As I passed near the lonely house, I cast a glance toward the
glimmering light. Had Nighthawk's friend arrived?
We soon reached Ely's Ford, and I conducted Stuart to Mordaunt's
bivouac, which I had left at dusk. He had just wrapped his cloak around
him, and laid down under a tree, ready to mount at a moment's warning.
"What news, Mordaunt?" said Stuart, grasping his hand.
"Some fighting this evening, but it ceased about nightfall, general."
Stuart looked toward the river, and listened attentively.
"I hear nothing stirring."
And passing his hand through his beard he muttered half to himself:--
"I wonder if Grant can have made any change in his programme?"
"The order at least was explicit--that brought by Nighthawk," I said.
Stuart turned toward me suddenly.
"I wonder where he could be found? If I knew, I would send him over the
river to-night, to bring me a reliable report of every thing."
I drew the general aside.
"I can tell you where to find Nighthawk."
"Where."
"Shall I bring him?"
"Like lightning, Surry! I wish to dispatch him at once!"
Without reply I wheeled my horse, and went back rapidly toward the
house in the Wilderness. I soon reached the spot, rode to the window,
and called to Nighthawk, who came out promptly at my call.
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