Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-11
CHAPTER XXI.
In the Presence ofsSheridan.

IL idu DeeIi udTk lOr nearly all jout DC
fore we entered what was from all ap-
pearanees large and populous camp. Hur-
ried forward constantly. closely surrounded
by my guard, I was enabled to gain but an
inadequate conception Of either its situation
or extent. Yet the distance traversed by
our party after passing the outer sentries
and before we made final halt, taken In
connection with evidence on every side of
the presence in considerable numbers of all
the varied branches of the service con-
WINGED me we were within no mere brigade
encampment, but had doubtless arrived at
the main headquarters of this department.
Although l noted all this in vague way,
so as to recall it afterward, yet was too
thoroughly fatigued to care where was or
what become OF me. Hardened as / had
grown through experience to exposure and
WEAKNESS. the continuous strain undergone
since l had ridden westward from General
Lees tent had completely unnerved me. No
sooner was thrust into the unknown dark
ness or a hut by the not unkindly sergeant
than threw myself prone on the floor and
was SOUND asleep before the door had fairly
closed behind him.
MY rest was not destined to be long one
1t seemed had barely closed my eyes when
rough hand shook me again into con-
seriousness. The flaming glare of an uplift-
ed pine Knot flung its radiance over half
oozen ngures grouped in the open door,
way. A corporal with a white chin beard
was bending over me-
lone Johnny" he said tersely, "get up
you're wanted"
The instinct Of soldierly obedience in
wien had been so long trained caused
me 70 sfope my way to my feet.
sleepily.
After midnight"
VINO wishes me?"
HEADQUARTERS he returned brusuuely.
Come. move on. Fall in, men,"
moment later we were off, passing be-
tween long lines of dying fires, tramping
raploIy along a rough road which seemed
throwing grotesque shadows on either side
Inc swift movement and the crisp night
ar swept the vestges of slumber from my
braln, and l began instinctively to gather
together my scattered wits for whatever
new experience confronted me-
Our march was short one, and we soon
turned abruptly in at wide open gate
way. High pillars of brick stood upon
lighted by brightly bla zing fire Of logs
Two sentries stood there, and our party
passed between them without uttering a
word As we moved beyond the radiance
noted a little knot of cavalrymen silently
sitting their horses in the shadow of the
high wall A wide graveled walk, bordered,
thought, with flowers. led toward the
front door of commodious house built
after the colonial type. qThe lower story
seemed fairly ablazew with lights, and at the
head of the steps as we assembled young
officer came quickly forward
us this the prisoner brought in tonight?'
The corporal pushed me forward.
This is the man, SIR .
Very we'll; hold your command here I'M
til 1 send other orders''
He rested one hand, not unkindly, upon
my arm, and his tone instantly changed
rom that of command to generous courtesy.
You will accompany me, and permit me
to advise you, for your own sake, to be
as civil as possible in your answers tonight.
nv fn11 t. Il.
We crossed the rather dimly lighted hail.
which had a sentry posted at either end of
It. and then my conductor threw open a
side door, and silently motioned for me to
enter in advance of him. 1t was spacious
room, elegant in all its appointments, but
my hasty glance revealed only three occu-
pants. Sitting at handsomely polished
mahogany writing table near the center of
the apartment was a. short, stoutly built
man, with straggly beard and fierce. s.ern
eyes. l recognized him at once although
he wore neither uniform nor other insignia
Of rank. Close beside him stood a colonel
Of engineers, possibly his chief of staff,
while to the right. leaning negligently with
one arm on the mantel shelf above-the fire
place, and smiling insolently at me, was
Brennan.
The sight of him stiffened me like a drink
Of brandy. and as the young aid closed
the door in my rear stepped instantly for
ward to the table, facing him who l knew
must be in command and removing my hat,
saluted.
'"This is the prisoner you sent for, sir"
the aid. -ss-
The officer, who remained seated, looked
at me intently
Have 1 ever met you before?" he cues
Toned, as though doubling his memory.
you have, General Sheridan" 1 replied.
Il was with General Early during your
conference at White Horse Tavern. l also
bore flag to you after the cavalry skir-
mish at Wilson's Ford
Il remember" shortly, and as he spoke
he wheeled in his chair to face Brennan.
Il thought you reported this officer a
spy?" he said sternly. He is in uniform.
and doubtless told you his name and rank
Il certainly had every reason to believe
he penetrated our lines in disguise" was
The instant reply. "This cavalry cloak was
found with him, and consequently 1 nat
lraly supposed his claim Of rank to be
false"
Sheridan looked annoyed, yet turned back
10 me without administering the sharp re-
buke which seemed burning upon his lips.
Were you wearing that cavalry cloak
within our lines?" he questioned sternly.
II was not, sir; it was indeed lying upon
the floor of the hut when Major Brennan
but I had nothing to do with it,
He gazed at me searchingly for a moment
In silence.
Il regret we have treated you with so
little consideration he said alphabetically,
but you were supposed to be merely a
spy. May l ask your name and rank?"
I'd y
why were you within our lines?"
IT was passing through them with dis
patches"
For whom?"
you certainly realize that I must decline
to answer"
Major Brennan" he asked, turning aside
again. was this officer searched by your
oarty?'
HE was, sir, but no papers were found.
He stated to me later that his dispatch was
verbal" 49,
had it been delivered?"
81 so understood him."
well, how did he account to you for
being where he was found?"
Brennan hesitated, and glanced uneasily
coward me- Like fash the thought came
hat the man was striving to keep her
aame entirely out of sight: he did not wish
her presence mentioned.
''rhere was no explanation attempted"
ne said finally. He seemed simply to be
hiding there
"Alone?'
Again / caught his eyes, and it almost
seemed that 1 read entreaty in them.
..Excepting the wife Of the mountaineer,"
ne answered hoarsely.
'Is this true?" asked Sheridan, his stern
I made my decision instantly. There
might he. some reason, possibly her own
reauest. whereby her being alone with me
NAT night should remain untold. Very
veil n would never be borne to other ears
'hroueh any failure Of my lips to guard the
.acret She had voluntarily pledged herself
Ia ro to sheridan in my defense; until she