They approached warily, until they
saw the faded blue uniforms. Then they galloped forward, shouting that
they were friends, and in a few minutes were in the presence of Grierson
himself.
He had been making a great raid, but he was eager now for the opportunity
to strike at Forrest. He must give his horses a short rest, and then
Dick and the sergeant should guide him at speed to the ford where the
opposing forces stood.
"It's twenty-five miles, you tell me?" said Grierson to Dick.
"As nearly as I can calculate, sir. It's through swampy country, but I
think we ought to be there in three or four hours."
"Then lead the way," said Grierson. "Like your colonel, I'll be glad to
have a try at Forrest."
Sergeant Whitley rode in advance. A lumberman first and then a soldier
of the plains, he had noted even in the darkness every landmark and he
could lead the way back infallibly. But he warned Grierson that such a
man as Forrest would be likely to have out scouts, even if they had to
swim the river. It was likely that they could not get nearer by three
or four miles to Colonel Winchester without being seen.
Pages:
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86