The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1850-05-08

one cisc III the tent. The brow Of the
chief was contracted, and his eye
flashed as if what he read displeased
him; and he looked up with an impa
tlent exclamation as the officer enter.
cd with the boy. The child, as soon
as Morillo was pointed out to him,
rushed forward and knelt at his feet
'What does this mean p demanded
the general.
Spare him! spare my fathcr!' sob.
bed the youthful supplicant
The officer explained his relation
ship to one Of the prisoners about te
be executed.
'Ah! that reminds me- said the
chief, looking at his watch. sPedro,
nine is the hour. Let them be punc
tual, and have the business soon over.
Again with moving cntreaties, the
child bcsought his fathers life.
did thy father send thee hitherr
asked the general, s:crnly.
No, senior, he did not
And how darcst thou them?
My father has done nothing to
deserve death ; answered the lad
lie is prisoner of war;
'Ha! who taught thee to question
my justice? answer me-
No one, senor, but brave generals
DO not always kill their prisoners.
Il kill whom I choose thundered
Morillo; 'and | hate the French.
Boy, thy father shall die. l have
said it, begonc.
The officer made a silent sign to the
petitioner to intimate that there was
no hope, and that he must be gone.
But the boys countcnance suddenly
changcd.-Hc walked up to the gen
cral, who had turned away, and pla,
ced himself directly before him, viii,
look Of calm resolution worthy of q
martyr.
Hear me, scnor,' said he; smy
father is gray headed, he is wounded;
his strength is failing even now,
though nc stands up to receive the
fire of your men. am young and
Strong, and well. Let them shoot me
IN his place, and let my father 60
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ceritv Of thisS,bibId 10 dc . - TT r. :
devoted child Vas Vas Afo for t the e i,S laeS o. boiy I
enthusiasm. a dark flush rushed to
the brow of AIorillo, and for moment
nc looked on the boy in silence.
Thou art willing to die at length
he said 'for thy father -? Then to
suffer pain for him will be nothing
Wilt thou lose one Of thy cars to
save him?
i will was the firm reply.
Lend me thy sword, Padlin;' and
in an instant at one blow, the gencr.
al struck off the boys car The
victim wept, but resisted not; nor
raised his hand to wipe away tac
blood.
SO far, good. Wilt though lose
the other car?'
4 will to save my fathcr!n answer.
ed the boy convulsively.
Morillo's eyes flashed. The hero
ism Of child compelled even his ad-
miration; but unmoycd from his cruel
purpose, he smotc Off the other ear
with his still rcaking sword !.
There was dead silence.
And now scnor, said the boy,
breathing, quickly, and looking up
into the generals face.
And now answered Morillo,
depart. The FATHER OF SUCH A
CHILD Is DANGEROUS TO SrAIN: HE
MUST PAY THE FORFEIT OF Ills
LIFE..'
The MANNED child went forth from
tho presence of his inhuman fn.-
Presently the report of firearms an.
nounccd that he witnessed the cxccu.
ton of his father.
Must We blame the cruelty of in
dividuals for such enormitics?-or
not rather the rclcntness spirit Of
war, that builds up the glory Of its
heroes ola scaffolding of death, and
sacrifices daily to the projects Of am.
bltlon, the prompting Of humanity ?
From the Nc,o York Tribune.