n. "I think we have gone far
enough."

"I think you have," added the sergeant; "and, if you don't leave at once,
it will be my duty to arrest you."

"Whew!" exclaimed Owen. "That would be carrying the joke altogether too
far. I think my _pater_ ought to be satisfied with what we have done."

"Move on," said the sergeant.

They did move on; and Somers, attended by the officer of the guard,
walked towards headquarters.

"Those are the coolest fellows that ever came near my lines," said the
sergeant. "Men without a pass looking out for one who has a pass!"

"Well, they are good fellows; but I played a joke upon them, which makes
them a little sour towards me," replied the scout. "I am even with them
now."

"What was the joke?" demanded the sergeant, who was filled with interest
at the mention of the word.

Somers gave him a modified account of the affair at the house of Mr.
Raynes; which he embellished a little for the occasion, to allay any
suspicion which might arise in the mind of the auditor. But the officer
of the guard had no suspicion. Why should he have any? for Somers, armed
with a pass signed by the officer of the day, was walking as directly as
he could towards the headquarters. The sergeant of the guard left him
when they reached the guard tent; and Somers proceeded to report in due
form to the major, whom he found smoking his cigar under a tree as
complacently as though there was not a traitor or a spy in the land.

"Well, young man! you have returned promptly at the time specified," said
the major, as Somers very deferentially touched his cap to this magnate
of the rebel army.

"Yes, sir; I have endeavored to discharge my duty faithfully," replied
Somers.

"Did you find the regiment?"

"No, sir; I lost my way; and finding I should not have time to go to the
place where it is, without overstaying my time, I hastened back, knowing
that the service upon which you wished to employ me was very important
indeed."

"You did right, young man. Where is your coat?"

"It was one I picked up just after I had passed the lines, and a soldier
down below claimed it. I gave it up when he convinced me it was his
property."

"You are very honest as well as patriotic."

Somers bowed, but made no reply to the compliment; which, however, was
fully appreciated.

"You seem to be a young man of good address, and you can render your
country a great service, but it will be at the peril of your life," said
the ma