"I'd been back fer a drink, sir," explained the sergeant, still eying me, "an' was just comin' in through ther door yer, when I run inter him, sneakin' 'long ther wall--thet's ther whole bloomin' story." The officer, a smooth-faced lad, turned abruptly to me. "Well, what have you got to say?" "Nothing," I answered quietly, "you are perfectly welcome to draw your own conclusions." "Oh, indeed," sarcastically. "We'll see what more civil answer you'll make to the general. Sims, bring the fellow along." The two soldiers grabbed me roughly by the arms, but I made no resistance, cool enough by this time, although realizing fully the peril of my position. I was marched in through the open door, and stood up in the centre of the dining-room, Sims posted on one side of me, the guard on the other, the officers forming a picturesque background. Beauregard was on his feet, and Miss Hardy stood between the windows, her hands clasped, her cheeks red. "What is all this, gentlemen? A Federal officer in full uniform? How comes he here?" I made no attempt to answer, unable to formulate an excuse, and the young fellow broke in swiftly, "Sims caught him in the hall, General. He is unarmed, but refuses to explain." The general's stern dark eyes were upon my face. "Hardly a spy, I think," he said quietly. "What is the explanation, sir? Are you the bearer of a message?" I started to speak, but before the first uncertain word came to my lips, the girl swept forward, and stood between us. "Let me explain," she cried swiftly. "This gentleman is a friend of Captain Le Gaire's, and was presented to me as Major Atherton, formerly on General Pemberton's staff--perhaps there may be some here who know him?" She glanced inquiringly about on the faces of the group, and a stockily built infantry captain struck his open hand on the table. "By Jove, that's it! Thought I recognized the face. How are you, Atherton?--met you at Big Shanty." Still puzzled, although evidently relieved, Beauregard remained motionless. "But the uniform?" he questioned. "And how did you reach the hallway without being seen?" Her eyes met mine in a rapid flash of understanding, a little nervous laugh drawing the general's attention. "It is almost ridiculous," she exclaimed. "Major Atherton came through the lines with me last night. He was detailed on special service, for which purpose he donned that uniform. On meeting Captain Le Gaire here, and learning of your advance, it was no longer necessary for him to proceed at once, and, as he was very tired, he was persuaded to lie down in a room upstairs. Waking, he naturally came down into the hall, knowing nothing of your arrival. Have I correctly presented the case, Major Atherton?" Her eyes challenged me, and I bowed. "A perfectly clear statement."