Middletown transcript., 1911-11-25
CHAPTER XII.
undAr sentenee Of Death.

But then, with the memory of Sher-
idan's rage and my own hot-headed
retort, I fully believed my fate was
destined to be that Of the condemned
spy, unless she who alone might tell
the whole truth should voluntarily do
so. 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 in authority every excuse for the
exercise Of extreme military power.
Yet Of one thing l was firmly re-
solved-no thoughtless word Of mine
shsuld ever endanger the reputation
of Edith Brennan. Right or wrong, l
would go to a death of dishonor be-
fore would speak without her author
ity. Love and pride conspired to
make this decision adamant.
Come" said Caton, briefly, and I
turned and accompanied him without
thought OF resistance. At the front
door he ordered the little squad Of
waiting soldiers to fall in, and taking
me by the arm, led the way down
: the grayelled path to the road. was
impressed by hiE> seeming careless
ness, but as we cleared the gateway
he spoke, and his words helped me
to comprehend.
Captain Wayne" he said quietly, 20
that the words could not be over
heard, you do not recognize me, but
was the officer who conducted you
to headquarters when you brought the
flag In at Wilson Greek. OF course I
must perform the duty given me, but
1 wish you to understand that wholly
believe your word"
He stopped, extended his hand, and
I accepted it silently.
There must be some grave personal
reason which seals your Hps?" hO
questioned.
There is."
'T thought as much. CHANGED TO
~eFeFheaF the words c. rather q por-
tion Of them, which Brennan whis-
pered, and have no doubt If they were
explained to the General he would feel
more kindly disposed toward you"
1t was asked as a question, and I
felt obliged to reply.
IT appreciate 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 so greatly trouble
me, only that / possess strong de-
sire to have freedom long enough to
cross swords with this major of yours
The quarrel between -us has become
bitterly personal, and hunger for a
chance to have it out. Do you know,
Is he man who would fight?"
The young fellow stiffened slightly.
I'VE are serving upon the same
staff" he said more abruptly, "and
while we have never been close
friends, yet l cannot honorably take
sides against him. He has been out
twice within the last three years to
my knowledge, and is not devoid
either Of courage or skill. Possibly,
however. the arrival of his wife may
make him less a fire-eater."
Ills wife?"
stopped SO suddenly that he In
voluntarily tightened his grip upon my
arm as 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 all Of us as Mrs. Brennan, she has
been assigned rooms at his quarters,
and she wears a wedding-ring. Far
too fine woman in my Judgment for
such q master, but then that ig not 50 |
uncommon q mistake In marriage.
Why, come to think about it, yon must |
have met her yourself. Have you
reason to suspect this ie not their |
relationship"
Not in the least, 81 fastened to
answer, fearful lest my thOughtIess |
exclamation might become the basis
for camp gossip. Indeed I was
scarcely In the lady's presence at ALI |
coming in, as was left in charge Of
the sergeant"
Perhaps he felt that he had already
said too much, for We tramped on In !
silence until We drew near q large, |
square white building standing direct ,
" beside the road.
"This is the old Culverton tavern, |
known as the Mansion House." he /
said. "It 10 tremendous big build.
ing for this country, with as fine q
ballroom In It as ! have seen since
leaving New York. We utilize II for
almost every military purpose, and
among others some Of tho strong
rooms in the, basement are found val
pable for the safe-keeping Of i'm.
portant prisoners"
We mounted the front steps as he
was speaking, passing through Q cor.
don OF guards, and In the wide hall.
way / was turned tower to the officer
In charge.
Goodnight, Captain" said Cation,
kindly extending his hand. you may
rest assured that shall say all / can
In ycur favor, but 1t IL to be regretted
that Brennan has great influence Just
now ct headquarters, and Sheridan ID
not q man TO lightly overlook those
hasty words you spoke to him.
could only thank Him most warm
y for his interest, realizing fully
from his grave manner my desperate
situation, and follow my silent com
auctor down some narrow ana steep.
itairs until We stood upon the cems
of the baeeEsnt. Here
III tie stone division