complicate
the difficulties of the moment, and that the bold youth would be
compelled to use his pistol.

"Perhaps it is Owen," replied the old man, a little calmer than before.

"I hope it is."

The words sent a shudder through the frame of Somers, as he again thought
of Owen Raynes, cold and dead in his oozy grave in the swamp.

"Open the door," said a voice from without.

Allan Garland drew the bolt, and threw the door wide open.

"Why, Allan, my dear fellow!" exclaimed a young man who stood at the
outside of the door in his shirt sleeves, as he grasped both of the rebel
soldier's hands, and proceeded to make a most extravagant demonstration
of rejoicing. "I am glad to see you!"

"Owen, my dear boy!" replied Allan Garland, as he returned with equal
warmth the salutation of the newcomer.

"Where did you come from, Allan? I had given you up for lost?"

"I escaped from the Yankees the next day after I was taken, and have been
beating about the woods ever since."

Somers was thrown all aback by this arrival, which was certainly the most
remarkable one that had taken place during the day. He couldn't help
feeling very much like the hero of a sensational novel; and realized the
very original idea that truth is stranger than fiction. He could not
exactly account for the presence of Owen Raynes, whom he had
satisfactorily buried in the swamp, and whose clothes he had the honor to
wear at that moment. He did not believe in things supernatural, and it
never occurred to him that the form before him might be the ghost of
Owen.

"I am glad you have come just as you did, Owen," said Mr. Raynes.

"So am I; otherwise I might not have met Allan. But who is this?" he
added, glancing at Somers.

"Your most obedient servant," replied Somers, trying to pass him in the
narrow entry.

"Stop, young man!" shouted the old man. "Don't let him go, Owen!"

"Who is he?"

"His name is Allan Garland, of Union, Alabama; and he is a private in the
Fourth Alabama," replied Allan with a smile, as Owen placed himself
between Somers and the door.

"What!"

Mr. Raynes, being the oldest man present, was entitled to the position of
spokesman; and he made a very prolix statement of all the events which
had transpired since he first saw the pretended Allan Garland.

Owen Raynes was a very good-natured young man, and the recital of the
affair amused him exceedingly. He did not fly into a passion, being a
very amiable and reasonable reb