Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-03-11


The week that followed the advent at
Fort Ryan of the staff officer from divi
sion headquarters was one that the good
people at the post have not yet ceased
talking about. Lawler had remained in
the garrison only twenty-four hours, and
went back eastward without word as
to his intentions, and, to the surprise OF
even Col. Morris, without having sent
for or spoken to the man most interested
in his coming-Lieut. Hearn. This in
itself was something that excited most
unfavorable comment, for it was known
that he had had long interviews with
Mr.. Abrams. the busy representative of
the press, and that he had driven in
town to spend some hours in questioning
certain dubious looking citizens pre-
sented to him one by one at the estab-
ishment of Mr.. Schonberg He had
furthermore sent to the guard house for
Trooper Welsh-once again there incar-
cerated by order of Capt. Cross, who as
officer of the day had arrested him for
attempting to slip across a sentry's post
the previous night. And once again, to
the dismay of the cavalry officers and
the unconcealed ridicule of the infantry
battalion, Col. Morris had directed
Welsh's immediate release.
''Itwas a misunderstanding, probably
Capt. Cross" said the colonel in con
ciliatory mood to the old officer of the
day, as he relieved him after guard
mount. welsh was given to under
stand that these gentlemen, who had
just come from an interview with Col
Lawler, had the authority of the depart
ment commander to take him to town
with them. so as to be ready to make
certain dispositions early in the morn.
ing"
But Cross eyed his commander un.
hinchingly and said no word.
Among the infantry officers the opin.
ion was openly expressed that between
Abrams and Lawler and Trooper Welsh
the colonel was simply demoralized.
The crowd at dress parade for several
evenings was almost as big as that be-
fore spoken of, and, though The Palla-
dunn man did not again take position on
the coloners left during the ceremony
itself, he was frequently at that officers
side when he made his way through the
curious throngs both in going to and re-
turning from his post. And afterward,
with the eyes of the townspeople upon
them, Private Welsh and the unterrified
correspondent paced up and down the
road in front of the cavalry barracks for
half an hour; and the group sitting on
Lanes piazza one evening especially
could not help noting how ostentatiously
the two conversed us they neared the
white wicket gate.
Wharton" quoth Martin, as for the
sixth or seventh time the swarthy troop
er and his champion approached the cap
tains quarters, I'm consumed with
envy. The time was when good looking
cavalrymen like you and me could com.
mand some small attention from the ewes
of our friends and fellow citizens in
town; but our day is done. These are
the popular heroes of the hour. Now,
here comes Hearn's first sergeant. Sure
~ he's not going to have the unbearable
sHrontery to remind Trooper Welsh that
he ought to be cleaning up for guard
tomorrow. when q gentleman of the press
wants to talk with HIM"
lis WELSH for gnard tomorrow" asked
Capt. Lane. in some surprise.
''Hs is. The colonel relieved him
from durara,e vile before guard mount
this morning, and l heard the first ser
geant tell Efearn an hour ago that it was
Welshs turn for guard, and wanted to
know whether he was to order him or
not. Hearn said certainly"
"And the man cut parade tonight on
plea that Mr.. Abrams wanted to talk
with him. He was the 'one private alb
sent reported from G troop" said Whar-
ton. "That is the reason the sergeant is
after him now, fancy, either to arrest
him or else warn him for guard"
eff / were Hearn I'd quit attempting
to dispicline that young man." said Maj.
Kenyon, pessimistic and glowering as
ever. ''He ought to have sense enough
to know that the worst BLACKBOARD in
the service, with the press behind him,
is more than match for any officer who
seeks to do his duty"
'And if were Hearn," drawled Mar
tin, I'D make that particular protege of
The Palladium do his duty il l died for
it, especially after the marked copies
that came today. Now watch"
The first sergeant, trim, soldierly
fellow with determined face and manner
and quick energetic step. had by this
time overtalzen the pair. who strolling
together had almost reached the picket
fence and were within earshot of. the
Lanes piazza. Mrs Lane glanced eager
ly up tho road, for Miss Marshall and
Lieut.. Hearn at that very moment came