Kentuckian, no whining Yankee."

Calhoun had heard much of General Forrest, and during his interview with
him studied him carefully. He put him down as a man of indomitable energy,
of great courage, and possessing military genius of a high order. On the
other hand, he was illiterate, rough in his language, and lacked the
polish of a cultured gentleman, which Morgan possessed. But there was a
magnetism about him which drew men to him.

"If I were not riding with Morgan, I should surely want to be with
Forrest," thought Calhoun.

Night came, and Calhoun was introduced to the mail-carrier who was to be
his guide. He was a thin, wiry man, named Givens. In age, Calhoun put him
down at about forty. The few days during which Calhoun was with Givens
gave him a very high opinion of the guide's bravery and sagacity. Givens
related many of his hairbreadth escapes during their journey, and seemed
to treat them as great jokes. During the entire journey through Tennessee
and Kentucky, Givens kept to unfrequented roads, and in the darkest night
rode as one entirely familiar with the way.

At every place they stopped, they seemed to be expected. A man would take
their horses, and in the evening when they started, they would find fresh
horses provided. Givens informed Calhoun that these stations were a night
ride apart, and that at each a relay of horses was kept concealed in the
woods.

"I now understand," said Calhoun, "what an underground railroad means. If
the Abolitionists had as complete a one as you, no wonder they were so
successful in getting away with our slaves."

Givens chuckled as he answered: "They did, I know all about it; was in the
business myself."

"You?" asked Calhoun, in surprise, and he instinctively recoiled from the
man.

"A man has to do something for a living," growled Givens; "I got so much
for each nigger I ran off." He then refused to discuss the subject
further.

One night as they were travelling at a rapid gait, a low, tremulous
whistle came from the side of the road. Givens reined in his horse so
quickly that he fell back on his haunches. He answered the whistle in the
same low, tremulous note. A man stepped from the bushes into the road, and
spoke a few words to Givens in a low tone.

Givens turned to Calhoun and said: "Yanks ahead. We will have to go round
them."

Under the guidance of the man they turned into a path through the woods.
The way was rough, and Givens swore roundly because t