"If I do, I will die before I tell it," naïvely replied the elder.
"Now I know you know where General Toombs is."
"Then get it out of me if you can."
Finally the young man persuaded her that he was the friend of Toombs, and Mrs. Gonder reluctantly directed him to Colonel Jack Smith's over on the Oconee River.
Riding up to Colonel Smith's, his valiant pursuer spied General Toombs through the window. The head of the house, however, denied that Toombs was there at all.
"But that looks very much like him through the [window,]" said Lieutenant Irvin.
"Young man," retorted Colonel Smith, "what is your name?"
Of course this disclosure led to the reunion of the fugitive and his friend.
Toombs realized that he was in almost as much danger from his own friends as from the enemy. He was careful to whom he disclosed his identity or his plans, for fear that they might indiscreetly comment on his presence or [embarrass] him even by their willingness to befriend him. So it was that he proceeded secretly, picking his way by stealth, and actually doing much of his travel by night.