The woman told them that I had got my clothes and left the house shortly after my entrance (which was the truth except the part about the clothes), I thanked her very kindly and begged to be allowed to stay in the cabin till morning, when I would present myself at Captain H.'s office and suffer the consequences.

This she allowed me to do.

I shall ever feel grateful to this woman for her protection.

She was white and her given name was "Sallie," but the other I have forgotten.
About daylight I strolled over near the office and looked around there until I saw the Captain take his seat at his desk.

I stepped into the door as soon as I saw that he was not occupied and saluted him "a la militaire." "Who are you ?" he asked; "you look like a Yank." "Yes, sir," said I, "I am called by that name since I was captured in the Federal Army." "Well, what are you doing here, and what is your name ?" I told him.
"Why didn't you answer to your name when it was called at the gate yesterday, sir ?" "I never heard anyone call my name." Where were you ?" "I ran away down into the swamp." "Were you re-captured and brought back ?" "No, sir, I came back of my own accord." "What do you mean by this evasion ?" "I am not trying to evade, sir, or I might not have been here now.