"I'm afraid you don't understand these things, dear," Ned replied tenderly. "The President can't pardon me—no one understands that better than I do——"
"But he will, darling! He will——"
Ned soothed her and turned to Betty.
"Just a moment, Mother, I wish to speak to Miss Betty."
He took her hand and looked into her face with wistful intensity.
"One long look at the girl of my dreams and I'll wait for you on the other side! This is not the way I told you I would return, is it? But it's war. We must take it as it comes—good-bye—dearest——"
"O Ned, Boy, the President will pardon you if you'll be reasonable. You must, for her sake, if not because I ask it."
"It's sweet of you to try this, dearest, but of course, it's useless. The President must be just."
The tall figure rose and Ned turned to face his desk.
"Young man," he began gently, "you're a soldier of exceptional training and intelligence. You knew the danger and the importance of your mission. You have failed and your life is forfeited to the Nation, but for your mother's sake, because of her love and her anguish and her loyalty, I have decided to trust you and send you home on parole in her custody if you take the oath of allegiance——"