have a horse, Captain. I ride with a
message and it must be of great importance because I was told to go with
it at all speed and risk my life for it. I've risked my life already.
My horse was shot by a band of rebels, but luckily it was in the woods
and I escaped on foot."

As he spoke he craftily moved the canteen around until the inscription
showed clearly in the bright sunlight. The quick eyes of the captain
caught it at once.

"You do belong to the Fifth Pennsylvania," he said. "Well, you're a
long way from your regiment. It's back of that low mountain over there,
a full forty miles from here, I should say."

Harry felt a throb of relief. It was his only fear that these men
themselves should belong to the Fifth Pennsylvania, a long chance,
but if it should happen to go against him, fatal to all his plans.

"I don't want to join my regiment," he said. "I'm looking for General
Pleasanton."

"General Pleasanton! What can you happen to want with him?"

Harry gave the officer a wary and suspicious look, and then his eyes
brightened as if he were satisfied.

"I told you I was riding with a message," he said, "and that message is
for General Pleasanton. It's from General Meade himself and it's no harm
for me to show it to so good a patriot as you."

"No, I think not," said the captain, flattered by the proof of respect
and confidence.

Harry took the letter from his pocket. It had been sealed at first,
but the warmth of the original bearer's body with a little help from
Harry later had caused it to come open.

"Look at that," said Harry proudly as he took out the paper.

The captain read it, and was mightily impressed. He was, as Harry had
surmised, a thoroughly staunch supporter of the Union. He would not only
furnish this valiant messenger with a good horse, but he would help him
otherwise on his way.

"Dexter," he called to an orderly, "bring the sorrel mare. She was
ridden by a good man, Mr. Haskell, but he met a sharpshooter's bullet.
Jump up."

Harry sprang into the saddle, and, astride such a fine piece of
horseflesh, he foresaw a speedy arrival in the camp of General Lee.

"I'll not only mount you," said the captain, "but we'll see you on the
way. General Pleasanton is on Lee's left flank and, as our course is in
that direction, we'll ride with you, and protect you from stray rebel
sharpshooters."

Harry could have shouted aloud in anger and disappointment. While the
captain trus