"
"I am ashamed to say I do not remember where, sir," I said.
"My memory is better, colonel; we met last May, in a house in the
Wilderness, near Chancellorsville."
"Is it possible that you are--"
"Swartz, very much at your service. It is wonderful what a difference
is made by a wig and spectacles!"
As he spoke, he gracefully removed his black wig and the gold
spectacles. In the man with gray hair, small eyes, and double chin, I
recognized the spy of the Wilderness.
XI.
THE PASS.
Replacing his wig and spectacles, Mr. Swartz smiled in a good-humored
manner, and said:--
"May I ask to what I am indebted for this visit?"
Nighthawk replied even more blandly:--
"I wish to have a conversation with you, my dear Swartz, before
arresting you."
"Ah! you intend to arrest me!"
"Unless you make it unnecessary."
"How?"
"By producing the paper which we spoke of in the Wilderness," said
Nighthawk, briefly.
Swartz shook his head.
"That is not in my power, my friend. I did not bring it with me."
"Will you think me very impolite if I say I do not believe you, my dear
Swartz?"
Swartz smiled.
"Well, that would be speaking without ceremony, my friend--but I assure
you I am unable to do as you desire."
"Aha! you repeat that curious statement, my dear Swartz! Well, oblige
me by accompanying me to the provost-marshal's.
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