"
Nighthawk shook his head.
"Unfortunately, my dear Swartz, experience tells me that the present is
always the best time for business--that 'a bird in the hand is worth
two in the bush.'"
Mr. Swartz smiled sweetly.
"And I am the bird in your hand?"
"Something like it."
"I am a spy?"
"Don't use hard names, my friend."
"By no means, my dear Nighthawk, and if I have hurt your feelings, I
deeply regret it. But I am speaking to the point. You regard me as a
Federal spy, lurking in Richmond--you penetrate my disguise, and are
going to arrest me, and search my lodgings for that paper."
"The necessity is painful," said Nighthawk.
"It is useless, my friend."
"I will try it."
Swartz smiled, and drew a paper from his pocket, which he unfolded.
"You are then determined to arrest your old comrade, Nighthawk."
"Yes, my dear Swartz."
"As a spy?"
"Exactly."
"In spite of this?"
And Mr. Swartz held out the paper.
"Do me the favor to read this, colonel, and then oblige me by returning
it."
I took the paper, and easily read it by moonlight. It contained the
following words:--
"The bearer is employed on secret service, by the Confederate
Government, and will not be molested."
The paper was signed by a personage of high position in the government,
and was stamped with the seal of the department over which he presided.
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