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

the general in chief, and Margaret
Beach was called to tell her story,
Margaret made what to me was per-
fectly clear case, and / expected as
she proceeded that the commanding
general would break up the inquiry,
asserting that her statement was all he
needed to prove her case. But looked
IN his face in vain for anything to in
dictate the impression she was making.
When she had finished, he asked:
What proof have you that it was
your brother and not your sister who
was with you-that he was the real pos.
SCISSOR of the plans found ON your"
my sister will testify to that effect,
also Lieut.. Hall, who saw them both
together"
"Neither of these witnesses would
gain credence in court of law, both
of them being much interested to save
your life. Is there not some one whose
testimony is unbiased?"
''There is one, but you cannot sum.
mon him."
"Why not?"
''He is confederate officer within the
confederate lines.''
do you know where he is now?"
II met him few days ago near the
Tennessee river not far from here"
''He might be reached"
81 do not wish it,
The general-in-chief looked at Mar
garet, surprised. His eyes plainly asked
an explanation.
'He would bring evidence" Mar
garet said at last, "of the guilt of one
who has told me he is inoncent.'
The words, spoken in clear, soft
voice, simple assertion of confidence
in one who had never given her the ben
eft of single doubt, seemed a re-
Duke from Heaven. Gen. Heath bent
his head. He seemed dazed. Though
all the vigor of his persuasive tongue
was needed at this critical moment in
one great effort to ward off the calam-
ity that had been brought about by
his incredulity, he seemed in no condi-
ton to make protest. The command
er-judge waited for him to speak, but,
as he did not, spoke himself to Mar
garet.
II cannot consider evidence you are
unwilling to produce. The evidence
that has been brought forward in your
behalf is not only simple oral testi-
mony, but the testimony of those deep
" interested in you. The facts are
all against you. First, you were caught
with the plans in your hands; second,
you visited the enemy while under pa
role, presumably to bear information;
last, your statement as to the north
ward movement of Longstreet's army
is contradicted by written ORDER MY
sympathies are with you, for you have
spoken with the semblance of truth.
While I would gladly serve you; this
does not seem to be matter which adj
mits of any interference on my part.
A court has heard the evidence and has
convicted you. have listened to re-
hearing, and cannot see how they could
have done otherwise than convict you"
Margaret stood pale but calm.
'And I must die?"
Gen. Heath, who had been standing
as if lost in some dread dream of the
past, at these words reused himself,
shook off the stupor that had chained
him, and in a firm, loud voice, said:
"Cau Maj. Bernal Berante.''
For the love of heaven! Has the man
broken down under the strain? Is he
losing his reason? I started towards
him and laid my hand on his arm.
General, Maj. Berante is not here"
''Maj. Berante is here. You will find
him across the hall. He has come,
general" he said, addressing the chief,
''to testify in this case. I sent a flag
of truce to bring him. He was per-
mitted by his commanding officer to
come only with the understanding that
his testimony is necessary to save q