re was a slight pause
while the judge advocate searched among his papers. Finding what he
wanted, he again faced Nancy, who had remained standing, and read in a
voice that was clearly heard through the room:

"Charges and specifications against the prisoner, Miss Nancy Newton.

"Charge 1st.--Violation of the 82nd Article of War:

"Specification.--In this that the said Nancy Newton on or about the
23rd day of February, 1865, was found acting as a rebel spy in or
near Winchester, Va., the Headquarters of the U.S. Middle Military
Division, Major-General Sheridan commanding.

"GEORGE LLOYD,
_Captain, U.S. Secret Service,
Officer Preferring Charges._

"Charge 2nd.--Murder in violation of the 58th Article of War:

"Specification.--In that the said Nancy Newton, being in fear of
arrest within our lines as a spy by order of the said Captain
Lloyd, who had secured proof of her guilt, did, feloniously and
with malice aforethought, kill the said Captain Lloyd on Monday,
the 6th day of March, 1865."

"Prisoner, what say you to these charges and specifications?"

"Not guilty, sir," Nancy answered, without a tremor, and she reseated
herself by Warren's side.

Symonds was the first witness called. After he had been duly sworn, the
judge advocate began his direct examination.

"Your name and occupation?"

"John Symonds, serving as United States Secret Service agent under
Colonel Lafayette C. Baker."

"How long have you been in that service?"

"I have been with Colonel Baker ever since the Bureau was first
established."

"Do you recognize the accused?"

"I do, sir." Symonds glanced hastily at Nancy, then averted his eyes.

"State under what circumstances you have known her?"

"Captain Lloyd, my superior officer, had reason to believe that Miss
Newton was a rebel spy, and I was detailed to watch her movements."

"Do you know what first led Captain Lloyd to suspect the accused?"

"Yes, sir. On the twenty-seventh of December, 1864, I accompanied the
captain to Poolesville. While on our way there we met a Federal
cavalryman riding toward Washington, who said he carried despatches to
Adjutant General Thomas. When Captain Lloyd demanded to see the
despatch, the supposed trooper managed to make his escape, after first
knocking the captain senseless from his horse. As he dashed up the
road, hi