He galloped fast, and the hard road gave back the ring of steel shod hoofs. A silver streak showed in the eastern sky. The dawn was breaking. He increased his pace. The woods and fields fled by. Then he heard the cracking of whips, and the sound of voices urging on reluctant animals. Another minute and the long line of wagons was in sight straining along the road.
“Hurry up!” cried Harry to the leader who drove, bareheaded.
“Has Old Jack finished the job?” asked the man.
“Yes.”
“How long did it take him?”
“About five minutes.”
“I win,” called the man to the second driver just behind him. “You 'lowed it would take him ten minutes, but I said not more'n seven at the very furthest.”
The train broke into a trot, and Harry, turning his horse, rode by the side of the leader.
“How did you know that it would take General Jackson so little time to scatter the enemy?” the boy asked the man.
“'Cause I know Old Jack.”