the rebel. This effectually quieted him; but the lieutenant's little
force were falling back before the furious assaults of the graybacks.

He had only time to get up before the rebels were upon him. At this
interesting and critical moment, Captain de Banyan came up with his large
force; and the enemy, finding themselves pressed in front and rear, gave
up in despair. They were disarmed; and, those from the wheat-field being
brought forward, the whole squad were marched in the direction of the
Union line.

About one-half of Somers's men were wounded, though some but slightly.
These were sent back. The rebel officer lay insensible upon the ground;
but Somers, satisfied that he was only stunned, desired to carry him off,
not only as a trophy of his prowess, but because such a desperate fellow
would be less dangerous in a prison-camp than in the lines of the rebels.
He directed two of his men to bear the insensible form to the house,
whither they were followed by the remainder of the force.

"Somers, my dear fellow, give me your hand," said Captain de Banyan, as
soon as the pressing business of the moment had been disposed of. "You
have covered yourself with glory."

"Pooh!" replied Somers, trying to look indifferent. "I have only done my
duty, and obeyed my orders."

"That's very true; but, if you had been weak in the knees, you couldn't
very well have obeyed orders. Somers, you have done a big thing; and, in
my judgment, you ought to be promoted."

"Promoted for that?"

"In the battle of Magenta----"

"Oh, confound the battle of Magenta!" exclaimed Somers, interrupting him.
"I will give you a handsome present if you will never say Magenta to me
again."

"Don't be petulant, my dear boy! You have got a sweet temper naturally,
and I hope you won't spoil it."

"I am afraid you will spoil it for me."

"I was only saying pleasant things to you, and you fly off and roll
yourself up in your dignity like a little hedgehog. By the way, Somers,
don't you suppose that Senator Guilford will hear of this affair?"

"I hope not."

"Nor that little lady we left all used up with a broken arm?"

"I don't care whether she does or not."

"Or that other little lady who knits socks for soldiers that don't run
away in battle?"

Somers blushed like a maiden, and his experienced companion saw that he
had touched the tender spot in his heart. Very likely the captain would
have said something more on this interesting subject, if