The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1891-01-22

ing speed, but even then he Was buck
ling his saber belt rs the assembly sound
ell, and he had 10 20 straight across 10
where his troop was forming-a glitter
ing rank of yellow plumes-and so could
only give hurried sidelong glance to-
ward Belknap's quarters There WAS her
bonnie ladysiip pacing up and down the
veranda; and he knew well he would
have to account for his sins All through
parade his thoughts were divided he-
tween the fair face ho had seen at Dun
raven tho night before and the dark one
with the long. curving lashos sweeping
those soft, pcachy checks and half veii.
ing those wonderful. liquid, speaking.
side glancing eyes he saw Mrs. Belk-
nap stroll forth a moment as though to
Join the group of ladies on the walk,
then return to her slow, graceful languid
promenade up and down her piazza lie
knew that he must hasten TO her the In
slant the rank of officers dispcrsed and
make his peace II possible, but as they
marched to tho front and saluted the
commanding officer he signaled that he
had something TO say to them all, and,
moving away to the edge Of the parade
ground, 50 that the troops might not be
detained on the line, he gathered his offi-
GERS about him, n silent group under the
little shade trees that bounded the road
way, and took a letter from the breas,
of his uniform coat.
Gentlemen" said he, this will be
Of Importance TO some of you, and Of
interest to all. 1t explains something
none of us understood, and contains
matter that deem it best you all should
hear. 1t is a letter from the manager
of Dunraven Ranch. Mr.. Adjutant, you
read it."
And, clearing his throat. Mr.. Farm
ham began:
'DUSRAvEs, RANCH Friday.
Col Bratnard, tn Cavalry, Fort Rossit,sr:
''DEkR SIR-Mr. Maitland Is confined 10 his bed,
and too Ill to personally reply to your etter Of
| this morning. which was duly received at the
| hands of your adjutant. lie directs me 10 write
as follows: that, while he regrets the boisterous
conduct Of some Of his employees last evening and
| their assault Mr.. Perry. he considers thai In
view Of the results-a broken head on the part Of
| ono OF our people and no apparent damage 70
| Mr.. Perry-the matter should not pressed. As 20
| the other assault alluded To- he has no knowledge
Of 1t whatever and can find no man who has
The distinct understanding between Mr.. Malt
| land and the former commanding officer at Fort
| Rossiter was that none OF the garrison should
ever pass within our lines and agreed on the
| other hand that none OF our people should ever
| trespass the reservation. Mr. Maitland holds
that 1t was the duty OF Col Brainards predeces-
sor to acqraint him with the terms of this agree
| ment and the residents OF Dunraven had no
| means Of knowing that the invaders OF last even
NOT
therfties had pledged themselves to restrain from
| such aggression
"Mr. Maitland begs that Col. Brainard Will In TO
ture ratify and conform with the agreement for
maiiy entered into by his predecessor
Respectfully, p. EwES, Manager"
There was moment of puzzled silence.
The colonel looked quizzically around
upon the circle Of bronzed and soldierly
faces under the black helmets. Capt.
Stryker's lips were twitchipg with amuse-
ment behind their black fringe Of beard.
No one spoke at first; but presently a
deep voiced troop commander gave vent
to his emotions:
"What bombastic old crank! Who
is her
can Englishman-the owner of the
biggest ranch in this part of Texas" an
swered the colonel. "Capt. Belknap,
Capt. Lawrence, have you any knowl-
edge of the agreement of which he
speaks?"
"Nothing beyond the vague talk we
heard. DR.. Quin would be more apt to
know what Col. Stratton agreed to than
we would" answered Belknap.
II will ask the doctor this evening.
Meantime, knowing no reason why such
policy of non-intercourse should be oh.
served, shall not recognize It, What Is
more, while you will caution your men
to respect Dunraven bounds as they
would other private property, let them
show no hostility to the ranch people
who may have occasion to visit us. The
man who brought this note tells me he
was threatened and abused by some cav
a1rymen near the stables. Mr.. Maitland
processes to have no knowledge of an
} other assault, but we have evidence tina,
!, Sergt. Gwynne was beaten by three fel
!; lows on the Dunraven grounds yesterday
J That matter is yet to be settled. Now
one thing more: Troop and company
commanders will closely watch then
men the next few nights; keep sharI
lookout on the quarters until midnight
, to see that no men slip away; after mid
, night the guard must attend to 1t. There
is an element In the ranks that would b,
only too glad to go down to Dunraver
some night and have satisfaction on thei
own account for yesterdays affairs
This must not be permitted. See to 1t
: gentlemen. That is all for the present
Mr.. Perry. will you come with me mo
= ment?"
Perry went. Mrs. Belknap saw hin
60 and believed herself slighted.