He proceeded at once to the tent of Alibamo, and informed her that she was at liberty to attend upon Hayward for the present, but that every word spoken between them was to be reported. Branch was with her, and when he heard this, he tore his hair from very rage.
"This general is too soft-hearted!" muttered Branch to himself. "But come, Alibamo, I will go with you to Hayward's tent!"
"I prefer to go without you, sir!" was the reply.
"No doubt—and for that very reason I am going with you!"
They soon reached the tent, and Alibamo seated herself beside the wounded man. Branch took his seat opposite.
"Do you intend to remain here?" asked Alibamo.
"I am not welcome, I suppose?" replied Branch with sarcasm.
"I would prefer the tent should be filled with serpents?"
Branch frowned terribly, and bit his lips, but did not reply.
"Why don't you strike this senseless man, and thus revenge that honest, truthful answer?" asked Alibamo.