“I have never held communication with the insurgents.”
“But this letter?”
“I know nothing about it.”
“It was found in your trunk.”
“Though never placed there by me.”
“Bah! Of what avail is lying? Do you think you are talking to some of your own stupid Yankees? Confess!”
“How can I,” retorted Hal, “when there is nothing to confess?”
The official scowled, snorting impatiently:
“Time is valuable. We have too many cases like yours to attend to. The island is full of treason. Instantly tell me all you know about this letter, and the plans at which it hints, or take the consequences.”
“There is nothing that I can tell you,” rejoined Hal, earnestly.