"We were trying to get to Chattanooga," Tom replied, "We got started on the wrong road this morning."
Wilson broke in: "We tried to tell this wild man with his rifle that we were going to enlist in the army. We've sneaked through the Union lines from Kentucky, and came across the Tennessee yesterday. Then we got on the wrong road. This fellow held us up and arrested us in the name of the law for something-or-other. I don't know yet what we're arrested for."
"For burning bridges," yelled Alf. "That's what I arrested you for."
"All right," answered Wilson. "We're arrested for burning bridges. Whose bridges? What bridges?"
"We're getting a whole lot of encouragement to fight for the South," said
Tom.
"He's crazier than any Yank I've ever seen in my life," remarked Shadrack, nodding toward Alf.
"Search 'em," demanded Alf. "That'll show you whether I'm right or not."
"Now, Alf," said the Judge, "you go on out to the kitchen and get something to eat. I'll examine these prisoners and I'll see that you get the credit for capturing them if they are the Yanks. Go on, now." He pushed Alf gently toward the door. Alf, still protesting, disappeared reluctantly into the kitchen. The Judge shook his head, laughing.
"That man acts a little crazy," said Tom.
"Oh, he's hot-headed," said the Judge. "He gets one idea and he can't think of anything else. Lock the door, Joe, so we won't be disturbed. And lock the kitchen door, too, or Alf'll be back. Now let's search these men, and see what we can find."