steal the paper and
found the captain already dead, and she dare not confess that she was
in his room fearing they would not believe she had not killed him,"
argued Mrs. Warren, hopefully.

"My dear, if she made such an admission the court would lose no time
worrying as to whether she killed Lloyd or not. They would instantly
convict her for being a rebel spy, and she would hang," returned
Warren, grimly.

"Why?" blankly.

"Because if she admits stealing that paper, it is proof positive that
Captain Lloyd's charges are true."

"Scylla and Charybdis!" ejaculated Mrs. Warren. "But you forget, Tom,
that Lee has surrendered."

"And Joe Johnston has not," dryly. "The war is not over. Once convicted
on such a charge Nancy need expect no leniency. I have just left Miss
Metoaca--" A knock interrupted him. "Come in!" Then as his servant
entered, "Well, Hamilton, what is it?"

"Doctor Ward would like ter see yo', suh."

Warren rose. "Is he in the parlor?"

"Yes, suh."

"Wait!" Mrs. Warren sprang up from the sofa. "Hamilton, show the doctor
in here. I am going up to my room, Tom, and you and the doctor can talk
here undisturbed." And with a swish of her skirts she disappeared up
the staircase as the man-servant ushered the doctor into the study.

"How are you, Ward," said the senator, heartily. "Stop, Hamilton, bring
the doctor some refreshments."

"None for me, Senator, thank you all the same." Ward took the chair
pushed toward him, and Warren turned his seat about so as to face his
visitor. "I am sorry to disturb you at this hour, but I felt that I had
to see you at once."

"Oh, that's all right. I am glad you came. I doubt if I can sleep
to-night. The prosecution will rest its case to-morrow, and my work
begins." He opened his cigar case and handed it to the doctor. "Won't
you join me? Here's a match." He put an ash receiver on the table by
Ward's side. "Have you heard of Goddard's arrest?"

"Yes. It is all over town by now; and Stanton is very much censured for
placing him under close arrest. Major Goddard has won the people's
sympathy."

"It is not surprising. His blindness, his evident infatuation for Miss
Newton and desire to shield her appeal to the romantic side of human
nature. I only wish it would have the same effect on the Court,"
growled Warren.

For a few minutes the two men smoked in silence; then Ward laid aside
his cigar. "May I close the door?" he asked. "I have something of
importance to s