Harry's eyes had grown somewhat used to the darkness, and he could make out the rocky walls, crested with trees, the higher branches of which seemed almost to meet over the chasm.
It was a weird passage, but time and place did not oppress Harry.
He felt instead a certain surge of the spirits.

They had thrown off the pursuit--there could be no doubt of it--and the first step in their mission was accomplished.

They were now in the midst of action, action thrilling and of the highest importance, and his soul rose to the issue.
He had no doubt that some great movement, possibly like that of the Second Manassas, hung upon their mission, and Lee and Jackson might be together at that very moment, planning the mighty enterprise which would be shaped according to their news.
They emerged from the gorge and rode up a low, sloping bank which gave back but little sound to the tread of the horses, and here Lankford said that he would leave them.

Sherburne reached over his gauntleted hand and gave him a powerful grasp.
"We won't forget this service, Mr.Lankford," he said.
"I ain't goin' to let you forget it.

Keep straight ahead an' you'll strike a cross-country road in 'bout a quarter of a mile.