and resolved to ask him some questions which should solve my last
remaining doubts.

"Captain Wayne," he began soberly, looking about him, "you are in even
worse stress here than I had supposed, but I shall see to it that you
are furnished with blankets before I leave."

"You have nothing new, then, to communicate regarding the possibility
of release?" I asked anxiously.

"Alas, no; Brennan appears to hate you with all the animosity of his
strange nature, and his influence is so much stronger than mine that I
have almost been commanded not to mention your name again."

"But surely," I urged, "I am to receive the ordinary privilege of a
prisoner of war? General Sheridan will not condemn me without evidence
or trial, merely because in a moment of sudden anger I used hasty
words, which I have ever since regretted?"

Caton shook his head.

"My dear fellow, it is not that. Sheridan is hasty himself, and his
temper often leads him to rash language. No, I am sure he bears you no
malice for what you said. But Brennan has his ear, and has whispered
something to him in confidence--what, I have been unable to ascertain--
which has convinced him that you are deserving of death under martial
law."

"Without trial?"