Page:The Iron Hand by Hall Caine.djvu/8

 there being danger in delay for the ordinary processes of military law, I condemn all four to death, and hereby ask for the general's confirmation of my sentence and authority to carry it to immediate execution."

—  "Immediate execution."

(The Captain takes up dispatch and comes down to Victor.)

—You have heard the terms of my dispatch?

(defiantly)—I have.

—Well, brute and barbarian as you think I am, I have no desire to send it to my general. If I do so it will only be because you have left me no choice. I wish to save your life, and with It the lives of your mother, your wife and your comrade in arms. But I must have the password—I must have it now—before midnight. Will you give it up?

—Never!

—You are a brave man, and as such I honor you. You believe you are doing your duty. Well, I am doing my duty, too. Listen! Perhaps you'll see that I'm not acting by an impulse of brutality. I came here tonight on my way to the Belgian lines. Our General had heard from his flying corps that important new movements were being made to-day at enemy headquarters such as might before morning imperil the safety of, the German army. He sent me to find out what those movements were. If I don't find out, and any disaster befalls our forces, I shall be degraded, perhaps shot. It is therefore life or death to me also. That's our system—our military system. Chance has given me possession of this Chateau. Chance has brought you back to your old home. For the safety of the army of my country, as well as for my own safety, I must get through the Belgian lines and learn what is going on there. Once more, and for the last time, will you give me the password?

—No, no; now more than ever, no!

—Very well, if it must be, it must. (Captain, steps back to table, signs dispatch.) Sergeant!

(giving dispatch)—Take this to General Headquarters and wait for an answer.Lose no time. Ride your fastest horse and get back quickly.

—Yes, sir.

(He goes up. Corporal throws open central door, showing dark night outside. Sergeant stops.)

—Captain, the pickets report that Belgian snipers are hiding in the grounds, of the Chateau. To make sure that this despatch reaches the General commanding, others should go with me.

—Take everybody except the guard at the gate.

—Everybody?

—Don't be afraid. The Lieutenant and I can look after ourselves.

(The Sergeant salutes and goes out, followed by the Corporal and inside guard. They pull the door after them. There is a moment of silence, then the sound of horses' hoofs galloping away. Victor is listening and thinking intensely.)

—The Sergeant will be back within a quarter of an hour. You have some minutes yet. I warn you to make good use of them.

(A light is seen to break on Victor's face.)

(assuming a softer tone)—Captain, if, as you say, you have sentenced me to death, will you not show a dying man one mercy?

—What is it?

—A priest. I wish to make my confession.

(to Lieutenant) —Call the Cure.

(Lieutenant goes in by door right. Captain crosses to table. Silence for a moment. Lieutenant and old priest re-enter.)

—Reverend Father, the Lieutenant Lambotte has been condemned to death.

(in horror)—To death?

(bowing) —We are only waiting for my General's confirmation of the sentence before carrying it into effect. Meantime, the prisoner wishes to make his confession. I have no objection. And if in taking it you can persuade him to give you the password, which he has denied me, you will thereby save four lives—his own, his mother's, his wife's and his comrade's.

(hotly and proudly) —And do you think, sir, that to save four lives a priest will reveal to you the secrets of the confessional? No, not to save a thousand.

(with a shrug) —Go on, then.

(During the following scene the Captain occupies himself with his Lieutenant. The old priest sits on chair well forward, right center. Victor kneels beside him, back to the German officers. They are close together and speak alternately in low and audible voices.)

—Be calm, my son. Say the Confiteor.

(beginning audibly) — Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatae