"'I couldn't help it, Bill,' he whispered, as I came up. 'I meant to capture him, and compel him to give us some information; but he fought so desperately that I had to settle him to save myself.'
"'It can't be helped; such things are not uncommon in war times. Now you play the part of sentry here until some one passes, and you can find out what the countersign is. Then I'll go up to the house and reconnoiter.'
"I then lay down by the side of the road, and in a few moments Sam whispered:
"'Bill, I wonder what's the number of this post?'
"'Well, how am I going to find out?' he inquired. 'If some one should happen to come along without the countersign, and I should want to call the corporal, I would be in a nice fix, wouldn't I?'
"Sam said this in such a perfectly cool and unconcerned manner, that I could not help admiring him.
"'Twelve o'clock! Number one. All's well.'
"'There,' I whispered; 'the sentries are passing the call. Now look sharp.'
"The call passed the round of the sentinels, until number eight was called, but a short distance from us. Then came a pause.
"'Sam, you're number nine,' I hurriedly whispered.
"'Number nine; and all's well!' shouted Sam at the top of his lungs. 'So far, so good,' he continued, in a low voice. 'Now I guess we're all right. Halt!' he shouted, hearing the sound of horses' hoofs rapidly advancing. The horseman at once drew rein, and at Sam's challenge, answered:
"'Dismount, Colonel Peckham, and give the countersign.'
"'Look here, my man, just let me pass, will you? Don't detain me, for I am on important business, and am in a great hurry.'
"'I tell you I am Colonel Peckham, commanding----'
"'I don't care what you command. Just climb down off that horse instantly, or I'll fire on you. You shouldn't go by me if you were President Davis himself.'
"The colonel, seeing that entreaty was in vain, reluctantly dismounted and gave the countersign, 'Virginia.'
"'The countersign is correct. Pass, Colonel Peckham,' said Sam, bringing his musket promptly to a shoulder arms.
"After the rebel had mounted and disappeared, I whispered:
"'Now, Sam, I'm going up to that house. Keep a sharp look-out.'
"After shaking his hand I started toward the place where I had seen the light. Walking carelessly up toward a group of soldiers who were lounging about on the ground, I glanced in at the window, and saw several officers seated around a table, apparently engaged in earnest debate. I listened for a few moments to the conversation of the men, and found that I was two miles inside of the rebel lines. This knowledge was something that would not have pleased me had I been alone, for I was wholly unacquainted with the country, but, knowing that I had a friend on whom I could rely, I looked upon it as merely a little difficulty, from which I could extricate myself as soon and as easily as I pleased.