“It was thought not. She has been at liberty to visit him here, and has done so on various occasions.”
“Has Wentworth ever been in action?”
“Oh yes, Excellency, and he acquitted himself bravely enough.”
“No hanging back; no wavering in the face of the foe?”
“No, Excellency.”
“Humph. Send Captain Bent to me with the papers. When he is gone, I wish you to bring me a trooper, some silent man who can be depended upon; an unerring marksman.”
When Captain Bent arrived he handed to the General the papers he had taken from Armstrong. Cromwell examined them with great minuteness by the light of the candles, then set them in a bunch on the table without comment of any kind.
“Did your prisoner resist at all, or make any attempt at escape?”
“No, General.”
“He made no protest then?”