"Your friend has not arrived?" I said.
"He will not come till midnight, colonel."
"When, I am afraid, he will not see you, Nighthawk--you are wanted."
And I explained my errand. Nighthawk sighed--it was easy to see that he
was much disappointed.
"Well, colonel," he said, in a resigned tone, "I must give up my
private business--duty calls. I will be ready in a moment."
And disappearing, he put out the light--issued forth in rear of the
house--mounted a horse concealed in the bushes--and rejoined me in
front.
"Swartz will not know what to think," he said, as we rode rapidly
toward the river; "he knows I am the soul of punctuality, and this
failure to keep my appointment will much distress him."
"Distress him, Nighthawk?"
"He will think some harm has happened to me."
And Mr. Nighthawk smiled so sadly, that I could not refrain from
laughter.
We soon reached the spot where Stuart awaited us. At sight of Nighthawk
he uttered an exclamation of satisfaction, and explained in brief words
his wishes.
"That will be easy, general," said Nighthawk.
"Can you procure a Federal uniform?"
"I always travel with one, general."
And Mr. Nighthawk unstrapped the bundle behind his saddle, drawing
forth a blue coat and trousers, which in five minutes had replaced his
black clothes.
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