ahead of the rebel army,
but straight there in the west some of the rebel horsemen had spread out
on their own flank. If you went that way in the night you'd be sure to
run right into a nest of 'em."

"So the Johnnies are west of us, your friend Hurley said. Tell me again
what particular point I have to watch in order to keep away from them."

"Almost as straight west as you can make it. A valley running east and
west cuts in there and it's full of the rebels. It's the only place all
along here where they are."

"And consequently the only place for me to avoid. Thanks. Your
information may save me from capture. Good night."

"Good night and good luck."

Harry rode toward the southwest until a dip in the valley hid him from
possible view of the man at the house. Then he turned and rode due west,
determined to reach as soon as possible those "rebel raiders" in the
valley, but fully aware that he must yet use every resource of skill,
courage and patience.

The twilight turned into night, clear, dry and bright. Unless it
was raining in the mountains the flood in the Potomac could not be
increasing. Here, at last, the conditions were all that he wished.
The captured haversack still contained plenty of food, and, as he rode,
he ate. He had learned long ago that food was as necessary as weapons
to a soldier, and that one should eat when one could. Moreover, he was
always hungry.

He kept among trees wherever possible, and, as the night grew, and the
stars came out in the dusky blue, he enjoyed the peace. Even though he
searched with his glasses he could not see soldiers anywhere, although he
knew they were in the hollows and the forests. A pleasant breeze blew,
and an owl, reckless of armies, sent forth its lonesome hoot.

But he kept his horse's head straight for the narrow valley where the
"rebel raiders" rode. He met presently a small detachment of Connecticut
men, but the sight of his canteen and letter was sufficient for them.
Again he rode southwest, merely to turn due west once more, after he had
passed from their sight, and near the head of the valley he encountered
two men in blue on horseback watching. They were alert, well-built
fellows and examined Harry closely, a process to which long usage had
reconciled him.

"I hear that the rebels are down in that valley, comrade," he said.

"So they are," replied the elder and larger of the men. "We've got to
ask you who you are and which way yo