"Just a moment, Mother, I wish to speak to Miss Betty."
He took her hand and looked into her face with wistful intensity.
"One long look at the girl of my dreams and I'll wait for you on the
other side! This is not the way I told you I would return, is it? But
it's war. We must take it as it comes--good-bye--dearest----"
"O Ned, Boy, the President will pardon you if you'll be reasonable. You
must, for her sake, if not because I ask it."
"It's sweet of you to try this, dearest, but of course, it's useless.
The President must be just."
The tall figure rose and Ned turned to face his desk.
"Young man," he began gently, "you're a soldier of exceptional training
and intelligence. You knew the danger and the importance of your
mission. You have failed and your life is forfeited to the Nation, but
for your mother's sake, because of her love and her anguish and her
loyalty, I have decided to trust you and send you home on parole in her
custody if you take the oath of allegiance----"
The mother gave a sob of joy.
"I thank you, Mr. President," was the firm reply, "for your generous
offer for my mother's sake, but I cannot take your oath. I have sworn
allegiance to another Government in the righteousness and justice of
whose cause I live and am ready to die----"
"Ned--Ned!" the mother moaned.
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