er that he had been five days in the saddle and was
exhausted from lack of sleep, and that he was obliged to rest that
afternoon, as he could not keep awake any longer, or words to that
effect."

"One moment," interrupted the judge advocate. "Did all this
conversation take place in Captain Lloyd's room, and was the hall door
closed?"

Symonds considered a second before replying. "The door was closed
during our interview in the room," he said thoughtfully, "but I
distinctly recollect he told me, _after_ I had stepped into the hall,
that he was going to lie down and that I was to be sure and send for
him when the accused was arrested because he 'would sleep like the
dead.'"

Nancy stole an anxious glance at Warren's impassive face, for the
effect of Symonds' testimony on the court was only too apparent; but
the senator was staring steadily at the witness and paid no attention
to his client. She sank back in her chair with a deep sigh.

"Do you think these last remarks of Captain Lloyd could have been
overheard?"

"Yes, sir. The captain did not trouble to lower his voice."

"Did you obey the captain's orders, Symonds?"

"I did, sir. I met Colonel Baker on his return from Baltimore. After
consulting with the Secretary of War, he sent me to tell Captain Lloyd
to join him at the War Department."

"Describe what took place when you reached Captain Lloyd's room that
night," directed the judge advocate; and Symonds gave a dramatic
account of the discovery of Lloyd's dead body and Goddard's unconscious
form. When he had finished, the judge advocate continued his questions.

"Were any chairs or tables overturned in the room, as if there had been
a fight?"

"No, sir; not one."

"You say Captain Lloyd was apparently sleeping naturally in bed.
Explain your meaning a little more clearly."

"Why, sir, he was lying there on his side covered by a bed quilt.
Anyone would have thought, as I did, that he was still asleep."

"Did you send for a doctor?"

"I did, sir. Doctor Ward arrived a few moments before the provost
marshal."

"Did you search for the important despatch?"

"I did, sir; but without finding a trace of either the pocketbook or
the despatch."

"Where did you find the coat Captain Lloyd had worn that afternoon?"

"Hanging on the back of the chair by his bed."

"What did you do when the provost marshal arrived?"

"I turned the rooms over to him, left Doctor Ward in charge of Major
Goddard, and hastene