.

"Captain Vallingham, I am sorry to see you throw away your property in
this fashion," he remarked.

"You're altogether too sharp!" growled the signalman, and now his
pleasant manner deserted him.

"In order to prevent you from throwing away anything more of value, I'll
have you searched. Clefton, go through the man from hat to boots, and
don't let anything escape you."

"Are you going to rob me?"

"Yes,--of information, if any more is to be had."

"I haven't anything beside that note-book and the two letters. The
letters are from my mother,--private correspondence."

"You give me your word of honor as a gentleman to that?"

"I do."

"Then there you are, Captain. I have no desire to pry into your personal
affairs. I am working solely in the interests of the United States of
America."

A flush came over the Confederate's face, and he crammed the letters
into a pocket Clefton had just turned inside out. "Much obliged; I am
glad to learn a Yankee can still be a gentleman in some respects."

"In all respects, Captain Vallingham. Clefton, anything else of value to
our general?"

"Haven't pulled off his boots yet, Major."

"Do you think I carry the secrets of the Confederate army in my
foot-wear?" demanded the captain.

"I am not thinking; I am trying to find out," answered Deck, calmly.

"I'm not used to going barefooted."

"We won't keep you barefooted. Now, Clefton--Ah, what's that?"

For from the top of Captain Vallingham's stocking an edge of paper had
protruded. The paper was pinned fast, but easily released, and Deck
unfolded it, and held it so that the light of the lantern might fall
upon it.

"A map of this vicinity, and of the approaches to Chattanooga," he said.
"Very good. Life, here is where that other signal corps was stationed,
in the direction of Alpine. Is that all, Clefton?"

"Seems to be, Major Lyon."

"Now examine the other prisoners."

The order was carried out with despatch and care, and one other map was
brought to light, along with an order from a member of General Wheeler's
staff, directing the movements of the signalmen. The order was dated at
Lafayette, a town about midway between where the detachment was now
stationed and Chattanooga.

Deck gave the note-book a scanty inspection and found it contained the
signal code for that campaign, and also a diary of the work performed.
There was also a note speaking of the forces under General Wharton,
commanding one division o