"
"I'll let that pass, because maybe it's true. Now, saddle and bridle him
quicker than ever before in your life."
The farmer did so, and Harry took care to see that the girth was secure.
"At how much did you value this horse?" he asked.
"I did put him down at two hundred dollars, but I reckon he's worth
nothin' to me now."
"Here's your money. When General Lee goes through the enemy's country he
pays for what he takes."
He thrust a roll of good United States bills into the astonished man's
hand, and sprang upon the horse. Then he turned from the stable and rode
swiftly up the road, but not so swiftly that he did not hear a bullet
singing past his ears. A backward glance showed him an elderly farmer in
his night clothes standing on his porch and reloading his rifle.
"Well, I can't blame you, I suppose," said Harry. "You can guess pretty
well what I am, and it's your business to stop me."
But he rode fast enough to be far beyond the range of a second bullet,
and maintained a good pace for a long time, through hilly and wooded
country. His uniform dried upon him, and his hardy form felt no ill
result from the struggle in the river. The horse was strong and spirited,
and Harry knew that he could carry him without weariness to Lee.
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