Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/363

THE AVOWAL "Perhaps I might fail as a messenger," he admitted, assured of his position, "and as we are in a hurry to return to camp this pleasant duty can be attended to at once. I don't think I ever hated anybody worse than I do you, King, and the Lord has been good to me for once. Connors!"

The Sergeant who had been watching us through half closed eyes, rose to his feet, and saluted.

"Here, sir."

"You enlisted from this section, I understand. This Yank here has been riding the country with Bill Daniels, and up to all kinds of deviltry. There's no use taking that kind prisoner, and I reckon you know your business."

The Sergeant grinned, looking me over coolly. Dunn evidently knew his man, for he snapped out his orders sharply.

"Unstrap his legs and get him on his feet. Take the fellow's jacket off; the collar is too high. Here Munn, you and Franklin hold him by the arms. That's right, men; outside with him. We'll give the lad another look at the sunshine."

They were grimly in earnest, holding me roughly, and forcing me forward through the door. I saw the back of the house a hundred yards away, most of the troop of cavalrymen lounging beside the well. The majority remained where they were, staring curiously at us, but a half-dozen got upon their feet, and strolled in our direction. Scarcely knowing what I did, yet obeying the pressure on either side, I advanced until jerked to a halt. [ 343 ]