"You can postpone the execution of your order until I see him?"
"I have been warned against delay."
"No soldier ever gave such an order," was the stern reply; "no soldier should receive or execute it—"
"His orders are from Washington—mine are from him."
"But he can telegraph—there must be some mistake—no such outrage is on record in the history of nations—"
"My orders are peremptory."
"You shall not inflict on me and on my people through me this insult worse than death. I will not submit to it!"
"I sincerely trust, sir," the Captain urged kindly, "that you will not compel me to use force."
"I am a gentleman and a soldier, Captain Titlow," was the stern answer. "I know how to die—" he paused and pointed to the sentinel who stood ready. "Let your men shoot me at once—I will not submit to this outrage!"