National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-04-11
AN EXPERIENCE IN ARIZONA.

Charles Parker being young man from
the cast, and newly fledged graduate of
tho military academy, was not looked
upon with sublime awe by tho frontiers.
men around his Arizona post, and GER
tainly not with fearful respect by the
military.
Tho frontiersmen, from their proud
height of dyspepsia and dirt, recognized
tidy Mr.. Parker only as "tenderfoot,"
while the older officers and soldiers were
naturally slow to concede military merit
to q youngster " no had escaped death or
court-martial for n shorter period than
themselves.
In reality Lieut.. Parker knew very
little Of the energetic west as 1t mate
rialized around Fort Mcdowell, and
what little he knew did not swell him
with pride. 1t was his idea that, II
knowledge is power, knowledge Of Ari-
zona was only mule power, and not to DO
coveted. He was not in deadly fear Of
that truoulent creature, the Arizouian in
red shirt; but if he had chosen an in
dividual to stand betwixt the wind aud
his nobility, tho gentleman in the car
mino camisa would not have obtained
the situation. His life was not totally
without charm, for he was in love with
his colonol's daughter, one ofthose charm
ing young ladies found only ia army
circles, who have all the polish of their
more fortunate city sisters, with q seduc-
tive franknoss and abandon developed in
their Bohemian existence.
When not engaged in love making
md he was an expert in that pleasant
amusement--young Parker sat in his
quarters with big pipe, as bsftted an
army man, rested his feet gracefully on
the mantel, and conscientiously kept up
his French" by reading lurid Gascon
novels which began, Madame. 10 vais
vous rnconter une tres bello historic"
Besides, as mentally he lived still in the
east, he followed in dozen papers the
society, thoater, and sporting news Of
civilization. Ii mt any moment he had
been translated to Chicago his choice
for the evening theater would havo al
ready been made. Ho would have been
entirely au fat with current gossip, and
his base ball bets would have boon
marked by a knowledge Of the most
startling intimacy.
1t was arranged between Miss Helen
and Parker that when he could get q
leave it should be for wedding journey.
1t was the peculiar charm of this arrange
meut that it was made without the colo
ncl's assistance or knowledge. Lovers
must have their secrets. A lover without
weighty secret would cut rs poor q
figure as a secretless statesman. However,
the chances of Parker's getting n FUR
Tough were dim. His captain was on an
indefinite sick leave, having splendid
time aud entering heartily into business,
while his first lieutenant was engaged in
Washington on some onerous duty
which required peculiar talents and con-
siderable influence" "Ono officer"
said the law, must be with the troop"
aud when the law uttered these words 1t
ignored tho astuto captain and tho power
full frat Lieutenant and pointed with It's
crooked finger directly ct our friend, Mr..
Parker.
The morning when history finds MIN,
the lone lieutenant, acting as post adju-
tant, was sitting at his desk in tho colo
nols office, grayely referring official
papers to himself in some OF his many
capacities, such as quartermaster, COM
missary, ordnance officer, post treasurer,
chief of scouts, overseer OF schools, or
perpetual officer Of the day. By his
formal words ono would have thought
him on very frigid terms with himself.
Instead, for instance, Of saying, Parker,
will you take squint at this!' he wrote:
Respectfully referred to Lieut.. Parker,
who will take the action required"
Meanwhile the colonel was knitting
his brows over an order from heauquar-
tiers.
what do you think OF thatp" he said
ne Last handtntr tina n In Darknr
Tho young man read tho order, but
opinion asked, but he did not suppose
that his crude ideas would be OF value to
an officer of 80 much greater experience.
What do you think y repeated the
colonel mildly.
II suppose it'll have to be done" said
the lieutenant vaguely, not knowing on
what point reply was wished.
YES" unused the colonel, but how
This says he is supposed TO be AZ sanford,
but the description is vague to make
search on"
"Oh, that" said Parker, why think
l know the man already. L saw him last
summer when was surveying the line
from ella Bend to Tucson. He keeps a
saloon in Sanford"
The colonel shook his head. II was
going to send for an Older officer. but II
you can identify the man you'll have ia
go. Hump! not very pleasant or easy
duty"-and he looked hard at the young
mans smooth face; Its worse than In
dian fighting. Maybe l better have an
older officer go with you"
IF you think 1t necessary"
II don't" said the colonel, instantly
determined by Parker's look; and he
30 H.. oil 10 .nf Co. -
Lieut.. G. Parker will proceed imme'
diately to Sanford, Ariz., with detail Of
six men and arrest escaped military con-
vict John Devine."
Just have that published"
Parker hesitated; but as the RESPONSE
bility of the arrest was to be upon him he
determined to speak. 'If that order IL
published, word Of it will go to this con
Wet by the underground aud he will
give me the slip"
Suppose you were to 90 away without