with an old fellow like you, I shall answer no questions in regard
to him at present."

"Indeed!"

"Not a question, Dr. Scoville. I intend to have him stay at your house
till he is able to join his regiment; and I intend to stay with him."

"You do me unmerited honor by making my humble house your home," said the
doctor satirically.

"I think you are worthy of the honor, Dr. Scoville. As your humble house,
I think it is very well got up, creditable to your taste, and altogether
a fine place."

"Thank you," growled the host. "I suppose you have no objection to my
informing the Confederate States military officers in the city of your
presence here?"

"Not the slightest," answered De Banyan promptly. "I propose to inform
them myself in due time."

"What did you say your name was?"

"Captain Sheffield."

"Of Petersburg?"

"No, sir."

"Not of Petersburg?"

"No, sir; of Nashville, Tennessee, which I can further inform you is the
capital of the State. I have the honor to be a captain in the Third
Tennessee. I served in Mexico, in the Crimea, and in Italy. I was present
at four battles in the Crimea, seven in Italy, five in Mexico; I have
been engaged in nine battles of the present war, and have been wounded
six times."

"Were you ever killed?"

"Never was so unfortunate. Can I furnish you with any further
information?"

"No more at present," replied the doctor, compressing his lips,
apparently to keep from laughing, but really because he could not think
of anything sharp enough to dash so ready a talker. "If you do me the
honor to remain here a week, I shall have better opportunities of hearing
your marvelous experience, Captain Sheffield. Ah, what have we here?"
continued he as three horsemen galloped up the roadway.

A violent knocking was presently heard at the side door of the house, and
Dr. Scoville hastened to learn the errand of the excited visitors.

CHAPTER XXIX

DE BANYAN AT WORK

"How do you feel, my dear boy?" asked Captain de Banyan as soon as the
doctor had left the room.

Somers, by the skilful applications of the physician, had been restored
to consciousness, and had listened with astonishment, not unmingled with
alarm, to the last part of the conversation between his friend and their
host.

"I feel a little better, captain; at any rate, I am more comfortable,"
replied Somers.

"I am glad to hear it. I have been terribly worried about you."

"I think I shall do well en