“One of the people,” replied Somers, disposed to avoid a direct issue. “Who are you?”
“I’m one of the people too,” grinned the rebel.
“I see you are; and I suppose you belong to the army, don’t you?”
“Bet your life I do.”
“Of course you won’t object to telling me which army you belong to, as there may be some difference of opinion between us.”
“’Tain’t no use to ask a officer dressed in blue, and lookin’ as spruce as you be, whar he kim from. I say, Yank, what are you uns doin’ in hyar?”
“Only taking a look.”
“You’re as civil as a Mobile dancin’-master; and I axes yer, very perlite, to surrender.”
“How many men have you got, reb?” demanded the lieutenant, as he put his hand on his revolver.
“See hyar, Yank; play fair. You uns allers cheat playin’ poker. Don’t tech yer shooter yet,” replied the grayback coolly, as he thrust the muzzle of his gun in the lieutenant’s face. “Two kin play at that game, and your wife or mine will be a lone widder quicker’n a coon kin wink at the moon. I’ve got seven men,” he added.