Somehow in turning, just at that instant the gun which Nettleton carried, came in violent contact with the darkey's nose, which checked his further utterance.
"Yes, ye dam skunk, you maybe mighty glad them ain't home guards. If they was, you'd catch Jerusalem, I tell ye what, ye black rascal!"
The darkey did not appear to comprehend, but dared not speak.
"Whither bound, boys?" asked Hayward.
"Well," replied the leader, "we are going to scout around the federal camp a little, to find out what we can. I suppose we can get in, as we shall go separately, and if surprised, we shall pass as home guards. I fancy no difficulty, as you mistook us for such."
"Still, you must be very careful. These Yankees are very sharp, I am informed," replied Hayward.
"Well, if we are attacked we must do our best, of course. But we may not go as far as Warsaw. Our principal object is, to get some kegs of powder, which are buried on the Osage, just above—let me see."
The officer took a card from his pocket and read aloud:
"Just above Rapid creek, on the west bank, near a large oak tree, which is marked C. S. A."
"Powder! good! We are in need of it," answered Hayward. "By the by, I am out of powder—so are our entire party. Have you any to spare?"