James. We refer you to
Captain Osborn for evidence of our character. We came here to do a job
for him."

"All right, then. Captain Osborn lodges at the next house on this road,
and we will let him speak for the other man. He can't speak for you; for
I know you better than he does, or any other man who has not served in
the Third Tennessee. As you were going this way, you can walk along with
us."

"Thank you for the polite invitation, and this is a handsome escort for a
man of my humble pretensions."

The captain of the company ordered his men to keep back, and Somers and
De Banyan walked by the side of his horse, a few yards in advance of the
platoons. He had evidently adopted this method to draw out his prisoners;
for as such our officers were compelled to regard themselves.

"Marvel, you used to be a very sensible fellow when you were in the Third
Tennessee," said the rebel captain. "I am surprised to see you adopting
such a stupid method to conceal your identity."

"I had good reasons for it," replied De Banyan, casting his eyes behind
him, as if to assure himself that none of the soldiers were within
hearing.

"What reasons?" asked the officer curiously.

"I should think a man of your discretion would easily understand the
reason, without any explanation. If I am to be tried for any offense, I
don't want to be judged by a whole company of cavalry. You know I always
took pride in my reputation."

"I used to think so; but, when we missed you one day, we got rid of that
opinion in the Third Tennessee."

"Then you wronged me; for I have faithfully served my country from that
day to this."

"I am glad to hear it, and I hope you will be able to prove what you have
said. How came you here?"

"I came over from the other side of the river last night. You intimated
that my departure from the Third was not all regular," added the captain.

"In a word, it was understood that you had deserted."

"That was a mistake."

"I am very glad to hear it; but you will remember that your loyalty to
the Southern Confederacy was not above suspicion when you joined the
regiment."

De Banyan punched Somers with his elbow at these words, as though he
wished him to take particular notice of them; but his admiring friend
needed no such admonition to induce him to give strict attention to the
statement, for it was the most satisfactory remark he had heard during
the interview. Captain de Banyan rose twenty-five per cent in his