To his consternation as he drew near, he discovered that Dennis was among the number, and also that he was a prisoner. Just what this meant, Noel was unable to conjecture, but his interest in his comrade was speedily banished when to his amazement he saw Levi, the little sutler, also in the company, talking eagerly to the captain and pointing excitedly toward Noel as he spoke. CHAPTER XXIII THE GUARD-HOUSE The subject concerning which the little sutler and the captain were conversing soon became manifest to Noel. The officer turned sharply to him, and as he did so the young soldier was no longer able to discover the presence of Levi in the band. "There's no use in your trying to get away now," exclaimed the officer. "'Get away!'" responded Noel, astounded by the suggestion. "That's the last thing in the world I want to do! I have been looking for you or some of the boys in blue for more than--" "That's a likely story!" interrupted the young captain. "You can explain that to the colonel after we are back in the lines." "I'm perfectly willing to explain it to the colonel," declared Noel. "And I'll explain it to you now." "There's no use in that. I'm afraid your explanations won't do you any good." "What do you think I am?" demanded Noel angrily. All the men in the band now were listening intently, and Noel was aware that he was under a cloud that might not easily be dispelled. "I know what you are. You are a deserter." In spite of the charge Noel laughed, but he was sobered instantly when he saw that every man before him firmly believed him to be what the officer had charged. "I'm no deserter!" declared Noel hotly. "I happened to be outside the lines at Harper's Ferry and the Rebels took me. I have been doing my best to get to the army ever since." "You look as if you had been trying," sneered the officer. "Come on. There's no use in talking any more. You come with us and we will turn you over to the colonel." "Is that man a deserter, too?" inquired Noel as he pointed to Dennis. "He is. 'Birds of a feather flock together,' I guess that's why we found two of you to-day. There must be a baker's dozen of them altogether. I don't know what will be done with you, but I can tell you one thing, you aren't going to lie on any bed of roses to-night after we get back." "What makes you think I'm a deserter?" said Noel persistently. "I don't 'think'; I know. We have absolute proof. Your name is Noel Curtis, isn't it?" "Yes," replied the young soldier in surprise. Instantly, however, he concluded that Levi must have revealed his name and the source of the officer's knowledge, therefore, was not unknown. "We cannot stay here any longer," continued the officer emphatically. "Take your place in the ranks with your friend. Do you know who he is?"