The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1906-02-01
LINoOlN'S MERCY.
The Story Of the WORKOUT Boy
Who RellsAsleep On His Post.

Il thoughts Mr.. Allen, when I gave
my BENIN - his country, that not q
father In sa1ls this broad land made SO
precious aagin-no, not one. The dear
boy only slept a minute, just one little
minute. at hin post. know that was
all, for Bennis never dozed over duty.
How prompt and reliable he was! I
know he only fell asleep one little Sec
ond--he was so young, and not strong,
that boy Of mine! And now they shoot
him because he was found asleep when
doing sentinel duty. Twenty-four hours,
the telegram said, only "a hours. Where
is Bonnie now?"
"We will hope, with his heavenly
Father" said Mr.. Allen, soothingly.
yes, yes; let us hope. God is very
merciful!
4 should be ashamed, father Ben
ME said. when I am a man. to think
that never used this great right arm
and he held 1t out SO proudly before
me-for my country when 1t needed
it. Palsy 1t rather than keep it at the
plowD
"'Go, then; co. my boy said, and
God keep your God has kept him, I
think, Mr.. Allen" and the farmer re-
peated these last words slowly as if, in
spite Of his reason, his heart doubted
them.
Like the apple of his eye. Mr.. Owen,
doubt 1t not"
Blossom sat near them listening with
blanched cheek She had not shed a
ed that no one had noticed it. She had
occupied herself mechanically in the
household cares. Now she answered a
gentle tap at the kitchen door. opening
it to receive from neighbours hand a
letter. 1T is from him." was all she
said.
1t was like a message from the dead.
Mr.. Owen took the letter, but could not
break the envelope on account of his
trembling fingers. and held it toward
Mr.. Allen with the helplessness Of a
child
follows:
Dear Father: When this reaches you
I shall be in eternity. At first it seemed
awful to me; but have thought about
1T so much now that 1t has no terror
They say they will not bind me nor
blind me, but that may meet my death
like man. / thought, father, 1t might
have been on the battlefield, for my
country and that, when 1 fell. it would
be fighting gloriously; but to be shot
down like a dog for nearly betraying
ito die for neglect of duty! 0, faith
er. wonder why the very thought does
not kill me! But / shall not disgrace
|
it., and when / am gone you may tell
my comrades. ! cannot now.
"You know / promised Jennie Carrs
mother I would look after her boy, and
when he fell sick / did all / could for
him. He was not strong when he was
ordered back into the ranks, and the
day before that night carried all his
luggage, besides my own, on our march.
Towards night we went in on double
quick. and. though the baggage began
to feel very heavy, everybody else was
tired, too: and as for Jennie. IL had
not lent him an armnnow and then ne
" ould have dropped by the way. l was
all tired out when we came into camp,
and then 1T was Jemmie's turn to be
sentry, and would take his place, but
was too tired, father. could not
have kept awake IL a gun had been
pointed at my head; but did not know
It until-weN, until 1t was too late"
God be. thanked interrupted Mr..
Owen reverently. II knew Bonnie was
not the boycto sleep carelessly at his
post"
'.They tell, me, to-day that I have a
short reprieve, given to me by circum-
stances-'time to write to you. our good
only does his duty. He would gladly save
me If he could And do not lay my death
il he could. And do not lay my death
up against Jennie. The poor boy is
broken-hearted, and does nothing Dut
beg and entreat them to let him die in
my stead.
IT can't bear to think Of mother and
Blossom. Comfort them, father. Tell
them die as a brave boy should, and
that when the war is over, they will not
be ashamed of me, as they must be
now. God help me! 1T is very hard to
bear. Good-by. father! God seems near
and dear to me; not at all as If he
wished me to perish forever. but as II
he felt sorry for his poor, sinful,
broken-hearted child, and would take
me to be with him and my Savior in a
better. better life"
A deep sigh burst from Mr.. Owens