"I took the commission, I grant, but I have no intention of using it."
"Why did you take it then?"
"For the purpose of gaining information."
"Have you gained it?" demanded Mr. Pillgrim, with a hardly perceptible sneer.
"I have."
"You received written orders, also."
"I did; and if I had obtained a foothold on the deck of the vessel to which I was ordered, you would have seen how quick I should have passed her over to my government."
"That is a very plausible explanation, Mr. Somers," added the lieutenant. "But why did you sign the oath of allegiance to the Southern Confederacy?"
"I did not."
"I beg your pardon, but I saw the document with your signature affixed to it."