“Give an account of yourself,” said he.
“We’re no account,” replied De Banyan.
“I’ve seen you before,” continued the cavalry commander, gazing intently at the captain.
“No; you saw me behind.”
“That sounds like you. Why, really, it is Barney Marvel.”
“Who?” demanded De Banyan with an expression of humor.
“Barney Marvel! Don’t you know your own name? Give us your hand, Barney,” added the officer, as he extended his own.
“Well, cap’n, perhaps I’m Barney what’s-his-name; but, ’pon my word, I don’t think I am;” and De Banyan wore a troubled expression, even to the eyes of his anxious companion.
“Don’t be modest about it, Barney. You left us rather unceremoniously; but I hope you’ll be able to show that it was all right.”
“’Pon my word it was all right, though I haven’t the least idea what you mean.”