“Have you any idea what is the matter with this man, Sergeant?”

The sergeant shook his head.  “I don’t know anything about it, Colonel.  I only know that we took the man as I have said.  He tried to talk to Captain Lewis, but the captain thought it best to send him back at once.”

“You insist on belonging to the—­what regiment did you say?”

“The Eleventh Massachusetts, sir,” said I, unable to restrain a smile.

“Then what are you doing here?”

“I was brought here much against my will, Colonel.”

“But what were you doing when you were captured?”

“I have not been captured, Colonel; when I came to meet the lancers, I was returning from a scout.”

“What brigade do you belong to?”

“General Grover’s.”

“What division?”

“General Hooker’s.”

“Where is your regiment now?”

“Near Bottom’s Bridge, Colonel,” I said; then added, “it was there on the 21st; where it is now I cannot say.”

The colonel saw that I was a very remarkable Confederate deserter; he was beginning to believe my story; his tone altered.

“But why are you in Confederate uniform?”

“Colonel,” said I, “I have been sent out by order, and I was just returning when our cavalry met me.  I tried to explain, but they would not listen to me.  The officer threatened me and would not let me speak.”

The colonel looked puzzled.  “Have you anything to prove that you are a Union soldier?”

“No, sir,” said I, “not a thing.  It would be dangerous for me to carry anything of that kind, sir.  All I ask is to be sent to General Morell.”

“Where is General Morell?”

“On the reserve line near New Bridge.”

“Why send you to General Morell?”

“Because I must make my report to him.”

“Did he send you out?”

“Yes, sir.”

“How is it that you are attached to General Grover and also to General Morell?”

“Well, Colonel, that is something I do not like to talk about, but it is perfectly straight.  If you will send me under guard to General Morell, the whole matter will be cleared up to your satisfaction.  I beg you to do so at once.  I know that General Morell will consider my report important, and will be disappointed if it should be delayed, sir.”

“Not yet,” said he; “but I will send him a description of your person.  I shall want you here in case General Morell does not claim you and justify your claims.”

“But if General Morell does not justify me, I am a rebel, and what would you do with me?”

“If you are a rebel, you are a deserter or a spy, and you say you are not a deserter; if you are either, General Morell does not need you.”

“Colonel,” said I, “would not a rebel spy be an idiot to come voluntarily into the Union lines dressed as I am dressed?”

“One cannot be too careful,” said he.  “You claim to be a Union man, but you cannot prove it.”