You've done us a great service, sir." "I reckon I have," said Lankford with calm egotism, "but it was necessary for me to do it.

I've got an inquirin' mind, I have, and also a calculatin' one.

When I saw your little troop comin', an' then that big troop of the Yankees comin' on behind, I knowed that you needed help.

I knowed that this creek run down a gorge, and that I could lead you into the gorge and escape pursuit.

I figgered, too, that you were on your way to see about McClellan crossin' the Potomac, an' I figgered next that you meant to keep straight on, no matter what happened.
So I'm goin' to lead you out of the gorge, and some miles further ahead you'll come to the Potomac, where I guess you can use your own eyes and see all you want to see." "The horses are all right now and I think we'd better be moving, Mr.Lankford." They started, but did not go faster than a walk while they were in the gorge.