THE GENERAL PLAYS TO WIN
blood that flows red in the veins of men.” He paused and then abruptly, “But the Prussian blood must be sacrificed with the English”
She fell back from him, deathly white, groping for a chair to support her.
“You mean” she whispered.
“That I can take no chances. He will be shot tomorrow.”
“O God! He is loyal to Germany. I swear it.” Her utterance was choked. Her breath came with difficulty. The room darkened suddenly and she seemed about to swoon. She dropped to her knees beside the armchair, clinging to it, trying to speak, but no words would come. She was aware of his hawk-like face bending over her as though in the act of striking its prey and she heard his voice at her ear.
“There is one chance to save him.”
She reached his hand and clung to it.
“A chance—what—”
“Tell me the truth,” he said sternly.
“I—I have told you the truth. He is innocent.”
He loosened her fingers and stood away.
“Quatsch!” he muttered, leaning forward. “The truth, girl!”
“I—I”
She fell against the chair and clung to it for support.
“The truth, and he becomes an honorable prisoner of war. Silence, and he is shot tomorrow. Speak.”
“He is” The words choked her. “He is”
“Bah!” he growled, moving toward the table. “You have already convicted him!”
She struggled to her feet and followed him. He was about to touch the bell when she caught his arm.
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