"Who is it?"
"Cashmeyer," answered Mr. Campbell. "He inquired for Webster, and says he must see him at once."
Webster, disturbed by this conversation, was awake in an instant and inquired what was wanted.
"Cashmeyer has called, and wishes to see you," said Mr. Campbell.
"Let him come up at once," replied Webster, in the hope that he might bring some tidings of Lewis and Scully.
Mr. Campbell departed, and in a few moments returned with the Confederate officer. Cashmeyer's salutation was cold and formal, and without any preliminary he addressed Webster.
"I have a painful duty to perform, Mr. Webster. I am directed by General Winder to arrest you, and convey you at once to Castle Godwin."
As he spoke, two soldiers appeared at the doorway.
"You cannot wish to take him away in this condition, and at this hour of the night," said Mrs. Lawton. "Such an action would be his death, and would be the worst of inhumanity."
Webster stood silent and unmoved. He did not utter a word, but gazed fixedly at the officer, whose visits heretofore had been those of sympathy and condolence.