“You are right, general, and I will finish. The war broke out, and I sold my truck patch, and invested in a better business--that is, running the blockade across the Potomac, and smuggling in goods for the Richmond market. On one of these trips, I met, plump, in the streets of Washington, no less a person than the lady whom I had rescued. She was richly dressed, and far more beautiful, but there was no mistaking her. I spoke to her; she recognized me, took me to her house, and here I found _the gentleman_, dressed in a fine new uniform. He was changed too--his wound had long healed, he was stout and strong, but I knew him, too, at a glance. Well, I spent the evening, and when I left the house had accepted an offer made me to combine a new business with that of blockade runner.” “That of spy, you mean?” said Mohun. Swartz smiled. “You speak plainly, general. We call ourselves ‘secret agents’--but either word expresses the idea!” XXIX. THE PAPER. Mohun raised his head, and looked Swartz full in the face. His glance had grown, if possible, more penetrating than before, and a grim smile responded to the unctuous expression of the spy. “Well, my dear Mr. Swartz,” he said coolly, “that is a curious history. Others might doubt its accuracy, but I give you my word that I do not! I did well to let you proceed in your own way, instead of questioning you--but I have not yet done; and this time shall return to the method of interrogation.” “At your orders, general,” said Swartz, whose quick glance showed that he was on his guard, and foresaw what was coming. Mohun leaned toward the spy. “Let us proceed to ‘call names,’” he said. “The man you rescued from the grave was Colonel Darke?” “Exactly, general.” “Is that his real name, or a false one?” Swartz hesitated; then replied:-- “A false one.” “His real name?” “Mortimer.” “And the lady is--?” “His wife, general.” “Good,” said Mohun, “you are well informed, I see, my dear Mr. Swartz; and it is a pleasure to converse with a gentleman who knows so much, and knows it so accurately.” “You flatter my pride, general!” “I do you justice--but to the point. Your story was cut off in the middle. After the interview in Washington, you continued to see Colonel Darke and his wife?” “I saw them frequently, general.” “In the army--and at their home, both?” “Yes, general.” “Where did they live?” “Near Carlisle, Pennsylvania.” “Where you were on a visit, just before the battle of Gettysburg?” “Yes, general.” “Very good!” And rising quickly, Mohun confronted the spy, who drew back unconsciously. “Where is the paper that you stole from the woman that night?” he said. Swartz was unable to sustain the fiery glance directed toward him by Mohun. “Then Nighthawk has told you all!” he exclaimed. “Colonel Surry saw you hide the paper.” Swartz looked suddenly toward me--his smiles had all vanished. “The paper! give me the paper!” exclaimed Mohun; “you shall have gold for it!”