He was up in the morning early, and again attempted to pass the guard, with no better success, however. It was now becoming light, and the uniform of the soldiers at the door attracted his attention. His suspicions were aroused.
"Are you a Confederate soldier?" said he to the guard.
"No, sir ee," replied the soldier.
"What are you, then?" said the planter, "and how came you here?"
"I am a Union soldier, and am here by the order of General Mitchell."
"Who is General Mitchell, and where is he?" asked the planter, eagerly.
"General Mitchell commands these regiments out here in your fields, and is now in your house."
"And where are the soldiers of General Price?" inquired the old gentleman.
"To hell, for all I know," replied the soldier, who, not understanding the matter, turned away and walked his beat.
The old man re-entered his room, wondering how it all happened. Pretty soon General Mitchell made his appearance, and greeted the planter with a pleasant "good morning."