“He’s a villain, a heartless villain,” the general would mutter at each new exhibition of the surgeon’s rascality. When we had gone through with the papers, he said in a most emphatic way,-- “I will punish that man to the full extent of the law.” “No, general: he will elude you; he will find some way to escape. If dealt with by military law he will escape; but I have a plan that will reach him.” “What is your plan?” “To go to Governor Morton of Indiana, and lay the facts and these papers before him, and put the whole case in his hands. The hospital is in his State, and I don’t think he can get out of the clutches of Governor Morton.” My words were like the shock of an electric battery. He sprang to his feet, and walked the floor in a most excited state of mind. At last he calmed himself enough to speak, and facing me, he said,-- “Madam, do you wish to kill me? Do you wish to kill me? Do you wish to stab me to the heart?” “Certainly not. I have the highest respect for you. I believe you are innocent in this matter; but I do not want that villain to escape.” “_He shall not escape._” “What will you do?” “I will send up Inspector Allen right away.” “No; that won’t do. Inspector Allen has been going up month after month, and has not seen a thing wrong. No; I am sorry to say it, but I do not believe you can bring this man to justice. Governor Morton is my only chance to secure that.” I shall never forget with what majesty he stood before me. He looked like a patriarch,--tall, straight, commanding, with his crown of gray hair, his fair and kindly face. _A perfect Christian gentleman_ of the old school, too honest and true himself to suspect others as frauds. “Mrs. Wittenmyer,” he said, “you could not possibly do me a greater injury; such a thing would likely lead to my removal. You certainly do not desire that. Have I not co-operated with you in all your great plans, removing from one hospital to another surgeons at your suggestion? Have I not placed steamers and trains to carry your goods, and extended to you the hearty co-operation and aid of this office? Why should you wish to injure me?” “I do not wish to injure you. I only want to bring this rogue to justice. You have done _all_ that any one could do for me, and the influence of your high office has helped me all along the lines. I shall ever hold you in grateful remembrance for your kindness and co-operation; but I cannot stand by and see our sick and wounded men treated in this way, and not do my utmost to bring such a rascal to justice.” “He shall be brought to justice. I will make this proposition to you: I will appoint a commission to investigate, bring charges against and court-martial him, and you may select the commission.” “But he will resign as soon as he knows they are going to bring charges.” “I will not accept his resignation.”