I went as he directed down the rutty road, my newly appropriated horse trailing along behind. The prisoners were in an open space near the bank of the stream, where a fire had been built. They were mostly lying down, the guard forming an outside circle. Grant was pacing back and forth restlessly, but, as soon as I appeared within the fire radius, he came toward me.
"Can I see you alone?" he asked brusquely.
"If there is any reason for privacy, certainly," I answered in surprise. "What do you wish to say?"
"This is a matter strictly between us," evasively. "I prefer not to discuss it publicly here."
I had a suspicion of treachery, yet was not willing to exhibit any reluctance. The fellow was no better man than I when it came to a struggle, and was unarmed. Besides he had succeeded in arousing my curiosity.
"Very good. Bannister," to the partisan in charge, "I want a word with Captain Grant, and will be responsible for his safe return."
The man looked after us doubtfully, yet permitted us to pass beyond the guard-lines. There was a stump beside the ford, barely within the flicker of the distant fire, and there I stopped, leaning against my horse, and turned so as to look into the man's face.
"Well, Grant," I said, rather sternly. "We are alone now; what is it?"
He cleared his throat, evidently uncertain how best to express himself.
"Why did you ask so many questions about Delavan's lieutenant?" he began sullenly. "What were you trying to find out?"