"We are alone," said the general.
"The message sent is merely a verbal one, and perhaps of no very great importance, as you may have heard it from your own scouts. But, it is this. McIntosh is in constant communication with an officer of the federal army. He is informed through him, that their strength is greatly over estimated by our forces; that their available forces, if compelled to give battle at once, will be less than twenty thousand, and his advice is to meet the enemy at once."
"I cannot meet even twenty thousand!" said Price, despondingly.
"Not in this stronghold?"
"Not even here, as I must count the chances of defeat. Should the enemy advance upon us, they will attack us from the rear, thus cutting off communication, and in case of defeat, our situation would not be a pleasant one."
"Of course you will not meet them, unless certain of success. Mac knows the position and strength of the enemy, but was not so fully informed with regard to your situation. He says, if you think retreat advisable, he will meet you at Springfield."
"Are you to return?" asked Price.
"That is as you may direct, general."
"You will return to-morrow, and tell Mac to join me at Cassville. I am not able to get reliable information from Warsaw, and my camp has been filled with the federal spies for the past three days. Two have just escaped this morning. I know that the bridge at Warsaw is nearly completed, and that the enemy will move in a few days. I shall march to-morrow."