Hayward was placed in the ambulance.
"Who will volunteer to remain with him?" asked Branch.
No one replied.
"Will you?" asked Branch, turning to the person who had volunteered to assist Hayward from his horse.
"Well, yes—that is if nobody else won't. But I don't like such work very much."
"And let six mounted guard march behind. I will go forward and report to the general. Here, Peters, take charge of Alibamo until I return."
Matters thus arranged, Branch rode forward. The army proceeded but a few miles farther. In a short time after the halt, Branch returned and riding up to the ambulance, he asked of the attendant:
"How is the captain?"
"He is asleep, and seems to breathe much easier, the darn skunk!"
"Has he spoken at all?"