As he left the tent one of the party, a Captain Walker, exclaimed:
“Well, I hope things are all right, but I have my doubts!”
“Your doubts of what?” asked Wells.
“Humph! well, no matter. You are too directly interested to listen to the explanation. But, perhaps you will find out some day.”
“Do you intend, sir, to cast any slur upon Captain Hayward?”
Captain Walker did not reply, but left the tent. An hour or more had passed, and Hayward did not return. It was now quite dark, when suddenly the assembly was sounded, and, all anxious, the troops fell in. The order was read:
“Pack knapsacks, and have every thing in readiness for a move at daylight.”
All was excitement, and every preparation was made for a forward movement. But soon it began to be whispered that the orders were to return. In a short time it was officially announced that the movement was, in reality, back to Springfield, and from thence to Rolla and St. Louis. Many were the expressions of disappointment and regret, and some even ventured to denounce the policy. Fremont had been superseded in the field, and General Hunter, his successor, had abandoned the campaign, then on the very eve of its final consummation.
CHAPTER II.
The Tragedy of the Stream. Who was Guilty?
When Captain Hayward left the tent, he proceeded to the stream which skirted the woods. Bending over it, he bathed his fevered brow. Then he seated himself upon the bank of the river, and, resting his head upon his hands, was, for a long time, absorbed in his thoughts. A human form flitted lightly past. Hayward raised his head and listened, but all was quiet again, and, in the darkness of the night he could distinguish nothing.