t occur
to Harry to let Shepard drown, nor did he leave him senseless on the
bank. As soon as his own strength returned he dragged him into a
half-sitting position, and rubbed the palms of his hands. The spy opened
his eyes.

"Good-by, Mr. Shepard," said Harry. "I'm bound to leave before you
recover fully because then I wouldn't be your match. I'm sorry I had to
hit you so hard, but there was nothing else to do."

"I don't blame you. It was man against man."

"The water was in my favor. I'm bound to admit that on land you'd have
won."

"At any rate I thank you for dragging me out of the river."

"You'd have done as much for me."

"So I would, but our personal debts of gratitude can't be allowed to
interfere with our military duty."

"I know it. Therefore I take a running start. Good-by."

"We'll meet again."

"But not on this side of the Potomac. It may happen when the Army of
Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac go into battle on the other
side of the river."

Harry darted into the forest, and ran for a half-hour. He meant to put
as much distance as possible between Shepard and himself before the
latter's full strength returned. He knew that Shepard would follow,
if he could, but it was not possible to trail one who had a long start
through dark and wet woods.

He came through the forest and into a meadow surrounded by a rail fence,
on which he sat until his breath came back again. He had forgotten all
about his wet uniform, but the run was really beneficial to him as it
sent the blood leaping through his veins and warmed his body.

"So far have I come," said Harry, "but the omens promise a hard march."

He had his course fixed very clearly, and a veteran now in experience,
he could guide himself easily by the moon and stars. The clouds were
clearing away and a warm wind promised him dry clothing, soon. Long
afterward he thought it a strange coincidence that his cousin, Dick Mason,
in the far South should have been engaged upon an errand very similar in
nature, but different in incident.

He crossed the meadow, entered an orchard and then came to a narrow road.
The presence of the orchard indicated the proximity of a farmhouse,
and it occurred to Harry that he might buy a horse there. The farmer
was likely to be hostile, but risks must be taken. He drew his pistols.
He knew that neither could be fired after the thorough wetting in the
river, but the farmer would not know that.