n our
Tennessee regiment, and they worried us a heap. We were retreating, for
we had been flanked by a force four times as big as ours, and this
regiment pursued us. Our regiment turned on them, and whipped them
soundly. My company was fighting this platoon, and we surrounded them,
and made them prisoners."

"Was that Kentucky regiment of cavalry full?" asked the major, with a
frown on his brow.

"It was, Major, for I counted the ten companies," returned the captain
without wincing. "This platoon fought like wildcats; but my men stood
up to the work like heroes, as they are; and when we had surrounded
them, they could not help themselves, and we drove them before us to
the camp."

"I have no doubt that you will be promoted to the rank of
brigadier-general for your meritorious service; but my information
differs somewhat from yours, for I have learned that the only Kentucky
cavalry on the field was four companies of the First, four others being
on detached duty on the Millersville Road."

"But you see, Major, my informant may have given me incorrect reports,"
stammered the captain.

"Who was your informant, Captain? You counted the companies of the
Kentucky regiment yourself."

"I may have been"--

"Probably you have been; but you have said enough. I have heard from
your company before to-day," added the major, as he rode over to
Lieutenant Lyon. "Did you surrender to Captain Staggers yonder?"

"I did not!" replied Deck with abundant emphasis.

"Did you hear what passed between him and me?"

"Every word of it."

"Was anything the captain said true?"

"Not a word of it! And you will excuse me, Major, but I intend to cut
my way out of this camp!" shouted the lieutenant, loud enough to be
heard by all his troopers, and they straightened themselves up for the
work.

"Platoon--charge!"

At full gallop the force started for the entrance, now not obstructed.

CHAPTER XXII

A LIEUTENANT AMONG THE "MISSING"

Major Walthal was very gentlemanly and very polite; but it appeared at
once that he was not willing to permit the escape of the platoon,
good-looking and well-dressed as were the officer and the men. He could
not help observing the contrast between the Riverlawns and the
Confederate company near them. Captain Gordon, who had been the
principal instructor of the squadron, was very neat and precise about
his person, and had always required the troopers to keep their uniforms
and arms and their h