This was
his first appearance in the character of juror and judge; he was
literally unaccustomed to public speaking, and did not hazard a
reply.
"Has any other gentleman any views to advance before we proceed to a
general ballot?" inquired the President.
Several of the officers whispered together, and then some one
replied that there seemed to be no reason why the vote should not be
immediately taken.
Herbert Greyson remained perfectly silent. Why he did not speak
then, in reply to this adjuration--why, indeed, he had not spoken
before, in support of Lieutenant Lovel's views in favor of his
friend, I do not know to this day, though I mean to ask him the
first time I have the opportunity. Perhaps he wished to "draw the
enemy's fire," perhaps he was inclined to dramatic effects; but
whatever might have been the motive, he continued silent, offering
no obstacle to the immediate taking of the vote.
The Judge Advocate then called the court to order for the taking of
the ballot, and proceeded to question the members in turn,
commencing with the youngest.
"How say you, Lieutenant Lovel, is the prisoner on trial guilty or
not guilty of the offence laid to his charge?"
"Guilty," responded the young officer, as his eyes filled with tears
of pity for the other young life against which he had felt obliged
to record this vote.
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