False Evidence

"False Evidence" by E. Phillips Oppenheim is a story likely written in the late 1800s that follows Herbert Devereux, a young officer, who faces a court-martial for supposedly being a coward, based on accusations from his half-brother, Rupert Devereux. The narrative dives into ideas of honor, dishonesty, and trying to make things right. The story starts off intense as Herbert fights against false accusations while trying to prove his innocence and make peace with his father. The reader is thrown into the aftermath of a tough battle, showing the difference between how victory seems and how awful it really is. Herbert is charged with being a coward during the fight, and things get worse when Rupert, his half-brother, won't defend him, using the accusations to help himself. This puts Herbert into a state of emotional chaos, showing a young man dealing with unfairness and trying to overcome despair. The story quickly sets up a base of family problems and personal honor, which moves the plot forward.