To Forgive

To Forgive
Part V

Realizing that he has been talking to the President of the United States, Dan, forgetting his anger hurries home. His parents seem very concerned about someone other than Dan.

Coming out to the spacious front of the house, he found them—found them sitting in an inexplicable group around a uniformed officer. Tears were streaming down his mother's face. His father appeared ashen and shriveled. They turned at Dan's approach. He expected that this scene of anguish would turn to happiness at the sight of him. He was disappointed that his return gave them the merest flurry of relief and alleviated their sorrow not at all.
"Danny dear, where have you been?" asked his mother.
"The Lord has sent you home in answer to our prayers," said his father.
Then they turned back to the officer, pleading, both talking at once, weeping. Dan felt hurt. His return meant nothing to them. Then he caught the officers words, "Colonel Scott can do no more, Madam. The president cannot see him. More pardons are not to be hoped for."
Weeping loudly, Mrs. Ripley turned and threw her arms around Danny's shoulders.

"Danny—Danny—you are our only son now. Will was found—and weeping uncontrollably she could say no more.
"Will was found asleep on duty and—"
"Will is to be shot?" asked Dan, and a knot tightened in his throat. He had lost Jack, Would he also lose Will? Musing aloud, Dan said, "I wonder was he one of the twenty-four." They looked at him not understanding.
"The Lord has restored you to us said Father Ripley devoutly. We will ask that he restore Will to our family. Dear, let us pray. We should release this gentleman to his duty."
Realizing that unless something was done quickly, Will, his beloved brother, would be killed, Dan remembered his friend, Abraham Lincoln. Turning to his father, he said shrilly, "You pray, father I will run—"
"Run Where?" Asked his mother.