With a sudden, unexpected movement, Ephraim snatched the packet, cast it to the ground, and set his foot upon it. ‘Keep off!’ he cried, as the captain made a rush to recover his precious document. ‘Another step, and yew’re a dead man. Yew must think me green, ef yew ’magine I couldn’t see through that game. Why, any one could write Frémont’s name outside an envelope. I’ll bet a trifle thar’s things in that yew wouldn’t keer fer Frémont tew see, all the same.’
‘Give me my letter!’ shouted the enraged officer.
‘It’s my letter now, and yew’re my prisoner. I’ll give it and yew up tergether when the grand rounds come.’
Captain Hopkins changed his tone again. ‘I never knew such a fellow as you,’ he said. ‘You mean well; but you have no idea what an amount of valuable time you are wasting. I swear to you I am not a rebel spy, but what I told you—the bearer of a despatch to General Frémont. As a last resource, if you will let me go, I will return to the camp, and bring back some one who will identify me. Will that do?’
Ephraim appeared to meditate. Finally he said: ‘How am I tew know yew ain’t fooling me? I might ez well have a prisoner, naow I’ve got one.’
‘You have only my word for it, of course,’ said the captain.
‘Oh, waal, I guess I’ll trust yew,’ answered Ephraim after another pause. ‘Off with yew, and come back ez soon ez yew kin git. I’ll keep the despatch safe.’
The captain needed no second telling, but turned and ran. Ephraim hailed him when he had gone a little way.
‘Well,’ demanded the captain, turning round, and fearful of a bullet, by way of a keepsake, from this very officious sentry. ‘What is it?’
‘Ef yew air reely Captain Hopkins,’ said Ephraim—‘and mind, I’m not saying yew ain’t—yew won’t git me inter trouble fer this. Yew’ll tell ’em I only did my dewty.’