THE FIGHT IN THE CABIN
fronting me, sword in hand, and eyes gleaming in triumph.
"Surrender, you dirty Yankee spy," he shouted. "We've got you this time."
In my excitement I laughed at the fellow, despising the cowardice of his words, and scarcely realizing the power he possessed.
"All right, Lieutenant," I returned, holding out my hands, "this happens to be your turn."
"Yes, it is, and I know how to take it. You'll not have another chance to get away. Munn, you and Corbett tie that fellow. He's caught red-handed, and it won't require even a court martial to condemn him."
The two cavalrymen strapped me up, until I lay like a log on the floor, yet the full significance of this did not burst upon me until their work had been accomplished, and I again caught sight of Dunn’s face.
"What does this mean?" I insisted indignantly. "Am I not to be treated as a prisoner of war?"
"You'll be treated for what you are. You've done the work of a spy, and you end as a spy."
"But I am not one, and you know it. I came here as a scout in uniform. I have made no attempt whatever to assume disguise: I am in uniform now."
He laughed sneeringly, turning contemptuously away.
"That might be accepted at headquarters if you ever got there, King, but I mean to see you don't have any opportunity to escape so easily. You've had your turn: now it's mine."
I shut my teeth tightly, not even yet believing him in
[ 337 ]
