nt
out as spies, had often incurred the odium of such a reputation, in order
to keep their own counsels, and serve their country the more faithfully.

If Captain de Banyan was a deserter in appearance only, he would, of
course, soon be able to make his fidelity and patriotism apparent to the
rebel authorities; and being a patriot, in the traitor use of the word,
he could not do less than denounce his companion as a Federal spy.
Whatever turn the affair might take, Somers felt that his own chances of
escape were every moment becoming beautifully less. If De Banyan was a
faithful rebel, there was proof positive that his companion was a spy; if
not, he was in the company of a deserter, and would be subjected to all
manner of suspicion.

De Banyan still held his head up, and did not lose his impudence, even
after the letters had been found upon his arm. He did not appear to be at
all confused by the discovery and the triumph of the cavalry officer's
argument. He punched Somers in the side with his elbow; but the latter
was unable to divine the significance of this movement.

"Well, Barney, I wish somebody else had caught you instead of me; for it
is not pleasant to find an old friend under such circumstances."

"If you please, captain, I haven't the pleasure of knowing your name."

"Come, Barney, don't keep up this farce any longer."

"I was about to beg the favor, that you would not call me by that
offensive name any longer."

"You seem to be changing your colors very rapidly," laughed the officer.
"When I first saw you, you were a rough-spoken fellow; but now you use
the language of a polished gentleman. Barney, you and I were good friends
in the Third Tennessee; and, though I am sorry to meet you under these
circumstances, we must both make the best of it."

"I tell you, captain, you are entirely mistaken in your man. I never was
in Tennessee in my life."

"Good! You were always celebrated for monstrous stories; and they are
fully in keeping with your past history. Well, since you refuse to
recognize an old friend, of course I shall be excused for any unpleasant
measures to which I may be compelled to resort."

"Anything you please, captain, so long as you refrain from calling me
Barney, which in my estimation is a low and vulgar cognomen, that I am
unwilling to have applied to me."

"Who is the man with you?" demanded the officer in more business-like
tones.

"His name is Tom Leathers; he's a pilot on the