“No,” replied the other. “What is it?”
“A messenger came from the rebel camp under a flag of truce,” the first explained, “and wanted to make an exchange. They offered four men—a colonel, two captains, and a lieutenant—for him.”
“What did our general say?” the other soldier asked.
“He said: ‘Go back and tell your commander I would not exchange him for your whole army.’”
“Good! I reckon the rebels will understand now that the young rascal must pay the penalty for his misdeeds.” Then they passed out of hearing.
“It means that you and I have got to do something,” Dan said to his comrade in a low tone.
“What?” asked Late.
“I have an idee,” was the answer, “but will wait a little later to see whether ’twill work.”
An hour or two passed. Then Dan whispered: “Come, Late,” and he led the way out of the building.
Going around to the rear end, he said in the same low tone: