The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1890-12-13

pubilSheC ny
.S"yner SAID nothing. Ills eyes were
troubled and anxious, and he looked
after Hayne with an expression far more
wearied than vindictive.
"The major is fond of music, captain, -
said Mr.. Ross, with mischievous intent.
"He hasn't been to the club since the
night you sang Eileen Alanna.' That
was about the time Haynes piano came. I"
EYES," put in Foster, Mrs. Waldron
says he goes and owls Hayne now night
after night just to hear him play"
at would be well for him, then, if he
kept better guard on Mr.. Haynes other
VISITORS" said Buxton, with black
scowl. ~ don't know how you gentle
men in the Riflers look upon such mat
tiers, but in the -th the man who dared
to introduce a woman of the town into
his quarters would be kicked out in short
CIDER"
"You don't mean to say that anybody
accuses Hayne of that, do you" asked
Ross, in amaze.
II do-just that. Only, say this to
you, it has but just come to light, and only
one or two know it. To prove it positively
he's got to be allowed more rope; for he
got her out of the way last time before
we could clinch the matter. If he sus-
poets it is known he won't repeat it; if
kept to ourselves he will probably try it
again-and be caught. Now I charge
you all to regard this as confidential"
'.But, Capt. Buxton" said Ross, ''this
is SO serious matter that don't like to
believeit. Who can prove such storyT'
'.Of course not, Mr.. Ross. You are
quite ready to treat a man as thief, but
can't believe he'll do any other that is dis
reputable. That is characteristic of your
style of reasoning" said Buxton, with
biting sarcasm.
you can't wither me with contempt,
Capt. Buxton. I have a right To my
opinion, and have known Mr.. Hayne
for years, and if did believe him guilty
OF one crime five years ago Tn not so
ready to believe him guilty of another
now This isn't-isn't like Hayne."
"No, of course not, as said before.
Now, will you tell me, Mr.. Ross, just why
Mr.. Hayne chose that ramshackle old
shanty out there on the prairie, all by
himself, unless it was to be where he
codid have his chosen companions with
him at night, and no one be the wiser?'
81 don't pretend to fathom his motives,
sir; but don't believe 1t was for any such
purpose rs you seem to think"
''In other words, you think I'm circu-
lating baseless scandal, do your
81 have said nothing of the kind; and
1protest against your putting words into
my mouth never used"
"You intimated as much, anyhow, and
you plainly don't believe it."
well, I don't believe--that is, l don't
see how it could happen"
Couldn't the woman drive out from
town after dark, send the carriage back,
and have it call for her again in the morn
ing?' asked Buxton.
Possibly. Still, it isn't proved fact
that woman spent the night at Haynes,
even if a carriage was seen coming out.
You've got hold of some Sudsville gossip,
probably" replied Ross.
81 have, have l? By God, sir, I'll teach
sou better manners before we get
through with this question. Do YOU
know who saw the carriage, and who
saw the woman, both at Haynes quar-
ters."
Certainly don't! What don't I'M
derstand is how you should have been
made the recipient of the story"
"Mr. Ross, just govern your tongue,
sir, and remember you are speaking to
your superior officer. and don't venture
to treat my statement with disrespect
hereafter. saw it myself"
"You!" gulped Ross, while amaze and !
incredulity shot across his startled face.
"Iou" exclaimed others of the group,
in evident establishment and dismay,
Rayner alone looked unchanged. It was
no news to him, while to every other
man in the party it was shock. Up to
that instant the prevailing belief had
been with Ross that Buxton had found
some garrison gossip and was building
an edifice thereon. His positive state
ment, however, was too much for the
most incredulous. ;
Now what have you to sayy' he asked, !
in rude triumph.
There was no answer for a moment:
then Ross spoke:
"Of course. Capt. Buxton, I withdraw
any expression of doubt. 1t never oc-
CURED to me that you could have seen
it. May l ask when and how?"
1.-The last time was officer of the day.
sir; and Capt. Rayner is my witness as
to the time. Others. whom l need not
saw it with me. There is no
sir. The woman was there"
And Buxton stood enjoying the effect.
Ross looked white and dazed, He
turned slowly away, hesitated, looked