Dick Dresler is one of the most faithful guardsmen of the Union line; one who hates a Confederate soldier like sin, and who swears to show no mercy on any rebel who crosses the line. Tom Newhouse, a Confederate, gets news of his mother’s approaching death and hastens to her side, having to steal his way through the Union line, Dick is on guard and discovers the footsteps, which he trails to Tom’s home. He rushes into the house with raised gun and orders everyone to surrender, but is taken suddenly aback at the scene before him, a son’s sorrowful farewell to his dying mother. He slowly lowers his gun, realizing the meaning and the sacredness of Tom’s visit. Dick himself has a mother, and in a moment of fond memory, disregards the rules of war and allows Tom’s freedom. For many a day his conscience asked him the question that he concluded only the Great Judge could answer: did he do Right, or Wrong?