It was on the banks of
this narrow river that Harry at last saw Shepard once more. He happened
to be on foot that time, the slope being too densely wooded for his horse,
and Shepard hailed him from the other side.
"Good day, Mr. Kenton. Don't fire! I want to talk," he said, holding up
both hands as a sign of peace.
"A curious place for talking," Harry could not keep from saying.
"So it is, but we're not observed here. It was almost inevitable while
the armies remained face to face that we should meet in time. I want
to tell you that I've met your cousin, Richard Mason, here, and his
commanding officer, Colonel Winchester. Oh, I know much more about you
and your relationships than you think."
"How is Dick?"
"He has not been hurt, nor has Colonel Winchester. Mr. Mason has
received a letter from his home and your home in Pendleton in Kentucky.
The outlaws to the eastward are troublesome, but the town is occupied by
an efficient Union garrison and is in no danger. His mother and all of
his and your old friends, who did not go to the war, are in good health.
He thought that in my various capacities as ranger, scout and spy I might
meet you, and he asked me, if it so happened, to tell these things to
you.
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