“The portfolio, Sternes; now, Captain, let me read over that last despatch again.  Ah, yes, I see.  Is Colonel O’Neil waiting?  Tell him to post Williams’ brigade at the bridge, with Ozark’s battery.  Pickets should be advanced at least two miles.  Lieutenant Greer, ride to the Three Corners, and have the regimental commanders close all gaps in the line; in case of attack we must be able to exhibit a solid front.  A moment, Major Mason,—­you are to bear my report to Johnston.”  There followed the rapid scratching of a pen, and a subdued murmur of voices.  Then the deep bass of the general again broke in:  “You may as well clearly understand the proposed plans, gentlemen, so you can execute my orders with intelligence.  They are extremely simple; our main attack will be directed against the enemy’s left flank; the troops selected for this service will cross at the lower ford early to-morrow night.  Our own movements will depend altogether upon the success of Johnston’s advance.  Chambers will be up sometime to-night, and will hold a position at rear of the centre in reserve.  Is this sufficiently clear?”

“Do we cross the bridge?”

“Not until Johnston informs us his assaulting column is in touch with the enemy.”

“There is no absolute hour set?”

“No; that will depend upon the arrival of Chambers.  And now, gentlemen, we will adjourn to the dining-room.”

They passed out, evidently in the best of humor, and I could hear them chatting and laughing in the hall.  But my thoughts were now concentrated upon my own work.  This was important news I had overheard, and must be in the possession of the Federal commander without delay.  No personal danger could be considered.  But how was it possible to get away unobserved?  I was in full uniform, and unarmed; the house—­now Beauregard’s headquarters—­under close guard; the surrounding roads lined with troops.  It would be simply madness to attempt crossing the river before nightfall, and yet I could not hope to remain where I was all the afternoon without discovery.  As soon as the duties of hospitality were over Miss Willifred would certainly recall her prisoner, and it could not be long before my escape from the room above would be known.  I must be safely out of the house before this occurred.  It seemed to me the stables offered the best hiding-place, or else the deserted negro cabins.

I could examine the greater part of the front yard from the windows, the squad of troopers camped near the gate, and the sentinel pacing before the steps, but was compelled to lean far out to gain any glimpse of the rear.  I could perceive no soldiers in this direction, however, and was encouraged to note a long grape arbor, thickly overgrown with vines, extending from the house to the other extremity of the garden.  Once safely within its shadow I might get through unseen.  And there was but one means of attaining the grape arbor—­through the back hall, via either the kitchen or the cellar.