“No,” said the captain; “you will not be taken so suddenly.  I promise that you may return in an hour.”

XVI

BETWEEN THE LINES

“Here stand, my lords; and send discoverers forth,
To know the number of our enemies.” 
—­SHAKESPEARE.

In General Morell’s tent were two officers, afterward known to me as Generals Morell and Butterfield.  It was not yet quite dark.

The officer who had conducted me, presented me to General Morell.  In the conversation which followed, General Butterfield seemed greatly interested, but took no part at all.

General Morell spoke kindly to me.  “I have sent for you,” he said, “because I am told that you are faithful, and that you are prudent as well as accurate.  We need information, and I hope you will get it for us.”

“I am willing to do my best, General,” said I, “provided that my absence is explained to General Grover’s satisfaction.”

“It is General Grover himself who recommends you,” said he; “he is willing to let us profit by your services while his brigade is likely to remain inactive.  I will show you his note.”

Captain Auchmuty handed me an open note; I read from General Grover the expression used by General Morell.

“This is perfectly satisfactory, General,” I said; “I will do my best for you.”

“No man can do more.  Now, come here.  Look at this map, which you will take with you if you wish.”

The general moved his seat up to a camp-bed, on which he spread the map.  I was standing; he made me take a seat near him.

“First, I will show you generally what I want you to do; how you are to do it, you must decide for yourself.  Here,” said he, putting the point of his pencil on the map, “here is where we are now.  Up here is Hanover Junction, with Hanover Court-House several miles this side—­about this spot.  You are to get to both places and find out if the enemy is at either, or both, and in what force.  If he is not at either place, you are to move along the railroad in the direction of Richmond, until you find the enemy.”

“Are there not two railroads at Hanover Junction, General?”

“Yes, the Virginia Central and the Richmond and Fredericksburg; they cross at the Junction.”

“Which railroad shall I follow?”

“Ah, I see you are careful.  It will be well for you to learn something of the situation on both of them; but take the Central if you are compelled to choose—­the one nearest to us.”

“Well, sir.”

“If no enemy is found within eight or ten miles of the Junction, you need not trouble yourself further; but if he is found in say less than eight miles of the Junction, you are to diligently get all the knowledge you can of his position, his force in all arms, and, if possible, his purposes.”

“I suppose that by the enemy you mean some considerable body, not a mere scouting party.”