"Feeling that I had been absent from my comrade long enough, and that it was time to make my departure, I arose, saying,
"'I must go, madam; may I know to whom I am so much indebted for my supper and kind entertainment this evening?'
"'Mrs. James Keyton. And what may I call your name?'
"'Willard Glazier, Fifty-third Alabama Mounted Infantry.'
"'Should you chance to meet the Twenty-fifth Georgia, please inquire for Captain Keyton, and say to him that his wife and children are well, and send their love.'
"'He shall certainly have your message if it is my good fortune to meet him. Good-night.'"
Leaving Mrs. Keyton with her fears for the rebel cause in general, and her husband in particular, Glazier hurried out to find his friend Wright pacing up and down the road in a bad humor at having been kept so long waiting; but setting their faces in the direction of Springfield, they at once started on their march. They soon found themselves approaching the rebel forces in General Sherman's rear, and determined at all risks to obtain information of the two armies. They were at General Iverson's headquarters, and at one time were within fifteen paces of the house he occupied.
Cautiously concealing themselves behind trees they reached a spot within earshot of the provost-guard, and overheard their conversation. The prospects of the war were freely discussed, and the fall of Savannah. The conclusion forced on the minds of our friends was that the Confederate cause was losing ground, and its armies would soon be compelled to surrender to the Union force.
Glazier and his comrade left the spot inspired with renewed courage.
Six miles on their road to Springfield found daylight approaching, and the fugitives hurriedly secreted themselves among some tall swamp grass. They were suddenly aroused by the baying of a blood-hound, and immediately sprang to their feet.