The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1885-04-24
FABLE THE sECOND.-Cosr,surp

convinced of being wrong, and the
force of practical argument was alto
gether on bis side. Everything depend
ed on the enlucky Dick Blackthcrn get
aing clear--and he could not be any,
thing like yet beyond catching. But il
Stephen allowed himself to be caught,
Dick would be safe at the Half Moon
long before the error could be discover
cd, and he himself, as soon as he was
discharged as the victim of mistaken
identity, could follow him without much
delav.
Il see there's no deceiving you, SER
.geant,' said he.
None whatever. So-quick, March!
All, It's aisy to see you've never been
under my hands, my lad, or It's not the
goose-step y'ought to be learning, raw
recruit as v are"
Innocent or not innocent, it is no
agreeable sensation to be led through
the streets of a country town stripped
and bareheaded, and with scarlet uni
forms and fixed bayonets and loaded
muskets on each side. Fortunately for
his feelings on that score, Stephen Har-
low was not known to a soul in Hun
chester; SO that the little BOYS and girls
who danced around the party in shy de-
rision, and with that Joy in others
misery which is one of untarned child
hoods chiefeSt charms, could not make
much impress on upon his philosophy
He was no humorist; but there was a
queer flavor approaching 10 humor as
he passed, in this plight, where he had
Ln,,,It L., g, 6.
middle joint of his own little finger.
For there stood the icweler himself to
see the new fun. Stephen was tempted
to throw him nod of recognition, just
10 aStoniSh him; hut thought it on the
whole more suitable to his part Gn
which he was beginning to take some
pride) to refrain from such insult to a
respectable tradesman.
Presently he was marched into n
stable at the back of a small public
house. where he sat upon an empty
corn-che5t, and listened to the tramp Of
the sentry pos ed over him. Well, the
adventure could not last much longer
now. But after he had heard the church
clock chime the quarters thrice. he
began TO think that the one was getting
decidedly long; and he struck with his
fist on the door.
81 saw. my man," he called out TO
the sentry, chow long am to be kept
hore?"
But there was no answer: perhaps a
sentry on duty was not allowed con-
versation with pr.sone-. But when
the hours passed without an event save
a change of guard over the stable door.
a certain amount of anxiety began to
mingle with mere impatience. How
long had Dick Rlackthorn been a: the
Half Noon? What mischief would he
he getting into, left to himself so long?
For there must needs be horses at al
inn; and women, too
However, the door was opened Mt
last, and by the light of Il lantern, for
it was now past twilight. Stephen was
marched through the stable-yard in 81
]ence, and into a room in the inn, from
It's appearance used for club meetings
and such things. And, by the ;-ift of
n pair of candles, he saw himself in
presence of three gentlemen in scarlet,
with epauletteS, sasheS, cooked hats and
swords. These weSe seated, with
papers and a bottle of wine before
them; while the Irish sergeant stood at
attention near the door.
The eldest and most imposing of the
officers glanced quickly at the prisoner.
"Your report, sergeant" said he.
land be sh-short. A very decided
hiccough marred the dignity of the last
word. MeSseS were messes in those
fighting times.
Richard Blackthorn. SORT: of Cap
Rayleigh's company; listed at Hills
borough last Friday. and deserted on
the march to-day. Found skulking in
ditch by me-"
Appearances are against me, sir,
must own" said Stephen. But Meth
er have ever enlisted, nor is nv name
either Richard or Blackthorn. l am
Stephen Harlow, q land surveyor at
Millport-''
1.-The devil you arer' said the officer,
with stare.
Its a wise recruit, Major. that
knows his own name" said one of the
Others with smile.
"Well," said the Major, there's no
time to lose; and no spare men to lose
either.-Mildmay- guilty or not guilty?
Smith? The prisoner is guilty of de-
sertion on the m-march. Fifty lashes
in presence of the regiment And, let
me warn you, what's your name-Pri-
waite Richards-it will be death when
we're across the sea"
Stephen could only stare. But,
bless you, sir. / am not the man.
prove it, then. A Surveyor
lawyer, you mean.-But time precious;
confound you, be quick, and don t waste
the time of the court over your pock-
cts"
For Stephen had letters and such like
things about him that would have been
proof; but-hang it all!-they were in
/. the coat that was at the Half Moon.
Now regimental court martial (for
such was this tribunaD is VIGOROUSLY
the most formal and the most just
among all courts where justice is never
allowed TO be over-ridden by law or
equity; especially equity. But as is
not "Was," and it was "Was" when
Stephen Harlow appeared before MAJOR
Squire. And, though fewer and fewer
can remember them, very queer things
indeed used to be done in marching
regiments in time of war, both at home
and abroad Over the drumhead no
body was very precise about forms, and
appeals were seldom made and never
heard. And it SO happened that this
regiment was both pressed for time and
short of strength; part of it had already
embarked, and the remainder, under
tins Major Squire, was following close
at heel.
r