New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-02-08

is oHo,oed 10 90 b. As his steps die
at1du William Scott again falls into hts
reuerie. solloqraseS. thinks Of his old home
and tchen the tCdr toiI be over, recalls his
m other aud her tdretoeH and puts his hand
into his pocket to see II the letter IS sofe
that he the same day had received from
her.
From this point his thoughts toke reto
direction: he dreams Of promotion and
bringing honor and tame TO the old folks
at home, but 10 is noU nearly midnight
he is very reary; he pouses, thinking he
hears a step
It tods only the night breeze. He leans
against tree listening, but suddenly
sleep overcomes him aud he drops TO the
ground.
He is duokened from dream Of home
and honor by the rough roice Of the sentt
mel tcho has come 10 take his place.
SENTINEL-Wake up there What
Asleep on duty.
william Scott is marched into camp
and reported.)
SCENE William Scott in tent near
Chain Bridge, alone Nth t,oo sentineIs on
duty outside. His eyes are moist and he
IS irtently easing on picture that he has
taken from his pocket, Uhen n toll, gdWnt
dotcre appears OF the door. He raises has
eyes, and from his pictures recognizes
President Lincoln He rises hastily
PRESIDENT LrNCOLN-what is your
name?
BOY-Wnliam Scott.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN-H old are
you?
BOY-Twenty years old.
PRESIDENT LrNCOLN-In what resi-
ment?
BOY-Third Vermont
PRESIDENT I.INCOLN-That II a
good regiment Ethan Allen was from
Vermont, too. The Green Mountain boys
are good fighters Is your mother alive
BOY--Yes, sir. and here is her picture
pulling IL from an inside pocket with a
flush on his face. President Lincoln look
ing at it,.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN-Make her the
mother OF hero: be thankful that your
mother is still alive and never do any
thing that would make her ashamed or
cause her a single tear. You look like a
good boy.
SCOTT try to be. But. oh Mr.
President. l couldn't help what 7 did.
fell asleep at my post. and ! know 1t was
wrong and that my sentence is Just. but
I couldn't keep awake for two nights to-
gether.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN-Were you on
duty two successive nights?
BOY-Yes: the first night took the
place OF a sick conrade and the second
was my own turn for duty.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN-Your nap
might have cost the loss of Washington.
SCOTT deserve to die tomorrow.
PRESIDENT LTNCOLN-No. you Will
not die tomorrow The country needs
your life in its service, but you have put
me to a lot OF trouble had TO come all
the way from Washington to look after
your case and 7 had a great deal TO do.
How are you going 10 pay me? (The
President laying his hand on the boy
shoulder Tell me that. (Scott STAN
mering and confused)
Scott-Indoed. indeed, Mr. President.
do not know. had not expected this.
but I will find a way. We can mortgage
the farm and there is my back pay.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN-But my bill
is a very large one.
SCOTT-Perhaps the boys will help me.
am sure they will. think 7 can raise
$500 or 5000.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN-But my bill is
a great deal more than that; the farm
mortgage can't pay II and your comrades
can't pay II there is only one man in the
world who can. and that man is William
Scott II from now on he does his duty
so that. II he came 20 die. he could hon
estly say, II have kept my word. ! have
done my duty to my country then my