Sheridan looked annoyed, yet turned back to me without administering
the sharp rebuke which seemed burning upon his lips.

"Were you wearing that cavalry cloak within our lines?" he questioned
sternly.

"I was not, sir; it was indeed lying upon the floor of the hut when
Major Brennan entered, but I had nothing to do with it."

He gazed at me searchingly for a moment in silence.

"I regret we have treated you with so little consideration," he said
apologetically, "but you were supposed to be merely a spy. May I ask
your name and rank?"

"Captain Wayne, ----th Virginia Cavalry."

"Why were you within our lines?"

"I was passing through them with despatches."

"For whom?"

"You certainly realize that I must decline to answer."

"Major Brennan," he asked, turning aside again, "was this officer
searched by your party?"

"He was, sir, but no papers were found. He stated to me later that his