“He can be taken into the house now, can’t he?” she asked.
“Yes, but you had better first let a tub of water be brought, and clean underclothes, and [pg 258]a night shirt. He needs a bath as much as anything.”
Joyce had the men get the water, while she procured some underclothes which belonged to her brother. Calhoun’s clothes were now removed, clothes which had not been off him for a month.
“Here is a belt,” said one of the men; “it looks as if it might contain money,” and he was proceeding to examine it when the Doctor forbade him.
“Give it to Miss Joyce,” he said; “the fellow is her prisoner.”
The belt was handed over rather reluctantly. Calhoun having been bathed, Joyce was called, and told that her prisoner was ready for her.
“Bring him in, the chamber is all prepared,” was her answer.
Calhoun was brought in and placed in a large, cool upper chamber.
“This is mighty nice for a Rebel,” said one of the men, looking around. “My Jake didn’t get this good care when he was shot at Stone River.”
“Too blame nice for a Morgan thief,” mumbled the other.