Shortly after he had been incarcerated, he heard the voices of Sam Sloan and John Earl, who had been informed of his arrest and had come to see him. Their request was denied, however, and they expressed themselves in very loud tones against the injustice they were compelled to submit to. All to no avail, however, and they reluctantly took their leave. The turnkey coming along the corridor at this time, Webster called to him, and requested his attention for a few moments. The man was about sixty years of age, and had a very benignant countenance, which Webster argued was a good omen for the work of propitiation which he had in hand.
"Will you tell the Lieutenant that I would like to speak with him," asked Webster.
"It's no use," said the old man, with a shake of the head; "the Lieutenant says he won't have anything to say to you, until your case is reported to headquarters this evening."
"Well, then," smiled Webster, "I suppose I will have to wait his pleasure; but can't a fellow get a little whisky and cigar? I'll make it worth your while if you can help me in that particular."
The old man laughed, and said he would see what could be done, as Webster slipped a bill into his hand. He disappeared, and after about a half hour, he returned and slipped a small bundle through the grated door, admonishing Webster to be careful about exposing himself to the other prisoners within view.
"All right," said Webster, "you keep the change, old man, for your trouble."
In the afternoon another officer, accompanied by four men, came to his cell, and requested his appearance at the office. Here he was carefully searched, and upon his person were found some letters addressed to himself; a pass from Col. Cramp, and about seventy dollars in money. They were about to take these from him, when Webster inquired:
"Who was the man who arrested me this morning?"
"His name is McPhail, and he belongs to the secret service," was the reply.
At the mention of the name, Webster started in surprise. He had heard of him as connected with my force, and knew that everything would soon be all right.