nnel was soon a roaring mass of flame. The wood being burned away the
tunnel caved in, and it was months before a train ran through from
Louisville to Nashville. Morgan had effectually blocked the road. Highly
elated with their success, the command returned to Gallatin, Mathews and
Conway riding at the head of the column. To Calhoun was committed the care
of the prisoners, and he brought up the rear.

When about half-way to Gallatin, Calhoun heard the report of a single
pistol shot in front, then a rapid succession of rifle shots. The head of
the column seemed to be thrown into confusion, and the whole command came
to a halt.

Fearful that an attack had been made by a Federal force coming from
Nashville, Calhoun gave orders to shoot down the first prisoner who
attempted to escape, and prepared to resist any attack that might come.
But no more firing was heard, and the column began to move again. Soon an
officer came riding back and told Calhoun a story that interested him
greatly.

Mathews and Conway were riding at the head of the column, when, as it
reached a cross-road, a peculiar sharp whistle suddenly pierced the air.
Mathews's horse gave a prodigious bound, unseated his rider, and dashed up
the cross-road. Conway's horse bolted, and in spite of Conway's efforts,
followed.

A boy sprang out of the bushes into the road, and Mathews's horse stopped
by his side. He fired at Conway, hitting him in the shoulder. To save
himself from being shot again, Conway flung himself from his horse. The
boy sprang onto Mathews's horse and rode away at full speed, followed by
the other horse. An ineffectual volley was fired at the boy. Captain
Mathews's arm was broken by the fall.

[Illustration: HE FIRED AT CONWAY.]

"So Captain Mathews has lost his horse?" asked Calhoun, with a faint
smile.

"Yes, he will quit blowing now."

"And I have won twenty-five dollars; but I am sorry Mathews had his arm
broken."

When Calhoun reached Gallatin, Captain Conway had had his wound dressed,
and Mathews's arm was in splints. Conway was in a towering passion. He
blamed Calhoun for his ill-luck, saying if it had not been for him, Fred
Shackelford would have been hanged as a spy. From this time he did not try
to conceal his hatred of Calhoun.

Captain Mathews took his misfortune more philosophically. "It was a blamed
sharp trick on the part of young Shackelford!" he exclaimed. Then turning
to Captain Huffman, he said: "Give that money