Part 20 (2/2)
”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 pa.s.s looking out for one who has a pa.s.s!”
”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 pa.s.s 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 pa.s.sed 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 major with impressive formality.
”I am willing to serve my country, even with my life.”
”I do not doubt it. I was impressed by your manner, and I have recommended you to the general for the service he has in view. I hope you will do credit to the selection I have made; for the most important duty which a commander has to perform is to select proper persons for the execution of special missions.”
”I will endeavor to serve my country to the best of my ability; and I am satisfied that I can go all over the Yankee camps without difficulty.”
”Very well! You have confidence in yourself; and that is the first requisite of success. If you discharge this duty with fidelity and skill, you may be sure of being made a sergeant the moment you return.”
”Thank you, Major Platner. I am very grateful to you, sir, for the opportunity you thus afford me to distinguish myself.”
”You will find me a good friend, if you are faithful and intelligent.”
<script>