The touch of his hand and the rough way in which he had
tied the leather stirred John Vaughan's rage to boiling point. All sense
of danger was lost for the moment in blind anger. He turned suddenly and
faced his executioner:
"This is a damned outrage, sir! Even a spy is entitled to a trial by
drumhead court-martial!"
"Yes, that's what I say," the big, quiet fellow broke in.
"I'm in command of this squad!" thundered the lieutenant.
"I know you are," was the cool answer, "that's why this outrage is going
to be committed."
The executioner dropped the rein and faced his subordinate:
"You're going to question my authority?"
"I've already done it, haven't I?"
A quick blow followed. The quiet man, in response, knocked his commander
down and the men sprang on them as they drew their revolvers.
John Vaughan, with a sudden leap, reached the dense woods and in five
minutes was inside Sherman's lines.
The bridle rein was still around his neck and the blue picket helped him
untie the ugly knot.
"I've had a close call," he panted, with a glance toward the woods.
"You look it, partner. You'll be wantin' to see General Sherman, I
guess?"
"Yes--to headquarters quick--you can't get there too quick to suit me."
He had recovered his composure before reaching the farm house where
General Sherman and his staff were quartered.
Pages:
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554