He was permitted to select a horse of unusual power and speed, and he departed just before sundown.
"Remember that you're to rejoin us to-morrow," said Colonel Winchester.
"Beware of guerillas.

I hope you'll find your mother well." "I feel sure of it, and I shall tell her how very kind and helpful you've been to me, sir." "Thank you, Dick." Dick, in his haste to be off did not notice that the colonel's voice quivered and that his face flushed as he uttered the emphatic "thank you." A few minutes later he was riding swiftly southward over a road that he knew well.

His start was made at six o'clock and he was sure that by ten o'clock he would be in Pendleton.
The road was deserted.

This was a well-peopled country, and he saw many houses, but nearly always the doors and shutters of the windows were closed.

The men were away, and the women and children were shutting out the bands that robbed in the name of either army.
The night came down, and Dick still sped southward with no one appearing to stop him.