"You are a stranger here?" asked the officer.
"Yes."
"You come from below?"
"From below Springfield—from McIntosh."
"Anything important?"
"Yes, but it is for the general's ear first. If he chooses to communicate with you, very well; but I shall not!"
"Oh! your pardon, sir. You will find the general's tent to the right, on the hill yonder, just in the edge of the woods. He is now examining a spy—an Indian!"
Hayward saluted the officer, and passed on toward the spot indicated. He had proceeded but a short distance, when he saw an Indian dart from among the trees, and run as if for life. Several shots were instantly fired after him, but without effect. It was but an instant before several horsemen appeared, and dashed after him at a furious speed. They passed Hayward, and were soon out of sight.
Hayward passed on, and soon reached the general's tent. He was informed by an orderly in attendance that Price had just left in pursuit of the Indian spy who had just escaped, and might be absent some time.
"These red devils are slippery as eels," said the orderly, "and I doubt if they can overtake him."