our of time that was now most valuable, he had better
hurry right through to headquarters, and carry his news direct to the
commander-in-chief. He cared little now for the danger of meeting stray
detachments of the enemy. He was not afraid of them, since he knew that
they would not, in all probability, be keeping a particularly careful
watch for him, and he was confident of the ability of his car to
outdistance any pursuit that might be attempted.

Twice, indeed, as he raced for Hardport, he met patrols of the enemy's
cavalry, but he was burning up the ground at such a rate that they
probably were not able to distinguish the nature of his car, especially
as it was nearly dark.

"Gee, Danby, you certainly make this old car go!" said Canfield,
admiringly. "She's a daisy, too. I never was in a car before that rode
as easily as this, and I think you're going twice as fast as I've ever
ridden in my life before."

Going at such speed, it did not take long for Jack to reach
headquarters. He rushed at once into the hotel, and his earnest,
dust-streaked face so impressed the officer on duty outside the
General's door that he took Jack in at once.

"I have the honor to report that I have carried out your instructions,
General," said Jack. "I have used more than the two hours you allowed
me, but I felt that that was necessary."

Then he explained the capture he and Tom Binns had effected, and how, by
taking the place of their prisoner with the flags, they had been able to
discover the enemy's real plans.

General Harkness wasted no words then for a few minutes. He pressed two
or three buttons, and, as staff officers answered, his orders flew like
hail.

"Telegraph General Bean to change his route at once," he ordered, "and
make Newville his objective point, throwing out heavy skirmish lines and
advance pickets to prevent a surprise. He will march all night, if
necessary--but he must be at Newville before five o'clock."

The officer who took the order saluted, turned on his heel, and left the
room.

"Direct Colonel Abbey to bring up his cavalry regiment at once from
Bremerton," was the next order. "He will march across the line, and then
follow it until he reaches the Newville pike. Thence he will turn to
support any movement General Bean may find it necessary to make there.
Colonel Abbey will not engage the enemy, however, even to the extent of
feeling him out, without direct orders from either General Bean or
myself.