Then we both stepped quickly to the farther side of the road.

“Allen,” said I, “you must stay here till I return.”

“Where are you going?”

“Through the woods.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“A very short time.  If I am not back in fifteen minutes, you must return to the pickets and report that there has already been a considerable movement on the road, and that no enemy is here.  I feel certain that there are no rebels in these woods.  They were here, but they have gone.  I want to get to the open ground and see what is there; it will not take long.”

“I’m afraid that you can’t see to make your way back to this spot,” said he.

“I may be compelled to whistle for you,” said I; “if there is nobody in these woods, there is no danger in my whistling.”

“Better take me with you,” said Allen; “two pairs of eyes are better than one.”

“That is true,” I replied, “but some accident might happen to both of us out there, and neither of us be able to report to General Grover.  Stay where you are.”

I tried to go forward in a straight line so that I should be able to turn square about and make my way back to Allen.  The woods became more open as I went.  The rain had ceased, and I could see much better.  I reached the edge of the woods, and looked out.  A few stars were shining between broken clouds near the horizon in front of me—­west, I thought.  Toward the north, and northwest the clouds reflected some distant light, and had a reddish glow.  I could distinctly hear the sounds of great movements, the rumblings of wagon, trains or artillery.  The ground seemed open before me for a long distance.

I went rapidly back toward Allen, whistling.  He came to meet me.

“Now, Allen,” said I, “your part of this business is about over.  Go back to Captain Brown and ask him to report at once to General Grover that the road shows clearly that the rebels have already moved along it to their left, our right; and that there is nobody here, all gone; gone to our right, their left, and that I have been entirely through the woods, and have found nothing, but that to the northwest there are the sounds of great movements, and that I am going to see if I cannot find out more.”

“Then what am I to do after that?” he asked.

“Nothing; remain with your company.  I shall not need you, for I doubt if I get back before day, and there is nothing for me to fear in this place.”

Allen started one way and I another.  It was now about two o’clock, I thought; the sky was almost clear, and I could see about me.  I passed rapidly through the woods again and into the open ground, climbing a rail fence, and went up a very gentle slope that rose before me, an “old field,” or abandoned farm, which was scattered over here and there with clumps of stunted growth.  Once I paused in terror.  A bush had taken, to my fancy, the form of a man.  The illusion lasted but for a moment.