“Is this so, Tippy?”
“It is, Captain Lynchman. Whatever he says is right.”
“Major, I am satisfied now.” said the chief, extending his hand to De Banyan. “I wanted to repose implicit confidence in you before, but prudence forbade.”
“We are losing time,” said De Banyan.
“Now tell your story, Tippy,” added Lynchman.
Somers was confounded by the events which had just transpired before him. He did not know what to make of them. His friend had a wonderful power over the scout, which he could not explain; but whatever occurred, he knew that De Banyan was a true man; that the recognition and devotion of the rebel scout to him were no evidences of infidelity. He could not understand, but he could trust the major.
“Shall I go on, sir?” said the scout, appealing to the major.
“Certainly; proceed,” replied De Banyan.
Tippy’s story was short and to the point. The pay-master with the greenbacks had arrived, and there was present a force of about a hundred cavalry to convoy him to his place of destination.
“A hundred!” exclaimed the captain, vexed at this information. “I shall want the rest of my men.”