"Take them at once to General Hood," said Bragg.
"Where is he?" asked Eggleston, with military precision.
Bragg waved his sword towards the east. It was characteristic of the man that even on active service he carried a short sword, while a pistol, probably loaded, protruded from his belt. But such was Bragg. Anyway, he waved his sword. "Over there beyond the Tahoochicaba range," he said. "Do you know it?"
"No," said Randolph, "but I can find it."
"Do," said Bragg, and added, "One thing more. On your present mission let nothing stop you. Go forward at all costs. If you come to a river, swim it. If you come to a tree, cut it down. If you strike a fence, climb over it. But don't stop! If you are killed, never mind. Do you understand?"
"Almost," said Eggleston.
Two days later Eggleston reached the headquarters of General Hood, and flung himself, rather than dismounted, from his jaded horse.
"Take me to the General!" he gasped.
They pointed to the log cabin in which General Hood was quartered.
Eggleston flung himself, rather than stepped, through the door.