"You've made a mistake, gentlemen," John protested.
"I'm a newspaper man from Atlanta. The chief sent me out to look over the lines and report."
"It's a lie. We've forbidden every paper in town to dare such a thing——"
John smiled:
"That's just why my office sent me, I reckon."
"Well, he sent you once too often——"
He turned to his orderly:
"Get me a bridle rein off my horse."
In vain John protested. The Commander shook his head:
"It's no use talking. You've passed the deadline here to-day. This is a favorite spot for scouts to cross. I'm not going to take any chances; I'm going to hang you."