"I am," I answered.
"You are to be released on parole, according to orders from London. William Haines, your second mate, goes with you."
Then he turned instantly to another orderly, and told him to go for William Haines. A secretary made out the necessary permit, and the orderly departed. I waited for him to say something further to me, but speedily found from his manner that he had nothing to say.
Watching till he paused in giving instructions to those about him, I asked if I was to go immediately. Without looking up from his desk he said,—
"You will leave here very soon."
"In that case I would like to go back to my quarters for a few minutes."
"What do you want to go back for?" he asked, in a tone almost of vexation.
"I want to pack my trunks and store my furniture," I said; "and also want to say good-by to my comrades."
The absurdity of the first half of my reason for returning seemed to amuse him, for he smiled visibly, in spite of the austerity of his manner. He knew that I had nothing but the clothes I stood in, and therefore my trunk-packing and storage of furniture were flights of fancy. He nodded assent, and told his secretary to fill out a permit.
I went back with the orderly, bade farewell to my companions in misfortune, promised to do all I could for them, and then returned to the commandant's office. I was not permitted to speak to any one but those in my immediate mess, and then only in the presence of the orderly. On reaching the office I was carefully searched to make sure that I had no letters concealed about me. When the search was concluded I was told to stand aside and wait orders. Haines came while I was waiting; he asked permission to go back to say good-by to his companions, but was abruptly refused.