The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-05-31
CHAPTER XII,
In the Presence Of Sheridan.

IN tne presence or Sheridan.
lt'had been dark for nearly an hour
before we entered what was from all
appearances a large and populous
camp. No sooner was I thrust into
the unknown darkness of a hut by the
not unkindly sergeant than | 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 be a
long one. 1t seemed l had barely
closed my eyes when q rough hand
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 a white
chin beard, was bending over me.
Come. Johnny" he said tersely.
get up you're wanted"
The instinct of soldierly obedience
In which l had been so long trained
caused me to grope my way to my
feet.
What time is 1t, Corporal?" asked
sleepily.
After midnight"
WHO wishes me?"
Headquarters, he returned brusque.
ly. Come, move on. Fall in. men"
Our march was a 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 brightly
blazing fire or logs. TWO sentr.es
stood there, and our party passed be-
tween them without uttering a word.
AS We moved beyond the radiance I
noted a little knot Of cavalrymen ST.
lently sitting their horses In the
shadow OF the high wall A wide
gravel!ed walk, bordered, l thought,
with flowers, led toward the front door
Of a commodious house built after the
colonial type. The lower story seemed
fairly ablaze with lights, and at tho
head OF the steps as We ascended q
young officer came quickly forward.
us this the prisoner brought in to-
night?"
The corporal pushed me forward.
This Is the man, sir"
Very we'll; hold your command
here until l send other orders"
lie 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 ia
In one Of his tantrums."
We crossed the rather dimly lighted
hall, which had sentry posted at
either end of 1t. and then my con-
ductor threw open q side door, and
silently motioned for me to enter in
advance OF him. 1t was as spacious
room, elegant in all its appointments.
but my hasty glance revealed only
three occupants. Sitting at hand,
somely polished mahogany writing.
ment was short, stoutly built man,
with straggly beard and fierce, stern
eyes. recognized him at once, al
though he wore neither uniform nor
other insignia Of rank Close beside
him stood colonel OF engineers, pos
s.bly his chief OF staff. while to the
right. leaning negligently with one
ann on the mantelshelf above the fire
place. anG smiling insolcntly at me,
was Brennan.
The sight OF him stlffencd me like
n 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 before" he
questioned. as though doubling his
memory.
You have, General Sheridan" re
piled. IL was with General early