The battle alarm proved to be false. So I asked and was granted a leave of absence to convey Jot to the hospital. He was still conscious, and asked for General Burbank--whom I found there on my arrival. When the general had come, at Jot’s request, the room was cleared, and the door closed while he delivered a message to the general. “He would have it so,” said Doctor Rich, “though he fully understood that the exertion of speech might, and probably would, be fatal. He insisted, for he said, ‘My country’s cause demands it and what is my life when weighed with that?’” So Jot had given his message, and then relapsed into unconsciousness. “But still,” said the doctor, “there is yet a chance,--a mere chance,--for the interview seemed to have done him as much good as harm.” I understood. It had eased his mind to deliver that message. No effort was made to rouse him at that time, and at the surgeon’s request we withdrew from the room. Then the general came to me, greeting me with a silent handshake. I could not rest, but walked back and forth in the small room. Then came word from Miss Rich, “Jonathan is conscious, and wants to see you.” I went at once to the room where lay my stricken friend. A brave look swept over his face, as he held out his hands with imploring invitation, but without words, for me to come to him. I could not speak, but knelt by his side. His voice came to me in almost a whisper, so faint was his utterance. “Good old Davie--the first friend I ever had. It is good to be here with those I love. It is so good to die under the dear old flag and for my country. Don’t grieve, Davie. It is good that you believe--and know. God bless you, Davie.” His voice grew weaker. “Take care of Jack, and Muddy. Call Rose--dear Rose!” Then, after a pause, with a smile illumining his thin worn face, he held out his hands to an unseen presence. “Mother, dear, I’m coming--Jed’s boy!” and then fell back with the smile still on his face. [Illustration: “GOOD OLD DAVIE--THE FIRST FRIEND I EVER HAD.”--Page 233.] The surgeon stepped to his side, made a brief examination, and shook his head. General Burbank uncovering said, his voice vibrating with emotion: “There is the truest, most unselfish patriot that I ever knew or expect to know. He was a hero without a stain of selfishness. He was willing to sacrifice all that he held dear, to go down to death branded as a traitor by the friends he loved best, that he might serve his country.” * * * * * A simple wooden cross marks the grave of Jonathan, but the little mound that covers his mortal remains blooms with the flowers of France, brought to this American who died to save France, even as Frenchmen died to save America.