And I say agin, gentlemen, that the curse of the Northern Army is the want of proper scoutin'.

What was it caused Bull's Run ?--Want o' scoutin'.

What was it rolled up Pope ?--Want o' scoutin'.
What caused the slaughter at the Wilderness ?--Want o' scoutin'-- Ingin scoutin'! Why, only the other day, gentlemen, I was approached to know what I'd take to organize a scoutin' force.

And what did I say?
--'No, General; it ain't because I represent one of the largest Army Beef Contracts in this country,' says I.'It ain't because I belong, so to speak, to the "Sinews of War;" but because I'd want about ten thousand trained Ingins from the Reservations!' And the regular West Point, high-toned, scientific inkybus that weighs so heavily on our army don't see it--and won't have it! Then Sherman, he sez to me"-- But here a roar of laughter interrupted him, and in the cross fire of sarcastic interrogations that began Brant saw, with relief, a chance of escape.

For in the voice, manner, and, above all, the characteristic temperament of the stranger, he had recognized his old playmate and the husband of Susy,--the redoubtable Jim Hooker! There was no mistaking that gloomy audacity; that mysterious significance; that magnificent lying.