Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-10

have wanted not merely commander of
courage and Of family to lead us-there are
many In our ranks who possess such quail
fcationS-but We want a man of experience,
man who has been bred to the profession
of arms. who can teach US what we lack 1t
Is needless to say that our thoughts have
been upon you, Mr.. Peyton, ever since your
return to the home of your fathers last
month. But, sir, you will forgive me, I am
sure although we were morally certain,
we had no public assurance until last night
as to your feelings toward the southern
confederacy. But the story of your decision
has been noised about by your fellow citi-
zens to our great satisfaction. sir. The COM
pany was assembled this morning and we
held an election, and I have the honor to
inform you. sir. that you have been unani-
mously elected to be our captain. God save
the state Of Alabama and the confederate
states Of American
Three cheers for our new captain! said
the first sergeant, stepping forth from the
ranks as tombstone finished his address.
Stop! instantly cried Peyton, in a clear
voice heard on the very outskirts of the as
semblage. You are mistaken, gentlemen.
In part. at least did in some degree en-
gage myself to the south last night"
In some degree! cried girls voice.
piercing the awful silence, shrill with sur
prise and horror.
It was Mary Amman.
Carried away by the enthusiasm of the
party" went on Peyton, steadily, looking
down at the surprised awe-stricken faces
of the men before him. although the sharp
cry of the girl pierced his very soul, moved
by the example of venerated friends, an
honored father, and Influenced by"
For the life OF him he could not prevent
his glance then from sweeping around until
1t rested upon the face Of the woman he
loved. standing by the railing, which she
grasped with astonishing Intensity, and
staring at him with a horror-struck, be-
wildered. piteous face scarcely less white
than his own. The cold sweat beaded upon
his brow as he looked. He felt something
rising in his throat and choking him. HIS
heart struck him like a triphammer Still
he persisted.
"For-various reasons, gentlemen, which
need not be mentioned" he continued more
slowly. mostening his lips rervously. but
A deep grcan burst from the lips Of the
colonel behind him. The old man put his
hand to his head and staggered as IL he
would have fallen. The bitterness of death
was with him. and added to 1t the agonies
OF shame. His son a traitor! Oh, God,
could that be?
my son, my son. cried his mother in
voice tense with emotion. Think! Think
What is 1T you are saying?"
barrow stepped across the porch and
stood with clenched hands and threatening
brow beside his lifelong friend, the incarna-
ton of force and menace In his soul, too,
Mary Annan's bitter cry was ringing. Pey
ton looked neither to the right nor left.
Gentlemen" he continued. mostening
his dry. parched lips again and again, II
love the south. My heart Is with her. Here
are father. mother. friends. and-the wo-
man 1 love as well. I would give my fe-
blood for them, but I cannot give up my
honor. My duty constrains me. l am an
officer'-with q magnificent gesture he
lifted his hand to his cap and removed it
"of the United States" Was his strength
coming back to him at the sound of the be-
loved name? Yes, yes. thank God! He
went on more firmly: 81 have sworn allie
glance to the United States. l must be
faithful to my duty. Here is my commits
sion as ensign. here are my orders to report
at Washington at once. I must go. can
not be your captain. gentlemen, much as L
appreciate the high honor. because I must
serve the United States"