What did it mean?
Allen heard the word "free," but it seemed like an echo of fairyland, having nothing in common with this matter-of-fact, cruel world.
"Yes, Col. Allen, you are free."
This time the word was spoken by an English officer.
Allen staggered like a drunken man, and would have fallen had not Eben caught him.
"Come, colonel, we must not trespass on the hospitality of the King of England any longer; I have promised to escort you with all due diligence to the headquarters of the commander-in-chief."
Allen stood still, looking, with glassy eyes, at the speaker.
In a few moments he asked;
"Am I dreaming?"
"It looked very like it, colonel, for you acted as though you were asleep; but come now, we must be going."