Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1899-12-02

life. Mai. Berante is accompanied by |
his commanding officer, Col. Archard,
that ne may serve for a witness as to |
what may transpire, precaution which |
seemed proper and to which l assented. !
] have pledged my word that Berante
will not be asked to give any testimony |
except such as concerns Margaret !
Beach, and In any misunderstanding
admissions he may make he shall have
full benefit of the protection offered by
a flag of truce. Lieut.. Hall, bring the
witness"
1 cast a quick glance at Margaret,
to note the effect Of this announce
ment. expected some marked express
sion Of relief. What was my surprise
to see unmistakable evidence of re-
greet.
'Bring the Witness" repeated the
general
I darted from the room, and in a few
minutes was in the presence of two
men who had both at different times
had me at their mercy. Without stop
| ping to handy compliments, led them
to the room, where they were expect
ed. AS we entered and Berante caught
| sight OF the general, his eye lighted
| with malignant triumph.
| Gentlemen" said Col. Archard, at
having been represented to me that
woman accused of being "a spy in the
| confederate service had been convicted
and sentenced to death, and that she
! needed the testimony of my subor-
dinate, Maj. Berante, to save her, have
come with him into your lines, that he
may have a witness as 70 what testi-
mony he shall bear. You are free to
examine him touching the case in ques-
ton. and he is free to answer. SO long
as his evidence does not reveal informa-
ton pertinent to the confederate
cause"
Maj. Berante," said the general-in-
chief, quietly. II should be pleased tc
listen TO your testimony"
The gentiemanly-like manner of Col
Archard and the unpretentious bearing
: of the commanding general were il
marked contrast with the loftiness o,
: Mai. Rerante, as he told with consciou:
pride how he had entered the uniol
l lines at Knoxville, taking Harold Beacl
with him, had made the map of the de
lenses, laying down the location an
strength of the troops, the position o
8 batteries, the kind and condition o
g armament; how, having been suspect
7, ed, he had given the map to Harold, an
e by assurance and tact had made hi
q way back to confederate ground. II
l. further testified to Margaret's stor
g that she had sought him to beg that b
would interfere to extricate them froI
Is their perilous situation, loftily ave.
10 ring that he had been deferred frol
s. giving himself up as the real culpr
only by the important work Of headin
t, off Gen. Heath.
tn There was look of relief and dee
interest on the face of the generals
I'd chief. Margaret's truthfulness and Il
tn noble work she had done in shieldiI
We her brother had been established
Sc yond question
"And now" BeEante went on, ''haviI
M given my testimony in the case Of tt
innocent woman, it gives me great 81
isfaction to be able to show you tn
he you have among you one who is steep
in guilt. That man"-pointing to Ge
Heath-''is a traitor to the cause
he serves: there is the document to pro
it."
Stepping towards the general-judl
Berante handed him paper.
ar The commander drew back. II {
led not here to consider charges again
Gen. Heath" he said. 81 decline
ar read it."
,ne General" said the man accused,
beg you to read the document N
oft Berante offers"
nee The general-in-chief directed Beral
en- to consider the letter. Berante stS
re- slowly unfolding II, ms gIrterlng e
ent fixed on Gen. Heath with an express
Ugh OF malignant satisfaction