He is unarmed, but refuses to
explain."
The general's stern dark eyes were upon my face.
"Hardly a spy, I think," he said quietly. "What is the explanation, sir?
Are you the bearer of a message?"
I started to speak, but before the first uncertain word came to my lips,
the girl swept forward, and stood between us.
"Let me explain," she cried swiftly. "This gentleman is a friend of
Captain Le Gaire's, and was presented to me as Major Atherton, formerly
on General Pemberton's staff--perhaps there may be some here who
know him?"
She glanced inquiringly about on the faces of the group, and a stockily
built infantry captain struck his open hand on the table.
"By Jove, that's it! Thought I recognized the face. How are you,
Atherton?--met you at Big Shanty."
Still puzzled, although evidently relieved, Beauregard remained
motionless.
"But the uniform?" he questioned. "And how did you reach the hallway
without being seen?"
Her eyes met mine in a rapid flash of understanding, a little nervous
laugh drawing the general's attention.
"It is almost ridiculous," she exclaimed. "Major Atherton came through
the lines with me last night. He was detailed on special service, for
which purpose he donned that uniform. On meeting Captain Le Gaire here,
and learning of your advance, it was no longer necessary for him to
proceed at once, and, as he was very tired, he was persuaded to lie down
in a room upstairs.
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