In "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce, during the part of the story that discusses the hanging of an enemy combatant, the author uses a sympathetic and regretful tone.
Explanation: The narrator points out that the man to be hanged was "no vulgar assassin" and the soldiers carry on with their tasks with silence and respect. The man in question could not be excluded from their military code, so regardless of how they feel, they must follow orders.
