The man then on duty answered, "The sergeant I relieved said that you took 'im away, sir, and that the man named Perkins followed you." "There's been treachery here," cried Whately in a rage. "Bring that sergeant here." The weary man was half dragged in his sleep to the officer and there thoroughly awakened by a volley of oaths. He stolidly told his story, concluding, "I cud a sworn it was you, and the overseer followed less'n three minutes after you left." "'I left'--curse you--don't say that again. You've been fooled or was asleep and neglected your duty." "Well, then, sir," was the dogged reply, "find that overseer who was a watchin' the Yank like a cat. Ast 'im; ast my men ef I wasn't awake en ef I didn't s'lute you soon ez you come. There's the overseer's lantern burnin' yet jis whar he left it." At this moment Perkins came staggering toward the fire, with both hands to his head as if trying to hold it together. His clothes were muddy, his face was ghastly and he stared at Whately as if the officer was also a part of a horrid dream. Whately seized him roughly by the arm and said sternly, "Speak, man. What does all this mean? Where's the Yank?" "For God's sake, quit," cried Perkins. "I'm nigh dead now. You've got me in anuff trouble for one night." "Trouble--you! What's your trouble to mine? I'm responsible for these prisoners. Now where's that Yank? Quick, or you WILL have trouble." "I ain't seen 'im since yer took 'im away--YOU. I ain't one of your understrappers. Ez I wuz follerin' yer some one knocked me down from behind and nigh onto killed me. I jes gittin' my senses back." Although so enraged, Whately knew that as a soldier he must curb his passion, report the facts immediately and see what could be done. His superior officer was called, all the parties questioned closely, the garden and Aun' Jinkey's cabin searched, but no new facts discovered. The old negress was savagely threatened, but she only replied, "I dunno, I dunno not'n. Wat got inter you ter tink an ole tottery, skeered ooman lak me gwine out in de dark en knock Marse Perkins on de haid?" "Where's your grandson, Chunk?" Whately demanded fiercely. "He des light out wid de Yankees dis eb'nin'."