[158] and falling from beneath it, and tied under his chin, was a white cotton handkerchief stiffly saturated with blood! Nine motley-clad natives, all heavily armed, had entered with him and taken the vacant seats around me, and at first view I was inclined to believe that in my sleep the train had gone over to the enemy and left me in the hands of the Philistines. I was, however, quickly reassured, for, looking about, I discovered the Union guard and my fellow-travellers all in their previous places, and as unconcerned as if no unusual thing had happened. Still, it seemed singular that no officer had the new-comer in charge; and more singular that any one in the uniform he wore should be allowed to carry arms so freely about him. After awhile, having gleaned all the knowledge of him that my eyes could obtain, I said in a pleasant tone:
Well, my friend, you appear to take things rather coolly.“Oh, yes, sir! I orter. I've been mighty hard put, but I reckon I'm good fur a nother pull now.” “ Where are you from?” “ Fentress county, nigh onter Jimtown (Jamestown). I'm scoutina it fur Burnside-runnina boys inter camp; but these fellers wanted ter jine Cunnel Brownlow-the old parson's son-down ter Triune. We put plumb fur Nashville, but hed ter turn norard, case the brush down thar ar thick with rebs. They'd like ter a hed us.” “Oh, then you wear that uniform as a disguise on scouting expeditions?” “No, sir; I never hed sech a rig on afore. I allers shows the true flag, ana thar haint no risk, case, ye see, the whole deestrict down thar ar Unin folks, ana ary ”
