“We shall not be able to find our way, I’m afraid,” said Somers, as they rode along through a wild region.
“You forget that I am at home in this part of the country,” replied the major.
“Are you?”
“I was born and raised not twenty miles from this spot, in the town of Winchester, over in that direction.” he added, pointing to the north-west. “I know every foot of land about here; and I am indebted to that fact for my appointment on the general’s staff.”
“Then we shall not be likely to get lost.”
“No; but the guerillas are as thick around here as raisins in a plum pudding. I suppose I should have an excellent opportunity to be hung if any of them should catch me.”
“What did you come down here for, then?”
“It makes no difference to me. I rather enjoy the excitement of the danger; besides, I should like to help restore my state to her allegiance.”
“It is almost night, major. I don’t think it is prudent for us to beat about this region in the dark.”
“It is safer to beat about than it is to lie down and go to sleep; but there is a house a couple of miles from here, where a Union man used to live. We will stop there if you like.”