The Secret Message Read Online Free PDF

to a nearby room for questioning, but he had no idea how many men were there or who they were. It turned out to be the briefest of trials.
    After long weeks of nothingness, waiting in fear and dread, the final verdict arrived. The guard was instructed to read it to the prisoner slowly.
    ‘Having considered the evidence against you most thoroughly and having interviewed the respected officer whom you so wantonly disobeyed and struck in cowardice in front offellow servicemen, Field Marshall Sir Charles Quinn has no alternative than to impose the maximum sentence. As an example to others that defiance on the field of battle can never be tolerated, Private 2634 Giles George Hoadley shall be executed by firing squad at 0700 hours on 11 th November 1917.’
    The guard paused before adding, ‘I’m sorry.’
    Giles didn’t move. ‘Not as much as I am. But I’m not surprised. I was born unlucky.’
    After a long silence he spoke again. ‘Are you still there? How long have I got?’
    ‘Till tomorrow. You’re allowed a visit if you wish.’
    He gave a sigh. ‘It’s too late for a priest now.’
    ‘I meant your brother. He’s been waiting outside … with a friend.’
    Giles sat up on his bed. ‘Really? I’d like to talk to them.’
    The guard deliberated. ‘I’ll have to get permission for both. You’ll have to wait.’
    ‘I’m used to it. Will you show them that verdict? I may not be able to tell them myself.’

    Hours later, a key rattled in the door and it clanged open. Giles heard footsteps and the guard whispering; ‘Only five minutes. Orders. I have to be present.’
    Freddy put his hands on Giles’s shoulders. ‘I’ve heard the news. I don’t know what to say. You saved my life, Giles. Some of the men didn’t make it back.’
    Gordon was sobbing. ‘We’re really sorry.’
    Giles reached out to him. ‘I don’t want tears. These minutes will be tough enough without tears. Who’d have thought it would come to this? It wasn’t a proper trial. They’d already decided to make an example of me. Iadmitted to them what I did. We all knew it was a stupid order. They wouldn’t let me have either of you for a witness as they said you’re unreliable. They said Gordon was …’
    ‘Simple?’ Gordon croaked, ‘But not too simple to be shot at.’
    Giles continued, ‘I asked for you, Freddy but they wouldn’t let you because you’re my brother. A brother with a different surname was considered an unreliable witness. I’ve always wanted a brother and then, in my hour of need, they wouldn’t let you near me.’
    Freddy fought back the tears. ‘Giles, listen to me – and keep this in your heart till the end: You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. The finest person I’ve ever known – with the greatest respect to you, Gordon. But Giles, I really mean it.’
    Giles winced as tears stung his eyes. ‘I know. But I’ll tell you something, too. Freddy,I’ve always wanted to be you. Just remember that. When all this is over and when you’re back home in the hay meadows, never forget that I’ll be there somewhere … up there with the larks.’
    They held each other, unable to speak. When Freddy squeezed Gordon’s arm there followed a rasping of coughs and splutters. Freddy turned to the guard. ‘Do you mind getting him some water? Please.’
    The guard hesitated. ‘Er … But then your time will be up.’ He left the room and locked the door as Freddy quickly pulled off his coat. ‘Listen to me, Giles. I just want to give you a final gift. No arguments – I’ve given it careful thought. Make the most of it. I’m only sorry it might hurt at first.’ He stood directly in front of him and raised his hand. ‘I’m just glad you can’t see what I’ve got to do. Goodbye, Giles and thanks for everything. Until we meetagain …’ The fist struck Giles full on the jaw and he fell back across the bed.
    Freddy swiftly pulled the bandage off Giles’s head and pushed it over his own.
    ‘Hurry,