Do you know what they were gathered here for ?" He shook his head.
"It was intended for a wedding party, until we butted in." "Hell! not that pretty girl back in there ?" "Yes," for somehow I felt I had better tell him enough of the truth to make the situation clear.

He was an honest, clear-headed fellow, and I needed help.

"And that Confederate Captain--Le Gaire--was to be the bridegroom.

I am going to tell you the whole story, Sergeant, and then you'll see what sort of a fix I'm in." I went over it hastily, yet with sufficient detail so as to make it all clear to his mind.

He listened soberly at first, and then his eyes began to twinkle, and he interrupted with numerous questions.