Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/312

 of their time up there among you good Yankees. The fact is they are specially fond of you. My father, you know, was a secret Union man during the war and has always voted your ticket since, though for social reasons he don't say much about it down here."

Steve winked and laughed feebly.

"Is it so?" asked the General.

"Yes, of course," Steve hurried on, "and I want to ask you as a personal favour to my father, if not to me, to accept my bail for $10,000. The whole thing, I assure you, is an absurd mistake. My father and I can convince you of this on his return."

The General pursed his lips and watched Steve shrewdly for a moment.

"I'm sorry I can't accommodate you, Mr. Hoyle. We cannot accept bail in cases of this kind. You must realise at once that you are in a very dangerous position. Beyond a doubt your life is in peril."

Steve attempted to laugh but choked with terror, saying feebly:

"Oh, not so bad as that, General. I'm a lawyer myself you know. I can only be tried on a charge of murder before a state judge and jury. You have no right to put a man on trial for his life here."