n? If he really
expected to find them in that house, he was certainly mistaken in
supposing, as he evidently did, that they were both Confederates. Tom
had never set eyes on him before, and hoped from the bottom of his heart
that the officer did not know anybody in or around Springfield. He
hoped, too, and trembled while the thought flitted through his mind,
that no one in the room would speak his name, for it was his turn to
sail under false colors now.

Having sent his subordinate after some soldiers to disarm the men of
whom he had spoken as prisoners, the officer dropped the point of his
sword to the floor, came to "parade rest," and looked about the room

"With such a face of Christian satisfaction
As good men wear, who have done a virtuous action."

CHAPTER XIII.

WITH PRICE'S MEN.

In obedience to the order of his superior the lieutenant stepped upon
the porch and beckoned to some of his men, who at once came in and began
the work of disarming the citizens. Although the latter gave up their
weapons without a show of resistance, they scowled when they did it in a
way that impelled Tom to whisper to his friend:

"Their looks prove how desperate and savage they are, and we are lucky
in getting out of their hands; but I don't know but I have jumped out of
the frying-pan into the fire. Bear in mind that from this minute I go by
my middle name--Barton. As you value my safety, don't say Percival once.
I am not sure that these Confederates ever heard the name, but I mustn't
run the slightest risk."

"Of course not," replied Rodney. "But how in the world do you suppose
they found out that we were here?"

"It will be your place to ask them about that. You must do the talking
now. Do you want our guns, lieutenant?"

The latter stood by his men while they were disarming the citizens, and
in moving about the room came within reach of the two boys, who produced
their revolvers and held them so that he could see them; but when he
smiled and waved his hand as if to say "I don't want them," they put the
weapons back in their places.

If it hadn't been for two things, Rodney Gray would have been as happy
as a boy ever gets to be. He was among friends, the very ones, too, he
wanted to find, and from that time on he could appear in his true
character; but he trembled for his friend and for the safety of Mr.
Truman's property. The latter, remembering t