Part 16 (2/2)
”Well, Mr. Raynes,” said he, approaching the old man as he put on his cap, ”I have already run a great risk in stopping here so long; and, with many thanks to you for your kindness and for your generous hospitality, I must take my departure.”
”I suppose we cannot keep you any longer, Allan; but you must promise to call again at the first convenient opportunity.”
”I promise you that I will the first time I can safely do so,” responded Somers warmly, and with the fullest intention of redeeming his promise.
”Good-by, sir!”
”Good-by, my dear boy! May you be spared in the hour when the strong men bite the dust!” said Mr. Raynes solemnly, as he gave his hand to Somers.
”Good-by, Sue!” added the young lieutenant, taking the hand of the Virginia damsel.
”Adieu, my brave soldier-boy!” she replied.
”You are a soldier, I see,” said the stranger, as Somers approached him on his way out of the house.
”Yes, sir,” answered the latter nervously; for he would gladly have escaped any communication with the newcomer.
”What regiment do you belong to?” persisted the dilapidated soldier.
What business was that to him? Why should he trouble himself about other people's affairs? It sounded like a very impertinent question to the excited lieutenant, and he was tempted to inform the busy-body that it was none of his business; but, as he had already earned a good character for civility with the interesting family in whose presence he still stood, his b.u.mp of approbation would not permit him to forfeit their esteem by so inconsiderate a reply.
”Good-by, all!” said he with energy, turning away from the rebel soldier, and moving towards the door.
”What regiment did you say you belonged to?” demanded the persistent rebel.
”I didn't say,” replied Somers, not in the most gentle tones.
”Will you oblige me by telling me to what regiment you belong?” added the rebel.
”I think I will not,” continued Somers, more and more displeased with the persistence of the other. ”I came very near being arrested as a deserter just now, though I have a pa.s.s in my pocket; and I don't care about exposing myself to any further annoyance by my own indiscretion.”
”I a.s.sure you I am a friend, and I would not betray you if I knew you were a deserter,” said the stranger in very civil tones.
Thus appealed to, and perceiving that he was not gaining in the estimation of Mr. Raynes by his reticence, he decided that he could not make the matter much worse by answering the question.
”To the Fourth Alabama,” he replied desperately; ”but you must excuse me; for I am in a tremendous hurry.”
”The Fourth Alabama! I thought so,” exclaimed the stranger with a pleasant smile, as though the information was particularly agreeable to him. ”I belong to the Fourth Alabama myself.”
”Do you, indeed?” added Somers with the most intense disquiet, wis.h.i.+ng all the time that the soldier had been in Alabama, or anywhere but in the house of Mr. Raynes.
”Can you tell me where the regiment is?”
”I cannot. I have been looking for it myself for the last two hours. As I can be of no a.s.sistance to you, you will excuse me if I leave you.”
”Not so fast, comrade; I will go with you. I have some directions which I think will enable us to find the regiment; and, if you please, I will bear you company.”
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