Grant's orders were to come at once; and he intended to obey them.
"I'd wager a year's pay against a Confederate five-dollar note," said Sergeant Whitley to Dick, "that the man who laid that ambush was Slade.
He'll keep watch on us all the way to Grant, and he'll tell the Southern leaders everything the general is doing.

Oh, he's a good scout and spy." "He's proved it," said Dick, "and I'd like to get a fair shot at him." They rode nearly all night and most of the next day, and, in the afternoon, they met other men in blue who told them that a heavy Union force was advancing.

They had no doubt now that Grant's great plan was already working and in a short time they reached McPherson, advancing with Logan's division.

Hertford reported at once to McPherson, who was glad enough to have his cavalry, and who warmly praised Dick and the sergeant for the dangerous service they had done so well.

As it would have been unwise for them to attempt to reach Grant then he kept them with him in the march on Jackson.
Dick slept that night under the stars, but thousands of Union men were around him and he felt neither the weight of responsibility, nor the presence of danger.