“If you had not been in uniform, you would probably have been shot down as spies, without the trouble of capture,” said Brant quietly.
“Do you mean to imply, sir”—began Lagrange sternly.
“I mean to say that the existence of a Confederate spy between this camp and the division headquarters is sufficiently well known to us to justify the strongest action.”
“And pray, how can that affect us?” said Lagrange haughtily.
“I need not inform so old a soldier as Colonel Lagrange that the aiding, abetting, and even receiving information from a spy or traitor within one's lines is an equally dangerous service.”
“Perhaps you would like to satisfy yourself, General,” said Colonel Lagrange, with an ironical laugh. “Pray do not hesitate on account of our uniform. Search us if you like.”
“Not on entering my lines, Colonel,” replied Brant, with quiet significance.
Lagrange's cheek flushed. But he recovered himself quickly, and with a formal bow said,—
“You will, then, perhaps, let us know your pleasure?”
“My DUTY, Colonel, is to keep you both close prisoners here until I have an opportunity to forward you to the division commander, with a report of the circumstances of your arrest. That I propose to do. How soon I may have that opportunity, or if I am ever to have it,” continued Brant, fixing his clear eyes significantly on Lagrange, “depends upon the chances of war, which you probably understand as well as I do.”