Oh, Herbert, never let them know how I shall die! If they think I
fell honorably in battle, they will get over it in time, but if they
know I died a convict's death it will break their hearts. Oh,
Herbert, my dear friend, by all our boyhood's love, never let my
poor mother and dear Clara know the manner of my death!" cried
Traverse, in an imploring voice.
Before he could say another word or Herbert could answer, an orderly
sergeant entered and put into Major Greyson's hands a paper that
proved to be a summons for him to attend immediately at headquarters
to serve upon a court-martial, to try Private Traverse Rocke upon
the charge of sleeping on his post.
"This is done on purpose to prevent me becoming a witness for the
defense!" whispered Herbert to his friend, "but take courage. We
will see yet whether you shall succeed!"
CHAPTER XXII.
THE COURT-MARTIAL.
I wish I could
Meet all accusers with as good excuse,
As well as I am certain I can clear
Myself of this.
--SHAKESPEARE.
Pursuant with the general orders issued from headquarters, the
court-martial, consisting of thirteen officers, convened at
Tacubaya, for the trial of Traverse Rocke, private in the--Regiment
of Infantry, accused of sleeping on his post.
It was a sultry morning, early in September, and by seven o'clock
the drum was heard beating before the Archiepiscopal palace, where
it was understood the trial, involving life or death, would come
off.
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