"We are pursued, but we must press forward. Those sounds cannot be more than a mile in the rear. They must have ridden very rapidly. But we will escape them without difficulty. We cannot be more than ten miles from our outposts, and they will not dare pursue us much farther." They had scarcely prepared to set off again, when Nettleton said:
"There come the skunks that went after the powder!"
It was true. In the opposite direction came the party of twenty. Behind, they were followed by they knew not how large a force, and before, twenty rebels were approaching. Whether they could be so easily misled this time, was a matter of considerable doubt.
"Quick—ride for the wood, Miss Alibamo. You may save yourself—we must fight. Stay! They see you. It will be too late; besides, we met this party once before, and they may not interrupt us at all. That which I fear most is, that they will detain us so long in conversation that the rear party will overtake us. But we must venture."
"They will know me, captain," said Alibamo.
"If a fight is inevitable, Alibamo, do you start for the river. White Surry can swim—he is accustomed to it. Plunge in—give him a loose rein, and he will bear you safely to the opposite shore. Then ride rapidly for camp. They are upon us."
"Well, captain, the army is moving, is it not?" asked Hayward.
"What army?" was the sullen question.
"Why, our army moves to-day—or at least the general so informed me; but I speak of the federal army. The general received information last night that Fremont would cross the river to-day at four o'clock. And I was sent to ascertain if this was so!"
"Indeed! And do you usually take women with you when you act as spies?"