The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-11-30

"And now," he continued, Having
witnessed her vindication, it only re-
mains to defend myself against the
venom Of that serpent, Maj. Berante,
you were about to read certain let
ter from me to the mayor of - when
you were interrupted by Corporal
Plurnk's entrance. beg you to pro-
ceed."
"Circumstantial evidence" he said,
II have always considered worthless,
and this mans testimony convinces me
that have been right. Were it worth
my while, and had I time and oppor-
tunity, I could easily refute all that
has been brought against me. Instead,
1 will give you something that is in
black and white, written and signed
by that man" pointing to Gen. Health ,
whose treachery has long been sus-
pected, but now for the first time is
to be conclusively proved
Then he read:
Fort -. Texas. March -. 1861
ITO the Mayor of -.
THE consideration you offer is ample.
but It will require several days to disarm
the men, as dare only order the with
drawal Of few muskets at time. making
excuses to send arms and ammunition to
neighboring posts on pretended requests.
"A. H."
Berante, having finished, stepped to
the presiding judge and handed him
the letter. The stiffness of death fell
upon us all. Margaret, notwithstand-
ing it's damning character, received it
with defiant glance at the reader.
The general in chief, beneath his
sphinx-like exterior, gave evidence, in
the restless turning of his eyes from
accuser to accused, that he was deep
ly impressed. Col. Archard stood thun-
derstruck at the sudden turn events
had taken, regarding with surprise and
anger his subordinate, who had with
held his intentions from him. Gen.
Heath stood facing his accuser, but
gave no token by his expression as to
his guilt or innocence.
did you write that letter, general?"
asked the chief.
Il did,"
General" exclaimed Margaret, ad-
dressing the chief, ''the man who bears
that letter induced my brother, mere
boy, to put his neck in halter, and
when suspected threw the proof of his
on his comrade. l have
known both these men, and tell ydu
that Maj. Berante is capable of any
iniquity, while Gen Health
The faces Of the group fastened on
her in surprise made Margaret sudden
[y conscious of what she was saving.
for crimson flush unfurled itself in
her cheek, and she shrank back. The
commander-judge, touched by this out
burst of confidence, asked, kindly:
why do you place such trust in one
who has not trusted you?"
Because the evidence against me
was so strong that Gen. Heath would
have been fool to trust me-"
"The evidence against you was cir
that against him is writ
ten. Written evidence is, I believe, the
strongest known in law
Were he to write himself traitor on
4 hundred sheets I would not believe
him guilty.
"Why?"
Because"
He waited to hear her reason, but
no reason came; only a tear that glis-
tened in her eye.
Because" said the commander, fin
shing for her, "you are woman"
Raising his eyes, Gen. Heath gave
Margaret look-a look of penitence,
If gratitude. But Margaret doubtless
saw far more, for suddenly her face
lighted with triumphant joy--a dim
flashing of divine sensation, and l
Knew that she had received the one
;reat message of her life.
Gen. Health" said the commander,
you remember our interview on the |
morning of your departure on your
nission?"
II do"
"And the order of the secretary of
warp"
Il remember
Il have done for you all in my power.
Your effort to vindicate yourself by a
'ignal service has resulted In furnish
ng such strong proof Of your guilt that
:: do not consider myself warranted in
urther postponing the secretary's or
Ter. You will go to your quarters un-
Ter arrest" .'', r... -.
Gen. Heath had made his replies as
me whose mind was on other matters.
1t the order to consider himself under
rrest he started. :
"One moment" he said, addressing
he general-in-chief. II have a bit of
to submit in my behalf. But
lrst let me speak word with refer
nee to my past relations with Maj.
serante. We were classmates at West
Joint, and afterwards stationed at the
anne fort on the Atlantic coast. Be
ng OF Spanish extraction, he inherited
Spaniard's passion for gambling, and
hereby gotinto trouble. AS command
Mt OF the post 1t became my duty to
onffne him in one Of the casemates,
nd since then he cherished for. memo
reat friendship. The spring Of 1851
ound us again together at a post in
,,exas--I in command, Berante.second.
ecessionists in a neighboring town |