faithful old Ceph."

"The side roads are probably drowned out," laughed Artie. "But I'll go,
with pleasure--scouting always did just hit me right," and without delay
he turned over his command to Lieutenant Black.

Inside of a quarter of an hour, the two captains were off, each mounted
on his favorite horse, each fully armed, and each carrying his rations
with him. The rain came down steadily, and the horses sent the water
flying in all directions as they pushed their way along over a turnpike
covered with pools.

"Does the general think of sending troops by that side road?" asked
Artie, presently, as a turn hid them from their late companions, who had
wondered where they were going.

"Nothing was said about that, and I didn't ask any questions," returned
Life. "My private opinion is, he wants to make sure the road can be used
in case the rebels try to break through our corps."

"They wouldn't dare to do that."

"They might dare anything, Artie. Bragg has some fine soldiers under
him--not the least doubt of that. The more I see of this campaign, the
more I am convinced that the war will not end until there has been an
immense amount of blood shed. We began in a haphazard sort of way, but
we are speedily getting down to business."

"I agree with you there, Life. Of course Bragg will drive us back to
Kentucky, if he can; in fact, he'll drive us through Indiana into the
Lakes, if we let him. But we are not going to let him," concluded the
youthful captain of the fourth company.

They had been moving along a level road, but now a second turn took them
up a gentle slope, from the top of which a bird's-eye view of a small
stretch of country could be obtained. Behind them, to the right and the
left, many companies of soldiers, afoot and on horseback, could be seen
advancing southward.

"There is the road we are to investigate," said Life, pointing with his
long forefinger. "By the lay of the land, I should say it doesn't amount
to anything. The infantry and cavalry may get through, but never the
artillery."

"Well, all we can do is to make an examination and report," answered
Artie. "But see here, why isn't a detail of the Engineering Corps doing
this work?"

"Every man is engaged elsewhere. Besides, we are to look for rebels
while we are at it. The general is inclined to believe there are spies
in this vicinity. If we run across any such cattle, we are to lasso them
and bring them in."

After this, the two re