The Lost Despatch

by Natalie Sumner Lincoln

  CHAPTER XV

  NEMESIS

  "Come up, Symonds; come up!" called Lloyd from the head of the stairs.The old colored cook, protesting under her breath at having to mount tothe second story to announce visitors, had not waited to take a messageto Symonds, but returned at once to her domain by way of the backstairs. Lloyd's voice was so imperative that Symonds took the steps twoat a time, and arrived breathless at the top, to find Lloyd, booted andspurred, and covered from head to foot with a thick layer of mud,waiting impatiently for him.

  "I have caught her, Symonds," he cried exultingly. "By God! I've caughther this time." Then, more calmly: "I have absolute proof here,"tapping his chest, "that she is a rebel spy. Come in, and I will tellyou about it." And half dragging Symonds into his sitting room, heslammed to the door. "It's been a long chase and a stern chase, but Ihave won at last." He dropped heavily into an armchair, and signed toSymonds to take the one opposite him.

  "That is splendid!" said Symonds, with satisfaction. "I was afraidsomething had happened to you, Captain, and have just been over to theBureau to find out if they had news of you. They told me they knewnothing of your whereabouts, so I stopped here to ask Major Goddard ifhe could tell me where you were."

  "Was Colonel Baker at the Bureau?"

  "No, sir; he is in Baltimore, but will be back to-night."

  "What has Miss Newton been doing since her return to Washington?"

  "Nothing of a suspicious character. I hear that she is going to Mrs.Arnold's ball to-night."

  "Well, we will put an end to her masterly inactivity." Lloyd chuckledso vindictively that Symonds glanced at him in surprise.

  "You seem to hate Miss Newton, Captain?"

  "Hate? Well, perhaps that is too strong a word, Symonds, though I canbe a good hater of those who have wronged me. Miss Newton's clevernessput me on my mettle. I cannot say I enjoyed being outwitted by a girl,but I could forgive her that. What has roused my dislike, my bitterdislike, is that she has turned Major Goddard against me. I can neverforgive her for that. He has been my lifelong friend; now, he avoidsme--and it cuts deep!" Lloyd spoke with intense feeling.

  "How comes it, then, that you have the same rooms here?"

  "Probably Major Goddard is planning to move to another boarding house;I have not seen him since my return. Mrs. Lane told me he had gone fora drive, accompanied by his attendant. I am glad he is out, for I donot relish telling him Miss Newton will be arrested to-night. I preferto have him learn it from some one else."

  "You say you have absolute proof of her guilt?" questioned Symonds.

  "Absolute. She will not slip through my fingers this time. As I toldyou in Winchester, Symonds, I was convinced that Major Goddard, toshield Miss Newton, told a deliberate lie when he said he had been inthat room over half an hour. I was sure she had seen and talked withthat rebel spy; so I wasted no time making further inquiries at thehouse, but, with Colonel Young's permission, took Belden and started inpursuit of him.

  "Belden knows that country like a book, and he guessed the route therebel would take. We had two of the best horses in the cavalry, and, tocut a long story short, we headed him off, and forced him back towardour lines. His horse was almost spent when we came up with him. It wastwo to one. He died bravely. We found his name on an envelope, 'GeorgePegram, --th Virginia Cavalry,' and this paper." Lloyd unbuttoned hiscoat, and drew out a leather wallet. "Here it is--see"--he opened asmall crumpled paper--"not only the cipher message verbatim, asreceived that afternoon in Winchester, but the key to our code. It isdamning evidence, and it will hang her." He folded the paper, replacedit in his pocketbook, which he slipped back in his inside coat pocket;then resumed his story:

  "We were returning to Winchester when we almost ran slam-bang into someof Mosby's guerillas. To avoid them, we had to go miles out of our way.Twice we were nearly captured by scouting parties of Early's forces;then some of Lomax' cavalry chased us still deeper inside the rebellines. It took us four days to reach Snicker's Gap, and so on toWashington. Since I last saw you, I have been constantly in the saddlewithout rest and without sufficient food." Lloyd's face was drawn andhaggard, and his eyes inflamed and heavy from lack of sleep. SeeingSymonds' look of concern, he added: "Mrs. Lane brought me up a coldlunch. I intended going at once to see Colonel Baker, but, as he isaway, I will let you apply for the necessary papers to arrest her. Imust get some sleep. I cannot stay awake another moment. Stay," asSymonds hastened to the hall door. "You meet Colonel Baker; tell himwhat I have told you, and have him arrest the girl. And send amessenger to me when she is taken to the provost marshal's, and I willjoin you there." He stretched himself and yawned. "Be sure and send forme, Symonds," he called, "for I shall sleep like the dead."

  "All right, Captain; I will have you called."

  Lloyd went thoughtfully back into his sitting room, stood for a momentundecided, then walked through the communicating door into the nextroom. The two single beds, bureaus, table and chairs but partiallyfilled the bedroom, which was unusually large. There were two sidewindows, and two doors, one of which opened directly into the backhall, and the other into the sitting room.

  Lloyd did not trouble to undress. He kicked off his muddy boots, andtossed them into a corner of the room; removed his coat and hung it onthe back of a chair; then threw himself on the outside of one of thebeds, drawing a quilt over him. His head had hardly touched the pillowbefore his regular breathing testified that he had fallen into theheavy slumber of utter exhaustion.

  * * * * *

  Mrs. Arnold's ball was in full swing when Nancy and her aunt arrived.Nancy did not look well, to Miss Metoaca's concern, who tersely advisedher to pull herself together, or else stay at home. If she had followedthe latter course, Miss Metoaca would have been bitterly disappointed,for she greatly enjoyed going to parties and watching Nancy'sbelleship.

  Nancy much preferred staying quietly at home. Dull care dogged herfootsteps; Goddard's pathetic face haunted her memory. Do what shecould; go where she would, she could never banish from her mind hishalting, passionate words spoken on that never-forgotten day inWinchester. After all, did she wish to?

  Mrs. Arnold's spacious new house was filled with members of the cabinetand their wives; some of the foreign ministers and their secretaries,and Washington's residential circle, which consisted of aboutforty-five persons, all told, who religiously attended each other'sparties, and occasionally went to the President's levees, and theentertainments of the diplomatic corps and the cabinet officers. A"social column" in the daily paper was never heard of; but,notwithstanding, each person knew when the other was giving a party orentertaining house guests. Occasionally a paragraph was slipped in the_National Intelligencer_, saying: "Miss H---- attended Mrs. R----'sreception," but even that was considered very bad form, though initialsonly were given.

  Mrs. Arnold received Nancy and her aunt with some reserve. She did notwant her nephew to marry Nancy, but still less, with true feminineinconsistency, did she want him to be jilted by such a chit of a girl.She also stood very much in awe of Miss Metoaca's ready wit andformidable tongue.

  Nancy was immediately carried off by an impatient partner for the nextdance, and Miss Metoaca was left chatting with Senator Warren and LordLyons, the British minister. Mrs. Arnold, flushed with her labors ashostess, stopped near them, and the Englishman turned at once andcomplimented her on the decorations of her ball-room.

  "I am delighted you approve of my taste, your Excellency," she saidcomplacently. "Have you seen our new oil painting which my husband hasjust purchased at Goupil's in New York?"

  "No, I have not had that pleasure," replied the diplomat courteously.

  "Then come with me. You, too, Miss Metoaca, and Senator Warren. I wouldvery much like your opinion of the painting. It is called 'Jupiter andTen.' What 'Ten' has to do with it is beyond me. There are not tenfigures in the picture; nor did we pay ten dollars for it."

  By that time they had reached the painting, a fine
work by a famousartist. Underneath, on the brass name plate, were the words: "JUPITERAND IO."

  "The technique is fine," murmured Lord Lyons feebly, adjusting hismonocle. Whereat Mrs. Arnold beamed with delight.

  "It is indeed an excellent painting," exclaimed Miss Metoaca, her eyestwinkling. "You are to be congratulated, Mrs. Arnold. I must go andfind Nancy, as I want to introduce her to Mrs. Scott, the wife of thenew member from Pennsylvania."

  "Let me escort you, Miss Metoaca," said the Senator gallantly.

  Nancy was not hard to find, and, after she had met Mrs. Scott, SenatorWarren asked her to sit out a dance with him.

  "If I can escape my next partner, I will do so with pleasure."

  "Suppose we sit in that alcove by the palms, he will never find usthere," suggested the senator, and he led the way to the sofa, whichwas partially concealed from view, only to find Mrs. Bennettcomfortably installed on one end of it.

  "There is plenty of room for all," she declared, as Nancy drew back."Colonel Bennett has gone with Mr. Arnold, and, being partnerless, Icame over here to enjoy watching the dancers. Where is Mrs. Warren thisevening, Senator?"

  "Sick in bed with a bad headache," returned Warren, sitting downbetween the two women. "I would not have come to-night, but sheinsisted it would not be neighborly to back out at the last moment."

  "So, like an obedient American husband, you sacrificed yourself,"laughed Nancy, her small foot keeping time to the dreamy strains of thewaltz, "Brightest Eyes."

  "I am managing to have a very comfortable time," retorted the Senator.He ceased speaking as a man in uniform stepped to Nancy's side andtouched her on the shoulder.

  "Miss Newton, you are to come with me."

  Nancy turned quickly, and her face whitened. The sword of Damocles hadfallen.

  "What do you mean, Baker?" demanded Warren sharply.

  "That Miss Newton is under arrest, Mr. Senator. I advise the young ladyto come quietly."

  Nancy rose. "I shall make no scene," she said haughtily. "Go on, sir,and I will follow."

  "I prefer that you should go first," said Baker quickly.

  "One moment," interrupted Warren. "Where are you taking Miss Newton?"Baker hesitated. "I insist on an answer."

  Senator Warren was a power on Capitol Hill, and the Secret Serviceofficer did not care to offend him.

  "She is to be taken to the War Department. Secretary Stanton wishes tointerview her," he answered at last.

  "My dear! My dear!" ejaculated Mrs. Bennett, who had sat speechlesswith surprise. "This is too dreadful. Can I not accompany you? or myhusband? We know the secretary well, and will use our influence tosecure your immediate release."

  "Miss Newton goes with me _alone_," interposed Baker harshly. "I willallow no outside interference." And he looked significantly at Mrs.Bennett.

  "Many thanks, Mrs. Bennett." The older woman colored hotly under herscrutiny, and Nancy's suspicions were instantly aroused. Had she andLloyd planned her arrest? "I will not trouble you, however, to exertyour influence in my behalf, because I am convinced I shall be set freethe moment I have talked this affair over with Secretary Stanton.Senator Warren, will you take Aunt Metoaca home, and explain to herabout this ridiculous arrest."

  "I will, and will join you afterward at the War Department. There isundoubtedly some explanation, and, as your friend, I will investigatethe matter at once."

  Nancy impulsively extended her hand; she could not voice her thanks. Itwas some seconds before she regained her self-control; then sheaddressed Baker. "Now, Colonel, I am ready to go with you." She turneddisdainfully, and walked proudly across the room, spoke to Mrs. Arnold,then went directly into the hall. "May I go for my wrap?" she asked theSecret Service officer, who followed at her heels.

  "No, send the maid for it," was the surly reply.

  It did not take the colored girl long to find the wrap, and, escortedby Baker, Nancy ran down the steps and entered the waiting hack. Theydrove in absolute silence, Nancy gazing straight before her withbrooding eyes. Never had he escorted so quiet a prisoner, and Baker wasglad when they reached the War Department. He wasted no time, but tookher at once to the private office of the Secretary of War.

  "Here is Miss Newton, Mr. Secretary," he announced, signing to Nancy toenter the room first.

  "To what do I owe my arrest, Secretary Stanton?" asked Nancy, walkingquietly up to his desk.

  Stanton glanced piercingly at her. Her proud, cold beauty anddistinguished appearance stirred a momentary feeling of admiration inthe "Iron Secretary's" breast. He half rose, then sank again into hischair.

  "Be seated," he directed shortly. "Baker, close that door." He took offhis spectacles, wiped them carefully, then replaced them am his nose."You asked me?"

  "Why I am arrested?" steadily.

  "Isn't that an unnecessary question?"

  "No. I am not a mind reader."

  "You need not strain your imagination. Do you know Major George Pegram,of the --th Virginia Cavalry?"

  "I do. He is my cousin."

  "He _was_." Stanton stopped and eyed Nancy intently; but she sat as ifcarved from stone. Not by cry or sign did she betray the shock hiswords gave her. "Major Pegram was killed last Wednesday, when trying toget through our lines about Winchester."

  "Poor fellow!" Nancy's tone was keyed to express simply natural sorrowand regret. "I am sure his death became him."

  Stanton looked baffled, as his bomb shell exploded without apparenteffect. Was there no vulnerable spot in her armor of iron self-control?After a moment he continued his examination.

  "Your cousin was killed by Captain Lloyd, of the Secret Service, whotook from his dead body the cipher despatch which you secured under thenoses of a room full of my officers at Winchester." He paused to letthe meaning of his words sink in.

  Nancy thought for a second; then shook her head. "I fail to recall anysuch incident."

  "You have a poor memory," retorted Stanton. "Possibly it will beimproved when I show you the despatch in your handwriting."

  Nancy's face never altered. "May I see the despatch?"

  The Secretary paid no attention to her question. "There is no usedenying it any longer, Miss Newton. I know you are a rebel spy."

  "Indeed. And may I ask on what grounds you base so serious a charge?"

  "No, madam, you may not. That will come out at your trial. I had youbrought here that I might find out how you secured the key to oursecret cipher code."

  Nancy started to reply, when the door opened, and the President,followed by Senator Warren, walked quietly in.

  "Good evening, Miss Nancy." The President bowed gravely to her. "Keepyour seat. Now, Stanton, what's all this about?" And he threw himselfinto a vacant chair.

  The Secretary, surprised by Lincoln's entrance, pulled himselftogether. He was not pleased by the interruption.

  "I was examining Miss Newton, Mr. President, as to how she gainedpossession of the key to our cipher code. Pardon me if I suggest thatit would be better to conduct the interview in private." And he glancedsignificantly at Warren.

  "What do you mean by that insinuation, Mr. Secretary?" demanded Warrenhotly.

  "Now, now," interposed the President patiently. "Nobody has insinuatedanything, Warren. It is perfectly proper that the senator be present,Stanton. You forget he is a member of the Military Commission inCongress."

  "And I am also here as Miss Newton's legal representative," addedWarren warmly, still ruffled by Stanton's manner.

  Nancy shot him a grateful glance, but Stanton frowned. He did not likethe turn things were taking.

  "What is Miss Nancy accused of?" inquired Lincoln.

  "Of being a rebel spy."

  Lincoln's face grew grave. He inspected Nancy keenly, as his mind flewback to the scene before the deserted house on B Street. It mightbe.... "And what have you to say to that accusation, Miss Nancy?" heasked sternly.

  "I deny it."

  "The girl lies," declared Stanton.

  Nancy's eyes flashed he
r indignation, and she turned squarely and facedthe Secretary.

  "The honorable Secretary," she said, with biting scorn, "has threetimes announced that I am a rebel spy. Is it not time that he produceevidence to prove that _he_ is not lying."

  Stanton turned purple with suppressed wrath. To be bearded by a slip ofa girl, and before the President! "Blustering will not help yourcause," he snarled.

  "You have made a serious charge," interrupted Lincoln thoughtfully. "Iagree with Miss Nancy, Stanton, that it is time you produce yourevidence against her."

  The Secretary wheeled on Baker. "Where is Captain Lloyd?"

  Lincoln, who was covertly studying Nancy, saw her move ever so slightlyand her eyes dilate.

  "I sent word to him that I was bringing Miss Newton to see you, insteadof taking her to the provost marshal, and to join us here. I think thisis he coming now," as the sound of hurrying footsteps sounded outsidein the corridor. Baker stepped to the door, and pulled it open. "Comein, Lloyd."

  But the man who entered was not Lloyd. He breathed heavily, as if spentwith running, and, despite the cold winter night, beads of perspirationtrickled down his face.

  "Symonds!" exclaimed Baker. "Did you go for Captain Lloyd, as Iordered?"

  Symonds nodded, gazing past Baker with frightened eyes at Nancy.

  "Then, why didn't he return here with you?"

  "Because"--Symonds took a long breath--"because--he's dead!"