"Can I see you alone?" he asked brusquely.
"If there is any reason for privacy, certainly," I answered in surprise. "What do you wish to say?"
"This is a matter strictly between us," evasively. "I prefer not to discuss it publicly here."
I had a suspicion of treachery, yet was not willing to exhibit any reluctance. The fellow was no better man than I when it came to a struggle, and was unarmed. Besides he had succeeded in arousing my curiosity.
"Very good. Bannister," to the partisan in charge, "I want a word with Captain Grant, and will be responsible for his safe return."
The man looked after us doubtfully, yet permitted us to pass beyond the guard-lines. There was a stump beside the ford, barely within the flicker of the distant fire, and there I stopped, leaning against my horse, and turned so as to look into the man's face.
"Well, Grant," I said, rather sternly. "We are alone now; what is it?"
He cleared his throat, evidently uncertain how best to express himself.
"Why did you ask so many questions about Delavan's lieutenant?" he began sullenly. "What were you trying to find out?"
What was the matter with the fellow? Could he have sent for me merely to ask that question, insisting on privacy? There must surely be some hidden purpose behind this. Yet if so, there was no betrayal in the man's face. His eyes had an angry gleam in them, and his words were shot at me in deadly earnest.
"The lieutenant?" I repeated, not prepared for a direct reply. "Why, I hardly know--curiosity largely."
"What do you expect to gain by lying?" he exclaimed sullenly. "You saw him, no doubt, or you would not have asked what you did."
"Certainly I saw him," more deeply puzzled than before at his insistence. "That was what aroused my interest. He seemed such a mere lad as he rode past, and later I heard his voice, the voice of a boy."
"All! What else could you suppose? It was dark, only a little gleam of moon revealed outlines. I couldn't distinguish the face, but when he failed to appear after the fight I remembered him, and was afraid he had been hurt. Now I want to know what you mean. Who was the lad?"
He had seated himself on the stump, and was leaning forward, his face hidden from the light of the fire.