Middletown transcript., 1911-11-18
CHAPTER xl.
In The Presence Of Sheridan.

In the Presence Of Sheridan.
II had been dark for nearly an hour
before we entered what was from all
appearances q 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. It seemed had barely
closed my eyes when a rough hand
shook me again into consciousness.
The flaming glare of an uplifted pine
knot flung Its radiance over half-ar
dozen figures grouped in the open
doorway. A corporal, with white
chin beard, was bending over me.
Come, Johnny" he said tersely,
get up you're wanted"
The instinct Of soldierly obedience
IN which I had been so long trained
caused me to grope my way to my
feet.
What time is it, CorporaI?" / asked
sleepily.
After midnight"
Who wishes me?"
Headquarters" he returned brusque.
ly. Come, move on. Fall in, men." !"
Our march was a short one, and we
soon turned abruptly in at a wide
open gateway. High pillars Of brick
stood upon either hand, and the pas
sage was well 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
lently sitting their horses in the
shadow Of the high wall. A wide
grayelled walk, bordered, / thought,
with flowers, led toward the front door
of commodious house built after the
colonial type. The lower story seemed
fairly ablaze with lights, and at the
head Of the steps as we ascended q
young officer came quickly forward.
is this the prisoner brought in to-
night?" ,-
The corporal pushed meYorward.
"This is the man, sir"
Very we'll; 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
init 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 1t, and then my CON
ductor threw open side door, and
silently motioned for me to enter in
advance OF him. It was as spacious
room, elegant In all It's 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. recognized him at once, al
though he wore neither uniform nor
other insignia OF rank. Close beside
him stood q colonel of engineers, pos
s.bly 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
aide closed the door in my rear,
stepped instantly forward to the table,
facing him who knew must be in
command, and removing my hat, sa-
luted.
This is the prisoner you sent for,
sir" Rtnounced the aide.
The officer, who remained seated,
looked ut ne iEtently.
Hare ] ever met you before?" he
Questioned as though doubling his
tnemorys
You have. General Sheridan" / re-
piled. Il was with General Early
during yonr conference at White
Horse Tavern. ! also bore flag to
yau af68r The cavalry skirmish at VIII
soH'n Fsea
= remember" shortly, and ID he
apake he wheeled In his chair to faos
8reaAaR.
Z thsugh& Sau reported this cffi.
Ger aB Spy he said sternly. rHe
ass ssin uaIfoFm, md doubtless told you
Die name and rRAk.'
Il ceeiniy h&a eyery reason 10 be.
alegs he peAssEaaaa our Lines ~ a