"But you were saying, captain, if you did not return by eleven o'clock, we should know you were arrested. What shall we do in that case?"
"You can do nothing. Return to camp and leave me to my fate. However, I apprehend no such danger. But, Harry, you spoke of a beauty whom you love, and who is a prisoner. Have you anything to request? Perhaps we can serve you in this matter."
"Yes, Harry, we will try," replied Elsler; "but will you not give us the remaining portion of your adventure?"
"Have I time?" asked the adjutant, turning to the captain.
"Oh! yes, true love affairs are usually short but sweet. I presume it will not take you very long to speak of bright eyes, ruby lips, flowing tresses, and soft whispers—sighs, and all that kind of nonsense. Go on."
"Captain, I know you think lightly of love, but wait until you have seen Alibamo. You will love her, too. She is a being to love—beautiful as morning—gentle as a summer evening's breeze."
"Exactly, and so on indefinitely. Young ladies are always all this, and more, in young lovers' estimation. But give us facts, Harry. She is a prisoner, and that interests me. Perhaps I can see her to-day, and give her some message from you, which will give her hopes of liberty."
"I have very little to say, but much to do. While I was with the scouting party some days since, I went to the camp of the rebels. I did not seek admittance within their lines, but from a commanding point I saw their whole army, although I could not form any correct estimate of their strength. As I was returning I met Alibamo, in company with a squad of soldiers who are acting as her guard. She recognized me at once, and was about to spring forward, when I raised my finger to my lips, in token of silence. She understood me. She knew I was not a rebel but the soldiers supposing me, from my rough, homespun clothing, to be one of their own friends, did not notice me, or observe the sign of recognition and silence which passed between myself and the lady. I spoke to the soldiers: 'Hold on a moment,' I said, 'if I am not greatly mistaken, I have met this beauty before in New Orleans.' As I spoke these words, I fixed my eyes upon her. I tried to look hatred. She understood me, and replied that she had met me before. 'And I loved you,' I said, 'but that love was of no avail. You left me. I determined to follow you, for revenge, but I did not know where you were. And now I meet you near my own camp. And you are a prisoner! Am I not revenged?'
"The soldiers heard every word I had spoken, and understood me just as I spoke. She then replied to me thus:
"'It is true we have met before, and you told me of your love. I turned from you, I scarcely knew why, but you were mistaken if you thought I did not love you. That I left the place where we first met was unavoidable. And because I left thus, you wish to revenge me! Well, you have your revenge. My father and my brother, most likely, have been murdered by rebels such as you. I am in the hands of a ruffian. I cannot escape—I meet you, and you taunt me! Well, you are revenged!'