eance. Grant's orders were to
come at once; and he intended to obey them.

"I'd wager a year's pay against a Confederate five-dollar note," said
Sergeant Whitley to Dick, "that the man who laid that ambush was Slade.
He'll keep watch on us all the way to Grant, and he'll tell the Southern
leaders everything the general is doing. Oh, he's a good scout and spy."

"He's proved it," said Dick, "and I'd like to get a fair shot at him."

They rode nearly all night and most of the next day, and, in the
afternoon, they met other men in blue who told them that a heavy Union
force was advancing. They had no doubt now that Grant's great plan was
already working and in a short time they reached McPherson, advancing
with Logan's division. Hertford reported at once to McPherson, who was
glad enough to have his cavalry, and who warmly praised Dick and the
sergeant for the dangerous service they had done so well. As it would
have been unwise for them to attempt to reach Grant then he kept them
with him in the march on Jackson.

Dick slept that night under the stars, but thousands of Union men were
around him and he felt neither the weight of responsibility, nor the
presence of danger. He missed Warner and Pennington, but he and the
sergeant were happy. Beyond a doubt now Grant was going to strike
hard, and all the men were full of anticipation and hope. His force in
different divisions was advancing on Jackson, leaving Vicksburg behind
him and the Southern army under Pemberton on one side.

Dick heard, too, that the redoubtable Joe Johnston was coming to take
command of the Southern garrison in Jackson, and a leader less bold than
Grant might have shrunk from such a circle of enemies, but Grant's own
courage increased the spirit of his men, and they were full of faith.

"I expect they're alarmed in Washington," said the sergeant, as they
sat on their blankets. "There ain't any telegraph station nearer than
Memphis. They've heard in the capital that the general has begun to move
toward Jackson, but they won't know for days what will happen."

"I don't blame the President for being disturbed," said Dick. "After all
the army is to serve the nation and fights under the supreme civilian
authority. The armies don't govern."

"That's so, but there come times when the general who has to do the
fighting can judge best how it ought to be done."

Dick lay down on one blanket and put another over him. It was well into
May, which meant hot