Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-03-16

l thlnk that to degree Butler was juSti- fled in"
 Do not say it, Major!" Charlie Full ton interrupted, in a white heat of in- dignation. Do not try to make us be- ieve you would godfather such an or der under any circumstances. say to you, and I would say to Butler himself. that his barbarity disgraced his uniform"
 "Why, Charlie!' Frank eiaculated, aghast at his friends passionate reply, whose tones more than the words rang a defiance of the Majors opinion.
 II mean just what I say," Fulton continued. We all suffer. What do you think Southern ladies will think of Northern chivalry after this? I tell you they will class us all-the Major, you, l and every one-with the man who bade his soldiers treat them like outcasts."
 Frank looked anxiously in the Majors face, fearing that Charlie's hot out burst, which at that time seemed close akin to treason, would bring him into trouble, but the superior officer only smiled as he said, with meaning glance at his subaltern: "I know, my lad, that your heart is stronger than your head, and I fear the reminiscence of some bright-eyed Southern belle you have known in happier days may have made you unfitted to criticise General Buffers conduct impartially."
 And what if it has?" The question was asked offensively,. with flushed face and defiant gesture.
 ''Only that love is a god who blinds his devotees, and that if you have lost your heart on the wrong side of the line, you are very much to be compass sionated, Captain Fulton,' and the Major, as though tired of the conversa- ton, turned on his heel and left the two | young men to themselves.
 1.-The idea of Hopkins promulgating such rank heresy against the purest, noblest women the earth can show! It makes me riled all over, to think that he could be so mean. Why, you look as If you half-agreed with him, Frank, or why those elevated eyebrows and that expressive snigger?"
 II think" was the terse reply, ''that you have made fool of yourself. You had no business to check the Major the way you did, for there is no more con- siderate man in the army than he is.''
 ''Then, what did he stick up for But Ter for?''
 ''Oh, hang Butler!''
 "With all my heart, my boy! That's just what they ought to have done last May. But about my checking Hopkins, that is another question; so rest assured, I'll seek an early chance to beg his par don.''
 ''Do!' Frank said, earnestly. ''I think the world of Hopkins" Next day they met with better sue cess in their undertaking. On reaching the crown of a hzll, which gave them a fine view of a broad stretch of lowland, they observed solitary horseman com ing towards them in the far distance. The men were flung upon the ground enjoying their noon halt under the shadow of the trees, when the Majors attention was called to the approaching figure.
 Let us stroll down this path, Besant, and intercept him at the gap wonder. We may get something out of him any how"
 with pleasure, Major," and the two officers started for the point suggested. Evidently there was something on the Majors mind, Frank thought, as they walked slowly down the path, for he was generally chatty and agreeable enough, but now seemed moody and dis inclined to talk.
 You seem out of sorts, Major," Frank said at last, really anxious about his superior's manner.
 And well l may be, Frank. I am very much concerned about Charlie Full ton-not so much for his sake as for his fathers, who is an old and tried friend of many years"
 ''Oh, Charities all right, sir,'' Frank said, confidently.
 ''You think so. Well, am sorry to say do not agree with you. Now, do not like to ask you boys to tell'tales of one another out of school, and want you to quite understand that I am actu- ated by no motives hostile to young Fulton's interests, so-"
 II quite understand that, Major"
 ''Well, do you know any thing about young lady named Lascelles?"
 Frank was too amazed to speak. He was certain that not one living soul but himself and young Fulton knew their secret. Fulton, for his own sake, would not have been likely to mention her to any one, and he was positive her name had never dropped from his lips.
 ''Ah, see you have heard of her-for Gods sake, Frank, hope you are not mixed up in this scrape?" His tone was so earnest and sympathetic that Franks conscience smote him. ''I am in no scrape, Major.''
 ''No, I was wrong to doubt you, my boy; but was afraid Fulton had drawn you into some connivance with his guilty correspondence with this woman."
 Guilty correspondence! You amaze me, Major Hopkins"
 Yet, am afraid there is no other expression that will describe it. With out betraying confidence, can not ex- plain to you what information has reached me, or how I have gained it, but I know that Fulton met Miss Lascelles in Nashville more than once, and, from something that has just oc- cured, am suspicious that our every movement is communicated to her, and