Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/155

I FACE FATE "Now, gentlemen," I began, running my eyes searchingly over their surprised faces, "I have come to you voluntarily to make a statement. In one sense I am your prisoner, yet, had I chosen to do so, I could have been well out of your hands by now. Under these conditions I have some reason to believe you will listen to me quietly, realizing that I speak the truth. I could have no other object in thus coming to you. I am a Federal officer, detailed upon the staff of General Rosecrans, and temporarily in command of scouts. Day before yesterday I was ordered to take two men and examine this neighborhood, for the purpose of discovering. if possible, the rendezvous of a guerilla leader known to us as Big Jem Donald." l gazed directly into the eyes of the giant who was now leaning back in his chair. "Are you the man?"

He smiled slightly, his entire face changing its expression.

"You may assume so for sake of argument. Go on."

"Understanding that Judge Dunn had some connection with this band of raiders, I left my men asleep this morning, and ventured here alone, hoping to discover opportunity for investigation. In the shadow of the grape trellis I unexpectedly encountered a young lady, who offered to permit my searching the house. While prosecuting that search I was suddenly locked into a store-room, and made prisoner. Thus far my story is perfectly familiar to you; that which follows may be of interest."

I paused an instant, and before I could resume, the deep voice of Donald interrupted with a question.

"Who were the men with you?" [ 145 ]