He could readily pass as a soldier of the Confederacy unless they chose to ask too many questions.
"From General Pemberton's army ?" called the man, when he was opposite the house.
Dick nodded and stepped a little faster.
"Won't you stop for a bite and fresh water with friends of the cause ?" "Thanks, but important dispatches.

Must hurry." They repeated the invitation.

He shook his head, and went on.

He did not look back, but he was sure that they stared at him as long as he was in sight.

Then, for safety's sake, he left the road and entered the wood once more.
He had now come to country comparatively free from swamp and marsh, and pursued his way through a great forest, beautiful with live oaks and magnolias.