nd civilian's
clothes. Suddenly the uproar hushed, for the voice began again. But
this time it was a hymn:

"While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The Angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around."

Verse after verse was sung, the men pouring out of their tents and huts
to listen to the music.

"All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from Heaven to men
Begin and never cease!"

"Begin and never cease," sang the singer to the end.

When the strain died away, there was dead silence for a little space,
and then the talk began on a lower key.

The General stood for a moment, then turned from the window, finished
his letter and sealed it. Carefully folding up the little sheet which
lay before him, he replaced it in his pocket, and, going to the door,
summoned the orderly who was just without.

"Mail that at once," he said.

"Yes, sir." The soldier saluted and turned to leave.

"By the way, who was that singing out there just now?--I mean that last
one, who sang 'Dixie' and the hymn?"

"Only a pedler, sir, I believe."

The General's eyes fixed themselves on the soldier.

"Where did he come from?"

"I don't know, sir. Some of the boys had him singing."

"Tell Major Dayle to come here immediately," said the General.

In a moment the officer summoned entered, a stout, round-faced man, who
looked as if he took the world easy. He appeared somewhat embarrassed.

"Who was this pedler?" asked the commander.

"I--I don't know----" began the other.

"You don't know! Where did he come from?"

"From Colonel Watchley's camp--directly," said he, relieved to shift a
part of the responsibility.

"How was he dressed?"

"In citizen's clothes."

"What did he have?"

"A pack--a few toys, and trinkets, and books."

"What was his name?"

"I did not hear it."

"And you let him go!" The General's eyes snapped.

"Yes, sir; I don't think----" he began.

"No, I know you don't," said the General. "Have I not given strict
orders? He was a spy. Where has he gone?"

"I--I don't know. He cannot have gone far."

"Report yourself under arrest," said the commander, sternly.

The officer, after waiting a moment, walked off scowling. Walking to
the door, the General said to the sentinel:

"Call the corporal, and tell him to request Captain Albert to come here
immediately."

In a moment an alert, vigor