“The house is below,” was the response, “but perhaps I had better explain the entire matter to Lieutenant Galesworth, and let him decide for himself whether he cares to make the attempt.”

The general nodded approval, and walked back to the window, his hands clasped behind his back.  Parker spread out a map.

“Just step over here, Lieutenant.  This is our present position, represented by the irregular blue line; those red squares show the enemy’s forces as far as we understand them.  The crosses represent batteries, and the important intrenchments are shown by the double lines.  Of course this is imperfect, largely drawn from the reports of scouts.  Their line is slightly shorter than our own, our right overlapping, but they have a stronger reserve force protecting the centre.  Now notice the situation here,” and he traced it with his pencil.  “Your regiment is practically to the rear of their main line of defence, but the nature of the ground renders them safe.  There is a, deep ravine here, trending to the southeast, and easily defended.  Now note, ten miles, almost directly south of Three Corners, on the open pike, the first building on the right-hand side beyond a log church, stands an old plantation house.  It is a large building, painted white, in the midst of a grove of trees, and in the rear is a commodious stable and a dozen negro cabins.  The map shows this house to be somewhat to the right of the Confederate centre, and about five miles to the rear of their first line.”

I bent over, intent on the map, endeavoring to fix each point clearly in my mind.  Parker paused in his speech, and the general turned about, his eyes fastened upon us.

“I understand,” I said finally.

“Very well.  Deserters informed us last night that Johnston had taken this house for his headquarters.  This morning one of our most reliable scouts confirms the report, and says the place can be easily approached by a small party using the ravine for concealment, coming in past the negro cabins at the rear.”

My eyes brightened, as I straightened up, instantly comprehending the plan.

“What guard have they?”

“A few sentinels at the house, and a squad of cavalry in the stable.  Naturally they feel perfectly safe so far to the rear of their own lines.  It is the very audacity of such an attempt which makes success possible.”

The general stepped forward.

“Don’t take this as an order, Lieutenant,” he said bluntly.  “It will mean a desperate risk, and if you go, you must comprehend thoroughly the peril involved.  You were recommended as the best man to lead such a party, but we supposed you already knew that country.”

“I can place my hand on a man who does know every inch of it,” I replied, my mind clear, and my decision reached.  “I thank you for the privilege.”

“Good; when?”

“To-night, of course; there is ample time to prepare.”