So is your friend, Lieutenant Warner, and, Major Hertford, I also lend to you Sergeant Whitley, who is a man of much experience and who has already proved himself to be of great value." The three saluted and were grateful.

They longed for action, which they believed would come more quickly with Major Hertford's column.

A little later, when military form permitted it, the two boys thanked Colonel Newcomb in words.
"Maybe you won't thank me a few days from now," said the colonel a little grimly, "but I am hopeful that our plans here in Eastern Kentucky will prove successful, and that before long you will be able to join the great forces in the western part of the state.

You are both good boys and now, good-bye." The preparations for the mountain column, as Dick and Warner soon called it, had been completed.

They were on foot, but they were well armed, well clothed, and they had supplies loaded in several wagons, purchased hastily in the village.