rapidly grew fresher.

"Their horses are tired now," said the sergeant, "and likely we're going
as fast as they are. They're our men sure. Look at this old canteen that
one of 'em has thrown away. It's the kind they make in the North. He
ought to have been punished for leaving such a sign."

"I judge, Sergeant, from the looks of this road, that they can't now be
more than a mile away."

"Less than that, Mr. Mason. When we reach the top of the hill yonder I
think we'll see 'em."

The sergeant's judgment was vindicated again. From the crest they saw a
numerous body of muddy horsemen riding slowly ahead. Only the brilliant
sunlight made their uniforms distinguishable, but they were, beyond a
doubt, the troops of the Union. Dick uttered a little cry of joy and the
sergeant's face glowed.

"We've found 'em," said the sergeant.

"And soon we ride," said Dick.

They hurried forward, shouted and waved their rifles.

The column stopped, and two men, one of whom was Colonel Hertford
himself, rode back, looking curiously at the haggard and stained faces
of the two who walked forward, still swinging their rifles.

"Colonel Hertford," said Dick joyfully, "we've come with a message for
you from General Grant."

"And who may you be?" asked Hertford in surprise.

"Why, Colonel, don't you know me? I'm Lieutenant Richard Mason of
Colonel Winchester's regiment, and this is Sergeant Daniel Whitley of
the same regiment."

The colonel broke into a hearty laugh, and then extended his hand to
Dick.

"I should have known your voice, my boy," he said, "but it's certainly
impossible to recognize any one who is as thickly covered with dry
Mississippi mud as you are. What's your news, Dick?"

Dick told him and the sergeant repeated the same tale. He knew them both
to be absolutely trustworthy, and their coming on such an errand through
so many dangers carried its own proof.

"We've several spare horses, bearing provisions and arms," said Colonel
Hertford. "Two can be unloaded and be made ready for you and the
sergeant. I fancy that you don't care to keep on walking, Dick?"

"I've had enough to last me for years, Colonel."

They were mounted in a few minutes, and rode with the colonel. The world
had now changed for Dick. Astride a good horse and in a column of six
hundred men he was no longer the hunted. These troopers and he were
hunters now.

The column turned presently into another road and advanced with speed in
the direc