ght me to give it to you, the extreme measures to
which you resorted to escape from confinement in order to carry out
your orders, even going so far as to threaten a lady, warrant me in
promoting you. Here," receiving the weapon from one of the staff
officers, "is your sword. I return it to you." Next the general drew
some papers from his coat. "Here is your commission as captain. Here
are orders which take you to the Army of Northern Virginia. They are
accompanied by a personal letter to my friend, General Lee, in which I
have asked him to give you a position on his staff with all its
opportunities for useful service and distinction. May you reflect
credit, as I have no doubt you will, upon the South, the state of South
Carolina, and all our hopes and ambitions for you. Gentlemen," to the
others, "you are all witnesses to this rehabilitation of Captain
Sempland."

The room was instantly filled with the sound of hearty cheering from
the officers in attendance.

"General Beauregard, you have overwhelmed me," faltered Sempland as
soon as he could make himself heard. "I have done nothing to deserve
this honor."

Beauregard stepped nearer to him.

"You would have sacrificed your life for a woman," whispered the
gallant little general, approvingly. "I understand." Then he said
aloud: "See that you strive to merit our trust and confidence in the
future, then. You will have many chances for great deeds with General
Lee. Would that I were with him!"

"General," said the young man, "your kindness emboldens me. This lady,
sir--"

"Is a prisoner," said the general, shortly.

"I know it, sir. She committed a terrible blunder, yet--"

"Gentlemen," said Beauregard, turning to his staff officers, "you know
the story of last night. How this lady interfered to prevent an
important military manoeuvre, the object of which was the destruction
of the Federal flagship by a torpedo, and incidentally the probable
death of Captain Sempland. Such conduct is essentially treasonable,
especially in a state of war. What is the punishment for such actions
in the face of the enemy?"

"Death, sir," returned the adjutant-general, solemnly.

"Are you all agreed as to that, gentlemen?"

"We are, sir," was the unanimous reply.

They had been well tutored in the little comedy which the general had
arranged, it was evident.

"Impossible, sir!" cried Sempland, in agony. They deceived even him
with their seriousness. "This is most irregular!