"That's a likely story!" interrupted the young captain. "You can explain that to the colonel after we are back in the lines."
"I'm perfectly willing to explain it to the colonel," declared Noel. "And I'll explain it to you now."
"There's no use in that. I'm afraid your explanations won't do you any good."
"What do you think I am?" demanded Noel angrily.
All the men in the band now were listening intently, and Noel was aware that he was under a cloud that might not easily be dispelled.
"I know what you are. You are a deserter."
In spite of the charge Noel laughed, but he was sobered instantly when he saw that every man before him firmly believed him to be what the officer had charged.
"I'm no deserter!" declared Noel hotly. "I happened to be outside the lines at Harper's Ferry and the Rebels took me. I have been doing my best to get to the army ever since."
"You look as if you had been trying," sneered the officer. "Come on. There's no use in talking any more. You come with us and we will turn you over to the colonel."
"Is that man a deserter, too?" inquired Noel as he pointed to Dennis.