"I have a squadron of United States cavalry under my command," said the major proudly.
"So I discovered this forenoon; not that you had a squadron here, but that the troopers were regular cavalrymen; and I must say that no men ever fought better, for my command were beaten and driven off in less time than it takes to tell of it," added the prisoner with an attempt to smile. "But two full companies were sent over here, though I have not yet been able to find the other."
"But the other company is here," said Major Lyon.
"Where?"
"There they are," answered the commander, pointing to the camp. "They are prisoners of war now."
"That accounts for it."
"That company were Home Guards in the first of it, but now they have become regular Confederate soldiers."
"They have made a mess of this expedition."
"I suppose you have a force over at the north end of the railroad bridge, lieutenant," said the major very quietly, and not expecting the prisoner would answer the question.
"If there is, it has been sent there since I was wounded. Everything has worked very differently from what we expected; for Captain Dingfield talked the whole thing over with me. We have fought the battle, and lost it. I suppose there is no harm in comparing notes after the affair is finished."