"Will you tell me, sir, why I am separated from the rest of the prisoners?" said he, as soon as the sentinel had departed upon his errand. "Because you are an officer." "How do you know I am?" asked Somers, very desirous of ascertaining how much Captain de Banyan had told in regard to him. "We know all about you," answered the officer, muffling his cloak more closely around his face, as if afraid the night air might injure his lungs as he opened his mouth. "What do you know about me?" "All about you." "That isn't very definite." "In a word, you are Captain Thomas Somers, of the --th regiment." "Who told you that?" "That's of no consequence." "What is to be done with me?" "I don't know." "I suppose I am only a prisoner of war?" "You crossed the James River in disguise, and went into our lines for the purpose of obtaining information. I suppose you can put those two things together." Somers's worst fears were confirmed. He was to be tried as a spy, and De Banyan had told all he knew about him. Before he had time to dwell on the dark prospect any longer, the officer said he was cold, and could not stand there any longer. Taking his prisoner by the arm, he led him down the cross-street. Somers was just thinking of an attempt to bid his companion good-night, when the latter spoke again: "I shall catch my death from this night air," said he. "Just before the battle of Magenta----" "Captain de Banyan!" exclaimed Somers. CHAPTER XXVII A FRIEND INDEED "Hush, my dear boy! not a word!" said Captain de Banyan in an impressive whisper, as he led the way along the street. Somers made no reply; for he readily perceived that the utmost caution was necessary, though he did not understand the position of his friend, or what complications there were in the situation. He was filled with rejoicing at finding himself again in the way of getting back to the Union army. Of course, his feelings towards Captain de Banyan, in spite of his antecedents in the Third Tennessee, underwent a sudden and agreeable change; and in the joy of his heart he was disposed to embrace his friend, and beg forgiveness for the suspicions he had entertained of him. They had advanced but a short distance from the main street, when they heard the clatter of horses' hoofs. "That's bad," said Captain de Banyan, as he stopped to ascertain in what direction the horsemen were going. "What's bad?" demanded Somers. "My absence has been discovered, I am afraid. The provost-marshal has a section of cavalry to run down Union prisoners who may escape. I think they are after me; at any rate, we must be very careful where we go."