“I thought the rebels were human.”
“Human? That isn’t the first time to-day I’ve seen such a thing as that done. Come along, my boy; come along.”
Tom followed the Zouave again; but he was too much exhausted to run any farther. Even the terrors of the Black Horse Cavalry could not inspire him with strength and courage to continue his flight at any swifter pace than a walk.
“I can go no farther,” said he, at last.
“Yes, you can; pull up! pull up! You will be taken if you stop here.”
“I can’t help it. I can go no farther. I am used up.”
“Pull up, pull up, my boy!”
“I can’t.”
“But I don’t want to leave you here. They’ll murder you—cut your throat, like a dog.”
“I will hide myself in the bushes till I get a little more strength.”