Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/359

THE FIGHT IN THE CABIN be supported by two of the men, while the younger lad was swung in a blanket. After they had disappeared, five troopers remained, lounging in the doorway, with guns in hand, and the Sergeant took time to come over and examine my fastenings. He was a sturdy-looking fellow, with a coarse face, but rather pleasant eyes.

"Your Lieutenant is something of a joker, is n't he?" I questioned, still doubting the earnestness of the threat.

"Not that ever I heard about," he returned gruffly, "I've suspected him of most everything else, but never of that."

"You mean he really intends to hang me?"

"I reckon he does."

"But see here, Sergeant, I am no spy. I am here in uniform, and have fought you face to face. Surely you men will never take part in such a deed?"

He spat into one corner of the cabin, his face expressionless.

"We all are soldiers," he replie' finally, "an' I reckon what the Lieutenant says goes. Far as I'm consarned, stranger, a Yank's a Yank, and I'm willin' ter string 'em all up, if them's the orders. The boys mostly feels like that. If the Lieutenant is in airnest, an' I reckon he is, ye better be gittin' that last will an' testament o' yours fixed up, fer we're due back in camp by night-fall." [ 339 ]