those damnable fellows do. Colonel Kent let him ramble on for a while,
then he brought him up standin'.

"'Who did you say you were, suh?'

"'The United States census-taker.'

"'Ah, a message from the enemy. Take a seat on the grass.'

"'It's only a matter of form,' said the man.

"'So I presume, and very bad form, suh,' looking at the hat still on the
man's head. 'But go on.'

"'Well, what's yo' business?' asked the agent, taking out his book and
pencil.

"'My business, suh?' said the colonel, risin' from his chair, mad clear
through,--'I've no business, suh. I am a prisoner of war waitin' to be
exchanged!' and he stomped into the house."

Here the major burst into a laugh, straightened himself up to his full
height, squeezed the keys back into his pocket, and said he must take a
look into the state-rooms on the deck to see if they were all ready for
his friends for the night.

When I turned in for the night, he was on deck again, still talking, his
hearty laugh ringing out every few moments. Only the white-whiskered man
was left. The other camp-stools were empty.