“Here is the name of ‘Walker,’ in the corner. William, did you find this _near_ the place where the murder was committed?” “Right by the spot where them two boots stood!” replied Nettleton, pointing to Walker’s feet. “I can explain this,” exclaimed Walker. “I went to the river that day to wash, and I stood upon the bank to do so. I presume I left the impression of my boots there at that time. If I did not, was I not also present in the morning to examine the spot where the murder had been committed? And is it a wonder that the impression of my boots should be left behind?” “That is certainly true,” replied the General. “But of the handkerchief?” “It fell from my hands as I was washing, and I did not take the trouble to recover it.” “It is very probable!” replied the General. “So you perceive,” replied Walker, as he appeared to gain courage, “your trumped up evidence has fallen to the ground! I did not expect a combination of both officers and men against me, but I find it so. And they wish to see _me_ suffer for the bloody deed done by that coward. The only reason I can assign for this persecution is, that he is in favor with the _ladies_, and you, sycophants that you are, hope, through him, to gain favor with his fair companions. No doubt some bargain to that effect already has been effected!” Captain Walker had by this time become eloquent, and defiant. Nettleton, with his too eager perceptions, had failed to foresee the possible fallacy of his proofs, for hope and prejudice together had prevented any calm examination of his evidence. With a sorrowful and troubled look, he turned away. This gave Walker greater confidence, and, in a loud but hoarse voice he cried: “And now I demand justice!” “Which you shall have,” replied the General. “But first answer me; how did this handkerchief, which bears your name, and which you confess to having used in the stream, become _bloody_?” That was another point of interest, and Nettleton paused to listen attentively. “I had a bleeding at the nose, and the reason I threw the dirty thing away, was, I did not think it worth washing!” “Then some person must have recovered it, washed it very carefully, and thrown it into the stream again, for _there is_ NO _blood upon it_!” Walker attempted a reply, but his utterance failed. The General enjoined silence, and then stepping forward he said, in a voice sufficiently loud to be heard by all present: “Captain Walker, I must sum up, before you, the evidence of crimes you have committed, which have no parallel in the history of the army, or of crimes which have ever been, or attempted to be committed in any civilized country. I would give you the benefit of a court-martial, were there any doubt of your guilt, and even _now_ may _order_ a trial, but it will only be a formal one. You had better confess your guilt, here, before all—ask their pardon—make reparation to those you have most injured, and die repentant!”