The darky soldiers had a habit of shooting first and crying "Halt!" afterward.

When I got within hearing distance I called out, and was answered by one of the pickets.

I shouted to him not to shoot, informing him that I carried dispatches from Fort Hays.

Then, calling the sergeant of the guard, I went up to the vidette, who at once recognized me, and took me to the tent of Major Cox.
This officer supplied me with a fresh horse, as requested by General Sheridan in a letter I brought to him.

After an hour's sleep and a meal, I jumped into the saddle, and before sunrise was on my way.