or the moment the advantage was with the stranger, despite the
difference in rank.

"Who are you?" asked the general.

"My name, sir, is Shepard, William J. Shepard. I am a spy or a scout
in the Union service. I have concealed upon me a letter from President
Lincoln, empowering me to act in such a capacity and to go where I
please. Do you wish to see it, sir?"

Shepard spoke with deference, but there was no touch of servility in his
tone.

"Show me the letter," said Banks.

Shepard thrust a hand into his waistcoat and withdrew a document which
he handed to the general. Banks glanced through it rapidly.

"It's from Lincoln," he said; "I know that handwriting, but it would not
be well for you to be captured with that upon you."

"If I were about to be captured I should destroy it."

"Why have you come here? What message do you bring?"

"The worst possible message, sir. Stonewall Jackson and an army of
twenty thousand men will be upon you in the morning."

"What! What is this you say! It was only a cavalry raid at Front Royal!"

"It was no cavalry raid at Front Royal, sir! It was Jackson and his
whole army! I ought to have known, sir! I should have got there and have
warned Kenly in time, but I could not! My horse was killed by a rebel
sharpshooter in the woods as I was approaching! I could not get up in
time, but I saw what happened!"

"Kenly! Kenly, where is he?"

"Mortally wounded or dead, and his army is destroyed! They made a brave
stand, even after they were defeated at the village. They might have got
away had anybody but Jackson been pursuing. But he gave them no chance.
They were enveloped by cavalry and infantry, and only a few escaped."

"Good God!" exclaimed Banks, aghast.

"Nor is that all, sir. They are close at hand! They will attack you
at dawn! They are in full force! Ewell's army has joined Jackson and
Jackson leads them all! We must leave Strasburg at once or we are lost!"

Shepard's manner admitted of no doubt. Banks hurried forth and sent
officers to question the pickets. All the news they brought was
confirmatory. Even in the darkness and rain shots had been fired at
them by the Southern skirmishers. Banks sent for all of his important
officers, the troops were gathered together, and leaving a strong
rear-guard, they began a rapid march toward Winchester, which Jackson
had loved so well.

Swiftness and decision now on the other side had saved the Northern army
from destruction. Ba