“‘As I have no part in to-night’s performance,’ said he, ‘I presume I am at liberty to go to bed?’
“The colonel said shortly:
“‘Where’s the bedroom?’
“‘In there,’ said the President, waving his hand to a door facing that by which the colonel had entered.
“‘Permit me,’ said the latter. He went in, no doubt to see if there were any other egress. Returning shortly he said:
“‘My men must stay here, and you must leave the door open.’
“‘I have no objection,’ said the President. ‘No doubt they will respect my modesty.’
“‘Two of you stay in this room. Two of you keep watch in the veranda, one at this window, the other at the bedroom window. I shall put three more sentries outside. General Whittingham is not to leave this room. If you hear or see anything going on in there, go in and put him under restraint. Otherwise treat him with respect.’
“‘I thank you for your civility,’ said the President, ‘also for the compliment implied in these precautions. Is it over this matter of the debt that your patriotism has drawn you into revolt?’
“‘I see no use in discussing public affairs at this moment,’ the colonel replied. ‘And my presence is required elsewhere. I regret that I cannot relieve you of the presence of these men, but I do not feel I should be justified in accepting your parole.’