Part 46 (2/2)
”I think you are worthy of the honor, Dr. Scoville. As your humble house, I think it is very well got up, creditable to your taste, and altogether a fine place.”
”Thank you,” growled the host. ”I suppose you have no objection to my informing the Confederate States military officers in the city of your presence here?”
”Not the slightest,” answered De Banyan promptly. ”I propose to inform them myself in due time.”
”What did you say your name was?”
”Captain Sheffield.”
”Of Petersburg?”
”No, sir.”
”Not of Petersburg?”
”No, sir; of Nashville, Tennessee, which I can further inform you is the capital of the State. I have the honor to be a captain in the Third Tennessee. I served in Mexico, in the Crimea, and in Italy. I was present at four battles in the Crimea, seven in Italy, five in Mexico; I have been engaged in nine battles of the present war, and have been wounded six times.”
”Were you ever killed?”
”Never was so unfortunate. Can I furnish you with any further information?”
”No more at present,” replied the doctor, compressing his lips, apparently to keep from laughing, but really because he could not think of anything sharp enough to dash so ready a talker. ”If you do me the honor to remain here a week, I shall have better opportunities of hearing your marvelous experience, Captain Sheffield. Ah, what have we here?”
continued he as three hors.e.m.e.n galloped up the roadway.
A violent knocking was presently heard at the side door of the house, and Dr. Scoville hastened to learn the errand of the excited visitors.
CHAPTER XXIX
DE BANYAN AT WORK
”How do you feel, my dear boy?” asked Captain de Banyan as soon as the doctor had left the room.
Somers, by the skilful applications of the physician, had been restored to consciousness, and had listened with astonishment, not unmingled with alarm, to the last part of the conversation between his friend and their host.
”I feel a little better, captain; at any rate, I am more comfortable,”
replied Somers.
”I am glad to hear it. I have been terribly worried about you.”
”I think I shall do well enough. But what shall I say for myself?”
”Say nothing, Somers--not a word. Don't commit yourself to anything.”
”What have you told him?”
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