y! It might as well have been done
at first," he added, speaking to himself, as he walked away from the
group of officers to look after other affairs.

The execution of Butler was now regarded as a mere matter of business,
and to be despatched as one item of duty amongst the thousand others
that were to be looked after in the hurry of breaking up the post. The
interest of the trial had faded away by the lapse of time, and in the
more predominating excitements which the absorbing character of the late
events had afforded. The preparations for this ceremony were, therefore,
attended with no display, and scarcely seemed to arouse inquiry amongst
the soldiers of the camp. It was treated in all respects as a
subordinate point of police. Ten files were detailed; one drum and fife
put in requisition; and this party, attended by Frazer, and two or three
officers who happened to be near at the moment, marched with a careless
step to head-quarters.

The first announcement of this sudden resolve was made to the prisoner
by a subaltern; who, without prelude or apology, or the least effort to
mitigate the harshness of the order he bore, walked abruptly into the
chamber and delivered the message of his superior.

"It is a sudden proceeding," said Butler, calmly; "but your pleasure
must be obeyed."

"You have had two days to think of it," replied the officer; "it is not
often so much time is allowed. Ensign St. Jermyn, sir, is safe, and that
is all we waited for. We march to-morrow, and therefore have no time to
lose. You are waited for below."

Butler stood a moment with his hand pressed upon his brow, and then
muttered,

"It is even so; our unhappy country is lost, and the reign of blood is
but begun. I would ask the poor favor of a moment's delay, and the
privilege of pen, ink, and paper, whilst I write but a line to a
friend."

"Impossible, sir," said the man. "Time is precious, and our orders are
positive."

"This is like the rest," answered Butler; "I submit." Then buttoning his
coat across his breast, he left the room with a firm and composed step.

When he reached the door the first person who met his eye was Captain
St. Jermyn. There was an expression of formal gravity in the manner of
this officer, as he accosted the prisoner, and lamented the rigor of the
fate that awaited him. And it was somewhat with a cold and polite
civility that he communicated his readiness to attend to any request
which Butler, in his las