Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1895-03-26

was the bitterest Of all degradation, per-
naps 10 meet the fate that had been in
tended for her. Riding up the creek on
lhe bank nearest the Confederate lines,
ne approached wood. This he entered,
crossed the creek unobserved and emerg-
ID TO SEQ the men by whom the escaping
sarty had been chased returning toward
The ridge Not caring TO be questioned
BY them, he rode back into the wood un-
Ill they were in position not to see
nim. Then he trotted slowly to the ridge
md over it, making his way back TO
bis tent.
IL was now broad daylight AS he
lismounted no noticed detachment Of
cavalry marching on foot, under the di.
lrection of an officer, toward the house
where Miss Fitz Hugh had been con-
ined. On arriving there they halted,
md the officer went inside. In few
minutes he came out and strobe over to
,olonel Maynard's tent The colonel
lad gone in. He had thrown off his
avalry jacket and was waiting for what
vas 10 follow. The officer entered the
ent, and not recognizing Maynard,
horn of his beard, asked for the colonel
commanding.
Il am Colonel Maynard.
"Ahl did not recognize you, colo
,el. lhave just called for the spy in the
iouse where expected to find her and
was told by the sergeant that he had de-
iivered her soon after midnight to two
men bearing an order from you.
"Well?"
II suspect something must bo wrong.
Was the order n forgery"
"No."
Then the prisoner is in your keep
ng?"
NO"
Escaped"
"Yes.
The officer was too astonished to ask
my more questions ut once.
WHO is responsible?" he asked pres.
,ntly.
II am.
"You;''
Eyes, |. You will march your men
pack to camp. You need not make any
,fiicial report Of the matter unless you
,hoose Iwillreport the escape myself. "
The officer bowed, and with the samo
establishment on his face that had been
here throughout, turned from tho tent,
md going to the men standing in the
Dad marched them back 10 camp.
Colonel Maynard came out Of his tent.
md mounting his horse rode TO the
headquarters Of his division command
,r. He rode slowly, his head bowed al-
most to his saddlebow. Refining up be-
ore the generals tent, he sent in his
lame by an orderly, and was soon ad-
nitted.
General" " no said, II have come to
prefer charges "
Indeed, said the general. why
Tot forward them in writing in the reg
liar way?"
1T is because Of the person against
yhom am going to prefer them.
And that is:"
Myself"
Tho general looked at him with q
puzzled expression.
Colonel. arc You ill9"
mo, general. F"
II suppose il would DO ridiculous TO
,sk man il he is al right here?" and
10 tapped his forehead with his finger.
Il am sound Of mind and body.
well, well, colonel, what does it
al mean? It's too early in the morning
or joking" and the general yawned.
II have to report that the spy left in
ny charge has escaped and through my
,onnivance.
Good Lord" exclaimed the general.
That is serious matter. "
Maynard remained silent
"And the explanations"
There is none. "
The general looked into the melan'
,holy eye Of Colonel Maynard and felt
cold chill creep over him. He knew
here was some reason for the act which
would explain if not excuse 1t
Colonel, you are dashing fellow,
With tinge of romance in your nature
trust you have not yielded to an alb
,urd notion as to taking the life Of a
woman.
"No. / have not.
Then give me some explanation. l
lear it will go hard with you, but Twill
10 all can for you if you can give
satisfactory reason.
II have no reason TO give.
"Of course / must report the matter.
Better speak now. 1t may be too late
hereafter. "
81 have reported the fact. That is all
the report l have to make.
"Then, colonel, it is my duty to or
Ter you to your tent under arrest. You
may leave your sword here with m:, II
you please An order will be issued
alacing Colonel -. next in rank, in
,harge Of your brigade.
Colonel Maynard unlocked his sword
from his belt and handed it to the gen.
sral. Then he rode back TO his tent, and
Is he entered it he felt that he had left
his former self outside; that, u, in the
case Of fallen comrade, he would new
sr see this being of the past again. As
for his present self, that, If suffered to
live, could only live life in death.
A court martial was convened to try
colonel Maynard with as much dispatch
A. had attended the trial Of the escaped
woman. The charge was giving aid
and comfort to the enemy" the specifi-
cation himself aiding in the escape OF
q SPY in the service of said enemy.
The court met on the afternoon OF the
day on which Maynard had reported his
act. Men of his own grade, or near it,
sat about pine table i'll a wall tent and
proceeded with the formalites attend
ing the case. AS Maynard pleaded gull
ty to both charge and specification there
was little to do except to come to YER
dict. Before doing SO the president ask
ID the accused il he had anything to
Tay in his behalf, any explanation to
make.
NO." was his reply.
Colonel Maynard, said the presi'
dent, ''you have served this army with
distinction. You have been respected,
trusted, beloved as few other men in it.
You have confessed to having commit.
g. g,
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