Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1907-10-25

II will inquire into the matter" was
his brief comment THAT is all, lieu
tenant"
After Varnum's departure, Crook
turned and looked curiously at the
young man who was undergoing his
terrible sentence. The latter, moving
backward and forward, seemed to be
utterly oblivious of the scrutiny to
which ne was subjected.
The general made a motion to the
guard, who approached.
Bring your prisoner here!"
The guard went forward. and
touched on the shoulder the man in his
charge. Wallace, who was just about
to pick up one of the cannon balls,
turned and looked at him in a daZed
sort OF way.
The guard pointed toward General
Crook. But even then, the unfortunate
young man did not seem to under
stand.
Lead him here." commanded Crook.
The guard took Wallace by the arm
and led him forward until he was in
front Of the general. He stood there
staring .blankly and stupidity before
him. mechanically turning the cannon
ball round in his hands.
The general pitied him from the very
bottom of his heart. He knew well
how terrible was the punishment which
had been inflicted upon him and how
II almost inevitably led to either mad
ness or death.
He motioned the guard to retire, and
then asked in short, quick tones OF
command in order to arouse the man
before him from his confused condi-
ton:
What is your name, sir"
Wallace raised his dull, listless eyes.
Ralph Jordan" he replied, automa-
tically.
THAT is the name under which you
enlisted. What is your real name"
Ralph Jordan" in the same express
sionless tone.
Answer me truthfully!" exclaimed
the general, sharply. rs not your real
name Wallace Gray?"
Wallace moved his head, and, after
looking about him with eyes which did
not seem to take in anything within
their vision, answered stupidly:
mot now"
Are you not the son of Colonel
Gray?"
Not now," with a slow shake Of
his head.
The general was moved to the most
intense pity, but he went on, appar-
emily remorselessly, yet knowing that
this was the best course to take.
You were tried and convicted OF
desertion by a military court presided
over by Colonel Gray. You were re-
turned to me for sentence and punish
ment. There have been times, and
not many years ago, when for such a
crime you would have been shot"
These last words pierced Wallace's
brain and, melting the icy band which
had been compressing it, brought him
back to his senses.
A flush stole into his cheeks and a
faint light into his eyes.
Yes yes" he cried. eagerly. "Shot,
but they wouldn't do it, I wanted
them to. but they wouldn't do it,"
And then he sighed heavily.
General Crook looked at him mar
rowly He found difficulty in under
standing. This was certainly a most
extraordinary criminal.
At last he said, very deliberately:
What promises can you give me OF
soldierly conduct in the future should
restore you to the ranks?"
None" was the hopeless answer.
"None!" repeated General Crook, in
blank amazement.
None"
Gray" after a pause, your fa-
ther is well known and esteemed by
me. would go to great lengths, even
stretch discipline, to do a service
through you to him.
Wallace dropped the cannon ball to
his feet. and exclaimed with the most
intense earnestness:
You can do my father a service
sir. one for which he will never cease
to thank you"
And that" asked the general, Won
dering what could be coming next.
Wallace extended his hand, with a
gesture that was almost tragic. toward
the horizon.
See, the day is drawing to close
The sun is going to rest. For ten long
ment, and tonight it is going dowr
blood red The first day l was strong
I built over a hundred pyramids; the
second day eighty; today l have bull
ther a service. Then keep me at work
all night. all tomorrow, and I promise
YOU a glorious row of pyramids. Their
when the sun sets again, my labor:
will cease, and l shall be at rest"
You wish to die?'
| "Oh, with all my heart, with all my
soul" was the passionate reply, spok
en- with such yeaning that it was i'm
possible to doubt the truth of thu
words. Il have prayed to God that HI
would so lift from me the bitterness o
my degradation. But it comes 81
slowly. so slowly"
Hardened veteran though he was
The Gray Fox was moved more thai
he would have liked to acknowledge
and there was a suspicious moisture
about his eyes.
He scarcely knew what to reply, ant
he was thankful to be spared this in
Fiction by the sudden appearance o
an officer who came rapidly forward
and saluted. evidently anxious for
consultation with his superior.
Guard. remove the prisoner.
commanded the general, 'and tel
Lieutenant Varnum to keep him in tn
guard house tomorrow"
The guard conducted Wallace bacl
to his work. The young mans hea'
I.,pl, bic with th