The revolver was tossed down. Then Frank stepped back, and let the man descend from his uncomfortable position.
"Boy!" said the man, as soon as his feet were safe on the ground, and he could turn to look at his captor, "I reckon you're a cute 'un! A Yankee, ain't ye?"
"Yes, and proud to own it!" said Frank. "Keep your distance!"--as the man made a move to come nearer--"and don't you stoop to touch that gun!"
"Look here," said the man, coaxingly, "you'd better let me go! I'm out of ammunition, and can't hurt any body. I'll give ye ten dollars if you will."
The rebel laughed. "No, in Uncle Sam's gold."
"You don't place a very high value on yourself," said Frank. "You are too modest."
"Twenty dollars!"--jingling the money in his pocket. "Come, I'm a gentleman at home, and I don't want to go north. Well, say thirty dollars."
"If you hadn't said you were a gentleman, I might trade," said Frank. "But a gentleman is worth more than you bid. You wouldn't insult a negro by offering that for him!"
"Fifty dollars, then! I see you are sharp at a bargain. And you shall keep that revolver."
"I intend to keep this, any way," said Frank, picking it up. "And the gun that shot at me, too," slinging it on his back.
The rebel, seeing his determination, rose in his bids at once to a hundred dollars.
"Not for a hundred thousand!" said Frank, who was now ready to move his prisoner. "You are going the way my bayonet points, and no other. March!"
Frank followed at a distance of two or three paces, prepared at any moment to use prompt measures in case his prisoner should attempt to turn upon him or make his escape.
"How many of you fellows are hid around in these trees?" said Frank.
"Not many just around here--lucky for you!" muttered the disconsolate rebel.
"People fight any way they can when their soil is invaded."
"What are holes cut in the pine trees for,--foot-holds for climbing?"
"Holes? them's turpentine boxes!" said the man, in some surprise at Frank's ignorance. "Didn't you ever see turpentine boxes before?"
"Never till last evening. Is that the way you get turpentine?"
"That's the way we get turpentine. The sap begins to run and fill the boxes along in March, and when they are full we dip it out with ladles made on purpose, and put it into barrels."