"Injured badly?"
"O! no, that is, not mortally. He was only shot, as Mercutio says, 'with a white wench's black eye.' That's all."
"I don't exactly understand you," replied Hayward, feigning ignorance.
"Why, you see, Branch took a young gal prisoner, and has kept her in camp some time. At first he was harsh and done just about as he pleased—that is, he said about what he pleased. But he never couldn't come near the gal. She struck him once with a dagger when he tried to kiss her, and nearly killed him. During the time he was sick he fell in love in real earnest with the gal, and now she does anything she pleases, except leave. That she can't do, as Branch has detailed a guard to watch her, and although they are just as much in love with her as Branch is, they dare not let her escape."
"Indeed! She must be a fascinating creature. Is she in camp now?"
"Oh, yes; she has a tent to herself."
"What is her name?"
"I believe they call her Alibamo."
"She is a Spanish beauty, then?"
"That is her Christian name. But I believe she is of Spanish origin."