Part 34 (2/2)
”I thought it was; or rather to Petersburg, and from there we expected to get a ride up in the cars.”
”Oh, very well! I can procure you a pa.s.s to Richmond,” added the rebel.
”And an escort to attend us, I suppose,” replied De Banyan with a smile.
”A small one; but here is the house where Captain Osborn lodges. If he knows your friend here, and can vouch for his loyalty, all well; if not, we shall not part two such loving friends.”
Captain Osborn had not risen when the company of cavalry reached his quarters; but he was called from his bed, and appeared in front of the house in the worst possible humor; for, being human, he did not like to have his slumbers disturbed by unseasonable calls. As Somers feared Captain Osborn denied all knowledge of the prisoners, except so far as related to his interview with them during the night. He had never seen either of them before; and he even took the trouble to add that he didn't believe the young fellow was a pilot, which was gratuitous and uncalled for on his part.
”Well, Marvel,” added the cavalry officer rather coldly, ”this business is settled very much as I supposed it would be. I shall have to send you up to Richmond, where, if your stories are all true, I doubt not you will be able to clear yourself.”
”Thank you, captain. You are the same affectionate fellow you used to be when you were a lieutenant in the Third Tennessee,” replied De Banyan with a sneer; for it was evident that he was not at all pleased with the result of the affair.
Four soldiers were detailed from the company to conduct the prisoners to a certain camp near the railroad at City Point, and there deliver them over to the keeping of an officer whose name was mentioned.
”Good-morning, captain,” said De Banyan with forced gayety.
”Good-morning, Marvel, and success to you.”
”Thank you.”
”By the way, Barney, if there is anything I can do for you, don't fail to call upon me; that is, anything consistent with the duty of a faithful officer.”
”Such a remark was entirely uncalled for,” said De Banyan with dignity.
”Do you think I would ask an officer to sacrifice his conscience?”
”Excuse me, Barney. I meant no offense,” added the rebel captain, touched by the proud and dignified manner of his former friend.
”Your words and your conduct are in keeping with each other.”
”Really, Barney, I meant nothing by the remark.”
”Then it was the more unmanly to make it.”
”I am still your friend. In proof of it, permit me to do you a favor,”
pleaded the rebel, much concerned at the wound he had inflicted on the sensitive nature of his late a.s.sociate in the Third Tennessee.
”I ask no favors,” answered De Banyan proudly.
”You are too hard upon me. Upon my word, I meant no offense. As a proof of my friends.h.i.+p, I will take your parole of honor not to escape, and you shall report at Richmond at your own pleasure. If you have any interest in this young man, I will allow him the same favor.”
”After what has happened, I cannot accept a favor at your hands. I can't see how an officer who doubts my word should be willing to take my parole.”
”As you please, Marvel,” added the captain petulantly. ”I can do no more for you.”
Somers was greatly relieved when the rebel officer rode off, followed by his company. He had trembled with anxiety, when the parole was offered to De Banyan, lest he should accept it, and thus compel him to do the same.
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