"No!" cried the adjutant, springing to his feet. "That is _not_ my only motive. I thought _you_ knew me better. It is true I love my father and my mother, my brothers and sisters, and it would gratify my pride if I could return home after this war is over, an acknowledged hero; but, I love my country, and while I enjoy the self-satisfaction derived from great deeds, I desire my country should derive all the benefits. It may be passion with me--this love of country--but I trust it is principle. My fathers fought, and I should hate myself if I had so far degenerated as to fight from selfish motives, or _fear_ to fight. From youth I have dreamed of battle-fields, and glory for myself, never thinking it would be in this, our own America, that my first battle would be fought. But it is so, and my manhood views differ somewhat from those of childhood. Now I long for the battle-field, and my country's glory!" "I have no doubt of your loyalty, Harry," replied the captain. "Neither do I doubt your love for your friends and your country. But you have just returned from the camp of Price, and, if I mistake not, you love that camp." Harry did not reply. The two other officers gazed upon the adjutant with a look of surprise, and then turning to the captain, one of them said: "Love for the camp of Price!" "Oh don't be alarmed, gentlemen. You know the good book tells us that where the treasure is, there the heart will be." "These are strange words; however, explain." "Why, can you not guess?" "Relatives there!" "No! that is, not at present. How soon a relative _may_ be there is quite another thing." "Come--come, captain, explain." "Why, look at Harry's face; you can find the explanation there. What but love, and love for the _softer_ sex, ever made a man like Harry grow pale and melancholy. You have not heard him sing 'Noble Republic' recently, have you? You know the free bird never sings when its mate has been caught and caged." "_Caught_ and _caged_! Why then if Harry really does love, it is not a rebel beauty?" "I will answer that," cried Harry. "No, she is not a rebel beauty, but is, and ever has been a true Union girl. I call her girl, for she is so innocent, so artless, so beautiful, and yet she possesses firmness and resolution I never could have expected in one so young. I met her years ago in New York. She was then a little child, but I loved her even then. When I visited the camp of the rebels last week, what was my surprise to meet her. I learned her history, and I found she was detained as a prisoner. But it is growing late. In ten minutes we must meet the general. I will explain all this at some future time." "Ah! here comes Nettleton. I want him," said the captain. Nettleton entered the tent. "William, tell me which you prefer: to serve in the ranks, or to act as my body-guard?" "Why, captain, I want to remain just as I am. Why? You don't want to have me superceded, do you?"