Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-11-15


his commanding officer, Col. Archard,
that he may serve for witness as to
what may transpire, precaution which
seemed proper and to which assented.
l have pledged my word that Berante
will not be asked to give any testimony
except such as concerns Margaret
Beach, and in any self-incriminating
admissions he may make he shall have
full benefit of the protection offered by
a flag of truce. Lieut.. Hall, bring the
witness"
cast quick glance at Margaret,
to note the effect of this announce
ment. Iexpected some marked express
sion of relief. What was my surprise
to see unmistakable evidence of re-
gret.
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, sit
having been represented to me that a
woman accused of being 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 witness as to what testi-
mony he shall bear. You are free to
examine him touching the case in CUES
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, 81 should be pleased to
listen to your testimony"
The gentiemanly-like manner of Col.
Archard and the unpretentious bearing
of the commanding general were in
marked contrast with the loftiness of
Maj. Berante, as he told with conscious
pride how he had entered the union
lines at Knoxville, taking Harold Beach
with him, had made the map of the de-
lenses, laying down the location and
strength of the troops, the position of
batteries, the kind and condition of
armament; how, having been suspect
ed, he had given the map to Harold, and
by assurance and tact had made his
way back to confederate ground. He
further testified to Margaret's story
that she had sought him to beg that he
would interfere to extricate them from
their perilous situation, loftily aver
ring that he had been deferred from
giving himself up as the real culprit
only by the important work of heading
off Gen. Heath.
There was look of relief and deep
interest on the face of the general-in.
chief. Margaret's truthfulness and the
noble work she had done in shielding
her brother had been established be.
You'd question.
"And now," Berante went on, "havinp
given my testimony in the case of this
innocent woman, it gives me great sat.
isfaction to be able to show you that
you have among you one who is stepped
in guilt. That man"-pointing to Gen.
Heath-"is traitor to the cause he
serves: there is the document to prove
it,"
Stepping towards the general-judge,
Berante handed him paper.
The commander drew back. II am
not here to consider charges against
Gen. Health" he said. 81 decline to
read it,
General" said the man accused, 81
beg you to read the document Maj
Berante offers.''
The general-in-chief directed Berante
to consider the letter. Berante stood
slowly unfolding it. his gljttering eyes
fixed on Gen. Heath with an expression
of malignant satisfaction.