The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1911-11-16

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 Il
did not speak. nor did I 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 | 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.
was yet at 1t when, without warn
ing, the door once again opened, and
Lieutenant Cation entered. He ad-
vanced toward me with outstretched
hand, which | grasped warmly, for
felt how much depended on his friend
ship. and resolved to ask him some
questions which should solve my last
remaining doubts.
"Captais Wayne" he began soberly,
( looking about him, you are in even
worse stress here than | supposed.
/ but | shall see to II that you are
/ furnished with blankets oefore leave.
/ Sheridan is hasty himself, and his
! temper often leads him to rash
! language. | 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 been unable to ascertain
which has convinced him that you
are deserving of death under martial
! law"
Without trial?"
THE opportunity of furnishing the
! information desired will be again Of
fered you; but, as neal as | can learn,
the charge preferred against you is of
such private nature that IL is deemed
best not to make II matter for camp
talk. Whatever it 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 as ! believe the charges
are largely concocted in the brain of
him who makes them, and have but
the thnnest circumstantial evidence
to sustain them. Yet Sheridan Is
thoroughly convinced, and will brook
no interference. The discussion Of the
case has already led to his using ex-
tremely harsh words to his chief Of
staff"
81 am to be shot them"
His hand closed warmly over mine.
while there is life there is always
hope" he answered. Surely 1t must
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 day? II not full proof
of your innocence, then sufficient, at
least, to cause the necessary delay?''
| shook my head 81 know Of moth
ing other than my own unsupported
| I ghnrt1U Nanh OF
is evidently OF no value as against
Major Brennan's secret insinuations
When is the hour set?"
81 am not positive that final de,
cision has yet been reached, but
heard daybreak tomorrow mentioned
The probability of an early movement
OF our troops is the excuse urged fol
SUCH unseemly haste"
remained silent for q moment
conscious only of his kindly eyes read
ing my face.
Mrs, Brennan" l asked finally, re
curing to the one thought in which
retained deep interest,-"does she still
remain in the camp?"
She was with the Major at head
quarters this morning. | believe they
breakfasted with the General, but
was on duty so late last night tina
oversight, and thus missed the pleas
ure of meeting her again"
We talked for some time longer
and he continued to urge me fo
some further word, but | could giv'
him none, and finally the kindly fellow
departed, promising to see me agaiI
within a few hours, Greatly as | nov
valued his friendship, 1t was, never
theless, relief to be alone with m!
thoughts once more.