The room was instantly filled with the sound of hearty cheering from the officers in attendance.
"General Beauregard, you have overwhelmed me," faltered Sempland as soon as he could make himself heard. "I have done nothing to deserve this honor."
Beauregard stepped nearer to him.
"You would have sacrificed your life for a woman," whispered the gallant little general, approvingly. "I understand." Then he said aloud: "See that you strive to merit our trust and confidence in the future, then. You will have many chances for great deeds with General Lee. Would that I were with him!"
"General," said the young man, "your kindness emboldens me. This lady, sir—"
"Is a prisoner," said the general, shortly.
"I know it, sir. She committed a terrible blunder, yet—"
"Gentlemen," said Beauregard, turning to his staff officers, "you know the story of last night. How this lady interfered to prevent an important military manœuvre, the object of which was the destruction of the Federal flagship by a torpedo, and incidentally the probable death of Captain Sempland. Such conduct is essentially treasonable, especially in a state of war. What is the punishment for such actions in the face of the enemy?"
"Death, sir," returned the adjutant-general, solemnly.
"Are you all agreed as to that, gentlemen?"