The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-08


that the general of the district would con-
firm the sentence. Arthur IIedley. subaltern
in the Hawkshire Regiment. had been found
guilty, on what judge of assize would have
called the cIearest possible evidence of an
act unbecomng the character of an officer
and a gentleman, and for that offense there
was but one NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
The inquiry had been exhaustive and pro-
tracted, and nothing more was to be done
Hedley heard the sentence in amazement.
From the very first he had been stupefied
at the charge, a charge which enemies had
trumped up against him. and which they
had managed to bring home to him.
Il have already told you, SIR he said to
the president, that 1 am innocent. On my
honor I tell you that once more"
II am sorry that I cannot hear you now,
Mr. Hedley." said the president. You have
had your opportunity
Il want you clearly to understand how
the charge has been sustained 1t is ques-
ton of malice from the beginning, and
shall spare no pains to show it,"
1T is impossible for me to listen to you
replied the president.
cat any rate, before the members of this
court separate" said Hedley, 4 will tell
them that I have been found guilty by pref
udiced judges and lying Witnesses
officers who were leaving the room started
at this There was a murmur of disapproval,
and appealing eyes were cast toward the
president. One or two of Hedley's former
friends got stealthily outside. They did not
look at him as they passed. He had been
found guilty of the charge alleged against
him, and their social obligations towards
him existed no longer. He was to them a
nonexistent being; an outcast, a pariah.
It was not good to speak to or associate
with him, and they followed the example of
their kind from time out of memory, and
passed by on the other side.
Hedley saw it all, and a great sense of his
isolation came over him. He looked muteiy
around the room, and sought the comfort
of some friendly eye. Not one was raised
to meet his own appealing glance. Even his
bosom comrade. Nottingham, hung his head
and drummed his fingers listlessly on the
table They waited for him to leave the
ROOM to take himself and his belongings off
the premises, to remove the social stain
which his very presence cast upon the at
mosphere of the barracks.
His young, hot blood coursed quickly
through him at the slight which no one
spoke and yet all put upon him. He walked
forward until he stood Very near the Dresi-
dent and in low, firm tones demanded to
be heard.
The presidents back was toward him, and
the only answer to his words was shrug of
the presidents square-padded shoulders.
"They were positively the finest pheasarts
1 ever saw" the president was saying to his
companion land the sport was absolutely
superb"
Sir" said Hedley, in hard, cold voice,
81 no longer ask to be heard, demand it. L
will speak,
Mr.. Hedley," said the president, turning
slowly around, you have had every chance
The court can do nothing more. I cannot
listen to a word further from you. really
must ask you to remember where you are
He again turned away. Hedley's hand was
raised to pull him around by force, when
Nottingham touched him on the arm. For
Gods sake" he murmured, with a white
face remember where you are and what
you are doing. Come with me, if you value
my friendship and youreow good name"
Hedley mutey followed Nottingham to
the parade.
Now said his friend, you must listen
to me. There's not the slightest hope of
clearing yourself by acting in this way.
One or two indscreet words now, and your
future is completely wrecked. The president
is utterly poweress in the matter. If you
want to speak at all, see the colonel"
Il am innocent and wanted to tell the
president so again. AS for the colonel
have something also to tell him. Would to
God I'd let him know it sooner" Hedley
spoke with flashing eyes. Pm treated like
a dog, and all for sin that was never
mine. 1 shall tell the colonel so; 1 can't
keep it back. 1 would rather die than not
let him hear it."
A. iv1lr hoe sold
coldly. IF you do that 1 can do nothing for
you"
He walked slowly off and left Hedley
standing alone.
Like the rest, like the rest" muttered
Hedey, bitterly "Daren't touch me, daren't
look at me, daren't speak to me. I'm like
the pitch. that none may handle and not be
dehled''
The sense of wrong surged through him so
that he could have cried aloud. He hurried
back to the room to tell all who were there
the thoughts that arose within him. He
tried the door. 1t was locked. He wondered
for minute what he should do; then he
hurried to his quarters and waited there
until he saw the colonel and other members
Of the court come forth. He went out and
put himself face to face with the colonel
upon whose face there was a smile of salts
faction.
Il Will move heaven and earth to undo the
wrong to which you have been a party"
said the subaltern.
Il can have no dealings with you" the
colonel answered coldIy. You will please
excuse me"
He would have walked on, smiling still
Long years before the father of the man
who, largely through his means, as he put
It, had just come a social mucker, had done
to him an act which he had never for
gotten or forgiven. That man was too high
in power for him to touch, but it was
enough that he had had his vengeance
through the son. He had waited long, but
his reward was sweet.
"One moment, sir said Hedley. Il have
already summoned my father from India
and he will soon be here. If there is justice
In the army. and influence can obtain it, l
shall have my share. My father will see the
commander-n-chief himself"
The colonel's smile vanished, but he af-
fected superior isolation still.
You have had a fair trial and the law"
he said. THE commander-in-chief can give
you nothing more"
He can see whether have had Justice"
said Hedley, holly.