"My country's cause is mine," replied Price. "Again I ask you, are you faithful to me?" "Yes!" "What assurance have I that you will be faithful?" Johnson bowed his head, and did not reply. "Answer me," said Price, sternly and suspiciously. "General Price," replied Johnson, as he raised his head, and fixed his piercing eyes upon his questioner, "General Price, I am poor. If I were or had been a servant in heaven, and the commander-in-chief of the infernal regions had offered me a position on his staff, to escape servitude, and for promotion's sake, _not knowing him or his service_, I might have accepted. In doing so, I should have lost heaven, and in no case could have returned. Thus, as I would have no choice, I probably should serve faithfully in my new capacity, for policy's sake, even if I was deceived by the devil's promises. In much this way do I stand toward you, General Price!" "I have not deceived you!" "You have! You have lied to me!" "Johnson!" yelled Price, as his sword flashed in the morning light, "no man shall address me thus, and live!" "Hold, General Price," said Johnson, as he levelled his rifle at his breast, "you had better spare those who _must_ serve you, as few are willing!" "Curse him!" muttered Price. "But for policy's sake I must restrain myself. He shall act the spy this once--it is necessary--or I would dash him from this rock into the depths below." "Johnson," he added, speaking aloud, "you must not speak thus. It is true I have as yet been unable to fulfil my promises; but consider. We are here facing a powerful army--an army of fanatics--of devotees--who will fight to the death, while many of my soldiers are discontented, and if they fight at all, I fear will do it unsuccessfully. I have no confidence in many of my men. Why is this, Johnson?" "I can answer, but for one." "Then answer for yourself!" "I will, I have no confidence in you." "You will serve me, nevertheless?" "Yes--I am forced to do so!" "How forced--by whom forced?" "Not by you, General Price, but by myself." "Don't you see much to fight for? Look around you. Gaze upon the face of this beautiful country. Our enemies come to rob us of it. Shall we, like dogs, submit? No! by the Eternal, I will not!" cried Price, his powerful frame quivering with emotion. "I see but little beauty here. Where is it?" "All around--on every side!" "I see but one bright spot, and that is--" Johnson gazed into the valley below. His look was earnest. As he gazed, the tear-drops started to his eyes, and he bent his head upon his hands, while his breast heaved convulsively. He was deeply moved. "Johnson, why are you weeping?" asked Price, as he regarded him with a look of surprise. "Am I weeping?" returned Johnson, raising his head. "Yes; some sad recollection of the past oppresses you!"