Conceal it carefully about you, but I anticipate no great danger for you, as Vicksburg is pretty well surrounded by our forces." The dispatch was written on thin, oiled paper.

Dick hid it away in the lining of his coat and departed upon another important mission, full of pride that he should be chosen for it.

He had all the passwords and carried two good pistols in his belt.

Rich in experience, he felt able to care for himself, even should the peril be greater than Colonel Winchester had expected.
The sun was not far above the horizon but it was warm and brilliant, and it lighted up the earth, throwing a golden glow over the plateau of Vicksburg, the great maze of ravines and thickets and the many waters.
He passed along the lines, walking rapidly southward, and saw more than one officer of his acquaintance.

Hertford's cavalry were in a field, and the colonel himself sat on a portion of the rail fence that had enclosed it.