list of those who could most probably give him the
information he desired. He marvelled to see how quickly a little sign
which he gave was answered, and was amazed at the work this secret
organization was doing. Not a regiment entered or left Nashville but they
knew its exact strength, and to what point it was ordered.

In two days Calhoun had gathered information which would be of vast value
to the Confederate cause, and it was now time for him to see by what means
he could leave the city. He was on his way to see three gentlemen who said
they could get him outside of the city without trouble or danger, when an
incident happened which came near sending him to the gallows. He was
walking unconcernedly along the street, when he suddenly came face to face
with Haines, now a captain. Although Calhoun was dressed in citizen's
clothes, the captain knew him at a glance.

"A spy! A spy!" he yelled at the top of his voice, and made a grab at
Calhoun. Calhoun struck him a tremendous blow which sent him rolling in
the gutter, and fled at the top of his speed.

But a score of voices took up the cry, and a howling mob, mostly of
soldiers, were at his heels. He hoped to reach the river, where among the
immense piles of stores heaped along the levee, or among the shipping, he
might secrete himself, but a patrol guard suddenly appeared a block away,
and his retreat was cut off. He gave himself up for lost, and reached for
a small pistol which he carried, with the intention of putting a bullet
through his own heart; "for," thought he, "they shall never have the
pleasure of hanging me before a gaping crowd."

Just then he saw two young ladies standing in the open door of a house.
What told him safety lay there he never knew, but hope sprang up within
his breast. Dashing up the steps, he thrust the ladies back into the
house, slammed the door to, and locked it. So rude was his entrance, one
of the ladies fell to the floor.

"Save me! Save me!" he cried, "I am a Confederate spy," and he gave the
sign of the secret order.

The young lady who had not fallen was terribly frightened, but she grasped
the situation in a moment.

"Upstairs," she gasped, pointing the way; "tell mother, the secret place."

Calhoun lost no time in obeying her. The girl flew to the back door and
opened it, then back just as her sister was rising, her face covered with
blood, for she had hit her nose in falling.

"Quick, Annette, in the parlor," said her si