The next day was the last day that Calhoun [pg 306]ever rode with Morgan, but little did he realize it at the time. Along in the afternoon they became aware of the close proximity of a squadron of Federal cavalry. Morgan and those with him took shelter behind a thick growth of cedars, while Calhoun rode ahead to investigate. He discovered no enemy and was coming back when he ran squarely into the Federals. The foremost of them were not ten feet from Morgan, he still being screened from view by the cedars. Without hesitation, Calhoun cried, “This way, Major. Hurry up, they have gone this way,” pointing the way he had come.
The major took Calhoun for a guide, and giving the command, “Forward,” rode rapidly after Calhoun, and Morgan was saved. For half a mile they rode, when a stream was reached, and it was seen no horseman had crossed it. The major drew rein and turned to Calhoun in fury.
“You have deceived me, you dog!” he cried.
“Yes, I am one of Morgan’s men,” calmly replied Calhoun.
The anger of the major was terrible. He grew purple in the face. “Yes, and you have led me away from Morgan,” he hissed. “You will pay for this.”
Calhoun still remained calm. “That was not Morgan,” he said; “I ought to know Morgan, I have ridden with him for two years.”
“I know better,” roared the Major, thoroughly beside himself; “you are a lying scoundrel; I will fix you.”
“What are you going to do?” asked Calhoun, with apparent calmness, but a great fear coming over him.
“Hang you, you lying devil, as sure as there is a God in heaven! I would not have had Morgan slip through my fingers for ten thousand dollars. It would mean a brigadier generalship for me if I had caught him. String him up, men.”
One of the soldiers coolly took the halter off his horse, fastened it around Calhoun’s neck, threw the other end over the projecting limb of a tree, and stood awaiting orders.