"I shall be able to clear myself of every imputation of disloyalty, before the proper tribunal." "How did you get over?" "I have been following the fortunes of the Yankee army till last night; when I took a boat, and came over the river. On the way I met a pilot whose name was Andy, who turned me over to this man, who is also a pilot, and came down to take out a fire-ship." "The one that was burned in the creek last night?" "The same. I refer you to Captain Osborn for the truth of the last part of my statement; though the time was when you did not ask me to bring vouchers for what I said." "For nothing, except your stories of the Crimea and the Italian war," replied the captain of cavalry with a significant smile. "I must do you the justice to say, that I never knew you to tell a falsehood on any matter connected with your social or business relations." "Thank you for so much," replied De Banyan. "Now that I have made it all right, I suppose you needn't trouble yourself to attend to my affairs any further." "No trouble at all, I assure you. Under the circumstances, I shall feel it my duty to deliver you into the hands of my superiors, and they can do as they please with you. But I sincerely hope that you will be able to vindicate your character from the stain which rests upon it." "I don't think it needs any vindication." "There is some difference of opinion between us on that point. Where are you going now?" "To Richmond," replied De Banyan promptly; and perhaps he intended to go there with the Army of the Potomac, though its present prospects of reaching the rebel capital were not very favorable. "This is not the way to Richmond. Your stories don't agree very well." "I thought it was; or rather to Petersburg, and from there we expected to get a ride up in the cars." "Oh, very well! I can procure you a pass to Richmond," added the rebel. "And an escort to attend us, I suppose," replied De Banyan with a smile. "A small one; but here is the house where Captain Osborn lodges. If he knows your friend here, and can vouch for his loyalty, all well; if not, we shall not part two such loving friends." Captain Osborn had not risen when the company of cavalry reached his quarters; but he was called from his bed, and appeared in front of the house in the worst possible humor; for, being human, he did not like to have his slumbers disturbed by unseasonable calls. As Somers feared Captain Osborn denied all knowledge of the prisoners, except so far as related to his interview with them during the night. He had never seen either of them before; and he even took the trouble to add that he didn't believe the young fellow was a pilot, which was gratuitous and uncalled for on his part. "Well, Marvel," added the cavalry officer rather coldly, "this business is settled very much as I supposed it would be. I shall have to send you up to Richmond, where, if your stories are all true, I doubt not you will be able to clear yourself."