"As your father has been kind to my boy, wounded and a prisoner in the midst of enemies, I ought to do something for you, Christy," continued Colonel Passford, looking on the floor. "Not at all, Uncle Homer; I am not wounded as Corny is, and there is no need of doing anything for me," interposed Christy, laughing in the serious face of the planter. "I can get you paroled, and then I shall be glad to have you remain at Glenfield until you are exchanged," said the planter. "I shall not accept a parole, Uncle Homer," replied Christy promptly. "Not accept a parole!" exclaimed the colonel. "Corny did so." "If I were wounded, as Corny is, I would accept it." "I hope you don't mean to try to escape, Christy," added his uncle, with a look of deep concern on his dignified face, as he looked about the apartment in which his nephew was confined. "I don't say that I shall; if I did say so, you would have our guard doubled, and ready to shoot me if they saw my head at a window," answered Christy with earnestness. "You seem to think I am a heathen; but you forget that you are an active enemy of my country," added the planter, with a pained expression. "I don't forget it, uncle; but I am not half as active as I hope to be before this thing ends. I believe you would see me shot or hung by the neck till I was dead if it were for the benefit of what you call your country." "I hope and pray that I may never be placed in a situation to see anything of that kind." "I know you are earnest, honest, and sincere, Uncle Homer, and no partiality to your own kindred would permit you to shirk what you consider to be your duty. I find no fault with you; and I believe my father would be equally firm," said Christy warmly. "I think you understand me, my boy; but do not attempt any rash project. I cannot prevent the guard from shooting you if you attempt to escape." "I prefer to keep my own counsels in a matter of this kind, Uncle Homer. Give my love to Aunt Lydia and Gerty, for I suppose I am not likely to see them, as I am liable to be sent away any day." "Oh, yes, you will see them, for they shall call upon you here as soon as they return from Montgomery, where they have gone for a few days." "It will be very kind of them to do so," added Christy, though he did not believe he should be "at home" when they came. "I do not wish you were wounded, my dear boy, but if you were, we would do all that your father and mother are doing for poor Corny," replied Colonel Passford fervently, "Now, promise me, Christy, that you will not attempt to escape." "I can't make any promises, uncle." "I will do the best I can to have your condition improved, and see that you have a better diet, if I send your food from a hotel." "You are very kind, uncle, and I know that you will do all that your duty will permit you to do for me."