On one of these trips, I met, plump, in the streets of
Washington, no less a person than the lady whom I had rescued. She was
richly dressed, and far more beautiful, but there was no mistaking her.
I spoke to her; she recognized me, took me to her house, and here I
found _the gentleman_, dressed in a fine new uniform. He was changed
too--his wound had long healed, he was stout and strong, but I knew
him, too, at a glance. Well, I spent the evening, and when I left the
house had accepted an offer made me to combine a new business with that
of blockade runner."
"That of spy, you mean?" said Mohun.
Swartz smiled.
"You speak plainly, general. We call ourselves 'secret agents'--but
either word expresses the idea!"
XXIX.
THE PAPER.
Mohun raised his head, and looked Swartz full in the face. His glance
had grown, if possible, more penetrating than before, and a grim smile
responded to the unctuous expression of the spy.
"Well, my dear Mr. Swartz," he said coolly, "that is a curious history.
Others might doubt its accuracy, but I give you my word that I do not!
I did well to let you proceed in your own way, instead of questioning
you--but I have not yet done; and this time shall return to the method
of interrogation."
"At your orders, general," said Swartz, whose quick glance showed that
he was on his guard, and foresaw what was coming.
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