The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1907-09-05

veteran. Come, gentlemen, this business
brightens; L confess at first 1t was very
bad; but no man can censure him for de-
string TO see his parents. Let the older
Mr.. Wharton approach and take the
OATH
The fcther made an effort at compos-
ure, AID. advancing with a feeble step.
he complied with the necessary forms of
the court.
You are the father of the prisoner?"
said Coolnel Singleton, in subdued
voice. after pausing a moment in respect
for the agitation of the witness
What do you know of his visit to your
house on the 10Th day of October last?"
He came, as he told you, to see me
and his sisters"
A boy of spirit" whispered the presi-
dent to his silent comrade 1T see but
little harm in such freak; twas impru-
dent, but then it was kind. Do you
know that your son was intrusted with
no commission from Sir Henry Clinton,
and that the visit to you was not merely
a cloak to other designs?"
"How can know it?" said Mr.. Whar-
ton, in alarm; would Sir Henry intrust
iuc VIII SUCH business.
Know you anything of this pass?" ex-
hibiting the paper that Dunwoodie had
retained when Wharton was taken.
"Nothing-upon my honor, nothing
cried the father. shrinking from the
paper as from contagion.
Have you other testimony ?-this does
not avail you, Captain Wharton. You
have been taken in a situation where
your life is forfeited; the labor of prov
Ing your innocence rests with yourself
Take time to reflect, and be COOL"
Dunwoodie was sworn. and desired to
relate what he knew. His statement did
not materially alter the case. To him
personally but little was known, and that
little rather initiated against the safety
of Henry than otherwise. His account
was listened to in silence, and the signifi-
can't shake of the head that was made by
the silent member spoke too plainly what
effect it had produced.
'Still you think that the prisoner had
no other object than what he has avow-
ed?" said the president, when he had
ended.
None other, will pledge my life."
cried the major. with fervor.
'You say that he escaped, and was re-
taken in open arms?"
HE was; nay, he received a wound in
the combat. You see he yet moves his
arm with difficulty. Would he. think
you, sir, have trusted himself where he
could fall again into our hands, unless
conscious of innocence?"
Would Andre have deserted field of
battle, Major Dunwoodie, had he encoun-
tered such an event, near Tarrytown?"
asked his deliberate examiner. as il not
natural to youth to seek glory?"
do you call this glory?" exclaimed the
major; ''an ignominious death, and a
furnished name"
Major Dunwoodie," returned the 9th
er: you have acted nobly: your duty
has been arduous and severe, but it has
been faithfully and honorably discharged;
ours must not be less so. Let that black
be brought forward"
Caesar found himself confronted with
row of rebel officers, before he knew
what was uppermost in his thoughts The
others yielded the examination to the one
who suggested it, and using all due de-
liberation, he proceeded accordingly.
"You know the prisoner"
Il think he ought" returned the black,
in manner as sententious as that Of his
examiner.
Were you employed in carrying any
letters or messages while Captain Whar-
ton was in your masters house,"
Il do what a tell me-" returned the
black.
Enough" said Colonel Singleton. with
dignity; you have the noble acknowledge
ment of gentleman, what more can you
obtain from this slave? Captain Whar-
ton, you perceive the unfortunate i'm
preston against you. Have you other
testimony TO adduce?''
Frances arose, and with a tottering
step moved toward the judges; the pale
ness of her cheek continued but for
moment. and gave place to flush of fire,
and with light but firm tread, she stood
before them. Raising her hand to her
polished forehead, Frances threw aside
her exuberant locks, and displayed a pic
ture of beauty and innocence to their
view that might have moved even sterner
natures The president shrouded his eyes
for moment, as If the wild eye and
speaking countenance recalled the image
of another. Recovering himself, he said,
with an earnestness that betrayed secret
wishes.
ITO you, then, your brother previously
communicated his intention of paying
your family a secret visit?"
"No nor" said Frances "he told me
notning-we knew not of the visit until
l.. lx.< -
explain to gallant men that child would
incur hazard to meet his only parent|
but was this the first time? Did he
never talk of doing so before?" inquired
tie colonel, leaning toward her with pa
ternal interest.
Certainly-certainly," cried Frances,
catching the expression of his own benev-
olent countenance This is but the
fourth of his visits"
II knew it," exclaimed the veteran,
rubbing his hands with delight; ian ad-
venturous, warm-hearted son-I warrant
me, gentlemen, a fiery soldier in the field !
In what disguise did he Gomez"
in none, for none were then neces-
sary; the royal troops covered the coun-
try. and gave him safe passage"
And was this the first of his visits out
of the uniform of his regiment?"
"Oh. the very first" exclaimed the
eager girl Ibis first offense. do assure
you, if offense it be-"
But you wrote him-you urged the
visit surely, young lady. you wished to
see your brother?" added the impatient
colonel.
THAT we wished 1t and prayed for it
oh, how fervently we prayed for it lis
true; but to have held communion with
the royal army would have endangered
our father, and we dared not"
did he leave the house until taken.
or had he intercourse with any out Of
your own dwelling"
with none-no one, excepting our
neighbor, the pedGer, Birch"
with whom?" exclaimed the colonel,
turning pale and shrinking as from the
sting of an adder.
Dunwoodie groaned aloud, and striking
his head with his hand, cried, in piercing
tones, He is lost !" and rushed from the
apartment.
But Harvey Birch" repeated Fran