“And be shot?” she cried. “Oh, what have I done?”
“Shown me my duty,” he answered quietly. “Blame not yourself, for there hath been an inward cry toward that very thing ever since I ran away from my duty. I have stifled its calling, and tried to palliate my wrong-doing by excuses, but neither winter’s cold, nor the ingratitude of an unappreciative country will excuse a man’s not sticking by his convictions. Never again will you have it in your power to call me a summer soldier.”
“Thee is right,” faltered the girl. “I—I am glad that thee has so resolved, and yet——Oh! I hope that thee will not be shot.”
She burst into tears and ran out of the room. Girl-like, now that the end was accomplished, Peggy was rather aghast at the result.
CHAPTER XI—PEGGY PLEADS FOR DRAYTON
| “‘Me from fair Freedom’s sacred cause Let nothing e’er divide; Grandeur, nor gold, nor vain applause, Nor friendship false, misguide.’” —The American Patriot’s Prayer. (Ascribed to Thomas Paine.) |
It was Mrs. Owen who found a way out of the situation.
“Nay, lad,” she said in her gentle way after Peggy had poured forth her fear that the boy might be shot, and Drayton had expressed himself as eager to go back at once. “Be not too hasty. Youth is ever impulsive, and prone to act on the resolve of the moment. Thee would prefer another chance, would thee not?”
“Yes,” answered the lad quickly. “If I could have it, I would show myself worthy of it. But if I cannot, Madam Owen, I am still resolved to go back, and face death like a man.”
“Thee is right, John,” she answered. “But if we could reach the proper authorities something might be done to give thee an opportunity to redeem thyself. Stay! I have it! Was not Mr. Arnold thy general?”