She turned her whole attention to her father, neglecting me. I resumed my seat and looked out of the window, that I might appear to take no notice in case a family jar occurred. It is an immense satisfaction to have a pretty girl interfere in one's behalf, and I was content merely to look out at the river and the yellowing leaves. The colonel took his daughter by the arm and told her again she must withdraw. She protested, but in tones too low for me to hear the exact words. The colonel was becoming much excited. The matter was ended speedily by the withdrawal of Miss Hetherill, in which I think she was wise, for the gentlemen conducting my court-martial seemed to have made up their minds to go on with the business. This was shown the more clearly to me because when she went out the colonel locked the door. I did not see him do it, as I kept my eyes on out-of-doors, but I heard the key turning in the lock. "Attention, sir!" said the colonel. I was observing then some beautiful splashes of red and yellow on the mountain foliage, which appealed to my love of color, and I did not turn my head. "Do you hear me, sir," said the colonel, provoked, as I meant him to be. "Will you plead to this very grave charge against you?" "Colonel," I said, "it is a splendid afternoon for a walk, and we might get a fine view from the crest of the ridge yonder. Shall we take a stroll up there together?" "Gentlemen," said the colonel, "we have given the prisoner every opportunity to speak, and he will not take advantage of it. There is nothing further for the court to do but to render its verdict." All the men except the colonel and the doctor withdrew to the far end of the room. They talked together a few moments, and then returned to us, Crothers at their head. "What is your verdict, Mr. Crothers?" asked the colonel. "Death," replied Crothers. "So say you all?" asked the colonel. "So say we all," they said. "May the Lord have mercy on his soul," added the colonel, in the tone of a judge. "You seem to be agreed, gentlemen," I said, looking around from the window. "Undoubtedly," said the colonel. "Mr. Secretary, see that the sentence of the court is entered upon the record." "It has been done," replied the doctor. "Then if you have amused yourselves sufficiently, gentlemen," I said, "I would like to go back to my room, as I am tired. I'd thank you also to send me something to eat, as I am hungry, too." "That much courtesy is due you," said the colonel.