“Did you read what he wrote on the card?” asked Colonel Roman, who could not help laughing at the simplicity of the wretch.
“I reckon I didn’t; I ain’t much at readin’ writin’.”
“I will read it to you,” added the planter, taking the card from his pocket: “‘These villains mean to rob your house after supper; get a force and capture them.’”
“Is that what he writ?” demanded Turkin, in a fearful rage.
“It is. The cat’s paw had a fang.”
“Then I’ll hang him.”
“You will be hung yourself first.”
Everything was explained; and now came up the question in regard to the disposition of Somers. The lieutenant declared he had no authority to discharge the prisoner, who was a Union officer; but he would report the case to his superiors.
“That’s inter yer, Yank,” said Turkin. “You’ll go with us.”
Colonel Roman interposed to prevent Somers’s longer remaining in the company of the villains. The prisoner gave his parole for three days, and the officer left him with the planter, who promised to go with him to the headquarters of the rebel army within that time. The lieutenant then departed with his prisoners, and Somers was treated as a guest in the house of the colonel.