"Not von leedle bit. I deed not know you vas here. Father Abraham! Vot a pinch you gif mine arm!"
"You want to be thankful it was only your arm, Levi. Now you tell me what you were doing here!"
"I vas chust stopping for to see vich vay the men vas going."
"What men?"
"Der men vot vas soldiers for the Johnnie Rebs."
"Did you find any of them?"
"Yes, I see some going up mit der road. Dey vas all gone, and den I starts for der house over yonder for to sell somedings vot I carry in mine bag."
"I believe you knew I was here all the time."
"Nefer did I know you vas here. Father Abraham! I vish you vere not here now. If you vill be gone I too vill go so fast you shall not see me in two minutes."
Aware of the perils which recently had threatened him, Noel was not inclined either to prolong the interview or to compel his prisoner to remain longer on the ground. Grasping the little sutler by his shoulder Noel quickly yanked him to his feet, but without relaxing his grasp.