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 gone lame for a week but he is all right now."

"It's all right, uncle, you let me have him. I'll fix it up with Major Eaton. The rebs have attacked us and I have got to get to Pine River in no time. Give me that bridle."

"Ah couldn't no how," protested Rastus. "Massar Halsey he skin me alive."

"Men," said General Werritan turning to his officers, "we're losing valuable time. Take him prisoner. We'll confiscate the horse."

The men drew their swords and advanced upon poor Rastus with great seeming ferocity.

"O mercy General," wailed the old negro. "Spare my life, General, and you may have the hoss, but, Massar Halsey will skin me alive, sure as preachin."

"Put him in the guard house for a while and then let him go," said General Werritan winking at the officers.

So without further words, he put his hand upon the pommel of Halsey's saddle and