The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1912-01-18

but my hasly glance revealed only
three occupants Sitting Mt hand
somely polished mahogany writing.
ment was a short, stoutly built man.
with straggly beard and fierce, stern
eyes. recognized him ct 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 the
| right, leaning negligently with one
arm on the mantelshelf above the fire
place. and smiling insolently at me,
was Brennan.
The sight Of him stifiened me like
a drink OF brandy. and as the young
aide closed the door In my rear.
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 before7" he
questioned, as though doubling his
memory.
You have. General Sheridan" re-
piled. 81 was with General Early
during your conference at White
Horse Tavern. | also bore a flag to
you after the cavalry skirmish at VII
sons Ford"
81 remember" shortly. and as he
spoke he wheeled in his chair to face
Brennan.
Il thought you reported this Off,
Ger as a spy" he said sternly. He
is in uniform. and doubtless told you
his name and rank"
II certainly had every reason to be.
lleye he penetrated our lines in dis.
guise," was the instant reply. This
cavalry cloak was found with him. and
consequently ] naturally supposed his
claim OF rank to be false"
Sheridan looked annoyed, yet turned
back to me without administering the
sharp rebuke which seemed burning
upon his lips.
We're you wearing that cavalry
cloak within our llnes2" he questioned
sternly.
81 was not. sir; II was indeed lying
upon the floor OF the hut when Major
Brennan entered, but had nothing to
do with IT,"
He gazed at me searchIngly for a
moment In silence
Il regret we have treated you with
so little consideration" he said
alphabetically, but you were sup.
posed to be merely a spy. Nay |
ask your name and rank?"
Captain Wayne. -th Virginia Cav.
airy"
why were you within our \ esq"
Il was passing through them with
dispatches,
For whom1"
you certainly realize that must
decline to answer"
Major Brennan" he asked, turn.
Ing aside again. was this officer
searched by your party7"
He was, sir. but no papers were
found. He stated TO me later that bis
despatch was verbal"
Had 1t been delivered"
81 so understood him."
We'll, how did he account to you
for being where he was found"
Brennan hesitated. and glanced I'm.
easily toward me. Like flash the
thought came that tho man was striv.
| Ing to keep her name entirely out Of
sight: he did not wish her presence
mentioned
There was no explanation at
tempted" he said finally. "He seemed
simply to be hiding there"
"Alone?"
/ Again | caught his eyes, and II al.
most seemed that read entreaty in
| them.
Excepting the wife of the noun.
taineer." he answered hoarsely
rs this true?" asked Sheridan, his
stern face fronting me.
made my decision Instantly. There
/ UNCUT NC hOL!b IGdhDnt pOsSlDly uGE
own request, whereby her being alone
with me that night should remain I'm.
told Very well, It would never be
borne to other ears through any fall
ure OF my lips to guard tho secret
She had voluntarily pledged herself to
go to Sheridan In my defense; until
she did SO, her secret, II secret in
deed It was, should remain safe with
nae. could do no less In honor.
ut Is not altogether true" ! said
/ firmly. "und no one knows this better
than Major Brennan. | was there, az
told him. wholly because OF an &C.
cldent upon the road. but as 10 It's par.
ticulars | must most respectfully de-
cline to answer"
You realize what such a refusal
may mean to your
Il Understand fully the construction
which nay unjustiy be placed upon
|, by those who desire to condemn
me, but at present can make no more
definite reply have reason to be-
lieve the full facts will be presented
to you by one in whose word you win
have confidence"
Sheridan Strengthened In his chair,
and looked across the table ct me
almost ankrily.