boldly up to the house, he dismounted. Before entering the house he accosted an old negro who was working in the yard, and slipping a dollar into his hand, said:
"Uncle, if you see any one coming either way, will you cry, 'Massa, your horse is getting away?'"