When I had ceased laughing, I said:--
"I congratulate you on your histrionic abilities, Nighthawk. They
deserve to be crowned with success. But how did you discover this
house?"
"I was acquainted with its former owner, Mrs. Parkins. She was a sister
of a friend of mine, whom I think you have seen, colonel."
"What friend?"
"His name is Swartz, colonel."
"Not the Federal spy?"
"The same, colonel."
"Whom we saw last in the house between Carlisle and Gettysburg?"
"I saw him the other day," returned Mr. Nighthawk, smiling sweetly.
"Is it possible!"
"Near Culpeper Court-House, colonel. And, to let you into a little
secret, I expect to see him to-night."
I looked at the speaker with bewilderment.
"That man will be here!"
"If he keeps his appointment, colonel."
"You have an appointment?"
"Yes, colonel."
"In this house?"
"To-night."
"With what object, in heaven's name!"
Nighthawk hesitated for some moments before replying.
"The fact is, colonel," he said, "that I inadvertently mentioned my
appointment with Swartz without reflecting how singular it must appear
to you, unless I gave you some explanation. But I am quite at my ease
with you--you are a friend of Colonel Mohun's--and I will explain, as
much of my business as propriety will permit.
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