"I don't know nothin', General," answered Jim, his voice shaking. "Only they're Yanks, an' I thought they ought to be turned over. I didn't expect,—" he stopped short.
"Didn't expect what?"
"I—I didn't expect they'd be examined none, ner that I'd be dragged into it. I thought they'd—they'd be shot."
"In the regular Confederate service we do not shoot prisoners of war," replied the General, turning a coldly significant glance upon Yeager. "And why," he continued, addressing Jim, "didn't you want to be dragged into it, as you say?"
The deck hand's eyes wavered and he made no reply.
"What are you so alarmed about?" persisted the General, leaning forward and watching him suspiciously.
Al cleared his throat.
"Pardon me, General Clark," said he, "but I believe you will find on inquiry that this man is a deserter from your service."
Jim started as if he had been shot.