Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-04-03
General Randolph turned to spenn

the prisoner
Captain Thorne," he said, "or Lew
is Dumont, II that Ia your name; the
president ia fully informed regarding
the circumstances Of your case, and I
needn't say that we look upon you as
a cursed dangerous character There
isn't any doubt whatever that you
ought to be shot right now, but, con-
sidering the damned popularity Of
your behavior, and that you refused to
send out that dispatch when you
might have done 30, we've decided to
keep you out Of mischief some other
way. You will be held a prisoner Of
war"
| Captain Thorne was almost too
dazed to realize the purport Of the
decree. He mechanically saluted, and
from his lips broke murmured:
THANK you, sir"
The general looked at him severely,
and then, seeing Edith varney, turned
away and engaged In conversation
with his staff. His intention was OBJ
vious, and Edith Immediately en-
braced the opportunity.
obi" she said; that isn't nearly
SO bad as DEATH" and before them all
she stretched out her hand to him.
mo-" quer1ed Thorne in a low
voice.
NO" she said. iorcing herself to
look at him. After while perhaps
some time"
oh" said Thorne Some time?
II it's some time, that's enough"
( Mrs Varney, having succeeded in
getting Howard quiet and composed,
had been in the room since the ad-
vent Of General Randolph
Mamma" said Edith. won't you
speak to him, too"
Mrs Varney approached him. but
Wilfred was quicker.
Il would like to shake hands with
YOU" he said, with boyish enthusi-
asm.
What. again." said Thorne. smil.
ing. "Al right" He stretched out his
hand. go ahead
And so would l." said Caroline, fol
lowing the lead Of her boy lover.
Don't be afraid now" said Wilfred.
Everything will be all right. They
will give you a parole. and"
"A parole." said Caroline. Good
ness gracious. they will give you hun
dreds Of them, I am sure"
But General Randolph turned once
more.
One moment, please" said the Off
Ger. AS he came forward, the others
fell back. Only Edith Varney kept
her place close by Thorne's side.
There is only one reason on earth
Why the president has set aside a
certain verdict Of death. You held
up that false order and made turn In
our favor You are not to be tried as
a spy. but held as a prisoner of war.
We expect you to make that turn
complete and enter our service"
Never" replied Thorne instantly.
That's impossible, sir"
you can give us your answer
later" said the general.
You have it now"
You will be kept in close conflne-
ment until you come to our terms"
continued the older officer
You make me a prisoner for life.
then"
you will see 1t in another light be-
fore many days, and 1t wouldn't sur
prise me IL Miss Varney had some
thing to do with a change in your
views"
You are mistaken, General Ran
dolph." quickly interposed Edith. Il
think he is perfectly right"
"Oh, very we'll" said the general,
smiling little. I'VE will see what
little prison life will do Sergeant"
Yes, sir"
Il have turned the prisoner over to
Major Whitfield. He requests you to
take the prisoner to his Office, where
he'll take charge Of him"
Very good, sir" answered the SER
geant.
What ia it?" whispered Thorne to
Edith. Love and GOODBYE"
mo" answered the girl; only the
first" She stopped and looked at him,
her face flushed, her heart throbbing.
her eyes shining gloriously. "And
that every day, every hour, every min
ute. until we meet again"
Thank God" whispered Thorne.
Until we meet again"
Attention" cried the sergeant.
/ Garry arms! Left face! Fall in, the
prisoner! Forward-marchl"