bent in thoughtful contemplation of the coolness of his veteran chief
under this exciting disclosure, and the strategy with which he had
frustrated the traitor's success. Then his eye caught the sealed packet
in his belt. He mechanically drew it out, and broke the seal. The
envelope was filled with papers and memorandums. But as he looked at
them his face darkened and his brow knit. He glanced quickly around him.
The staff had trotted away; the captain and his detail were continuing
their work at a little distance. He took a long breath, for he was
holding in his hand a tracing of their camp, even of the position he was
to occupy tomorrow, and a detailed account of the movements, plans, and
force of the whole division as had been arranged in council of war the
day before the battle! But there was no indication of the writer or his
intentions.
He thrust the papers hurriedly back into the envelope, but placed it,
this time, in his breast. He galloped towards the captain.
"Let me see again the officer from whom you took that packet!"
The captain led him to where the body lay, with others, extended more
decently on the grass awaiting removal. General Brant with difficulty
repressed an ejaculation.
"Why, it's one of our own men," he said quickly.
"Yes, General. They say it's Lieutenant Wainwright, a regular, of the
paymaster general's department."
"Then what was he doing here?" asked General Brant sternly.
"I can't make out, sir, unless he went into the last advance as a
volunteer. Wanted to see the fight, I suppose. He was a dashing fellow,
a West Pointer,--and a Southerner, too,--a Virginian."
"A Southerner!" echoed Brant quickly.
"Yes, sir."
"Search him again," said Brant quietly. He had recovered his usual
coolness, and as the captain again examined the body, he took out his
tablets and wrote a few lines. It was an order to search the quarters
of Lieutenant Wainwright and bring all papers, letters, and documents to
him. He then beckoned one of the detail towards him. "Take that to the
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