“I can’t explain it myself,” added Somers. “I only know that you are not the man who entrapped me, and whom I shot in the head.”
Somers then related the history of the affair in the house where they were then assembled, and that which occurred in the rebel lines. Major Riggleston listened to the narrative with deep interest, as did Mrs. Somers, whose husband had gone with Alick to examine the battle-field of Antietam and South Mountain.
“Sakes alive! who ever heard of such things!” exclaimed Mrs. Somers, when her son had finished his exciting story. “It’s a wonder that you wan’t killed, Thomas.”
“I understand it all now, Captain Somers,” said the major, rather disconcerted. “Though I am not at all to blame in the premises, the affair more nearly concerns me than you may suppose.”
“I exonerate you entirely, Major Riggleston,” continued Somers.
“There, Thomas, you musn’t talk any more now,” interposed the matron.
“I won’t say anything more, but I must settle this affair, mother.”
At this moment the door opened, and Maud Hasbrouk was on the point of entering; but when she saw that the parlor was already occupied, she turned to retire.
“These people in here!” said she, contemptuously, but loud enough to be heard by all in the room.
“No matter, Maud; go in if Ernest is there,” said another person, behind her.