"That sketch," said he, "shows the situation and fortifications of Fort Defiance. You were found drawing it surreptitiously. I ask you again, what have you to say about it?"
"Nothing, colonel," I replied, "except that when we dine together in New York we will discuss its artistic merits or lack of them."
The colonel ran his hand impatiently through his hair, and again uncovered the scar of the deep wound on his head. I wondered in what battle he had received it, and had a mind to ask him whenever opportunity made the question pertinent.
"Make proper entries on the record," he said to the doctor, "that the prisoner will give only irrelevant answers to our questions."
"It has been done," said the doctor.
The door of the room was opened at that moment, and Miss Hetherill appeared. Her father rose hastily, and his manner showed that he was disconcerted.
"You must retire at once, Grace," he said. "I forbade your presence here."
"Father," she said, "you must stop these proceedings. You must not harm Mr. West."
I rose and bowed in my best manner.