Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-12
CHAPTER VIII.
A Stubborn Proposition.

that one of the harbor patrol boats, making
a daring reconnaissance about midnight, TO
discover If possible what had happened TO
the David, had captured a whale boat from
one Of the Union ships bound on a similar
errand, and had brought her crew to the
city. BY questioning them Beauregard
learned of the blowing up of the Housa-
tonic, and the almost certain loss of the
torpedo boat. He was sorry that he missed
the Wabash and the admiral, and intense
ly grieved over the lack of any udings
from the David or her men, which, how
ever. caused him little surprise, but he was
glad, indeed, they had been so brilliantly
successful In eliminating the magnificent
new steam sloop -of-war Housatonfc from
the force blockading them
Incidentally he learned with some add
tionaI satisfaction, that Admiral Vernon
was to be relieved of his command on &C
count of Illness and was going north with
his flagship in few days. The admiral
had shown himself so intensely enterprls-
ing and pugnacious that Beauregard hoped
and expected that any change in opponents
would be for the betterment of the situa-
ton from the southern point of view. When
he had digested the important news of the
morning, he sent for his prisoner of the
night before. The general had been very
indignant on the wharf, and justly so,
but he instinctively felt that there
something in the situation, which, If he
could get at it. might relieve from the
odium of his situation the young officer,
whose family history, no less than his per-
sonal character absolutely negatived the
idea of cowardice or treachery.
General Beauregard hoped that by ques-
tioning him quietly and calmly. and by
representing to him the dreadful situation
in which he found himself that he might
induce him to clear up the mystery. He
spoke to him kindly, therefore, when he
was ushered into the room and babe him
be seated. He marked with soldierly ap-
gf,+t g
evidences of his seepless night the an
euish of his soul, in the haggard look upon
his face.
Mr.. sempand," he began with impress
sive and deliberate gravity, carefully weigh
ing his words that they might make the
deeper impression upon the younger man,
for whom he felt profound pity, you bear
one of the noblest names in the common
wealth l knew your father and your
GRANDPA Their They were men of the high
est courage and of unimpeachable honor.
Their devotion to the south cannot be ques-
toned. l grieve more than / can say to
find you in so equivocal a position I am
convinced that there is some explanation
for it, and l ask you, not your general.
but as your friend, to disclose it to me-
You called me a coward last night, SIR
In the heat of my disappointment and
surprise did make use Of that term. !sir. 1t
mistake / regret It," said the gen.
eral magnaninously. II do not believe
your failure to take out the David arose
from any fear"
This was a great concession. indeed. and
Sempland was intensely relieved and an
immense load was lifted from his breast by
the generals reassuring words.
Sir, / thank you. l could have borne
anything than that"
But, my boy" continued the general se-
verely, you remember you still lie under
the imputation of treachery to the south.
and you will recognize readily that is q
scarcely less terrible accusation than the
other"
General Beauregard, believe me, sir"
burst out Sempland impetuously, Il pledge
you my word of honor. l am not traitor
70 the south, I would die for my country
gladly If 1t would do her service. fully
intended to take out the David. ! begged
for the detail and was thankful beyond
measure to you for giving 1t to me. I was
overwhelmed with anger and dismay and
horror at my failure l swear to you, sir.
by all that is good and true, by everything
holy. that II was not my fault that was
not there-I-I-was detained"
Detained? BY whom"
Sempland only bit his lip and looked dunn
bly, at the general.
Come my boy. I want to help you"
said the veteran officer persuasively. who
or what, detained you? Where were you
detained2 1t must have been some man
or was 1t a woman? Tell me. and by
heavens, I'll make such example of the
traitor as will never be forgotten in South
Carolina or the confederacyi'
~ cannot, sir"
mink Your rank, your honor, ii may
be your life, all depend upon your answer!
You concealing something from me.
You do not answer" continued Beauregard
keenly scanning the face of the young man
standing before him in stubborn silence.
Il see that you are shielding some one,
sheltering some unworthy person. Who is
tt?"
Still no answer The generals patience
was gradually vanishing In the face of such
obsunacy. Yet he restrained his growing
anger and continued his questioning
Where did you go after you left me?
To my quarters, sir. to write letter"
Were you there all the timer"
mo, SIR
Where did you go after the letter was
written?"
No answer.
Major Lacy said" began the general
changing his tactics
Did he tell your cried Sempland In
sudden alarm and great dismay.
He knew them" exclaimed the general
triumphant In his clue. mo, he didn't tell
He never will tell now. I have learned
from picket boat that was captured last
night by our patrols that nothing was seen
OF the David after the explosion
Poor Lacy said Sempland. We'll sir
he died the death of his choice"
Yes" said Beauregard. little in life be-
came him the ending of 1T"
A little silence fell between the two in
the room.
And I might ha been there" said
Sempland at last.
Il had rather see you dead sir. than In
your present case" commented the gen
eral deftly.
Yes sir; and I'd rather be there my
self" returned the young man; but IL
beg your pardon. general. were they sue
cessful?"
In a measure. They missed the Wabash,
but blew up the Housatonic."
Did the cotton ships get out?
Unfortunately, no. One of them YVES
sunk. The other two returned in sa fety.
But all this is beside the question. We are
losing sight of the main point. For the last
time. will you tell me why you failed TO be
hand?''
General Beauregard, as I said, 1 would
rather be where Lacy is now than have
failed as l did. but l can not tell you what
detained me"
For the last time, Mr.. Sempland l beg
or you to answer me. You know the conse-
quences?'
The general spoke sharply now. Such de-
termination and contumacy had at last got
the better OF his patience and forbearance
He had tried TO save SempIand, but the
young officer would give him no assistance.
Well, on his own head 1t would be.
You realize what is before you, STRIP
Yes, SIR"
"A court-martial Possibly-nay, certain
~. death. For in the face of your refusal
TO explain can do nothing more for YOU"
Sempland bowed to the inevitable