“But how do I know that it will be any safer with you than it is with me?” demanded Marcy. “What assurance have I that you will give it back when I want it?”
“You haven’t any. You’ll have to take my word for it.”
This was honest at any rate, and something prompted Marcy to take out the key of his valise and slip it into Bowen’s hand.
“Look for my vest and feel in the right-hand pocket,” he whispered; and then he turned around to engage the nearest of the prisoners in conversation and draw their attention away from Bowen if he could. It looked like a hopeless task. The room was so full that it did not seem possible that any of its inmates could make a move without being seen by somebody; but as soon as he showed a disposition to talk he found plenty ready and eager to listen, for he was the last arrival and brought the latest news from the outside world. He kept as many as could crowd around him interested for perhaps five minutes, and then his narrative was brought to a close by a commotion in the farther end of the room and the entrance of a Confederate corporal, who elbowed his way into the crowd, calling for Marcy Gray.
“Here!” replied the owner of that name. “What do you suppose he wants of me?” he added in an undertone.
“Most likely he wants to take your descriptive list,” said one of the prisoners, with a wink at his companions.
“But that was done when I came in,” said Marcy.
“Did old Wilkins do it?” said the conscript. “I don’t reckon he did, for he has been off somewhere since morning. If he’s got back he will want to see you himself.”
That somebody wanted to see him was made plain to Marcy in a very few seconds, for the corporal worked his way through the crowd until he caught sight of the new prisoner, who was ordered to pick up his plunder and “come along down to the office”; and, what was more, the corporal watched him to see that he did not leave any of his “plunder” behind.
“That proves that the descriptive list of your valise hasn’t been taken,” whispered one of the prisoners, as Marcy followed the corporal toward the door.