I was so annoyed at this intrusion that I told Emily—well never mind what—but we had an understanding that was so nice, that I almost forgave the puppy for “butting in”—and something better than words cemented the understanding.
CHAPTER XXVII
THE MIX-UP OF BATTLE
I have not had the opportunity as yet, to tell of the message brought back with me, in Jack’s saddle.
The latter was in Jonathan’s minute and familiar handwriting. It began abruptly, without being addressed to me.
“Whatever else you may believe of me, my dearest friend, I am true to you. I do not deny that what I have done may have justly brought upon me the stigma of disloyalty. We can not divide our love; one must either hate or love one’s country, and serve one flag, only. I have been tried in the furnace of war as few others have ever been. If I have erred in serving the country of my love, and to which I am devoted and owe allegiance with every fibre of my being, then I have erred honestly.
“You must not believe me other than I am, though I may not always be what I seem to be. My allegiance is given, right or wrong, heart and soul to the country I love. And I must go on in this chosen path though it lead to misunderstanding of my motives by those I love, and though I may know that it leads to darkness and to death—for it is the path of duty.
“I have a difficult and heart-and-nerve trying part to play, on a larger stage of the world, than perhaps any one of my age and small abilities ever before attempted.
“When I learned that you were a prisoner, I made a plan for your liberation. I am risking my life to set you free; for I love you more than I do my life. If I should meet you in battle—which God forbid—you should kill me, rather than I would harm you.
“I have confided in one who loves and trusts me, and who likewise loves his country. He will help you to escape.