such testimony is so
material that its omission would leave the investigation incomplete.'"

The judge advocate closed the book with a snap and laid it back on the
table. "I respectfully contend that Colonel Baker's testimony is
necessary before this case is closed. Here is the colonel's note, Mr.
President," and he passed the paper to Colonel Andrews, who, after
perusing it, handed the paper to the other members.

"The court rules that it is both permissible and necessary to hear
further testimony," announced the colonel. "Call Colonel Baker to the
stand."

Vexed and angry, Warren resumed his seat. Was victory to be snatched
from him at the crucial moment. He dared not glance at Nancy, and sick
at heart he listened to the judge advocate's slightly hoarse voice
administering the oath to the new witness.

"Do you know the accused?" asked the judge advocate after Baker had
given his full name and rank in the service.

"I do. I placed her under arrest as a rebel spy."

"What evidence have you to prove that fact?"

"This." Baker put his hand in his pocket and drew out a small red
leather cardcase which was caked with mud. Nancy's eyes distended with
fear, and she whitened perceptibly. "I have searched Miss Newton's
house a number of times, but without success. To-day I decided to make
one more effort, and so ransacked the place thoroughly. When in the
stable I noticed that a red-brown field spaniel was doing a lot of
snooping around in the rose garden, and I watched him for about ten
minutes. Finally he located his bone and dug it up, and with it a tin
box which contained this leather case."

Nancy almost cried out. Misery had betrayed her--her pet companion, her
little dumb, loyal friend, whose companionship she had longed for for
many days. She could hardly see Baker's movements through the stinging
tears that surged into her eyes.

Baker took from the case a much-worn paper, and without further comment
handed it to the judge advocate, who cleared his voice and read its
contents aloud:

"Special Order { WAR DEPARTMENT,
No. 17 { Richmond, Va., June 25th, 1862.
(Extract)

"2 ... The Bearer, Miss Nancy Newton, of Washington, District of
Columbia, having volunteered her services, is hereby appointed as
Special Agent of Confederate States Government, subject to the
approval of this Department. Commanders of Posts, Officers of
Guards and Patrols