"Yes," said Dick, "it was too bad that Slade escaped."




CHAPTER XIII

THE RIVER OF DEATH


Dick knew that he had saved young Woodville's life, but his conscience
was quite dear. If he had the same chance he would do it over again,
but he was sorry they had not caught Slade. He felt no hostility toward
the regular soldiers of the Confederacy, but he knew there were guerillas
on their side, as well as his own, who would stop at nothing. He
remembered Skelly, who, claiming to be a Union partisan, nevertheless
robbed and even killed those of either party whenever he felt it safe
to do so. Slade was his Southern complement, and he would surely get
together a new force as venomous as the old.

But Colonel Winchester and the commander of the Ohio regiment were full
of pride in their exploit, as they had a right to be. They had destroyed
a swarm of wasps which had been buzzing and stinging almost beyond
endurance, and they were still prouder when they received the thanks of
General Thomas.

The corps moved forward the next day, and soon the whole army was united
under Rosecrans. It was a powerful force, about ninety thousand men,
the staunch fighters of the West, veterans of great battles and victories,
and to the young officers it appeared invincible. Their feeling that it