General Curtis remained a few days in the camp near where the battle was fought, and then, as the country around was exhausted of supplies, he drew back a few miles to Keitsville, Missouri; but not until he had positively ascertained that the rebel army had retired to Fort Smith and Van Buren, on the line of the Arkansas river.
A day or two after the battle negotiations were begun for an exchange of prisoners. Both the commanders were favorable to the exchange, as they were so hard pressed for supplies that the prisoners on their hands were burdensome in the way of devouring rations, and, besides, they required a strong guard to hold them securely. Each side wanted its men back under their own colors, and as the number of prisoners was about equal the exchange was speedily arranged.
Colonel Hebart, of the Third Louisiana, was a prisoner in General Curtis's hands, and was traded off for Colonel Herron, and each army thus secured the return of an honored officer. There was some delay in arranging the exchange of the men of the rank and file, and in consequence of this it looked as though Jack would have to remain behind when Colonel Herron started from Van Buren for the Union camp.
Jack was equal to the emergency, and when he learned that the colonel had been exchanged and was to start on the following morning, he devised a plan, which he unfolded as follows to his friend, the rebel captain, already-mentioned:
“It's clear the colonel can't walk or can't ride on horseback. He's got to be carried in an ambulance or a wagon.”
The captain admitted that this was the case.
“He's to go in an ambulance,” said the captain, “and I'm to accompany him on horseback. Dr. ——— will go along, too, to take care of the colonel's leg.”
“I'm glad of that,” said Jack; “but who'll drive the ambulance?”
“One of the drivers, I suppose,” replied the captain.
“Now, there's just where I can come in,” said the persistent youth.