[39] “Captain O. P. Robie,” I told him. “ Where is your command?” asked one who appeared to be a man of consequence. “At Shelbyville.” “Well,” he continued, “if your command is there, what are you doing here by yourself?” “ Why, sir,” I responded, “ if you want to know, I came to demand the surrender of this town.” “Well, well,” said the man; “ that is too good. One man to take a town like this,” and they enjoyed the joke hugely. They now began to look exceedingly wise; and I heard the whisper pass from mouth to mouth, that I was one of Morgan's men. This declaration I heard again and again, as I passed through the crowd. Soon after, a gentleman stepped up to me and requested to examine my gun, which I handed to him after removing the cap; but I at the same time drew out my pistol, cocked it, and held it in my hand till my piece was returned to me. After a brief survey of the gun, it was delivered over to me with trembling hand, when I restored the cap and put up my pistol. At this moment I was called to breakfast, and walked into the dining-room and sat down to the table, keeping an eye on every thing at once. I seated myself beside a man of good appearance, who had on a handsome uniform and the three stars of a rebel colonel. Slinging my carbine across my knees, with the hammer up, ready for instant use, I loosed my pistols, in the scabbard on one side, and a vicious bowie knife on the other, after which I began to appease my appetite on the good things before me, watching the colonel closely. He
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