Mason?"
Dick remained silent.
"It is also true that Buell's army is worn down by his heavy march over
muddy roads," continued Beauregard as if he had not noticed Dick's
failure to reply.
Dick's teeth were shut firmly, and he compressed his lips. He stood
rigidly erect, gazing now at the flickering flames of the little fire.
"I suggest that you try him on some other subject than Buell, General
Beauregard," said the bishop-general, a faint twinkle appearing in his
eyes. Johnston sat silent, but his blue eyes missed nothing.
"It is true also, is it not," continued Beauregard, "that General Grant
has gone or is going tonight to Savannah to meet General Buell, and
confer with him about a speedy advance upon our army at Corinth?"
Dick clenched his teeth harder than ever, and a spasm passed over his
face. He was conscious that six pairs of eyes, keen and intent, ready
to note the slightest change of countenance and to read a meaning
into it, were bent upon him. It was only by a supreme effort that he
remained master of himself, but after the single spasm his countenance
remained unmoved.
"You do not choose to answer," said Bragg, always a stern and ruthless
man, "but we can drag what you know from you."
"I am a prisoner of war," replied Dick steadily. "I was taken in full
uniform. I am no spy, and you cannot ill treat me."
"I do not mean that we would inflict any physical suffering upon you,"
said Bragg.
Pages:
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293