o the officer of the day."

Somers was entirely willing, and hastened in the direction indicated by
the sentinel; and was soon ushered into the presence of Major Platner,
brigade-officer of the day. He was a very pompous little man, and Somers
saw his weakness as soon as he spoke. With a most profound bow, he
answered the questions of the major, using the utmost deference in his
tone and manner.

"How dare you present yourself before an officer of the day with such a
dirty face?" demanded Major Platner.

"I hope your honor will pardon me; but I have just escaped from the
Yankees, and have not had time to wash my face. If you please, sir, I
will go and do it now. I thought I ought to come to you without any
delay."

"You did right, young man," replied the major with a consequential
flourish of the hand. "You were out scouting when you were taken?"

"Yes, sir."

Major Platner then proceeded to ask a great many questions in regard to
the force and position of the Yankees; all of which Somers answered
entirely in the interest of the Union party. He was very careful not to
give a particle of information that could be useful to the rebels; at the
same time avoiding any gross exaggerations which would throw discredit on
his story.

"You seem to be a very intelligent and patriotic young man," added the
officer. "I have heard some inquiries for a person of your description
to-day."

"I have always endeavored to do my duty to my country," answered Somers,
trying to blush under the compliment of the patronizing little major;
"and I kept my eyes wide open while I was in the Yankee camps."

"I see you did. Your information is very definite, and, I doubt not, very
reliable."

"My only desire has been to serve my country, sir," added Somers very
modestly.

"Well, go and wash your face, so that we can see what color you are, and
I will report your name to the general, who was inquiring for a useful
person like yourself. I trust that you will have discretion enough not to
mention anything that has passed between us."

"Certainly not, sir. I judge, from what you have said, that my poor
services may be required for some special service."

"That is the idea which I intended to convey. In a word, the commander of
this division wants information. You have just come from the Yankee
lines, and you know where to look for the intelligence that will be of
the most value to us."

"I think I do, sir."

"The fact that you have j