t
place, it is alleged that my client captured a Rebel spy, one Herbert
Cary, who was hiding in the loft of a cabin."

The General's caustic tones interrupted. "To which fact," he said,
"there were only _ten_ witnesses."

"Yes, General," was the faintly smiling agreement. "Ten! But not one of
them actually _saw_ the man! They _believe_ he was there, but they
cannot swear to it."

Grant made a motion as of putting away something of no consequence.
"Immaterial--in view of the other facts. Well--what else?"

"Next, it is claimed that Morrison released this spy and allowed him to
enter the Union lines--without regard to consequences."

The General gave a short exclamation of impatience, and struck the
papers on his desk with the flat of his hand.

"And that is _proved_," he said, sharply. "Proved by several officers
who stopped your spy at points along the road."

He singled out a soiled piece of paper from the sheaf before him and
held it up, a piece of paper which bore writing on both sides.

"When taken, _this pass_ was found on his person. Not circumstantial
evidence, but _fact_. Signed on one side by R.E. Lee and, on the other,
by Colonel Morrison." He laughed shortly over the futility of argument
under such circumstances. "Do you presume to contest this, _too_?"

To his amazement the young officer facing him bowed easily and smiled in
turn.

"I _do_. Emphatically. _No pass_ was given Herbert Cary either by
Colonel Morrison _or_ General Lee."

"_What?_" cried the General angrily.

Harris only pointed.

"Read it, sir--if you please." He watched till Grant's eyes started to
scan the pass again, and then repeated the words which he knew so well.

"Pass _Virginia Cary_ and escort through Federal--and Confederate
lines."

"'Virginia Cary,' General, is a non-combatant and a child. 'Escort' may
mean a single person--or it may mean a whole troop of cavalry."

To his infinite relief and joy his Commanding General looked up at him
thoughtfully, then slowly rose from his desk and took a turn about the
room, followed by a faint blue trail of cigar smoke. He paused.

"And what does _Cary_ say?" he asked.

Again Harris smiled the quiet smile of the lawyer who has been
confronted with such questions before and knows well how to answer them.

"He, too, is on trial for his life. His evidence, naturally, was not
admitted."

"Ah! Then what says _Morrison_?"

"Nothing, sir," was the young lieutenant's calm reply