The Piedmont garrison had received notice by wire to move to Spartanburg, and Ben heard the beat of their drums already marching to board the special.
He pressed forward and asked an interview with the Captain in command.
The answer came with a brutal oath:
“I have been warned against all the tricks and lies this town can hatch. The commander of the death watch will permit no interview, receive no visitors, hear no appeal, and allow no communication with the prisoner until after the execution. You can announce this to whom it may concern.”
“But you’ve got the wrong man. You have no right to execute him,” said Ben excitedly.
“I’ll risk it,” he answered, with a sneer.
“Great God!” Ben cried beneath his breath. “The old fool has entrapped his son in the net he spread for me!”