"And are you not so? If I remember rightly, when we met at your camp on the Osage, you expressed a desire to get Captain Hayward in your power. You have him, now."
"I did not know the man then. He was my enemy, but I can scarcely be an enemy to so brave a man. It is true I have much cause. You came to my camp in disguise, you deceived my orderly and obtained possession of important papers, you placed my scouts in the guard-house for your own safety; you visited and conversed with my officers, gaining all the intelligence you desired; you assisted a prisoner to escape, and meeting a party of my scouts you killed six with your own hand before you were shot down yourself. The papers which were on your person could not be found, and therefore they must have been sent by you to your general. All this was done with a boldness that wins my admiration, but still its punishment is death."
"Which I expect to receive at your hands," replied Hayward, coldly.
"Your life may be spared!" said Price.
"Not a great boon," replied Hayward.
"Do you not wish to live for your sister's sake?" asked Branch.
Hayward started, and a tremor ran through his frame. But in an instant he recovered his self-possession, and said:
"I was conversing with General Price—not you, sir."
Branch bit his lips, but did not speak.
"Well, Captain Hayward, I must speak plainly, and I know you prefer I should do so. It is a pity such a man as you should die, and by the rope. I would much prefer to have met you on the battle-field, but it is too late now. The sentence of your crime is death, and but one thing can save you."