“Of course they do.”
“If you know all about the situation and the force of the rebels, what is the use of going any farther?”
“I don’t know,” replied the major, rather confused at the question. “But, Somers, you wear your staff uniform.”
“I do.”
“That’s a mistake. It will expose yourself and me,” he added, with some appearance of alarm. “If I had seen what you had on before, I should not have dared to come with you.”
“I don’t intend to show myself to these people.”
“But we were challenged only a moment since; and if the soldiers had noticed your uniform, they would have detained you.”
“If I had been alone, I should not have exposed my self to their gaze.”
“It’s a mistake, and we must correct it.”
“Half the rebel officers wear Union colors. They rob our people of their coats, and don’t scruple to wear them.”