Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-07-17

performance, and it was that, manly,
that brought me over here. / saw some
men stealing out of NJ troops quarters
awhile ago, and lost them in the dark
ness. l thought they might be coming
over here, and-got here first.
Gwynne's face lighted up. 1t touched
him to know his officers were on the
lookout for his safety.
Il have heard nothing, sir. The men
would hardly be apt to speak to me on
the subject, since the affair of the other
night What fear is simply this-that
there is an element here in the regiment
that is determined to get down there to
the ranch and have satisfaction for the
assault that was made on you and your
party. They need horses in order to get
there and back between midnight and
reveille, and are doubtless Matching some
plan. They failed here; now they may
try the stables of some other troop or the
quartermaster's. Shall warn the SEN
try that there are providers out to-
night?"
Not yet. They will hardly make the
attempt while your light is burning here.
What I'm concerned about just now is
this: We all know that there is deep
sympathy for Leary in the command,
and it is not improbable that among the
Irishmen there is corresponding feeling
against you. l don't like your being
here alone just now, for they know you
are almost the only witness against
him."
81 have thought of that, sir" answered
Gwynne, gravely. "but want nothing
that looks like protection. The captain
has spoken of the matter to me, and he
agreed. sir, that it would do more harm
than good. There is one thing l would
ask-if | may trouble the lieutenant.
"What is it, sergeant"
"Ihave little packet. containing some
papers and trinket or two, that would
like very much to have kept safely, and.
if anything should happen to ME, to
have you, sir, and Capt. Stryker open it.
and-the letters there will explain every
thing that is to be done.
Certainly. will take care of it for
you-if not too valuable"
sir, than stow it in the quartermaster's
SAFE" was Gwynne's answer, as he
opened a little wooden chest at the foot
of his bunk, and, after rummaging a
moment, drew forth parcel tied and
sealed. This he handed to the lieutenant
Now will go back and notify the
officer of the guard of what l have
SEEM" said Perry; land want Nolan,
saddled, over at my quarters right after
morning stables. Will you see to it?'
81 will, sir. and thank you for your
kindness"
All was darkness, all silence and peace
as Perry retraced his steps and went
back to the garrison, carrying the little
packet in his hand. He went direct to
the guard house, and found Mr. Graham
sulky over being disturbed in his snooze
by the sentry's challenge
"What the devil are you owing
around this time of night for?' was the
not unnatural question. 81 thought it
was the officer of the day, and nearly
broke my neck in hurrying out here"
But Perry's brief recital Of the fact
that he had seen some men stealing out
of the quarters of NJ troopin their stock
ing feet or moccasins put an end to Ora
hams complaints. Hastily summoninS
the sergeant of the guard, he started out
to make the rounds of his sentries, while
Perry carried his packet home, locked it
in his desk, and then returned to the
veranda to await developments.
Sergt Gwynne, meantime, having
lighted his young officer to the stable
door, stood there few moments, look
ing over the silent garrison and listening
to the retreating footsteps. The sentry
came pacing along the front of the sta
bles, and brought his carbine down from
the shoulder as he dimly sighted the tall
figure; but, recognizing the stable ser
geant as he came nearer, the ready chal
lCnge died on his lips
IL thought heard somebody moving
around down here, sergeant. 1t was
you, then, was it:
81 have been moving around-inside
but made no noise Have you heard |
footsteps or voices?"
Both, | thought; but it's as black as
your hat on this beat tonight l can't |
sec my hand afore my face"
keep your ears open, then; there are
men out from one Of the quarters, at |
least, and no telling what they are up to.
Who's in charge at the quartermaster's
stables?"
"Sergt. Reilly, of the infantry; some of
he fellows were over having a little |
game with him before tattee, and 1
heard him tell 'em to come again when
hey had more money to lose. He and
lis helper there were laughing at the
way they cleaned out the cavalry when
her were locking up at taps The bows
FETCHED oyer a bottle OF whisky VITA
en-"
"Who were theyT
"Oh, there was Flanagan and Murphy,
If NJ troop, and Corporal Donovan and
,ns or two others. They hadn't been
lrinkin'."
"But Riley had-do you mean?"
HE was little full; not much"
"Well, look alive now, Wicks. It's
ny advice to you that you watch that
md of your post with all your eyes"
And with this Sergt. Gwynne turned
Jack into the stable, picked up his Ian
ern and returned to the little room in
which he slept. A current Of cool night
.ir, blowing in through the open case
nent, attracted bis attention. Odd! He
new he had pulled aside the shade to
can the features of the lieutenant when
10 tapped at the pane, but he could not
ecall having opened the sash. 1t swung
N hinge, and was fastened by loose
= fitting bolt. Perhaps the rising wind