Lieutenant Lyon soon ascertained that the force in the road included the two companies of the squadron. The cheers of those who were on the right of the column brought Major Lyon and Captain Woodbine to the front; and as soon as they learned the cause of the cheering they rode forward to meet the returning wanderers.
"I am glad to see you again, Dexter," said the major, as he extended his hand to his son.
"I am just as glad to see you, father," replied Deck, returning the hearty pressure of the hand.
Sergeant Fronklyn was greeted in the same manner, and heartily welcomed by the commander of the battalion. The staff-officer had halted a couple of rods behind the major, to permit the father and son to meet without being observed.
"You come back as from the grave, or a Confederate prison," said the major, still holding the hand of his son, and betraying more emotion than he was in the habit of manifesting.
"I have been neither in a grave nor a prison," answered the lieutenant very cheerfully.
"We concluded that you had been either killed or captured; and I am rejoiced to see you again alive and apparently well."
"I am as well as I ever was in my life; but we must not stop to talk now, father, for the services of your command are greatly needed in this vicinity," said Deck.
"Where?" demanded the major, releasing his son's hand, and beckoning to the staff-officer, who immediately rode to the spot.
"I am very glad to see you again, Lieutenant Lyon," said Captain Woodbine, grasping the hand of the young officer. "We feared that you were a prisoner, or that something worse had happened to you."