would have gained nothing,
probably, but a halter on the spot. On the other hand, by accepting the
part forced upon him, he was at least gaining time. It might be, too,
that he was rendering an important service to the real Stackridge by
thus withdrawing the soldiers from their ambush, and giving him an
opportunity to reach home and learn the danger he had escaped.

These considerations passed rapidly through his mind. He slouched his
hat over his eyes, and marched with sullen, stubborn mien. In this
manner he was taken to the village, and conducted to an old storehouse,
which had lately been turned into a guard-house by the confederate
authorities.

There was a great crowd around the dimly-lighted door, and other
prisoners, similarly escorted, were going in. Amid the press and hurry,
Penn passed the sentinels still unrecognized. He immediately found
himself wedged in between the wall and a number of Tennessee Union men,
some terrified into silence, others enraged and defiant, but all
captives like himself.

In the farther end of the room, at a desk behind the counter, with
candles at each side, sat the confederate colonel to whom Penn owed his
life. He seemed to be receiving the reports of those who had conducted
the arrests, and to be examining the prisoners. Beside him sat his aids
and clerks. Before him Penn knew that he must soon appear. He was in
darkness and disguise as yet, but he could not long avoid facing the
light and the eyes of those who knew him well. What, then, would be his
fate? Would he be retained a prisoner, like the rest, or delivered over
to the mob that sought his life? He had time to decide upon a course
which he hoped might gain him some favor.

Taking advantage of the shadow and confusion in which he was, he slipped
off his disguise, and, elbowing his way through the crowd of prisoners,
appeared, hat in hand and coat on arm, before the interior guard, and
demanded to speak with the commanding officer.

"Sir, who are you?" said the colonel, failing, at first, to recognize
him. Upon which Mr. Ropes, who was at his side, swore a great oath that
it was the schoolmaster himself.

"But I have had no report of his arrest," cried the colonel. "How came
you here, sir?"

"I wish to place myself under your protection," said Penn. "You received
a substitute in my place, and ordered me to be set at liberty. But your
commands have been disregarded; I have been hunted for two days; and
men, calling