their chief succeeded in establishing a communication with the besiegers, who were thus informed of the situation of affairs in the town. I was then obliged to lock up these dangerous guests, and several of them will only leave their prison to ascend the slope of the citadel, where ten confederate balls will reward them for their federalism"
"What! to be shot!" cried the young man, shuddering involuntarily.
"Yes, and their chief first of all. He is a very dangerous man to have in a besieged town. I have sent his letters to the President at Richmond, and before a week is passed his sentence will be irrevocably passed."
"Who is this man you speak of," asked James Playfair, with an assumed carelessness.
"A journalist from Boston, a violent Abolitionist with the confounded spirit of Lincoln."
"And his name?"
"Jonathan Halliburtt."
"Poor wretch!" exclaimed James, suppressing his emotion; "whatever he may have done one cannot help pitying him. And you think that he will be shot?"
"I am sure of it," replied Beauregard. "What can you expect? War is war, one must defend oneself as best one can."
"Well, it is nothing to me," said the Captain; "I shall be far enough away when this execution takes place."
