Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-03-18
left Mrs. Lanes letters at the


bonse. ma'am." he said, as he HANDED a
nackage TO Kenyon and proceeded to un-
lad half dozen bulky newspapers on
Hearn. Kenyon had opened his official
Litter with brief excuse me- and then
haoan TO chuckle:
"Hearn, my boy, they mean to do you
al proper honor. Just look at this de-
+o;l Will YOU? Four or five colonies and
majors and half a dozen captains to sit
in Judgment, and-well, if this don't
beat all! old Lawler himself for Judge
advocate
Hearn's face was flushing and paline
by turns.
You don't mean that Col. Lawler
himself is detailed:'
Certainly do; and what do you want
n bet The Palladium doesn't say that
this was done in Difference to its su
ron that no biased associates of the ac-
cused officer should be allowed to offici-
ote, as the people will tolerate no
whitewashing of character in this most
fragrant case, or words to that effect?
Oh, | know those fellows! There's more
conceit in one newspaper Office in nv
beloved home than in all the armies in
Christendom.
The ladies had risen, Mrs. Lanes ewes
saving plainly to her friend, I'VE ought
10 GO
Does the court meet here?" asked
Hearn quietly. PLEASE don't go, Mrs,
Lane-not just yet
Indeed we must, Mr. Hearn. know
you need to confer with the major now,
and we win only be in the way"
Htarn's eyes had sought Miss Mar
shalTs. She was standing by the bal
couy with half averted face, vet listening
mtently.
The court meets here, and on Mon
day Of next week. Verify, Hearn. pub
lie wrath demands a prompt trial of
your villainy. Now, with Lawlar TO
prosecute, you'll need friend to defend.
Who is it 20 be-"
Il have not asked any one" said
Hearn, slowly. The charges have not
yet reached me. do not know of what
| am to be accused, who are the wit
nesses, or anything about it. Whom
could ask to oppose Lawler?"
Miss Marshall had slowly turned, and
HOW looked full at Kenyon's troubled
face. Her slender hands were clasping;
her breath seemed to come and so al
most too quickly.
There's no man here fit to advise you,
Hearn, and l know of no one quite a
match in subterfuge for that 'Tombs
Lawler, was the reluctant answer.
''Then I'll fight it out alone as best I
an" said Hearn at last
The ladies Were going: Mrs. Lane was
town the steps already, and the major
calamity striving to raise her parasol.
Hearn had clasped Miss Marshalls slen.
der hand as she turned to say adieu,
and the frank. cordial pressure embold-
ened him. He would have held it firm
", but as firmly, yet gently, it was
withdrawn.
Only a week yet, Mr.. Hearn,' she
spoke, her bosom rising and falling
quickly. rs there no officer you know
to take up this case for you?'
Il fear not, Miss Marshall. You know
I'm not even first lieutenant yet, and
he is a lieutenant colonel"
She looked up one instant in his eyes,
then with sudden impulsive movement
held forth the hand she had Just with
drawn
"Good-by," she said, turned quickly
and was gone.
For . moment the two friends walked
on in silence.
"Apenny for your thoughts, Georgia."
Il wish | were a man"
''On his account. is it? Don't you
know-he would far, far rather have you
lust as YOU are?'
Ito be continued)