The party walked down to the bank of the Osage, and striking a narrow path, took their course toward Warsaw. The Indian secured his horse, and mounting, rode by the side of his friends.
It was late in the afternoon when they reached the Union camp. The first thing Margrave did upon his arrival was to acquaint the general with all the particulars, and requested to be shown those officers or soldiers who had that day returned from the rebel camp, in the hope of finding his sister. He was directed to Adjutant Hinton, and with a beating heart he sought his presence. He found the adjutant in deep grief, but he arose to receive him.
"Why, you are the officer whom I saw standing upon the rock with my sister," said Margrave.
"Then you are the brother of Alibamo?"
"I am."
"Do you know where she is?"
"Where she is?" echoed Margrave, with surprise. "Why, I came here to learn where she is!"
"Ah! yes. Well, my friend, I am deeply distressed with regard to your sister. She should have been here before this."
"Why, did she not leave with you?"
"She started with myself and friends, but we were met by overwhelming numbers about ten miles from this place, and a terrible fight ensued. Our captain was killed, or very badly wounded, and our party scattered. I saw Alibamo riding for the river, intending to swim her horse across it. The captain fell, and I turned to rescue him. He was nearly gone, but told me to save myself and Alibamo. That name acted like a magic, and, coward that I was, I left my captain, and sought her. But, I could not find her—neither any of my friends. I returned to camp alone! Oh! my God, if I had only remained, and died with them!"