“I can hardly believe that I am alive and well after all that has happened,” said he in conclusion. “That was the most bloodthirsty villain I ever encountered in the whole course of my life.”
“If you say shoot him, leftenant, it shall be done quicker’n you can say Jack Roberson,” added Hapgood, indignant at the conduct of the savage rebel.
“Of course, I don’t say anything of that kind. It would be murder to do anything of that sort while he is our prisoner.”
“He desarves hanging more’n Kyd the pirate did; and if I had my way, he’d swing afore sunrise to-morrow. He’s a consarned heathen!”
“Never mind him; only keep him safe, and where he can’t do any mischief; for he is wicked enough to kill the man that feeds him.”
“I’m only sorry I didn’t hit him a little higher up, where I hit the other feller this mornin’,” added the veteran. “How do you feel now, leftenant?”
“I am improving. I shall be ready to go with you in a few moments more.”
After sitting on the stump half an hour longer, he was in condition to march; but the danger was past, the tremendous excitement had subsided, and his muscles, which had been strained up to the highest tension, seemed to become soft and flaccid. The party passed the Union pickets, and reached the headquarters of the division general, who had just finished his supper.
“Somers! by all that is great and good!” exclaimed the general, who probably never expected to see the scout again.
“I have come to make my report, sir,” replied the lieutenant.