Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1911-09-29
CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.
Under Sentence Of Death.
II At this late date doubt greatly
n my situation at that time was 30
desperate a. L then conceived It.
question now whether the death sent
ence would ever have been executed.
But then, with the memory Of Sher-
idan's rage and my own hot-headed
retort, fully believed my fate was
destined to bo that Of tho condemned
spy, unless she who alone might tell
the whole truth should voluntarily do
%. That circumstances had left me
In the power Of one whose fierce dis
like was already evident was beyond
question, and had yielded to his
goadinG to such an extent as to give
those N authority every excuse FOL. the
exercise Of extreme military power.
Yet d one thing I was firmly re,
solvsd-no thoughtlsss word Of mine
should ever endanger tho reputation
Of Edith Brennan. Right or wrong,
would 60 to death Of dishonor be-
fore would speak without her author
ity. Love ana pride conspired to
make this decision adamant.
! "Coms," said Cation. briefly, and
turned ana accompanied him without
thought al resistance. At the front
door ho ordered the little squad Of
waiting soldiers to fall in, and taking
mo By tho arm. Led the way down
the travelled path to the road. was
Impressed BY his seeming careless
ness. but % ws cleared the gateway
he spoke, ana his words helped me
to comprehend.
/ Captain Wayne" he said quietly. 30
that the words could not be over
heard, you do not recognise me. but
I was the officer who conducted you
to headquarters when you brought the
flag In at Wilson Greek. OF course I
must perform tho duty siven me. but
! wish you to understand that wholly
believe your word"
He stopped, offended his hand, and
! accsptsd It silently.
There must be some grave PERSONAL
reason which seals your HpsT he
ausstionsd
There H.
II thought . much. ! chaaced to
ovsrhsar the words. or rather . por.
ton of them. which Brennan whis-
pered. and have no doubt II they were
explained to the General b would feel
more kindly disposed toward you"
Il was asked - . question. and I
felt obliged to reply.
'Isppreciats deeply your desire to
aid me, but there are circumstances
involving others which compel me for
the present TO silence. Indeed my pos
sible fate does not 20 greatly trouble
me. only that possess q strong de-
sire to have freedom long enough to
cross swords with this major Of yours.
Tho quarrel between us has become
bitterly personal, and hunger for q
chance 70 have It out. Do you know.
II he . man who would fight?"
Tho young fellow stiffened slightly.
We are serving upon the same
staff" he said more abruptly, "and
while We have never been close
friends, yet cannot honorably take
sides against him. He has been out
twice within the last three years to
my knowledge. and 10 not devoid
either Of courage or skill. Possibly.
however, the arrival Of his wife may
make him less fire eater"
Ills wifs?''
I stopped 20 suddenly that he In
voluntarily tightened his grip upon my
arm q though suspicious Of an at
tempt to escape.
DO you" 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 al Of VI as Mrs. Brennan, she has
been assigned rooms at his quarters,
and she wears wedding-ring. Far
too fine . woman in my judgment for
such master. but then that is not so
uncommon mistake in marriage.
Why, come to think about It, you must
have met her yourself. Have you
reason to suspect this is not their
relationship"
'.Not in the least" hastsned to
answer. fearful lest my thoughtless
exclamation might become the basis
for camp gossip. Indeed I was
scarcely in the lady's presence at all
coming in. % was left in charge Of
tho sergeant"
Perhaps he felt that he had already
said too much. for we tramped on in
silence until We drew near = large,
square white building standing direct
" bsside the road.
This n the old Culverton tavern,
known 90 the Mansion House." he
said. 1T 10 Z tremendous big build.
ing for this country, with as fine
ballroom In It a. have seen since
leaving New York. We utilize 1t for
almost every military purpose. and
among others some Of the strong
rooms in the basement are found val.
nablp for the safe-keeping Of i'm
portant prisones."
We mounted the front steps as he
was speaking. passing through cor
don Of guards. and in the wide hall
way was turned tower to the officer
in eAa1Ee.