[1] Then, all
at once, his speed moderated; he approached at a jog-trot, and through
the gathering gloom I recognised, above the blue uniform, the sweetly
smiling countenance of Nighthawk!
[Footnote 1: This scene is real.]
"Good evening, colonel," said Nighthawk; "I am glad to see you again,
and hope you are well."
"So you have turned deserter, Nighthawk?" I said, laughing heartily.
"Precisely, colonel. I could not get off before. Will you inform me
where I can find General Stuart?"
"I will take you to him."
And riding back with Captain Church and Nighthawk, I soon found myself
again in presence of General Hampton.
A word from me explained the real character of the pseudo-deserter.
General Hampton asked a number of questions, Nighthawk replied to them,
and then the latter begged me to conduct him to General Stuart. I did
so without delay, and we soon reached Stuart's bivouac, where he was
talking with his staff by a camp-fire.
At sight of the blue figure he scarcely turned; then suddenly he
recognized Nighthawk, and burst into laughter.
"Well, my blue night-bird!" he exclaimed, "here you are at last! What
news? Is Grant going to cross the river?"
Nighthawk hung his head, and sighed audibly.
"I could not help it, general."
"Why didn't you come before?"
"It was impossible, general.
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