staff, while to the right, leaning negligently with one arm on the
mantel-shelf above the fireplace, and 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 I knew must be in command, and removing my hat,
saluted.

"This is the prisoner you sent for, sir," announced the aide.

The officer, who remained seated, looked at me intently,

"Have I ever met you before?" he questioned, as though doubting his
memory.

"You have, General Sheridan," I replied, "I was with General Early
during your conference at White Horse Tavern. I also bore a flag to you
after the cavalry skirmish at Wilson's Ford."

"I remember," shortly, and as he spoke he wheeled in his chair to face
Brennan.

"I thought you reported this officer as a spy?" he said sternly. "He is
in uniform, and doubtless told you his name and rank."

"I certainly had every reason to believe he penetrated our lines in
disguise," was the instant reply. "This cavalry cloak was found with
him, and consequently I naturally supposed his claim of rank to be
false."