The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1917-08-27

1t may be that it is a Tennesseean in
Union ranks either masking as a Fed
eral soldier or half hearted in our
cause. If it is the clever work of a
Confederate spy (Which is most unlike
ly), you will doubtless refuse to reveal
his identity. If it is a man who has
sworn loyalty to the old flag your ia
ther and fought under together, sure
~ you must realize how bow 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. l cannot promise you free
dom, but do promise you shall be sent
away as a prisoner of war and that
will keep you in mind i'll the exchange.
you are young, and life is all before
you. You are the only son of your ia
Their and mother. Think well before
you leave them desOlate | hope | am
a 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 for
dishonor Be your own judge. 1t is
y y
can do nothing for you. The usual
order of military law must take rs
course. l will give you an hour to con-
slider the matter in all it's features.
Orderly, show Mr.. Dabney into another
room and order the guard to remain
outside of the door. If the prisoner
wishes to speak to me at any time. he
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 situa-
ton. 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
surging 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
that was a part Of his whole life, and
the words were familiar with long,
happy years of memories. 1T is not
worth while to gain a desired end by
an undesired means, my son; it is not
worth while for Dabney". t'~
mo! God helping me, nor the boy
cried aloud in his anguish ut is not
worth while"
Corporal. called a voice from the
room. The key turned. and the guard
entered. Seton Dabney turned a set
face to the soldier in blue 81 wish to
speak to General Alton at once"
A moment later the prisOnef. AOOd i'll
his old place General Alton was now
alone. He saluted and waited
You have made decision, Mr.. Dab
ney? Think weIl,' 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; do not
wish more time. 1t is safer for me 10
aus SI IO" nav Z utCIutt
The head was raised with a little ges-
ture of pride II am an American and
a Tennesseean. must die so that nei-
Their will be ashamed of me- I cannot
give any information"
The words were 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. l would
have shot them myself had such been
the case. / thank you for your kind
ness TO me- | could not break my word. >
General Alton rose. He came to the
boy and held out his hand. There was
strange look Of sorrow in his face
My boy" he said softly, some day
perhaps your father and I will meet
again. You did not get your honorab BILE
mention that day at Shiloh You have
won it now