“I was so fortunate as to obtain this uniform from a Yankee officer whom I captured,” replied Somers, with promptness.
“There yer hev him,” added Turkin.
“That explains it, though some officers prefer to go in rags rather than wear the colors of the Yankees, especially when obtained in that manner.”
“I have only to say, sir, that the Yankee from whom I got them had no further use for his clothes,” added Somers, pleased to find that the chivalry did not justify the system which prevailed of robbing prisoners of their clothing.
“May I ask your business with me, sir?”
“I have a small squad of seven men with me. We have had no supper, and we wish to trespass so far on your hospitality as to obtain one in your house.”
“Eight of you?” asked the planter. “You shall be supplied at once.”
“We are in great haste.”
“All possible expedition shall be used in preparing the meal,” answered the planter, as he ordered his servant to give the proper directions to the cook and others. “Do you belong to Colonel Grayhame’s force?”
“Tell him yer do,” whispered Turkin.