mplies a right to
either party to move at pleasure over its territory."

"Its name as neutral ground is unauthorized by law; it is an
appellation[103] that originates with the condition of the country.
But wherever an army goes, it carries its rights along, and the first
is the ability to protect itself."

[Footnote 103: name.]

"I am no casuist,[104] sir," returned the youth; "but I feel that my
father is entitled to my affection, and I would encounter greater
risks to prove it to him in his old age."

[Footnote 104: one who studies cases of conscience.]

"A very commendable spirit," cried the veteran. "Come, gentlemen, this
business brightens. I confess, at first it was very bad, but no man
can censure him for desiring to see his parent."

"And have you proof that such only was your intention?"

"Yes--here," said Henry, admitting a ray of hope; "here is proof--my
father, my sister, Major Dunwoodie, all know it."

"Then, indeed," returned the immovable judge, "we may be able to save
you. It would be well, sir, to examine further into this business."

"Certainly," said the president, with alacrity. "Let the elder Mr.
Wharton approach and take the oath."

The father made an effort at composure, and, advancing with a feeble
step, he complied with the necessary forms of the court.

"You are the father of the prisoner?" said Colonel Singleton, in a
subdued voice.

"He is my only son."

"And what do you know of his visit to your house on the twenty-ninth
day of October last?"

"He came, as he told you, to see me and his sisters."

"Was he in disguise?" asked the other judge.

"He did not wear the uniform of the Sixtieth."

"To see his sisters, too!" said the president, with great emotion.
"Have you daughters, sir?"

"I have two. Both are in this house."

"Had he a wig?" interrupted the officer.

"There was some such thing, I do believe, upon his head."

"And how long had you been separated?" asked the president.

"One year and two months."

"Did he wear a loose great-coat of coarse materials?" inquired the
officer, referring to a paper that contained the charges.

"There was an overcoat."

"And you think it was to see you only that he came out?"

"Me and my daughters."

"A boy of spirit," whispered the president to his silent comrade. "I
see but little harm in such a freak; 'twas imprudent, but then it was
kind."

"Do you know that your son was intrusted with no commission from