They lost no time in doing that.
The drama of each drew to a splendid climax with the arrival in Newbern of a French officer--probably a general--bound upon a grave mission.
Wilbur's general came to seek out the wife of Lyman Teaford.
To her he said in choice English: "Madame, I bring you sad news.

This young man died gallantly on the field of battle--the flag of my country was about to be captured by the enemy when he leaped bravely forward, where no other would dare the storm of shot and shell, and brought the precious emblem safely back to our battle line.

But even as the cheers of his comrades rang in his ears an enemy bullet laid him low.

I sprang to his side and raised his head.

His voice was already weak, for the bullet had found rest in his noble heart.
"'Tell her,' he breathed, 'that she sent me to my death so that she might become only a bird in a gilded cage.