Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/258

 240 "Did you attempt to say anything?"

"Why, yes; I—"

"Lieutenant, I made no request that you would interpose to save this man from his just fate under military law. My father was a soldier, and I know a soldier's duty. All I asked was that he be sent to Charleston, to the headquarters of this department, where he could have an impartial trial. If you had so advised Colonel Pickney that would have been done. He would have gladly shifted the responsibility elsewhere. Now the full burden of decision falls on me. I must choose between two duties."

"Two duties?"

"Yes—two; my loyalty to the Union, or to my husband."

Raymond certainly was no more startled than I at this avowal, perhaps less so, for although the words choked in his throat, he managed to give them utterance.

"Your husband! Good God! do you mean to say you are married to this fellow?"

"I not only mean to say it," she said calmly, "but I have the proof with me. I tell you the fact merely to justify my action, for I intend to save him if I can. I wish Colonel Pickney to know why I do this—what conditions justify me in so rebellious a course. This man does not deserve death; he was