"Come, gentlemen, this
business brightens. I confess, at first, it was very bad, but no man can
censure him for desiring to see his parents."
"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 his 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, after pausing a moment in respect for the agitation of
the witness.
"He is my only son."
"And what do you know of his visit to your house, on the 29th 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 60th."
"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.
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