"Come—come, captain, explain."
"Why, look at Harry's face; you can find the explanation there. What but love, and love for the softer sex, ever made a man like Harry grow pale and melancholy. You have not heard him sing 'Noble Republic' recently, have you? You know the free bird never sings when its mate has been caught and caged."
"Caught and caged! Why then if Harry really does love, it is not a rebel beauty?"
"I will answer that," cried Harry. "No, she is not a rebel beauty, but is, and ever has been a true Union girl. I call her girl, for she is so innocent, so artless, so beautiful, and yet she possesses firmness and resolution I never could have expected in one so young. I met her years ago in New York. She was then a little child, but I loved her even then. When I visited the camp of the rebels last week, what was my surprise to meet her. I learned her history, and I found she was detained as a prisoner. But it is growing late. In ten minutes we must meet the general. I will explain all this at some future time."
"Ah! here comes Nettleton. I want him," said the captain.
Nettleton entered the tent.
"William, tell me which you prefer: to serve in the ranks, or to act as my body-guard?"
"Why, captain, I want to remain just as I am. Why? You don't want to have me superceded, do you?"
"Oh! no; but why do you object to being in the ranks?"
"I can't turn round quick enough!"