Dear Arthur: This will be handed to you by a sure hand. Communicate
freely with the bearer--he can be trusted. The arms can be safely
shipped as he represents, and you will therefore send them on at
once. Your last communication was of great service to the cause,
and, although I would be glad to have you with us, the President
thinks you are too valuable, for the present, where you are. When
you come, the commission will be ready for you. Yours truly,

Beverly Weems, Capt. C.S.A.

"Are you satisfied?" inquired Arthur, after the marshal had silently
concluded his examination of the document.

"Perfectly satisfied," replied the other, placing the letter in his
pocket. "Mr. Wayne, it is my duty to arrest you."

"Arrest me!"

"In the name of the United States."

"For what offence?"

"Treason."

Arthur remained for a while silent with astonishment. At last, as the
marshal arose and took his hat, he said:

"I cannot conceive what act or word of mine can be construed as
treasonable. There is some mistake, surely; I am a quiet man, a stranger
in the city, and have conversed with but one or two persons since my