"Why, captain, ye see the black sneak got skeered and turned almost white, and shivered like a poodle when he's going to ketch a licking. And sez I to him, you dog or rascal, what are you skeered about? And when he tried to speak his teeth rattled so that I thought it was a wagon coming over the mountain. Then he jumped on one of the horses and sez 'I'm g'wan back!' So I just tapped him on the head with the but of my gun, and I'll be blasted if the critter didn't get right off the horse and lay down without my telling him to do it. But, I didn't want to kill the black skin; I didn't think his pate was so soft. Niggers generally ain't." "What was the fellow frightened about?" "I don't know, captain, except it was the dark!" The officers exchanged glances, and Hayward said in an under tone: "It was just as I should have expected Nettleton to act!" Then turning to William he said: "Go back to the horses, and don't kill any one else to-night!" "I won't, captain, unless they are enemies or cowards," replied William, as he turned to depart. "I would trust that fellow with my life," said Hayward, gazing after Nettleton. "But you were saying, captain, if you did not return by eleven o'clock, we should know you were arrested. What shall we do in that case?" "You can do nothing. Return to camp and leave me to my fate. However, I apprehend no such danger. But, Harry, you spoke of a beauty whom you love, and who is a prisoner. Have you anything to request? Perhaps we can serve you in this matter." "Yes, Harry, we will try," replied Elsler; "but will you not give us the remaining portion of your adventure?" "Have I time?" asked the adjutant, turning to the captain. "Oh! yes, _true_ love affairs are usually short but sweet. I presume it will not take you very long to speak of bright eyes, ruby lips, flowing tresses, and soft whispers--sighs, and all that kind of nonsense. Go on." "Captain, I know _you_ think lightly of love, but wait until you have seen Alibamo. You will love her, too. She is a being to love--beautiful as morning--gentle as a summer evening's breeze." "Exactly, and so on indefinitely. Young ladies are always all this, and more, in young lovers' estimation. But give us _facts_, Harry. She is a prisoner, and that interests me. Perhaps I can see her to-day, and give her some message from you, which will give her hopes of liberty."