"The picket replied, 'I'm instructed to take every person to the officer of the picket that approaches this post after dark.'
"'I can't help it, sir. It is not customary to arrest scouts, and I must pass on.'
"'You cannot; I must obey orders. I do not doubt the truth of your assertion; but until you have seen the lieutenant, you will not be allowed to pass this post.'
"Finding that I had met a good soldier I saw that it was useless to trifle with him, and tried to console myself with the thought that I should be able to dupe the officer; and as we were hurried on towards the reserve of the picket my mind was occupied in arranging a plan for our defence, as spies to the great rebel chief. Arrived at the reserve we found nearly all asleep, including the lieutenant, in close proximity to a large rail-fire.
"A little rough shaking soon roused him up, and, rubbing his eyes, he asked, 'What's wanted?'
"I quickly answered, 'I'm surprised, sir, that scouts to our generals should be arrested by your picket.'
"He said, 'My instructions are positive, and no man can pass this post without examination.'
"'Very well, then,' I said, 'be good enough to examine us at once.'
"'Have you passes?'
"'No, sir; not at present. We had papers when we left the general's headquarters; but having been scouting in Northern Georgia, for the past two weeks, our papers are worn out and lost.'