The times., 1890-10-03

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"D0 you knop you haze not said good-blj,
MabelY'
Somehow, about 10 o'clock that night
the judge advocate Of the court dropped
in at the "bachelor quarters" where
both Lane and Mason had been made
welcome, and asked to see these gentle
men. He was conversing with them
over the affair at the San Simon when
Capt. Lowndes was ushered into the
room.
Sam l intruding?" asked tho latter.
II merely wished to speak to Lane mo-
ment."
''By no means, Lowndes. Come right
in. Well be through in one minute.
Then, as I understand you, Lane, you
could distinctly see X troop as it forded
the stream. and could see the Apaches
who fired upon them?'
''Yes-distinctly. l was praying for
their coming, as our ammunition was
running low. The Indians seemed so en-
couraged by the ease with which they
drove them back that the whole band
on us at once. 1t was in the next fifteen
minutes that my men were killed-and
that poor woman"
"And there were only six Indians who
opened fire on Noel?"
"Only six, SIR"
The judge advocate was silent a mo-
ment. There is, Of course, chance
that our absentees may get here to-mor-
row morning in time. If they do you
will DO the first witness called; if they
do not we adjourn to await their ar
rival. 1t promises to be long case. A
telegram has just reached me, saying
that additional and grave charges are
being sent by mail from division head
quarters"
Capt. Lowndes listened to this brief
conversation with an expression Of deep
perplexity on his kindly face, and as soon
as the judge advocate had gone end
Mason had left the room he turned to
Lane:
"You know they are staying with u.s.
That poor girl has come all this weary
journey to be with him, and there was
absolutely no place where she could lay
her head unless we opened our doors and
took him in too."
Lane bowed assent: 81 had heard,
Lowndes. 1t was like you and that dear
wife of yours"
''Lane," spoke the older man, impetu-
ously, after a moment of embarrassed
silence, II want you to do something
for my wife, and for me. Come home
with me for few minutes. You won't
see him; butt is that heartbroken
girl. She begs that you will see her
tonight. Here is little note"
Lanes sad face had grown deathly
: pale. He looked wonderingly In his
companions eyes moment, then slowly
took the note and left the room, leaving
Lowndes to pace the floor in much dis
quiet.
In five minutes the former reappeared
in the doorway. "Come," he said, and
himself led the way out into the starlit
night. Not word was spoken by either
man as they slowly walked down the
row. Arriving at his quarters Capt
Lowndes ushered his friend into the lit
tie army parlor, and Mrs. Lowndes came
forward. extending both her hands. at
is good o you to come" she said. 81
will let her know, at once"
W. oIlstutu itiipS Ctiob d oOlb, SuDuutu
light over the simply furnished little
room. What contrast to the sumptu-
GUS surroundings of the home in which
he had last met her! Lane stood by the
little work table a moment striving to
subdue the violent beating of his heart
and the tremors that shook his frame.
Not once had he seen her since that
wretched night in the ibrary-in that
man Noel's arms. Not once had he per-
mitted the thought of seeing her to find
lodgment. But all was different now;
she was well nigh crushed, heart broken;
she had been deceived and tricked; she
was here practically friendless. II well
know that at your hands l deserve no
such mercy" she had written, "but a
hopeless woman begs that you will come
to her for n few moments--for very
few words"
And now he heard her football on the
stairs. She entered slowly and then stop
ped short almost at the threshold. Heav-
ensl how he had aged and changedl
How deep were the lines about the kind
gray eyesl how sad and worn was the
stern, soldierly face! Her eyes filled
with tears ON the very instant, and she
hovered there irresolute, not knowing
4 what to do, how to address him. 1t was
Lane that came to the rescue. For a
moment he stood there appalled, as his
eyes fell upon the woman whom he had
SO utterly-so faithfully loved. Where
was all the playful light that so thrilled
and bewitched him as it fliokered about
the corners of her pretty MOUTH With
er had fled the bright coloring, the radi-
ance, the gladness that lived in that ex-