But still, as an interested party, have you anything to say in your own behalf ?" The Union officer stared at his general for a moment without replying.
Yes, there were many things that might be said--all of them honest arguments in his own behalf, all of them weighted with Right and Humanity but none of them worth putting into words in the face of this deadly machine of war, this grim, austere, unyielding tribunal.

He wavered for a moment on his feet as a terrible wave of despair surged over him, then made a faint gesture of negation.
"I have nothing to say, sir." "Captain Cary!" ordered the General and, as Cary rose unsteadily to his feet, "No.

Keep your seat, sir; you are wounded.

Is it true--as I learn from this report--that during a skirmish a week ago you helped defend the Union colors against your own people ?" Cary shot up from his chair with a fiery rush of anger.
"_I?
No, sir!_ I defended the _man_--not the soldier, or his flag!" "Ah!" ejaculated the General, leaning back in his chair and blowing out a cloud of smoke in surprise.

"You draw a rather fine distinction, Captain.