al character, absolutely negatived the idea of
cowardice or treachery.

General Beauregard hoped that by questioning him quietly and calmly,
and by representing to him the critical situation in which he found
himself, that he might induce him to clear up the mystery. He spoke to
him kindly, therefore, when he was ushered into the room and bade him
be seated. He marked with soldierly appreciation of the lieutenant's
feelings the evidences of his sleepless night, the anguish of his soul,
in the haggard look upon his face.

"Mr. Sempland," he began with impressive and deliberate gravity,
carefully weighing his words that they might make the deeper impression
upon the younger man, for whom he felt profound pity, "you bear one of
the noblest names in the commonwealth. I knew your father and your
grandfather. They were men of the highest courage and of unimpeachable
honor. Their devotion to the South cannot be questioned. I grieve more
than I can say to find you in so equivocal a position. I am convinced
that there is some explanation for it, and I ask you, not as your
general, but as your friend, to disclose it to me."

"You called me a coward last night, sir."

"In the heat of my disappointment and surprise I did make use of that
term, sir. It was a mistake. I regret it," said the general, magnanimously.
"I do not believe your failure to take out the _David_ arose from any
fear."

This was a great concession indeed, and Sempland was intensely
relieved, and an immense load was lifted from his breast by the
general's reassuring words.

"Sir, I thank you. I could have borne anything than that."

"But, my boy," continued the general, severely, "you must remember that
you still lie under the imputation of treachery to the South, and you
will recognize readily that such an accusation is scarcely less
terrible than the other."

"General Beauregard, believe me, sir," burst out Sempland, impetuously,
"I pledge you my word of honor, I am not a traitor to the South, I
would die for my country gladly if it would do her service. I fully
intended to take out the _David_. I begged for the detail, and was
thankful beyond measure to you for giving it to me. I was overwhelmed
with anger and dismay and horror at my failure. I swear to you, sir, by
all that is good and true, by everything holy, that it was not my fault
that I was not there--I--I--was detained."

"Detained? By whom?"

Sempland only bit his lip and looked dumbly at