“Captain, what is the matter?” asked Mathews. “What has that young fellow done that you have taken such a dislike to him?”
“Nothing; but the idea of sending a mere boy [pg 74]on such an important mission! Why did he not send some one back with influence?”
“Pennington is well connected; you know his father is Judge Pennington of Danville.”
“That makes little difference. His mission will be a failure; see if it isn’t. We shall see no reinforcements at Glasgow.”
Just then Morgan came riding along, and seeing Conway said, “Captain, I want to thank you for the gallant manner in which you held back the enemy while the command crossed the Cumberland. You did nobly.”
This praise so pleased Conway that for a time he forgot his supposed grievance.
Without further trouble from the Federals, the little command reached Glasgow, where they were received with open arms by the inhabitants. Houses were thrown open to them and food provided in abundance. But nothing had been heard of any reinforcements.
“What did I tell you?” said Conway to Mathews.
“Wait,” was the answer.
The night was an anxious one. Morning came, but still nothing was heard of any reinforcements.