ing this interval, in which the commander of the post was engaged
with the vidette, the guard had conducted the prisoner back to the
house, and Innis, freed from the restraint of Butler's presence, now
gave way to the expression of a savage exultation at the power which the
events of the morning had given him, to inflict punishment upon one that
he termed an audacious rebel. "The chances jump well with us," he said,
"when they enable us to season the joy of these ragged traitors, by so
notable a deed as the execution of one of their shrewdest emissaries.
This fellow Butler has consideration amongst them, and fortune too: at
least he had it, but that has gone into better hands; and, to say truth,
he has a bold and mischievous spirit. The devil has instigated him to
cross our path; he shall have the devil's comfort for it. The whole
party taken did you say?"--

"Every man, sir," replied the vidette.

"How many men had this skulking fellow, Sumpter, at his back?"

"They say about seven hundred."

"And did the cowards strike to seven hundred rebels?"

"They were tangled with the wagons," said the soldier, "and were set on
unawares, on the bank of the river, at the lower ferry."

"Aye, that's the way! An ambuscade, no doubt,--a piece of cowardly
bush-fighting. Fresh men against poor devils worn down by long marching!
Well, well, I have a good requital for the rascally trick. Major
Butler's blood will weigh heavy in the scale, or I am mistaken! Come,
gentlemen, let us to quarters--we must hold a council."

"Here is a letter," said one of the officers of the court, "which I have
this moment found on the table, under my sword belt; it seems, from its
address, to contain matter of moment. How it came here does not appear."

"'To Colonel Innis, or any other officer commanding a corps in his
majesty's service,'" said Innis, reading the superscription, "besides,
here is something significant, '_for life or death, with speed_.' What
can this mean?" he added, as he broke open the paper and ran his eyes
hastily over the contents. St. George! here is something strange,
gentlemen. Listen!--

"'By ill luck I have fallen into the possession of the Whigs.
They have received intelligence of the capture of Major Butler,
and, apprehending that some mischief might befal him, have
constrained me to inform you that my life will be made
answerable for any harsh treatment that he may receive at the
hands of