Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1901-09-28
"De Ca pit. Phelps and his wife encour.

course, his wife IS lady. L cannot,
therefore, imagine either of them dong
anything that is not eminently proper.
Major said the judge, slowly, I am
in no condition to consider mere etiquette.
For nineteen years have lived and work
ed solely for my daughter. In my hours
of trouble and fatigue her presence, or
the thought of her, has nerved me on. |
have not been blind to the fact that one
day she might love some one better than
me-not better, perhaps, but in differ
ent way. Do you understand meI
Very clearly, my dear Judge"
''If this Colin Morton were a citizen in
stead of private soldier, and, in addi-
ton, the purest, best and bravest man
in the world, l could not permit him to
marry my daughter. Colin Morton s
father is, l understand. connected with
you by his second marriage
II don't care fc" hat" interrupted the
major.
Il was going to say that Morton's faith
er is distant kinsman of mine, and that
he did me wrong which | can never for
give--a wrong that has changed, If it has
not blasted, my whole life
Il knew but little of the man." said
the IEldJcI, DuI 10 uol tuluh IL 40 "Ao0
to rake UP the past"
Perhaps not, Major; but when men
reach the age of fifty they begin to live
in the past. A provision of nature, no
doubt designed to blind us to the iney-
liable death"
II cannot blame YOU said the major.
I'VE remember our hates as intensely as
we do our loves--more so, perhaps. But
1 am a hopeful man."
When does the court martial come
OFF," asked the judge, abruptly.
THE day after tomorrow"
and you know all the evidence against
this manY'
81 think So"
''Ts it strong"
II do not like to say in advance"
But, Major, you can give me your
private opinion:"
Eyes, can DO that Well, Judge, to
be frank, do not see a loophole through
which Morton can escape"
You think he is guilty?'
II can only judge by the evidence that
has been gathered"
VERY well; | will try to be patient.
Now, I must see my daughter" said the
judge, rising.
His love for Florence was d magnet
that at once drew and repealed. At the
very time when he tried to harden his
heart against her the past rose up before
him, and he found himself bowling before
his beautiful heart idol. 1t depends on
the heart in which hate and love do battle
as to which shall win the contest.
The judge went to Capt. Phelps house
and met his daughter just returning from
the hospital. She ran with extended
hands and raised face to kiss him, but
he drew back and said:
"No, FlQrence; you have forfeited my
love; you have disobeyed my orders; you
have brought on me sore disgrace. My
heart yeQrns for your return, but, until
you come back humble and penitent, you
are no daughter of mine
He turned to leave her, but she ran
after him and called out:
Father, father, hear me-.
Hear you defend your conduct?" he
sreered.
1T needs no defense. Hear me explain
it,"
1T explains itself Speak no word to
me in defense of your disObedience. You
have chosen to sever yourself from me, to
run after a stranger" said the judge,
hoarSelY.
He turned contemptuously and walked
away; aslA Florence tottered into the
house, and fell fainting on the floor.
At statad times, courts martial are held
at the different forts and posts to try
offenses against the regulations, the of
tenders being usually private soldiers.
The court martial is always presided over
| by a superior officer, who is not connect
cd with the post A judge advocate rep
resents the prosecution, and the presiding
officer selects some officer to defend the
accused. The court martial was con-
yened at Fort Clark. The minor offenses
were taken up and soon disposed of. The
| all-important case was that of Private
| Colin Morton, charged with the murder
Of Lieut.. Reynolds of the Twenty tifth
| infantry. The day for the trial came.
The court room was crowded. Jennie
| Ford had come in with the Indian, Scion
She sat besides Florence, and Florence
| sat beside the accused man. Judge Lor-
| ing was there, and he and the major car
| ried on a whispered conversation. Rob
| ept Bracabridge was there as a Witness
| called by the prosecution. The charge
aud specifications were read, and Colin
| Morton was asked:
How do you plead-guilty or not gull
typ
Not guilty" replied Colin in strong,
GEAR voice.
All the evidence was purely circum-
sSantial, yet it was Of the most over
whelming nature. 1t could not be re-
f1ted; it could not be explained away.
No theory that did not involve the guilt
| OF the accused could account for the in
eliminating articles found in his posses
! sion.
The trial closed at noon of the second
| day. At p N. the prisoner was brought
in to hear the findings of the court
The room was crowded. Florence was
beside him. He was told to stand up,
and he did so, without a tremor
Colin Morton" said the president of
the court, with a solemnity that was not
assumed, "we find you guilty of all the
charges and specifications alleged; and
the sentence of this court is that you
shall suffer death at such time and in
such place as the President of the United
l