SAM SEEKS INFORMATION IN THE DARK.
hy, Bob, old fellow, how are you?"
"You don't mean to say you've got back agin?"
"How'd you find it in the woods?"
These and a dozen other questions were asked while poor Bob's hand was wrung nearly off.
"Now, see here," said Bob, "I can't answer a dozen questions at once. Besides, I've got despatches for the Captain."
"Have you?" asked Sam. "Let me have them, then."
Bob handed Sam an official looking document, which was merely an acknowledgment of his service, a request that he should not abate his diligence, and an instruction to use his own discretion in the conduct of his expedition. Then followed questions and answers innumerable, and the boys learned that General Jackson was in Mobile, without an army, and likely to be without one until the Tennessee volunteers should arrive.
Supper over, Sam quietly informed the boys that he was going into the town, and that he could not say when he should return.