It was at this moment that the brother of Alibamo, as narrated in the second chapter, creeping near the rock, had overheard her words, and had cried, "Then you are not my sister!"
"It is my brother! my own brother's voice. He has been near—has heard all!" shrieked Alibamo. Then checking herself, she said, in a low tone: "He thinks you a rebel, Harry! He forswears me! How can I undeceive him?"
"The guard has fired upon him. The camp is aroused—they are beating the long-roll. It is a desperate hazard now!"
"But my brother?"
"Quick—give me your apron—I will wave it—he may see its colors—and sing—sing, Alibamo—sing the Star-spangled Banner!"
Harry seized the apron, and commenced waving it, and Alibamo began to sing.
"Silence!" cried Hayward, who came up at that moment. "Silence that traitorous song. And give me that ensign of abolitionism. For shame, young man. Love has made you blind. Don't you see that the lady's apron which you are waving is a federal flag? It may be very romantic to meet young ladies at midnight on a moonlit-rock, and whisper love-tales; but you, sir, must not wave such things as this, merely to conciliate angry brothers. Now, go to camp, sir, and if I catch you at such tricks again, I shall order your arrest. I will take charge of the lady."
"Here are her guard sir," said Harry, in a subdued tone.
"Ah! yes. Are you mounted, boys?"
"No, captain."