"Read what it says," replied the General.
Lawrence read the paper through and, as he expected, it was a detailed account of the plans of General Hindman. It stated that Hindman had just received dispatches from several sources in Missouri that if he did not hurry up and invade the State the cause would be hopelessly lost, but if he could defeat Blunt and invade the State, thousands were ready to flock to his standard. Hindman had answered that he was ready to move on Blunt with twenty thousand men, and anticipated an easy victory as he (Blunt) did not have more than five or six thousand men.
"He estimated my force closely," said Blunt. "There must have been spies in my camp," but read on.
"Great Scott! He says Hindman will commence his movement on the fourth or fifth; and this is the third," exclaimed Lawrence.
"Yes, and I have only this small division to oppose him."
"Where are the other two divisions?"
"Up around Springfield, seventy-five miles away, and Schofield's orders are to hold this position at all hazards."
"Herron can get here," cried Lawrence. "I know his Western boys; they are greyhounds to march."
"But just think, seventy-five miles in two or three days," said Blunt, "and then go into battle. But it is my only hope."
It was twelve miles to the telegraph office at Fayetteville. A swift courier carried the message there and from there it went on the wings of the lightning to General Herron.