But my thoughts were now concentrated upon my own work.

This was important news I had overheard, and must be in the possession of the Federal commander without delay.

No personal danger could be considered.

But how was it possible to get away unobserved?
I was in full uniform, and unarmed; the house--now Beauregard's headquarters--under close guard; the surrounding roads lined with troops.

It would be simply madness to attempt crossing the river before nightfall, and yet I could not hope to remain where I was all the afternoon without discovery.