m, except their principles; but some of
their neighbors I saw to-night while I was coming here, declare that
they are villains of the very worst sort."

"What else could you expect in a community like this where every man has
turned against his best friend?" exclaimed Tom. "You are a Missourian
and understand the situation as well as I do."

"I have been urged to burn their houses; and as I was sent out to harass
the enemy as well as to pick up recruits, I don't know but I had better
do it," replied the captain; and the boys saw plainly enough that having
made up his mind to carry out his orders, he did not want to permit
himself to be turned from his purpose.

"But Rodney and I have been well enough drilled in military law to know
that an officer on detached service is allowed considerable latitude,"
chimed in Tom. "If you see any reason why you should not obey orders to
the very letter, you are not expected to do it."

"And in this case I hope you won't do it," pleaded Rodney. "If those
cowardly neighbors, who tried to set out against these Union men, want
their property destroyed, let them do the dirty work themselves. I don't
believe in making war on people who don't think as I do."

"I don't reckon there are any half-wild Unionists in your settlement,"
said the captain, with a smile.

"I know it. I am from Louisiana where Union men have to keep their
tongues to themselves," replied Rodney; and then seeing that the captain
looked surprised he hastened to add: "I came to Missouri to enlist under
Price because I couldn't join a partisan company where I lived; and I
was encouraged to come by a telegram I received from Dick Graham's
father. Dick is one of Price's men and perhaps you know him."

"Do you?" inquired the lieutenant, who stood by listening.

"I ought to, and so had Tom, for we went to school with him, and
belonged to his class and company."

"Where was that?"

"At the Barrington Military Academy. I am Rodney Gray and my friend is
Tom Barton."

Rodney said all this at a venture and was overjoyed to hear the
lieutenant say, as he thrust out his hand:

"Shake. I ought to know Rodney Gray, for I have often heard the sergeant
speak of him as the hottest rebel in school; but I don't remember that I
ever heard him mention Barton's name."

"He wasn't as intimate with Tom as he was with me," Rodney explained.
"There was a difference in their politics."

"That accounts for it. Graham was neutral until