"Well, we are here," said Artie, after Clinker's wound had been examined and dressed. "The question is, what's next?" Deck silently counted their forces again. As General was absent, they numbered but eight including himself. He shook his head seriously. "We are but eight, and if that captured rascal is to be believed they have three times that number," he said. "But our other negroes must be around somewhere," said Artie, "and they'll need some men to guard the women folks,--unless they have locked them up,--or--or--" "Or done away with them," finished Deck, bitterly. "For myself, I am ready to make a dash forward, be the consequence what it may. But I can't ask it of you and the slaves," and he turned to the overseer. "I'll do whatever you think best, Major," responded Levi, warmly. "But supposing I go out with a flag of truce and learn what they have to say?" "Hadn't I better go along?" asked Deck, eagerly. "If you wish--yes." A handkerchief was soon tied to a stick, and, leaving Artie in command of the armed slaves, the young major and the overseer sallied forth, waving the flag of truce over their heads. They started toward the mansion, but before half the distance was covered a loud and rough voice from the barn called upon them to halt, and they halted. "Come this way with thet rag!" was the next order. "If ye go to the house we'll open fire on ye!" As there seemed no help for it, Deck and Levi turned toward the barn. While still a hundred feet from the building they were ordered to halt again, and then a man in gray, wearing a tangled beard of black, with matted hair to match, came forth to greet them. "Well?" he demanded laconically, as the major and the overseer paused. "Dan Wolfall, what does this mean?" demanded Levi, recognizing the individual as a former citizen of Barcreek, and one who had left "between two days" because of a horse stealing which had been laid at his door. Wolfall grinned, thereby showing a set of uneven yellow teeth, much the worse for constant tobacco chewing. "I reckon as how it means we-uns is in persession o' this yere plantation," he answered slowly, shifting his quid from one jaw to the other. "Whom do you mean by we-uns?" asked Deck. "Me an' the rest o' Captain Casswell's company o' Confederates, sonny. Say, you feel big in them sodger clothes, don't ye?" Wolfall asked, with another grin. "Do you know that you are liable to be shot down or hung as outlaws?" went on Deck. "Reckon we air jest as liable ter be shot down as Confed'rates, ain't we?" "Such men as you would be a disgrace even to the Confederacy, Wolfall," interposed Levi Bedford, his honest eyes flashing fire. "Years ago Duncan Lyon saved you from a long term in prison, and this is how you reward his brother and his nephews."