Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1886-04-03

ed in the regiment for his pugilistic
prowess, he was not at all bright at the
prospect OF tackling the ghost oil by
himself. He paced about on his post,
keeping a sharp lookout, and the Of
ticers crouched under the shadow of
the wall; while tho dog took up his
quarters in the sentry box. A little
before three they were startled by the
abrupt appearance OF the apparition,
which carried as before q drawn
sword.
"Who comes there?" shouted Sykes,
bringing his rifle to the ''charge."
The spectre made no answer, but
slowly raised its left hand 10 its fore
head.
The dog, with a loud growl, sprang
out of the box and rushed open
mouthed at the figure; but when be
approached it he began to wag his
tail; and evinced symptoms of
great satisfaction. The officers
and the sentry at once surround
ed the ghost. and found, to their in
tense astonishment, that it was no
other than Colonel Morgan himself,
attired in his night-dress, in a state OF
somnambulism!
Aware Of the danger Of waking him
while in that condition, they followed
him to his room, whittier hc almost
Immediately returned, and there they
saw him sheathe his sword and return
to bed. seemingly oblivious of theil
presence.
Next morning he was appraised OF the
circumstances of the case; and The
poor colonel was naturally very much
concerned on learning the nature o
the malady Of which he had been al
unconscious victim. Or course hi
first action wss to write an explanation
to the general, with a request for my
release; and his next to publish il
regimental orders his regret for tn,
troubles he had unwittingly occasioned
Several red-tape forralities had to b.
gone through and it was some days be
fore l was astonished and delighted b,
an intimation from tho prison Cover
nor that | was free; and was handed
over to the charge of a corporal, who
had been sent to bring me to my regi
ment. Whenever | entered the bar
rack, l was ordered to proceed at once
to the commanding officers quarters
Colonel Morgan shook hands with me
and expressed his extreme concern
that he had been the innocent cause o.
my having been subjected to such ig
nominy.
mo wonder that I frightened you
my lad" he observed with a smile
After informing me that he was abou'
to proceed on ~lesve-with the inten-
ton of undergoing a our of medica
treatment to cure him of his danger
Gus propensity of walking in his sleeI
he presented me with five pound.
by way of solatium; and further
gratifed me by saying tina
having ascertained l was Of good char
acter and well educated, ne had tina
day placed me in orders as having
been appointed lance-corporal. "Al
ways behave yourself, my lad, and
shan't forget YOU" said the colonel
and l left his quarters perfectly over
joyed with my good luck, scarcely be
lieving that the pleasant, atfable, kind
ly gentleman with whom l had con
versed was thu hectoring, bullying
commander who was the terror of hi.
regiment.
The colonel faithfully kept his wore
to me. Wien he rejoined the corps,
completely cured of his complaint,
was promoted rapidly; and eight year.
subsequently,, through the influence
of my patron, General Morgan, l was
gazetted as quartermaster Of my regi-
ment.