“Do you think you can reach Kentucky with a [pg 18]thousand men?” asked Breckinridge, in a tone which showed his doubt.
“I shall make the attempt with less than half of that number,” replied Morgan, coolly.
A murmur of surprise arose, and then Trabue asked: “Will Beauregard let you make the hazardous attempt?”
“Yes, with my own squadron, but he will risk no more men in the venture.”
“Well, good-bye, John, if you try it,” said one of the officers, laughing.
“Why good-bye, Colonel?”
“Because the Yankees will get you sure.”
“Perhaps!” answered Morgan, dryly, as he arose to go.
“The whole South will ring with the praises of that man one of these days,” remarked Breckinridge, after Morgan had made his exit.
“A perfect dare-devil. I am proud he is a Kentuckian,” remarked Trabue.