The Irish standard., 1911-10-28
CHAPTER xI,
In the Presence Of Sheridan.

In the Presence Of Sheridan.
1t had been dark for nearly an hour
before we entered what was from all
appearances large and populous
camp. No sooner was / thrust into
the unknown darkness of hut by the
not unkindly sergeant, than l threw
myself prone on the floor, and was
sound asleep before the door had fair
ly closed behind him.
My rest was not destined to he a
long one. 1t seemed I had barely
closed my eyes when q rough hind
shook me again into consciousness.
The flaming glare Of an uplifted pine
knot flung it's radiance over half-a-
dozen figures grouped in the open
doorway. A corporal, with white
chin beard, was bending over me.
Come, Johnny" he said tersely,
"get up you're wanted"
The instinct Of soldierly obedience
in which had been so long trained
caused me to grope my way to my
feet.
What time is it, CORPORATE" l asked
sleepily. s,,.
after midnight"
who wishes me?"
"Headqu1fters," he returned brusuue.
ly. Come, move on. Fall in, men,"
Our march was q short one, and we
soon turned abruptly in at a wide-
open gateway. High pillars Of brick
stood upon either hand, and the pas
sage was well lighted by a brightly
blazing fire of logs. Two sentries
stood there, and our party passed be-
tween them without uttering word.
As we moved beyond the radiance I
noted a little knot of cavalrymen ST.
lently sitting their horses in tho
shadow of the high wall A wide
gravelled walk, bordered, thought,
with flowers, led toward the front door
of commodious house built after tho
colonial type. The lower story seemed
fairly ablaze with lights, and at the
head Of the steps as we assembled q
young officer came quickly forward.
lis this the prisoner brought In to.
night?"
The corporal pushed me forward.
This is the man. sir"
j Every well; hold your command
here until send other orders
/ He rested one hand, not unkindly,
upon my arm, and his tone instantly
changed from that of command to gen.
erous courtesy.
! "You will accompany me, and per-
NIT me to advise you, for your own
sake. to be as civil as possible in your
answers tonight, for the old man is
in one Of his tantrums."
We crossed the rather dimly lighted
hall, which had a sentry posted at
either end Of It., and then my con-
ductor threw open q side door, and
silently motioned for me to enter in
advance Of him. It was az spacious
room, elegant in all its appointments.
but my hasty glance revealed only
three occupants. Sitting at hand.
somely polished mahogany writing.
table near the centre Of the apart
ment was short, stoutly built man.
with straggly beard and fierce, stern
eyes. I recognized him at once, al.
though he wore neither uniform nor
other insignia Of rank Close beside
him stood a colonel Of engineers, pos.
s.bly his chief of staff, while to tho
right, leaning negligently with ono
arm on the mantel-shelf above the fire
place, anG smiling insolently at me,
was Brennan.
The sight of him stiffened me like
a drink Of brandy, and as the young
aide closed the door in my rear, I
stepped instantly forward to the table,
facing him who / knew must be In
command, and removing my hat, sa-
luted.
'This is the prisoner you sent for.
SIR" announced the aide.
The officer. who remained seated.
looked at me intently.
Have ever met you before?" he
questioned, as though doubling his
memory.
"You have, General Sheridan" re.
! piled. 7 was with General Early