ld,
then chief of Rosecrans's staff, and were allowed to begin their work.
But soon a suspicion was excited, and the pair were captured just as
they were about to pass out of the Union lines. They were searched, and
the sword of one was found to be marked C. S. A.--Confederate States of
America. General Rosecrans was telegraphed to and denounced them as
pretenders. A drum-head court-martial was ordered at quarter to five in
the morning, and the two Confederates broke down and confessed. They
begged for clemency, but orders had been to hang them if they were found
guilty, and at half past ten in the morning they were executed in the
presence of a large body of troops. This act was denounced in the South,
but, terrible as it was, it was in strict accord with the rules of war.

From the negro, the three captains, riding abreast, in advance of the
mounted infantry, learned in what direction lay the road Major Gossley
would most likely use in returning from Rover. It was little more than a
foot-path, running through the plantation fields and coming up over a
foot-bridge to the creek in the rear.

"I would advise hiding in the woods close to the house," said Artie,
when consulted. "A dozen men can surround the house, to prevent the
colonel and his wife from taking French leave."

"But they may have taken leave already," suggested Life, and as he spoke
he saw a covered carriage approaching. "Perhaps they are in this."

"They must be!" cried Artie, as the carriage came to a sudden halt, and
the negro spoke to somebody inside. "Sam, isn't that Joe on the box?"

"Yes, Cap'n."

"Then it is Colonel Bradner's rig, sure," went on the young officer.
"Forward, and we'll soon have them prisoners!" and away he dashed in the
lead. By the time he had come alongside of the turnout the negro
coachman had turned about and was lashing the team furiously, in an
attempt to escape in the opposite direction.

"Stop that team, or I will fire!" ordered Artie, and aimed the gun he
still carried.

At these words a scream came from the carriage, and then from under a
black canvas cover was thrust the face of Mrs. Bradner.

"Don't you dare stop us, you miserable Yankee!" she screamed. "I won't
have it!"

"Don't make a fool of yourself, Martha," came from the colonel, in a
lower tone.

"Stop, I say," went on Artie, and placed the muzzle of the gun within
two feet of the negro driver's head. Without delay Joe drew up, and the
carriage came t