estimation at the utterance of those words, however injurious they were
in the opinion of him who had spoken them. There was hope for the
captain; and Somers trusted that he would be able fully to exonerate
himself from the foul charge, when the occasion should permit such an
exposition.

"My loyalty ought to be considered above suspicion, and those who know me
best do so regard it," added De Banyan as he administered another mild
punch on the ribs of his fellow-sufferer. "I was taken by the Yankees, in
short; and, at the first convenient opportunity, I have come over to see
you again."

"I hope it is all right, Barney; but I am afraid it is not."

"I shall be able to clear myself of every imputation of disloyalty,
before the proper tribunal."

"How did you get over?"

"I have been following the fortunes of the Yankee army till last night;
when I took a boat, and came over the river. On the way I met a pilot
whose name was Andy, who turned me over to this man, who is also a pilot,
and came down to take out a fire-ship."

"The one that was burned in the creek last night?"

"The same. I refer you to Captain Osborn for the truth of the last part
of my statement; though the time was when you did not ask me to bring
vouchers for what I said."

"For nothing, except your stories of the Crimea and the Italian war,"
replied the captain of cavalry with a significant smile. "I must do you
the justice to say, that I never knew you to tell a falsehood on any
matter connected with your social or business relations."

"Thank you for so much," replied De Banyan. "Now that I have made it all
right, I suppose you needn't trouble yourself to attend to my affairs any
further."

"No trouble at all, I assure you. Under the circumstances, I shall feel
it my duty to deliver you into the hands of my superiors, and they can do
as they please with you. But I sincerely hope that you will be able to
vindicate your character from the stain which rests upon it."

"I don't think it needs any vindication."

"There is some difference of opinion between us on that point. Where are
you going now?"

"To Richmond," replied De Banyan promptly; and perhaps he intended to go
there with the Army of the Potomac, though its present prospects of
reaching the rebel capital were not very favorable.

"This is not the way to Richmond. Your stories don't agree very well."

"I thought it was; or rather to Petersburg, and from there we expected to
get