The Sentinel. [volume] (Trenton, N.J.) 1880-1882, 1882-11-11
A Breach of Discipline.

"A Breach of Discipline.
sits no use speaking, Brereton;
znust 60"
''Are you mad, kendall? It's your
might on guard. and you know what
n martinez the Colonel is"
sConfound the Colonel! I tell you, !
will 60. The Coionel's not a dancing
man. He'll know nothing about ii"
t'Don't you believe il. The Colonels
Ghick with those Lindsay girls, and
I'll bet you ten to one he's there to
smeet them"
ooh hang it! I'll take my chance
ahens" was the reply in the logged
tone of q man who knows he is in the
swreng. but does not choose to yield.
Tie speakers were two officers of the
eth Regiment, which had been quar-.
tered for the last six months at Single
borough. The subject Of discussion
was great public ball which was to
take place that evening. The regi-
znent was to be relieved in q day or
two, and the ball would be the last at
whach the gallant officers of the --th
would appear in that hospitable town.
1t had been gay season, and the
Gedcoats had entered heartily into
the festivities, and now, that their
departure drew nigh, there might
have been many an incipient heart
ache in gentle bosom here and there.
fhe girls indeed of that favored dis
Hsst were so pretty. that even brave
soldier might be excused if pang
shot through Ills manly breast at the
Thought of leaving them behind.
Captain Kendall looked very obsti-
nate as he answered the prudent ad
zmonitions of his friend Brereton, who
gave long whistle, and tapped the
ground ominously with his cane.
al gave you credit for more COM
mon sense" he resumed after pause.
tThen you were mistaken, you see. "
$50 it seems, but it an awful pity.
Kou'H be cashiered to certainty, for
the old fellow Is keen as hawk and
Ia sure to find you ou. say, man,
ne advised give it up the games too
daneerous.u
''Pooh!" exclaime the other testify.
~ tell you the Colonel won't be there,
aud ii he were, trust to me to dodge
him. Why, bless you he's blind as
q mole!"
His friend looked utterly uncon-
winced, but remonstrance was plainly
of no use.
ats all because of that Leslie girl, !"
me said ruefully, for he was honestly
attached to his messmate, and saw
clearly the consequences which might
be expected to follow upon his attend.
sance at the ball. "Lord! what an ass
spooning makes of fellow! Thank
Heaven. Pm not In love ~
.'Spare your eloquence end have
done now, can't you ~ replied Cap.
tain Kendall ungraciously. "Go,
must and will, but trust to me to take
care of myself.
The two friends walked down the
rest of the street in silence till Brere-
ton turned into his club, while the
other went on, with slightly anxious
frown on his handsome sun. burnt
face, and swinging his cane upeasily.
He knew Brereton was rienG, but
wrong is apt to be stronger than right
sometimes, and the temptation in
this case was powerful. He was about
to commit, deliberately. glazing
breach of military discipline, which,
if discovered, would assuredly cost
nina dear and put an end to more
pleasant hopes than one Neverthe-
less he was quite determined to risk
1T. It was his duty to keep guard
that night at the Royal Bank, and
dis colonel was not man who would
9ightly overlook even trifiing offence
against the military code.
What, then, was the motive which
lsould induce this gallant young officer
of her maiesty's service, who had al
ready won distinction for his bravery
-eon the battlefield, and who had al
ways acquitted himself well and hon
orably heretofore, to plan so recklessly
I 80 grave an Infringement of duty a.
she abandonment of the post he was
'i5aound in all honor to guard.
We offer no excuse. But the ex
snation of his conduct must b,