Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-12

cluded. after inspecting it closely was a
mere air passage leading into some other
division of the cellar. ] noted these OPEN
ings idly. and with scarcely a thought as
to the possibility of escape. 1 had awak-
eHed with strange indifference as to what
my fate might be. Such feeling was
10; natural to me, but the fierce emotions
OF the preceding night had seemingly rob-
bed me of all my usual buoyancy of no e.
Ia one sense yet trusted that Mrs. Bre1-
nan would keep her pledge and tell Ter
story to Sheridan; if she failed to do this,
and left me to face the rifles or the rope,
then 1t made but small odds how soon it
should be over. If she cared for me in the
slightest degree she would not let me die
uEJustly, and to my mind then she had
become the center of all life.
dependency is largely matter of phys
zeal condition, and l was still sufficiently
tagged to be in the depths when the door
opened suddenly. and an ordinary army
ration was placed within. The soldier who
brought 1t did not speak, nor did attempt
to address him: but after he retired the
Gppetizing smell of the bacon together
with the unmistakable flavor of real cof-
fee, drew me irresistibly that way, and
made hearty meal. The food put new lie
into me, and / fell to pacing back and forth
between the corners of the cells my mind
full of questioning, yet with a fresh mea-
sure of confidence that all would still be
well.
was yet at it when. without warning,
the door once again opened and Lieuten ant
Cation entered. He advanced toward me
with outstretched hand. which 1 grasped
warmly, for l felt how much depended on
his friendship, and resolved to ask him
some questions which should solve my last
remaining doubts.
Captain Wayne" he began soberly, look
Ing about him, you are in even worse
stress here than 1 had supposed, but l
shall see to it that you are furnished with
blankets before l leave"
You have nothing new, then. to COM
mInicate regarding the possibility of re-
Iease?' l asked anxiously.
Alas, no; Brennan appears to hate you
with all the animosity of his strange ma
ture, and his influence Is much stronger
than mine that l have almost been con-
manded not to mention your name again.
But surely" 1 urged, Il am to receive
the ordinary privilege of prisoner If
war? General Sheridan will not condemn
me without evidence or trial, merely be-
cause in moment of sudden anger l used
hasty words. which I have ever since re-
gretted?'
Cation shook his head
MY dear fellow. it is not that. Sheri-
Dan is nasty himself, and his temper often
leads him to rash language. No, / am
sure he bears you no malice for what you
SAID But Brennan has his ear, and has
whispered something to him in confidence
-What have been unable to ascertain
winch has convinced him that you are
deserving of death under martial law
Without trial?'
The opportunity of furnishing the infor-
nation desired will be again. offered you;
but as near as can learn, the charge pre-
1erred against you is of such a private
nature that it is deemed best not to make
1t matter for camp talk Whatever it NAV
De, Sheridan evidently feels justified in TAX
Ing the case out from the usual channels
and in using most drastic measures 1 am
sorry to bring you such news. especially a.
l believe the charges are largely concocted
in the brain of him who makes them. and
have but the thinnest circumstantial evil
dence to sustain them Yet Sheridan is
thoroughly convinced, and will brook no in
reference. The discussion of the case has
already led to his using extremely harsh
words to his chief of staff
Il am to be shot, then?'
HIS hand closed warmly over mine.
while there is life there is always hone"
he answered. Surely it must be in your
power to prove the nature of your mission
within our lines, and the delay thus gained
vii! enable us to learn and meet these more
serious allegations
If 1 but had time to communicate with
General Lee
But now-is there no one, no way by
which such representation can be given this
very day? If not full proof of your in
nocence, then sufficient, at least, to cause
the necessary delay?"
l shook my head. Il know of nothing
other than my own unsupported word,' l
answered shortly, land that is evidently of
no value as against Major Brennan'S Sc
cret insinuations. When is the hour set?'
Il am not positive that final decision has
yet peeH reached, Out neaFd uaybredk to-
morrow mentioned. The probability of an
early movement of our troops is the excuse
urged for such unseemly haste
/ remained silent for a moment conscious
only of his kindly eyes reading my face.
Mrs. Brennan / asked finally, recurring
to the one thought in which retained deep
interest-'does she still remain in the
car,O?"
She was with the major at headquarters
this morning. l believe they breakfasted
with the general, but / was on duty so late
last night that oversight and thus missed
the pleasure of meeting her again.
We talked for some time longer and he
continued to urge for some further
word, but could give him none, and final
ly the kindly fellow departed, promising to
see me again within a few hours. Greatly
as l now valued his friendship, 1t was, new
ertheess, a relief to be alone with my
thoughts once more.
Go be continued tomorrow