"I tell you how to take him," said their companion. "He is a monstrous coward, and all you got to do is jest to bring your guns down on him. I wouldn't shoot him--'nless he tried to run; but if he did that, when he got a little distance I'd pepper him about his legs. Make him give up his sword and pistol and don't let him ride; 'cause if you do, he'll git away. Make him walk--the rascal!" The boys promised to carry out these kindly suggestions. They soon came in sight of the little house where Mills said the deserter was. A soldier's horse was standing tied at the gate, with a sword hung from the saddle. The owner, in full uniform, was sitting on the porch. "I can't go any furder," whispered their friend; "but that's him--that's 'Gen'l Lee'--the triflin' scoundrel!--loafin' 'roun' here 'sted o' goin' in the army! I b'lieve y' all is 'fraid to take him," eyeing the boys suspiciously. "No, we ain't; you'll see," said both boys, fired at the doubt. "All right; I'm goin' to wait right here and watch you. Go ahead." The boys looked at the guns to see if they were all right, and marched up the road keeping their eyes on the enemy. It was agreed that Frank was to do the talking and give the orders. They said not a word until they reached the gate. They could see a young woman moving about in the house, setting a table. At the gate they stopped, so as to prevent the man from getting to his horse. The soldier eyed them curiously. "I wonder whose boys they is?" he said to himself. "They's certainly actin' comical! Playin' soldiers, I reckon." "Cock your gun--easy," said Frank, in a low tone, suiting his own action to the word. Willy obeyed. "Come out here, if you please," Frank called to the man. He could not keep his voice from shaking a little, but the man rose and lounged out toward them. His prompt compliance reassured them. They stood, gripping their guns and watching him as he advanced. "Come outside the gate!" He did as Frank said. "What do you want?" he asked impatiently. "You are our prisoner," said Frank, sternly, dropping down his gun with the muzzle toward the captive, and giving a glance at Willy to see that he was supported. "Your _what_? What do you mean?" "We arrest you as a deserter." How proud Willy was of Frank! "Go 'way from here; I ain't no deserter. I'm a-huntin' for deserters, myself," the man replied, laughing. Frank smiled at Willy with a nod, as much as to say, "You see,--just what Tim told us!" "Ain't your name Mr. Billy Johnson?" "Yes; that's my name." "You are the man we're looking for. March down that road. But don't run,--if you do, we'll shoot you!" As the boys seemed perfectly serious and the muzzles of both guns were pointing directly at him, the man began to think that they were in earnest. But he could hardly credit his senses. A suspicion flashed into his mind.