“Who are these men, lieutenant?”
“This man is Harkins, the outlaw that has been trying to organize a company of rebels,” was the reply. “And this young fellow says his name is Tom Dare, and that he was on his way to see some of his folks up north a hundred miles or so. He was at Harkins’ cabin when we got there, and so we brought him along.”
“H’m,” said the colonel. Then to Tom’s companion he said: “I suppose you are sorry, now, Harkins, that you took the side of the rebels?”
Harkins, who was a quiet, determined man, shook his head. “No, I’m not sorry,” he said.
“You will be sorry that you’re a rebel, before we get through with you,” sternly.
“I am not a rebel.”
“What are you, then, if not a rebel?” was the query.
“A patriot,” was the dignified reply.
“Bah,” sneered the officer, “a distinction without a difference.”
“It makes considerable difference to me,” said Harkins. “I do not consider that the patriots are rebels. They are fighting for their independence, which they are entitled to, which doesn’t make them rebels.”