mpse of the mare, and, daring to take me by the arm
as if he were my equal, he demanded to know what I did there in the
British camp. Then it was I forgot myself, allowing my temper to get the
best of me, and instead of speaking him fairly because of the
circumstances, I threatened he should be flogged by one of my uncle's
negroes in the slave quarters, for daring to thus accost me. It stands
to reason that I realize now how foolish was this course, for I might
have put him off, or answered his question after my own fashion, and
later, when there were not so many king's lovers around, I could have
had him punished. But, instead, I lost control of myself, as I have
said, and I believe my actions pleased the scoundrel. He taunted me with
being a rebel, and otherwise strove to set yet further flame to my
anger, until forgetting all else, having lost to mind the danger in
which you lads would be placed, I struck at the fellow, knocking him
down, much to my satisfaction.

"In a twinkling he had me by the legs while yet lying upon the ground
and cried out for the guard, declaring he was being murdered, and
otherwise making as much disturbance as half a dozen could have made if
they were being whipped to death. Then, as a matter of course, the guard
came up. Abel Hunt, who seemed to be on a friendly footing with some of
the red-coats, explained that I, a rebel, had attempted to win him over
to the side of the Whigs, and, failing, had set upon him with intent to
kill.

"There was little need for him to have made so many charges against me.
The fact that I had been so bold as to make a disturbance nearabout the
quarters of the high and mighty officers of my Lord Cornwallis, was in
itself enough to warrant me lodgings in the guard-house, and before many
seconds had passed I was thrust into that filthy place, where I was fed
on bread with now and then a slice of bacon, and no more than half
enough of the river water to quench my thirst.

"I knew full well that you lads would leave no stone unturned until you
had learned of my whereabouts, and I was also well convinced you could
do nothing whatsoever to aid me. Therefore it was I strove to remain in
that horrible place content, and succeeded in a measure until the cannon
began to roar, when I cried aloud with joy, for I believed our people
were giving battle to Cornwallis's army, although how that might
advantage me, unless they gained such a victory as to take all the
red-coats