The Lamar register., 1911-10-25

tightly locked door by means OF winch
/ had entered. The second, l con-
cluded, after inspecting 1t closely. was
a mere air passage leading into some
other division of the cellar I noted
these openings Idly, and with scarce
ly thought as to the possibility of
escape. I had awakened with strange
indifference as to what my fate might
be. Such feeling was not natural
to me, but the fierce emotions Of the
preceding night had seemingly robbed
me Of all my usual buoyancy of hope.
II one sense / yet trusted that Mrs.
Brennan would keep her pledge and
tell her story to Sheridan: even If she
failed to do this. and left me to face
the rifles or the rope. then 1t made
but small odds how soon 1t should be
over. II she cared for me in the
slightest degree she would not let me
die unjustly. and to my mind then
she had become the centre of all life.
Dependency is largely a matter of
physical condition, and | was still
sufficiently tagged to be in the depths,
when the door opened suddenly, and
an ordinary army ration was placed
within. The soldier who brought 1t
did not speak. nor did attempt to
address him; but after he retired, the
appetizing smell Of the bacon. together
with the unmistakable flavor of real
coffee. drew me irresistibly that way.
and 1 made a hearty meal. The food
put new life into me. and fell to
pacing back and forth between the
corners Of the cell. my mind full of
questioning. yet with a fresh measure
Of confidence that all would still be
well.
Twas yet At It when. without warn
ing. the door once again opened. and
Lieutenant Cation entered. He ad-
vanced toward me with outstretched
hand, which l graspsd warmly. for
felt how much depended on his friend.
ship. and resolved to ask him some
questions which should solve my last
remaining doubts.
Captain Wayne" he began sobsrly,
looking about him. you are in even
vorss stress here than I supposed.
but I shall see to It that you are
furnished with blankets before I leave.
Sheridan IL hasty himself. and his
temper often leads him to rash
language. I am sure he bears you NO
malice for what you said. But Bren-
nan has his ear. and has whispered
something to him in confidence
what. / have bssn unable to ascertain
has convinced him that you
are deserving Of death under martial
law"
without trialr'
THE opportunity Of furnishing the
information desired will be again Of
fered you: but. - near as l can learn.
the charge preferred against you is of
such private nature that 1t is deemed
best not to make II matter for camp
talk. Whatever II may be. Sheridan
evidently feels Justified in taking the
case out from the usual channels, and
in using most drastic measures.
am sorry to bring you such news.
especially a. I believe the charges
are largely concocted In the brain Of
him who makes them. and have but
the thinnest circumstantial evidence
to sustain them. Yet Sheridan is
Thoroughly CouNinCeus anu Will DTOOk
no interference. The discussion of the
case has already led to his using ex-
tremely harsh words to his chief OF
staff"
Il am to Be shot. them"
His hand closed warmly over mine.
while there II life there is always
hope" he answered. Surely II must
be In your power to prove the nature
Of your mission within our lines. and
the delay thus gained will enable US
to learn and meet these more serious
allegations"
IF but had time to communicate
with General Lee"
But now-is there no one. no way
by which such representation can be
given this very dayf II not full proof
of your innocence. then sufficient at
least. to cause the necessary delay?"
shook my head. Il know Of moth
ing other than my own unsupported
word" answered shortly. and chat
is evidently Of no value as against
Major Brennan's secret destinations.
When Is the hour set?'
Il am not positive that final de-
cision has yet been reached. but
heard daybreak tomorrow mentioned.
The probability Of an early movement
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