“Now, answer my questions, and see that you tell the truth,” said Calhoun. “Are there any forces in front of us?”
“N—not—not as I know,” he managed to say.
“Do you know the shortest road to Salineville?”
“Yes; yes.”
“Will you guide us there if I spare your life?”
“Anything, I will do anything, if you won’t kill me,” he whined.
“Very well, but I will exchange horses with you, as I see you are riding a fine one, and he looks fresh,” remarked Calhoun.
The exchange was made, and then Calhoun said, “Now lead on, and at the first sign of treachery, I will blow out your brains. Do you understand?”
“Yes, yes, I will take you the shortest road.”
“What’s your name,” asked Calhoun, as they rode along.