"That is not to the purpose, General Price. I shall do nothing, excepting to escape if I can. I ask but one favor of you."
"What is that favor?"
"That you will tell me what is to be my fate!"
"I will do so. To-morrow you start for Springfield under a strong guard. The next day you will be sent forward on your way to Memphis, through Arkansas. At Memphis you will be imprisoned, and detained for the present. There will be little hope of exchange, however, as you are a spy, and must eventually suffer death."
"Why am I not at once executed?"
"Because the federal forces hold some of our prisoners, on whom they would retaliate."
"Will I be permitted to communicate with my friends or send them word where I have been taken?"
"That cannot be permitted," answered Price.
"Under whose charge am I to be sent?" asked Hayward.
"Under that of Captain Branch as far as Springfield. From there it is left to the captain to make further arrangements."