in the balance, or you could never assume such risk. Doubtless you
hesitate to trust me fully, but I assure you you need not, for you have
placed me under certain personal obligations which I have no desire to
ignore. Captain Wayne, you are in trouble, in danger--will you not tell
me all, and permit me to aid you by every means in my power?"

"I would trust you gladly with my life or my honor," I replied soberly.
"If I had less faith in you I should not be here now."

She started slightly at the words, and for an instant her eyes fell.
"Your life?" she questioned, "do you mean that is in the balance?"

"I understand that I am condemned to be shot as a spy at daybreak."

"Shot? On what authority? Who told you?"

"On the order of General Sheridan. My informant was Lieutenant Caton,
of his staff."

"Shot? As a spy? Why, it surely cannot be! Frank said--Captain Wayne,
believe me, I knew absolutely nothing of all this. Do not think I
should ever have rested if I had dreamed that you were held under so
false a charge. I promised you I would see General Sheridan on your
behalf."

"Yes," I assented hastily, for her agitation was so great I feared it
might attract the attention of others. "I remember you said so at the
time of my arrest, but supposed you had either forgotten or had found
your intercession fruitless."