"And I do not deem that he has treated me as a prisoner should be treated," added Deck. "But I am willing to let the matter rest,—providing I can have another escort to the prisoners' camp."
Major Collins looked first at Deck and then at the spy.
"Has this man threatened you?" he demanded of the young Union officer.
"He was very anxious to get information out of me."
"I repeat, did he threaten you, Major?"
"He told me that I must tell him certain things or take the consequences, and he had his pistol in his hand while he spoke."
"And you were as helpless as you are now?"
"I was."
"It is a falsehood!" burst from Captain Brentford's lips. "He wanted to buy me off—offered me a thousand dollars if I would help him to get back over the river."
"I stand by what I said," went on Deck, his face flushing. "I haven't a thousand cents to offer any one."