"Anything stirring yet, Willie?" asked the captain.
"Nothing, captain, except an occasional picket's shot," replied the boy. "But, if you please, there is a fellow out here who wants to see you."
"Who is he?" asked Abner.
"I don't know, captain. I never saw him before. He is a bright mulatto, and he says he must see you. He is dressed in citizen's clothes and unarmed."
"Let him come in, Willie."
The youthful soldier touched his cap lightly and withdrew, and a moment later a tall, yellow mulatto entered. He looked sharply about the tent, as though fearing that some secret foe might suddenly spring upon him.
"Have a seat," said Abner, pointing to the only unoccupied camp-stool that the tent afforded.
The mulatto took the proffered seat and fixed his bright, yellowish dark eyes on the young officer.
"Well, sir, what can I do for you?" asked the captain.
"Nothin'," replied the mulatto with a grin on his shriveled yellow face.