“What regiment do you belong to?” persisted the dilapidated soldier.
What business was that to him? Why should he trouble himself about other people’s affairs? It sounded like a very impertinent question to the excited lieutenant, and he was tempted to inform the busy-body that it was none of his business; but, as he had already earned a good character for civility with the interesting family in whose presence he still stood, his bump of approbation would not permit him to forfeit their esteem by so inconsiderate a reply.
“Good-by, all!” said he with energy, turning away from the rebel soldier, and moving towards the door.
“What regiment did you say you belonged to?” demanded the persistent rebel.
“I didn’t say,” replied Somers, not in the most gentle tones.
“Will you oblige me by telling me to what regiment you belong?” added the rebel.
“I think I will not,” continued Somers, more and more displeased with the persistence of the other. “I came very near being arrested as a deserter just now, though I have a pass in my pocket; and I don’t care about exposing myself to any further annoyance by my own indiscretion.”
“I assure you I am a friend, and I would not betray you if I knew you were a deserter,” said the stranger in very civil tones.
Thus appealed to, and perceiving that he was not gaining in the estimation of Mr. Raynes by his reticence, he decided that he could not make the matter much worse by answering the question.
“To the Fourth Alabama,” he replied desperately; “but you must excuse me; for I am in a tremendous hurry.”