"Oh! yes, here is a flask."
Hayward reached for his second pistol, and then looking up with surprise, he said:
"Why, I lost one of my weapons. Ah! I remember where we stopped, about two miles back, in the brush, by the river's side. Elsler, you have not ridden as far to-day as I have; won't you ride back and get it for me. You probably will find it on the ground where I was sitting. We will ride slow, so that you can easily overtake us."
"With pleasure, captain," replied Elsler, as he turned his horse, and rode rapidly away.
"I would go with you, captain," said Hayward, "were it not that I have important information to impart to General Price. By the by, captain, is my friend Branch with you now?"
"Yes—but you must have been absent some time not to be aware of his presence."
"Oh! I have not been with the general since the Lexington affair. I just came up from McIntosh's command. But why would I be particularly aware of his presence. Has Branch got himself into trouble?"
"Yes—he's caught a tartar!"
"Will a duel be the result?" asked Hayward, with apparent solicitude.
"Oh! he's already shot!"