y such, because he sought with the minutest
care to escape observation--never left the shelter of the bushes.
He had all the skill of the old forest runners, because his footsteps
made no sound as he passed and he knew how to keep his figure always in
the shadows until it became a common blur with them.

His was a most delicate task, in which discovery was certain death,
but he never faltered. His heart beat steadily and strong. It was an
old risk to him, and he had the advantage of great natural aptitude,
fortified by long training in a school of practice where a single
misstep meant death.

The sharp eyes of the spy missed nothing. He counted the thirty pieces
of artillery on the hill. He estimated with amazing accuracy the number
of Stuart's horsemen. He saw a thousand proofs that the heavy firing he
had heard in the course of the day was not due to battle with Northern
troops. Although he stopped at times for longer looks, he made a wide
circuit about the Confederate camp, and he was satisfied that Stuart,
vigilant and daring though he might be, was not expecting an enemy.

Shepard's heart for the first time beat a little faster. He had felt as
much as any general the Northern defeats and humiliations in the east,
but, like officers and soldiers, he was not crushed by them. He even
felt that the tide might be about to turn. Lee, invading the North,
would find before him many of the difficulties which had faced the
Northern generals attacking the South. Shepard, a man of supreme
courage, resolved that he would spare no effort in the service to which
he had devoted himself.

He spent fully four hours in the thickets, and then, feeling that he had
achieved his task, bore away toward the river. Taking off his coat and
belt with pistols in it, and fastening them about his neck, he swam with
bold strokes to the other side of the stream. However, had anyone been
on the watch at that very point, it was not likely that he would have
been seen. It was the approach of dawn and heavy mists were rising on
the Rappahannock, as they had risen at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

Shepard gave the countersign to the pickets and was shown at once to
General Pleasanton, an alert, vigorous man, who was awaiting him.
His report was satisfactory, because the cavalry general smiled and
began to send quick orders to his leaders of divisions.

But the peace in Stuart's command was not broken that night. No one had
se