Part 42 (1/2)
There was a tear in his eye as he thought of his fond mother; and he wept for her when he could not weep for himself. No one saw that tear, and the officer permitted him to indulge his sad revery in silence. But, after they had walked two or three squares, his companion in authority suddenly stopped.
”I have left a book, which I carried in my hand, at the depot,” said he, in tones full of chagrin at his carelessness. ”I must have it; for I can do nothing without it.”
”Where did you leave it?” asked the soldier.
”In the guard-room. You may go back, and bring it to me. Give me your gun; you needn't carry that.”
”Where shall I find you?”
”Here, where you leave me. Go quick, my man.”
”I won't be gone ten minutes,” replied the soldier, as he started off at a run for the missing volume.
The officer took the gun, and stood by the side of his prisoner, at the corner of the street, till the soldier disappeared in the darkness.
Somers, still thinking of the sad fate which he was confident was in store for him, wished to confirm his impressions in regard to his destiny. His companion seemed to be a gentleman of a kindly nature, though stern in the discharge of his duty. It was possible that he would give him some information in regard to the probable disposal of him.
”Will you tell me, sir, why I am separated from the rest of the prisoners?” said he, as soon as the sentinel had departed upon his errand.
”Because you are an officer.”
”How do you know I am?” asked Somers, very desirous of ascertaining how much Captain de Banyan had told in regard to him.
”We know all about you,” answered the officer, m.u.f.fling his cloak more closely around his face, as if afraid the night air might injure his lungs as he opened his mouth.
”What do you know about me?”
”All about you.”
”That isn't very definite.”
”In a word, you are Captain Thomas Somers, of the --th regiment.”
”Who told you that?”
”That's of no consequence.”
”What is to be done with me?”
”I don't know.”
”I suppose I am only a prisoner of war?”
”You crossed the James River in disguise, and went into our lines for the purpose of obtaining information. I suppose you can put those two things together.”
Somers's worst fears were confirmed. He was to be tried as a spy, and De Banyan had told all he knew about him. Before he had time to dwell on the dark prospect any longer, the officer said he was cold, and could not stand there any longer. Taking his prisoner by the arm, he led him down the cross-street. Somers was just thinking of an attempt to bid his companion good-night, when the latter spoke again:
”I shall catch my death from this night air,” said he. ”Just before the battle of Magenta----”