Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-11-11

no doubt as to my fate?"
'Isfear not, but the matter is not in
my hands, for which l am grateful
mand"
l bowed, and our eyes met. The face
confronting me was strong and reso-
lutte, it's expression that of regret.
"a very young man, Captain Fox,''
he said to his companion, (which fact
adds to the unpleasantness of such
duty. Your name is Wyatt?"
Eyes, sir"
"You claim connection with the Con-
federate service-an Oficer?"
"a sergeant of artillery, sir"
He cleared his throat impressively.
"You have the appearance of an
intelligent man. Sergeant Wyatt, and
must realize the seriousness OF your
position. / am sure l need not dwell
upon the fate which befalls spy
when captured by the enemy In
your case there seems to be no de-
tense possible-you wear Federal uni
form; were within our lines, and pa
pers have been found on you of
most discriminating character. 1t is
my understanding you make no de-
NAL"
None, whatever, sir; it would be
useless"
There is always way in which
mercy can be extended" he went on
earnestly. "Doubtless you possess in
formation which would be of the ut
most value to us. | shall gladly use
my influence on your behalf if the
circumstances warrant"
| glanced aside at Fox, and caught
the look of appeal in his face; then
back into the expectant eyes of the
colonel
"You have authority to make me
this proposition" l asked quietly.
II am in command of this camp, and
pledge you my influence with General
Ramsay"
I stood motionless a moment en-
deavoring to straighten the matter out
in my mind. When | spoke it was as
briefly as possible.
Pickney, and respectfully decline. |
will not answer your questions, sir
Fox gripped my arm, and as |
glanced at him, | was surprised to
see a mist of tears in his eyes.
wyatt" he exclaimed, making no
pretense at calmness, edo not be haSty
in your decision. I would not counsel
you to any act of dishonor, but surely
some compromise is possible. l not
only ask you to consider the situation
from your own standpoint, but also
from ours. I accompanied Colonel
Pickney in the hope 1 might have
some influence" He hesitated an in
slant, as though doubtful of his words.
perhaps | should say, my boy, that
another urged me to come
"Another?"
"Yes-a lady"
My head swan, my heart beating
like a triphammer.
"Do-do you mean, Captain Fox,
that she actually asked you to urge
me to save myself by such an act?''
mo, Wyatt; not that She request
ed me to accompany Colonel Pickney,
and do all l could on your behalf
l drew a long breath of relief, my
mind clearing, my resolve strength
ened. She did care then! God knew
| was glad; and she had not urged
me to an act of dishonor. And I knew,
| understood-she wished me to real
ize that she was not Indifferent to my
fate, that her interest was not dead;
and she had sent the message to me
by the only man she could trust to
rightly deliver it. My heart light
ened, and my lips smiled
Il thank you for your message, Cap
tain Fox" | said sincerely, clasping
his hand Tell her how glad it made
me. But it cannot change my deci-
sion; will answer no questions"
This is your final reply, sergeant?"
the colonels voice had hardened; his
eyes had lost their friendliness. Good
day, SIR
The door opened to the rap of his
knuckles, and the two men passed
out, neither one glancing back at me-
The sentry asked question, and
heard Pickney answer:
Yes, set the food within, but let
no one communicate with the prisoner
except on my written order. l will
have another sentry posted above"
A soldier entered, bearing a camp
ration and a pannikin of water, and
placed these on the box. He said
nothing, and the colonel stood beside
the door watching until l was left
alone. I put the food on the floor un-
touched and sat down on the box.
wanted to live; l was young, ambi-
tious, and-I loved that girl. l real
lied this truth clearly, and it became
the one ceaseless incentive to effort.
Her face arose before me, and felt
that her message was meant for my
encouragement. She wanted me to