Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-10-17

and gloomy, but ever and anon, as some
movement occurred near him, he would
start with a sudden energy, which 1
thought indicated some hope. He would
look quickly about him-see the cause
of the noise, and then sink back with an
expression of agonizing disappointment.
At length the colonel rode up and
waved his sword towards the poor SER
geant who had been appointed to conduct
the fatal work. The prisoner looked up
and saw the colonel, and with frantic
movement he rushed towards him.
Senior colonel" he cried, sinking
upon his knees. Il am not guilty. /
never belonged to your regiment! am
not a soldier! God knows 1 never wore
a uniform before -
Away with him !" cried the colonel,
impatiently.
VIII you not listen = the poor fel-
low urged, louder than before. Never,
never, never was 1 a soldier!"
Garry him back ordered the officer
to the sergeant who had come up. And
then he added to the prisoner, after the
sergeant had raised him up: Why do
you still persist in telling such willful
faIsehood =
The fellow would have spoken, but the
colonel waved his hand impatiently, and
the prisoner was led away.
" That has been his plea ever since
they brought him back" explained Old
Joe to me, as they led the condemned
man towards the stake. He swears he
was never in the army before-that he
never had a musket in his hand-and he
pretends not to know any of his old COM
panions. When they call him by name
he makes strange of ii, and tells 'em he
never saw 'em before"
Why, that is a curious plea said 1,
: for man to make, who you say has
been two years in the service.
" Tezy curious" returned the host,
with shake Of the head which seemed
to leave room for doubt concerning his
meaning
But We conserved no more, for our at
tention was now turned 10 the prisoner.
The rough coffin had been placed against
the stake, and the condemned caused to
kneel thereon. The priest now ap-
preached him, and knelt at his side.
My son, remember the fate of those
who die with a lie upon their lips" com
I menced the fat churchman. b" Ere YOU
die, let Us have the truth. Why did YOU
desert your post ?:
= did not" persisted the youth bu
his tone was lower now, and there was &
shade Of hesitation.
" viii not urge you, the priest re
sumed, &" for of course you know bu
still your assertion is strange and unac
countable. Your companions all know
you-your officers swear TO your identity
and l recognize you as one who has beer
often with me in our church with you
company
The colonel had drawn near, and b.
listened attentively to the words whiel
now passed between the condemned ami
his spiritual director. The latter urged tn
youth several times more to make a ful
confession, but the same assertion wa
persisted in. The colonel shook his hea
and turned away, and in a moment NOR
T. the six soldiers who held the Ioade
muskets approached the spot. The
trembled some, but their step was firm
: Ike men who have resolved to perforr
e a terrible duty unfinchingly.
= The priest asked no more questions
n The prisoner had made his confession
e and II remained only for the holy fathe
n 10 pray, which he did quickly and metI
n odically. The sergeant, holding watc
u in his left hand, and heavy pistol in b
right, now approached and directed tht
e the prisoner should be blind folded. tt
e bandage was passed over his eyes, an
st then secured TO the stake so that !
-e should not dodge his head. At th
ii juncture l asked mine hest if they on
K had six men to fire. He informed II
d that was all they ever employed f
Le shooting a deserter. Three Of the gu
IS were loaded with balls, and three vi
e blank cartridges; and when they fir
II they moved up and placed the rnuzzl
Of Of their pieces to within two feet Of i
e condemned mans head.
1i The priest had arisen and moved bac
W and the colonel had ordered the sergea
ry to proceed.
al God have mercy ~ uttered the 0
happy youth. Until this moment
nd whole frame had been nerved up to
he anxious listening attitude, but now