The Blalocks had not counted on was that their outfit was bound to an eastern part of the state with little enemy activity. However, one night, Keith and Malinda Blalock were given a mission to search for enemy soldiers, and warfare broke out. Malinda was shot in the shoulder, and because of the injury, the unit was going to find out her secret.
Keith rolled in poison oak, and medics thought his fever and spots were smallpox. He was allowed to go home. When Malinda tried to join him to take care of her “brother,” the unit colonel refused, forcing her to confess. The Blalocks would later deflect, and Keith joined a Union regiment with Malinda’s support.