"That's exactly what I mean to say," said the soldier lightly. "So many men have tried to break loose lately that it has been decided to use stricter measures. Perhaps they will be better to you, though, and instead of hanging you, they will just let you be shot. That's a better way. Leastwise, that's what I would want if I had to take my choice." "I'm the one," said Noel hastily, "who sent word to the colonel asking for permission to see him." "He isn't the man!" shouted the other three in unison; and each added, "I'm the man!" "How will I ever know?" said the orderly as he gazed in confusion first at one prisoner and then at another. "I'll tell you," suggested Noel. "Ask each man to tell how he sent his message, and the one that gives it right is to be the one who shall have a chance." "Good!" said the orderly. "How did you send word?" he asked, turning to Noel as he spoke. "Ask these other men first," suggested Noel. "I was the last one to put in a claim that I had sent word, so let me be the last one to explain how I sent it." "All right. Now, go ahead, you tell how you sent your word," the orderly demanded as he looked keenly at the oldest of the trio. "I don't just remember," stammered the soldier. "It seems to me I sent a letter." "That's what I did, too," said the second. "I wrote a note and sent it by one of the boys." "And how did you get word to him?" the orderly inquired as he turned to the third man. "I give it up. I'll own up, too, that I didn't send any word at all, though I wanted to. Perhaps I took the wish for the deed." "Now explain how you sent your message," said the soldier as he again turned to Noel. "I sent it by the man who brought us our dinner to-day." "That's right. You're the boy. You come with me." Without any delay Noel was conducted by the orderly to the tent of the colonel, and soon was admitted. He remained standing near the table upon which the officer was writing. The colonel did not even glance at his visitor for a time as he continued his task. At last, however, he looked up and said abruptly, "Well, what is it?" "I have come to tell you," said Noel, somewhat embarrassed in spite of his determination to be self-controlled, "that I have been accused of being a deserter." "Oh, you're the man who sent word by Dan Tague." "I don't know the man's name," said Noel respectfully. "Well, he brought your message. And you say you are not a deserter?" "Yes, sir." "But you cannot prove it?" "I can and I will if you'll give me a little time." "But I have positive information here," said the colonel, taking a paper from his pocket, "that you _are_ a deserter. It states that you and another man named Dennis O'Hara both deserted at Harper's Ferry and were discovered not far from here this morning by Captain Blowers." "I don't know the captain's name, Colonel," said Noel. "I did not desert at Harper's Ferry. I was outside the lines--"