Ef ye could see far enuf ye'd see they're 'bout five miles long, an' they look purtier'n the stars in heaven." "But if they are so close the battle will begin immediately, will it not ?" "Hit ain't likely ter be put off very long, but thar's no tellin' what'll happen in war, or when." "When is my time to come ?" "Thet's what I've come furt ter tell ye.

Ef we're agwine ter be of sarvice ter the Guv'MENT, we must do hit to-night, fur most likely the battle'll begin in the mornin'.

Hit's not jest the way I intended ter make use of ye, but hit can't be helped now.

I hev information thet must reach Gineral Rosencrans afore daybreak.

The vict'ry may depend on hit.
Ter make sure all on us must start with hit, fur gittin' through the lines is now mouty dangersome, an' somebody--mebbe several--is bound to git cotcht, mebbe wuss.