s horse swerved toward the woods skirting the road, and a
low-hanging branch knocked his hat off, and I discovered the rider was
a woman."

A low murmur of surprise from the spectators interrupted Symonds, and
the president rapped on the table with his sword hilt. "Those present
must be silent," he announced, "or the room will be cleared."

"What led you to think the rider was a woman in disguise?" asked the
judge advocate, after silence had been restored.

"By the long hair which fell down her back below her waist."

"You say she escaped. How did that happen?"

"Her horse was fresh, mine lame, and the captain's worn out. It was
impossible for me to overtake her. I soon gave up the chase
discouraged, and returned to Captain Lloyd, whom I found lying
senseless where he had fallen. I rode to Poolesville, procured a horse
and wagon, and brought Captain Lloyd back to this city. But before
doing so I picked up the spy's hat, and on examining it found a number
of hairs sticking to the inside. They were of a peculiar color." He
glanced significantly at Nancy. "Captain Lloyd and I both agreed that
they exactly matched Miss Newton's hair."

"Produce the hairs," ordered the judge advocate.

"I can't, sir," reluctantly. "I gave them to Captain Lloyd, and I don't
know what he did with them."

The judge advocate, who had entered all questions and answers in the
book before him, paused and gazed blankly at Symonds for a moment; then
resumed his examination.

"When did you last see Captain Lloyd?"

"On the afternoon of Monday, the sixth of last March. He had just
returned from Winchester."

"Did he speak of the accused?"

"He did, sir."

"In what way?"

"He told me," Symonds cleared his throat, and spoke impressively, "that
he had absolute proof that Miss Newton was a rebel spy."

"Did he make that statement in the privacy of his room, or in the
public hall?"

"In the hall, sir."

"In a voice that could be overheard?"

"Yes, sir."

"Did Captain Lloyd state what that proof was while you were in the
hall?"

"No, sir; but he _did_ tap his chest and said he had it there."

"Did you see anyone in the hall?"

"No, sir; the hall where we stood was empty except for the captain and
myself."

"In your opinion, did Captain Lloyd speak loudly enough to be overheard
by persons on the floors above or below where you were standing?"

Warren started to his feet. "I object to that question."

"Objection not sustained