Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-11-09
CHAPTER XII.
In the Presence of Sheridan.

ue1oie we entered what was from all
appearances large and populous
camp. No sooner was | thrust into
the unknown darkness of hut by the
not unkindly sergeant, than threw
myself prone on the floor, and was
sound asleep before the door had fair
ly closed behind him.
My rest was not destined to be q
long one. 1t seemed I had barely
closed my eyes when rough hand
shook me again into consciousness.
The flaming glare of an uplifted pine
knot flung its radiance over half-a-
dozen figures grouped in the open
doorway. A corporal, with a white
chin beard, was bending over me.
Come, Johnny" he said tersely,
get up you're wanted"
The instinct of soldierfy obedience
in which l had been SO long trained
caused me to grope my way to my
feet.
What time is it, Corporate" I asked
sleepily.
AFTER midnight"
who wishes me?"
Headquarters" he returned brusque.
~. Come, move on. Fall in, men,"
Our march was short one, and we
soon turned abruptly in at wide
open gateway. High pillars Of brick
stood upon either hand, and the pas
sage was we'll lighted by a brightly
blazing fire OF logs. Two sentries
stood there, and our party passed be-
tween them without uttering a word.
AS we moved beyond the radiance
noted little knot of cavalrymen ST.
lently sitting their horses in the
shadow of the high wall. A wide
gravelled walk, bordered, thought,
with flowers, led toward the front door
of a commodious house built after the
colonial type The lower story seemed
fairly ablaze with lights, and at the
head of the steps as we assembled a
young officer came quickly forward.
is this the prisoner brought in to-
night?"
The corporal pushed me forward.
.'This is the man, sir"
very well; hold your command
here until send other orders"
He rested one hand, not unkindly,
upon my arm, and his tone instantly
changed from that OF command to gen
erous courtesy.
You will accompany me, and per.
NIT me to advise you, for your own
sake, to be as civil as possible in your
answers tonight, for the old man Is
in one Of his tantrums."
We crossed the rather dimly lighted
hall, which had q sentry posted at
either end of it, and then my con-
ductor threw open a side door, and
silently motioned for me to enter in
advance of him. It was as spacious
room, elegant in all its appointments,
but my hasty glance revealed only
three occupants. Sitting at a hand.
somely polished mahogany writing.
table near the centre of the apart
ment was short, stoutly built man.
with straggly beard and fierce, stern
eyes. I recognized him at once. al
though he wore neither uniform nor
other insignia Of rank. Close beside
him stood a colonel of engineers. pos
s;bly his chief Of staff, while to the
right, leaning negligently with one
arm on the mantel-sheH above the fire
place, and smiling insolently at me,
was Brennan.
The sight OF him stiffened me like
drink Of brandy. and as the young
aide closed the door in my rear, I
stepped instantly forward to the table.
facing him who I knew must be in
command, and removing my hat, sd
luted.
This is the prisoner you sent for.
sir" announced the aide.
The officer, who remained seated,
looked at me intently.
Have ever met you before?" he
questioned, as though doubling hia
memory.
you have, General Sheridan" re-
piled. * was with General Early
during your conference at White
Horse Tavern. 1 also bore flag to
you after the cavalry skirmish at Will
sons Ford"
II remember" shortly, and as he
spoke he wheeled in his chair to face
Brennan.
II thought you reported this Off.
Ger as spy?" he said sternly. HE
Is in uniform, and doubtless told you
his name and rank"
Il certainly had every reason to be-
lieve he penetrated our lines in dis
guise." was the instant reply. This
cavalry cloak was found with him, and
consequently naturally supposed his
claim Of rank to be false"
Sheridan looked annoyed, yet turned
back to me without administering the
sharp rebuke which seemed burning
upon his lips.
Were you wearing that cavalry
cloak within our lines?" he questioned
sternly.
II was not, sir; 1t was indeed lying
upon the floor Of the hut when Major