"
"He agreed with your views then?" said Stuart, laughing.
"Perfectly, general."
"And he intends--"
"There is the important thing. While we were conversing, General Hooker
was called for a moment out of his tent, and by accident, my eyes fell
upon an order which lay upon his desk."
"An order?"
"For two divisions of cavalry, one of infantry, and a full complement
of artillery, to advance and drive you back to the mountain."
"Ah! you saw that order?"
"I did, general; it was just ready to be sent."
"What day did it fix?"
"To-morrow, general."
"Ah, indeed! Two divisions of infantry and one of cavalry?"
Mr. Nighthawk inclined in assent.
"When did you leave Hooker's head-quarters?"
"This afternoon."
"And you came through the lines to-night?"
"Yes, general, in the usual way, by passing through the pickets. I was
on foot and nothing was easier."
Stuart knit his brows and reflected. Then he called to the orderly.
"Wake the adjutant-general, and have three couriers ready at once!"
Mr. Nighthawk arose.
"By-the-by, general," he said, "I saw Swartz, whom I have mentioned to
you."
"Yes; the best spy, you say, in the Federal army."
"I think he is, general. He is a wonderful man. He recently played a
trick upon you."
"Upon _me_?"
"At least he bore off a prisoner from you.
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