"I don't think so—and neither does Mrs. Ruthven nor Marion."
"So you have been harboring a Yankee in this place, eh? A pretty business to be in surely," sneered the surgeon.
"We could not help ourselves. But I have another witness against you."
"Another?"
"Yes, a Confederate soldier who knows you well. He can testify that you never had either sweetheart or wife."
"Who is the man?"
"For the present I must decline to disclose his identity."
"You are trying to fool me!" stormed Dr. Mackey.
"No, I am telling you only the truth. Now I wish you to answer me a few questions. Why are you so anxious to claim me as your son?"
"Because you are my son. Good or bad, I cannot go back upon my own flesh and blood, as you are trying to do."