Mr. Nighthawk made no reply; and Stuart reflected for some moments without speaking. Then rousing himself:—

“I forgot,” he said. “You have not given me your special information, Nighthawk.”

The worthy smiled.

“You know I am the ‘man before the battle,’ general?”

“Yes, go on, Nighthawk.”

“I have just left General Hooker’s head-quarters.”

“Where are they?”

“Beyond Centreville.”

“You saw him?”

“I conversed with him.”