He remained standing near the table upon which the officer was writing. The colonel did not even glance at his visitor for a time as he continued his task. At last, however, he looked up and said abruptly, "Well, what is it?"
"I have come to tell you," said Noel, somewhat embarrassed in spite of his determination to be self-controlled, "that I have been accused of being a deserter."
"Oh, you're the man who sent word by Dan Tague."
"I don't know the man's name," said Noel respectfully.
"Well, he brought your message. And you say you are not a deserter?"
"Yes, sir."
"But you cannot prove it?"
"I can and I will if you'll give me a little time."
"But I have positive information here," said the colonel, taking a paper from his pocket, "that you are a deserter. It states that you and another man named Dennis O'Hara both deserted at Harper's Ferry and were discovered not far from here this morning by Captain Blowers."
"I don't know the captain's name, Colonel," said Noel. "I did not desert at Harper's Ferry. I was outside the lines—"