His course was a prudent one, as we can easily see. In case his captors were really union cavalrymen he knew that no harm was likely to come to Jack or himself. He was ready to declare who and what they were as soon as he was satisfied of the genuineness of the apparent unionists; but, if on the other hand, they should prove to be the band of murderers of which he had heard, the fate of both the youths would have been sealed, and their lives forfeited if they had avowed their real characters.
Harry and Jack endured very well the searching investigation of the captain; stuck to the original story and did not reveal their true characters, and were finally turned over to the care of the guard, who treated them kindly, though without giving them the least chance for getting away. This was an indication in the right direction, and Harry proceeded to follow it up.
Finding that the sentinel who had them in charge was inclined to be talkative, he engaged him in conversation, and soon learned enough to convince him that he was among friends. Then he asked to be taken before the captain again, as he had something to say that he had hitherto concealed.
His request was conveyed to the captain, and he soon followed the request. When he came into the officer's presence, the latter impatiently said:
“Well, young fellow, what is it now?”
“I want to say,” responded Harry, “that we haven't told you the truth.”
“That's nothing surprising,” was the reply; “very few people tell it nowadays in this part of the country.”
“We've told you we were secesh,” explained Harry, “and we're nothing of the sort.”
“That's too thin,” exclaimed the captain; “if you think you're going to play union on me you're mistaken.”
He looked the youth straight in the eye as he said this. Harry met his glance firmly, and after a moment's pause answered: