Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-12
CHAPTER XII.
Under Sentence Of death.

&
situation at that time was so desperate as
then conceived it. Iiquestion now wheth-
er the death sentence would ever have been
executed. But then, with the memory of
Sheridans rage and my own hot-headed
retort, l fully believed my fate was des-
tined to be that of the condemned spy, I'M
less she who alone might tell the whole
truth should voluntarily do so. That cir
cumstances had left me in the power of
one whose fierce dislike was already evil
dent was beyond question, and had yield
ed to his goading TO such an extent as to
give those in authority every excuse for the
exercise OF extreme military power. Yet OF
onS thing l was firmly resolved-no
thoughtless word of mine should ever en-
danger the reputation of Edith Brennan.
Right or wrong, would go to a death of
disnonor before l would speak without her
authority. Love and pride conSplred to
make this decision adamant
There might, indeed, be no reason why l
should not speak with utmost freedom;
but as to this l could not judge, and there
fore preferred the safer side OF Silence. The
action OF Brennan had impressed this upon
me as a duty; had caused me to feel that
l could~best serve her by blotting out the
adventures of the night before. Seemingly
it was her own desire. and as a gentleman,
an officer, man of honor, 1 might not
even question that decree.
Deeply as these considerations would
have aHected me under ordinary conditions
one doubt now overshadowed them all. Was
the man / struck the husband of the wo-
man l loved? This was what l desired to
know even above my own fate. scarcely
doubted, yet would not yield the slight
hope 1 retained that it might prove other
wise. A trick OF chance speech seemed to
solve the problem, to answer that question:
which burst not ask directly.
Come said Cation briefly, and turned
and accompanied him without thought OF
! resistance. At the front door he ordered
the little squad of waiting soldiers to fall
in, and taking me by the arm, led the way
down the graveled path to the road. l was
impressed by his seeming carelessness, but
as We cleared the gateway he spoke, and
his words helped me to comprehend.
Captain wayne he said quietly, SO
that the words could not be overheard,
you do not recognize me, but l was the
officer who conducted you to headquarters
when you brought the flag. in at Wilson
Creek. OF course l must perform the duty
given me- but l wish you to understand
that l wholly believe your word
He stopped, extended his hand, and &C
cepted it silently.
There must surely be some grave per-
Sonal reason which seals your lips?" he
questioned.
There is.
II thought as much. l CHANGED to over
hear the words, or rather portion or
them, which Brennan whispered. and have
no doubt if they were explained to the gen
eral he would feel more kindly disposed to-
ward YOU
1t was asked as a question, and l felt
obliged to reply.
Il appreciate deeply your desire to AID
me- but there are circumstances involving
others which compel me for the present TO
silence. Indeed, my possible fate does not
SO greatly trouble me, only that L possess
strong desire to have freedom long
enough to cross swords with this major OF
yours. The quarrel between US has become
bitterly personal, and hunger for chance
to, have 1t out. DO you know is ne d HAL
who would fight?''
The young fellow stiffened slightly.
I'VE are serving upon the same STAN,
he said more abruptly, land while we nave
never been close friends, yet cannot hon
orably take sides against him. He has
been out twice within the last three years
to my knowledge, and Is not devoid either
of courage or skill. Possibly. however, the
arrival of his wife may make him less a
fre-eater.
His wife?
| stopped so suddenly that he invo.un-
tarly frightened his grip upon my arm as
though suspicious of an attempt to escape
DO you," l asked, gaining some slight
control over myself, refer to the lady who
came in with his party last evening"
Most certainly; she was presented TO all
of us as Mrs Brennan, she has been as
signed rooms at his quarters, and she wears
a wedding ring Far too fine a woman IN
my judgment for such a master, out theh
that is not so uncommon mistake In mar
must have met her yourself Have you
reason to suspect this is not their relation
Ship"
Not in the least fastened 40 answer,
fearful lest my thoughtiess exclamation
might become the basis for camp gossip.
Indeed l was scarcely in the lady pres
ence at all coming in, as l was lett IN
charge of the sergeant.
He looked at me keenly through the dark
ness. 49,.
1T seems somewhat curious to me that
such deep enmity has grown up between
you two in short time. one aimo sso
suspects as in most cases, there may pe
a woman at the bottom OF II.
/ laughed carelessly.
Not in the least my friend. But there
are indignities a captor can snow TO his
prisoner which no true gentleman would
ever be guilty OF ana no soioier "ouio io'-
give" AL,
with sudden indignation.
lyon are right he returned heartily,
land from my knowledge of Brennan can
understand your meaning. what business
has such a man to possess wlfe
Perhaps he felt that he mad ALREADY salo
too much for we tramped on in silence I'M
til we drew near large square white pulld-
ing standing directly beside the road
This is the old Culverton tavern. tx known ~
as the Mansion House, he said 1t is
tremendous big building for this country,
with as fine ball room in 1t as nave seen
since leaving New York. we utilize 1t 1or
almost every military purpose ana among
others some of the strong rooms in the
basement are found valuable for the safe
keeping of important prisoners"
We mounted the front steps as he was
speaking, passing through Gordon OF
guards. and in the wide hallway l was
turned over to the officer in charge.
Good night, captain" said Cation, kindly
extending his hand. You may rest assured
that l shall say all can in your favor, but
it is to be regretted that Brennan has great
influence just now at headquarters, and
Sheridan is not man to lightly overlook
those hasty words you spoke to him"
/ could only thank him most warmly for
his Interest realizing fully from his grave
manner my desperate situation, and follow
my silent conductor down some narrow and
steep stairs until we stood upon the ee-
mented floor of the basement. Here heavy
door in the stone division wall was opened;
l was pushed forward into the dense dark
ness within and the lock clicked DULY be-
hind me- So thick was the wall could not
even distinguish the retreatmg steps OF the
jailer -
Tired as / was from the intense strain OF
the past thrty-siX hours. even my anxious
thoughts were insufficient to keep me
awake Feeling my way cautiously along
the wall. / came at last to wide wooden
bench and stretching my form at full
length upon it, pillowed nay head on one
arm, and almost instantly was sound
asleep.