"Yes, sir."
"Who is he?"
The Doctor smiled very faintly, then became serious again, and shook his
head; "I obey orders, General," he said.
"Then reply," said the general.
"I am commanded to say yes or no," said the Doctor. "I suppose,
however, there is no objection?" looking at me. I inclined my head.
Etiquette could no longer restrain the staff. We were all in a huddle.
"He is Jones Berwick," said Dr. Khayme.
"Do you vouch for him?"
"Yes, General."
"He brings information of great import, if true; there is immense danger
in accepting it, if false."
"I will answer for him with my life, General."
"But may he not be deceived? May you not be deceived in him? And he will
tell nothing except what he wishes to tell!"
"General, let me say a few words to him and to you."
"All right." He made a movement, and his staff dispersed--very
reluctantly, no doubt, but quickly enough.
"Now, Jones, my dear boy," said the Doctor, "I think you may confide in
the general. You see, General, there is a private matter in which my
friend here is greatly interested, and which he does not want
everybody to hear."
"He may rely on my confidence in matters personal--and if he is bringing
me the truth, he may rely on my protection," said the general; "now
speak up and convince me, and be quick."
"General," I said, "I went into the rebel army as a Union spy. I am a
regularly enlisted man in the Eleventh Massachusetts."