Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-11-16

be-. Such a feeling was not natural
preceding night had seemingly robbed
me of all my usual buoyancy of hope.
IL one sense 1 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 it made
but small odds how soon 1t should be
over If 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 matter of
physical condition, and 1 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 it
did not speak, nor aid l 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 l made hearty meal. The food
put new life into me, and l fell to
pacing back and forth between the
corners OF the cell, my mind full of
questioning, yet with fresh measure
of confidence that all would still be
we'll.
= y wheN without warn
ing. the door once again opened, and
Lieutenant Cation entered. He adj
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.
Captain Wayne" he began soberly,
looking about him, you are in even
worse stress here than I supposed,
but l. shall see to it that you are
furnished with blankets oefore / leave
Sheridan is 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 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 near as can learn,
| the charge preferred against you Is Of
such private nature that 1t is deemed
best not to make it matter for camp
talk. Whatever 1t may be, Sheridan
evidently feels justified in taking the
case out from the usual channels, and
in using most drastic measures. I
am sorry to bring you such news.
especially as 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 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"
Il am to be shot, then?"
His hand closed warmly over mine.
while there is life there Is always
hope he answered. Surely it 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 day? If 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,' l answered shortly, land that
is evidently of no value as against
Major Brennan's secret insinuations.
When is the hour set?"
Il am not positive that final de-
cision has yet been reached, but l
heard daybreak tomorrow mentioned.
The probability of an early movement
of our troops is the excuse urged for
such unseemIy haste"
I remained silent for moment,
conscious only of his kindly eyes read
ing my face.
Mrs. Brennan" asked finally, re-
curing to the one thought in which
retained deep interest," she still
remain in the Campo"
She was with the Major at head
quarters this morning. believe they
breakfasted with the General, but !
was on duty so late last night that
l oversight, and thus missed the pleas
ure OF meeting her again"
We talked for some time longer
and he continued to urge me for
some further word, but l could give
him none, and finally the kindly fellow
departed, promising to see me again
within a few hours. Greatly as l now
valued his friendship, 1t was, never.
theless, a relief to be alone with my
thoughts once more.
(To Be Continued.)