position; and Stuart listened with the greatest interest to the
speaker, whose low voice never rose above the half-whisper by which I
had been impressed on his first opening his lips.

"So the summing up of all this," said Stuart, "that our friends are not
too hopeful?"

"They are not, general."

"They say Lee must win a great victory on the soil of Pennsylvania?"

"Yes, general. Without it there is no hope of peace, they declare."

"Well, I think they are right; and that we shall gain the victory."

Mr. Nighthawk made no reply; and Stuart reflected for some moments
without speaking. Then rousing himself:--

"I forgot," he said. "You have not given me your special information,
Nighthawk."

The worthy smiled.

"You know I am the 'man before the battle,' general?"

"Yes, go on, Nighthawk."

"I have just left General Hooker's head-quarters."

"Where are they?"