," ruled the president. "The question is
relevant. Continue, Mr. Judge Advocate."

"Answer my last question, Symonds," directed the judge advocate.

"In my opinion, he could easily have been overheard," declared Symonds
positively.

"When Captain Lloyd told you in the hall that he had absolute proof
that the accused was a rebel spy, did he mention her by name?"

"No, sir."

"Did he speak of this spy in such a way that _anyone_ would know to
whom he alluded."

Symonds reflected for a moment. "No, sir; he did not," he answered
finally.

"Did you go with Captain Lloyd into his sitting room?"

"Yes, sir."

"State to the court what occurred then."

"Captain Lloyd showed me a despatch which he had taken from the dead
body of a rebel officer, Major George Pegram. The captain declared this
despatch was given to Pegram by the accused; that she understood the
Morse code, and had taken the message verbatim from the wire, having
been in the telegraph office at the time it was received."

"Have you that despatch, Symonds?"

"No, sir. I handed it back to Captain Lloyd."

"What did he do with it?"

"He replaced it in his wallet, and put that in the inside pocket of his
coat."

"Can you recollect the words of the despatch?"

"No, sir; I cannot. It was in cipher, and the words made no sense that
I could understand; secondly, I only saw it for a second."

"Would you recognize the handwriting if you saw it again?"

"I think I would, sir," but Symonds looked dubious.

The judge advocate picked up several sheets of paper, apparently torn
from a notebook, and handed them to the Secret Service agent.

"Did the writing of the despatch resemble any of these specimens of the
prisoner's handwriting?" he asked.

Symonds studied the papers intently; then shook his head. "No, sir."

Mrs. Bennett, who had bent forward, the better to hear Symonds' answer,
sank slowly back in her chair. The judge advocate's manifest surprise
was reflected in her face. She paid no attention to his next question;
her busy brain was occupied in planning to get instant word to Colonel
Baker that, in her opinion, Symonds was deliberately lying to shield
Nancy.

"State to the court as briefly as possible what occurred after you
returned the despatch to Captain Lloyd," ordered the judge advocate.

"The captain told me to report to Colonel Baker that he possessed new
evidence, which would hang Miss Newton. He said I was to explain to
Colonel Bak