224 ADVENTURES IN THE WILDERNESS. 



the more readily as I reflected that I would have 

 to pass one night, at least, in the car, with no bet- 

 ter bed than the straw under my feet. I had 

 barely time to undress before the cars were coupled 

 and started. I tossed the clothes to my friend 

 with the injunction to pack them in my trunk and 

 express them on to me, and waived him my adieu. 

 I arrayed myself in the nice, cool flannel, and 

 looked around. The thoughtfulness of my friend 

 had anticipated every want. An old cane-seated 

 chair stood in one corner. The lunch-basket was 

 large, and well supplied. Amid the oats I found 

 a dozen oranges, some bananas, and a package of 

 real Havana cigars. How 1 called down blessings 

 on his thoughtful head as I took the chair, and, 

 lighting one of the flne-flavored figaros, gazed out 

 on the fields past which we were gliding, yet wet 

 with morning dew. As I sat dreamily admiring 

 the beauty before me, Gulnare came and, resting her 

 head upon my shoulder, seemed to share my mood. 

 As I stroked her fine-haired, satin-like nose, recol- 

 lection quickened, and memories of our compan- 

 ionship in perils thronged into my mind. I rode 

 again that midnight ride to Knoxville, when Burn- 

 side lay intrenched, desperately holding his own, 

 waiting for news from Chattanooga, of which I 

 was the bearer, chosen by Grant himself because 

 of the reputation of my mare. What riding that 

 was ! We started, ten riders of us in all, each 



