As a trooper must obey, so also must an officer obey a higher will; yes, even as a slave in iron manacles.

The master of war had made his laws; and a servant broke them, knowingly.

A captured scout was a prisoner, no more; a spy must hang, or fall before the volley of a firing squad.

No matter for his bravery; no matter for the faithful service to his cause, the man must die! The glory was for another; for one who waved a flag on the spine of a bloody trench; a trench which his brothers stormed--and gave the blood.

No matter that a spy had made this triumph possible.