our friends. They are resolute men, and will certainly
make me the victim of their retaliation.

EDGAR ST. JERMYN,

Ensign of the 71st Reg't.

P. S. For God's sake respect this paper, and be lenient to the
prisoner.'"

"Treason and forgery, paltry forgery!" exclaimed Innis, with a smile of
derision, as he finished reading the letter. "What ho! tell Frazer to
lead out the prisoner, and despatch him without a moment's delay. So
much for this shallow artifice!"

"A base forgery," said one of the officers in attendance, "and doubtless
the work of the rebel major himself. He will die with this silly lie
upon his conscience. St. Jermyn, here!" cried out the same officer to
the captain, who was now at some distance, "here is an attempt to put a
trick upon us by a counterfeit of your brother's hand, telling a most
doleful and improbable falsehood. Look at it."

St. Jermyn read the letter, and suddenly turning pale, exclaimed: "Sir,
this is no trick. It is my brother's own writing. He is in the custody
of the Whigs! How came this here? Who brought it? When was it written?
Can nobody tell me?"

"Tut, St. Jermyn!" interrupted the officer, smiling, "you surely cannot
be imposed upon by such a device. Look at the scrawl again. In truth,
are you sure of it, man?" he inquired with great surprise, as he
perceived the increasing paleness of St. Jermyn's brow.

"My brother's life is in imminent danger," replied St. Jermyn, with
intense earnestness. "Colonel Innis, as you value my happiness, I
entreat you, countermand the order for the prisoner's execution. I
implore you, respect this letter; it is genuine, and I dread the
consequences. My poor brother, the youngest of my family and the
special darling of his parents! For heaven's sake, good colonel, pause
until we learn something more of this mysterious business."

"For your sake, my friend, and until we can investigate this matter,"
said Innis, "let the execution be suspended."

St. Jermyn instantly hurried to the guard, to communicate the new order.

"Whence comes this missive?" demanded Innis. "It has neither date nor
place described. Who brought it? Did any one see the bearer?" he asked
aloud of the bystanders.

No one answered except the officer who had first discovered the paper.
"I know nothing more than what you see. It was here upon the table. How
long it had been there I cannot tell."

"It is strange," continued Innis. "Can this young St