The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1917-08-30

1t may be that it is Tennesseean irI
Union ranks either masking as a Fed.
eral soldier. or half hearted in oui
cause. II it is the clever work Of q
Confederate spy (which is most unlike
: ly), you will doubtless refuse to reveal
his identity. II it is a man who has
sworn loyalty to the old fag your IA.
ther and fought under together, sure.
" you must realize how low In the
scale of honor he is to do this thing
Reveal his name, help us to punish the
traitor and take your life and its posi-
bilities. cannot promise you free
dom, but do promise you shall be sent
away US a prisoner Of war and that ]
will keep you in mind in the exchange
''You are young, and life is all before
YOU. You are the only son Of your IA.
ther and mother. Think well before
you leave them desolate. I hope am
q man of honor. You must be your
own judge whether in this case yOu
can in honor reveal what we ask you
to. Life would not compensate you fol
dishonor. Be your own judge. It Il
only fair to tell you that IL you refuse
I can do nothing for you. The usual
order Of military law must take its
course. / will give you an hour to con
slider the matter in all its features
Orderly, show Mr.. Dabney into another
room and order the guard to remain
outside Of the door. II the prisoner
wishes to speak to me at any time, be
is to be brought to me"
Seton Dabney bowed and saluted and
passed out with the orderly. Alone IN
the empty room, he faced the sitna.
tion. At twenty years the thought of
life is sweet beyond words. He had
bought for gold the information he
must give his life for. The traitor was
utterly unworthy of his silence, but he
had given his word.
Far away over the brown fields his
eyes and thoughts Travelled. His home,
his mother and father and happy boy.
hood passed in quick review In his
s,lrging thoughts. Could he save his
life? Was this his one chance?
He had prayed for an answer. He
seemed to hear his fathers voice Civ
ing 1t in the same loving, gentle voice
that was part Of his whole life, and
the words were familiar with long,
happy years Of memories. 1T is not
worth while to gain desired end by
an dndesired means. my son: It is not
worth while for q Dabneyr
mo! God helping me, nor the boy
cried aloud in his anguish. 1T Is not
worth while!''
'tCorporalv' called voice from the
room. The key turned, and the guard
entered. Seton Dabney turned set
face to the soldier In blue II wish to
speak to General Alton at once.'
A moment later the prisoner Mood hi
his old place. General Alton was now
alone. He saluted and waited.
You have made q decision, Mr.. Dab
ney? Think well,' the older man went
on, "before you answer. There Is still
time to consider. You can extend the
hour
Clear and strong came the answer:
Il thank you, General Alton; l do not
wish more time. 1t Is safer for me to
answer now. have decided
The head was raised with little ges-
ture Of pride. Il mn IN American and
u Tenncsseean. must die 50 that nei-
ther will be ashamed Of me. / cannot
give any information.
The words We're said simply. He
hesitated one moment and then spoke
again: ALLOW me, General Alton. to
say the persons you claim sold me infor.
nation were not Tennesseeans. Iwoultl
have shot them myself had such bee.
the case I thank you for your kins
ness to me- could not break my word.
General Alton rose. He came to the
boy and held ont his hand There was
strange look of sorrow In his face.
My boy" he said softly, 'some day
perhaps yonr father and will meet
| again. f0n did not get your honorable
mention that day at Shiloh. You have
won it now"