“Captain de Banyan!” exclaimed Somers.
CHAPTER XXVII
A FRIEND INDEED
“Hush, my dear boy! not a word!” said Captain de Banyan in an impressive whisper, as he led the way along the street.
Somers made no reply; for he readily perceived that the utmost caution was necessary, though he did not understand the position of his friend, or what complications there were in the situation. He was filled with rejoicing at finding himself again in the way of getting back to the Union army. Of course, his feelings towards Captain de Banyan, in spite of his antecedents in the Third Tennessee, underwent a sudden and agreeable change; and in the joy of his heart he was disposed to embrace his friend, and beg forgiveness for the suspicions he had entertained of him.
They had advanced but a short distance from the main street, when they heard the clatter of horses’ hoofs.
“That’s bad,” said Captain de Banyan, as he stopped to ascertain in what direction the horsemen were going.
“What’s bad?” demanded Somers.
“My absence has been discovered, I am afraid. The provost-marshal has a section of cavalry to run down Union prisoners who may escape. I think they are after me; at any rate, we must be very careful where we go.”