Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1891-02-14

less. II had known Welsh was on sick
report l would have told Billy not to
sell him anything"
"Why, that man was told that he
must stay in quarters all the time the
command was at drill. It's rule in the
troop when a man Is excused from any
duty he must remain in quarters during
the performance of it. Just tell him to
step outside" said the lieutenant. Say
l wish to see him." And picking up his
cap and gauntlets Mr.. Hearn strolled
from the room and went around TO the
east front. There, through the open
doorway, the conversation within be-
came distinctly audible, and Capt.
Brodie. of the infantry, who was Of
ficer Of the day, returning from his
morning inspection of the sentries down
about the wood yards, hearing the loud
talk, turned and came rapidly over
toward the store.
"Who do you say wants me?' Wllsh's
voice was heard to ask, as he stood I'M
steadily at the bar.
"The heutenant-Lieut. Hearn, man;
he's waiting for you outside said the
bartender, in tones that plainly told his
anxiety.
HE be d-dl amt under his orders,
I'm on sick report. The post surgeon is
the only man who can give me orders to-
day, and don't you forget itr
"Go instantly, Welsh. or I'll call for
the guard" said Mr.. Stone. You're
morn than half drunk now. Don't give
that man another drop, Kirby. Go at
once, Welsh" And now Lieut.. Hearn's
erect figure appeared in the doorway.
"Welsh, come here" was all he said.
Slowly and with surly mien the soldier
turned. glowering at his superior, set
down the glass and then slouched across
the floor toward the young officer, but
halted short of the doorway.
Come out here, sir" said the heuteu-
ant sternly, stepping little to one side.
what for? l amt on duty today"
was the sullen answer.
mo arguments, Welsh. We've had
too much of that from you. Go instant
ly to your quarters, and stay there. You
got excused from drill on account of i'll
ness, and You know perfectly well the
troop rule. You have no business to leave
the barracks, much less to be drinking
here"
''The doctor didn't give me any such
orders" muttered Welsh, still hanging
back, land he's my commanding officer
today"
For all answer Mr. Hearn sprang
quickly forward, grasped the coat collar
of the soldier in muscular hand, and.
without violence but with quick deter
mination, marched him forth into the
sunshine.
by Cd, lieutenant, you'll pay for
this screamed Welsh. Il don't allow
any man to lay hands on me-" And then
the instant he was released he turned
and shook his clinched fist at his Young
superior. Before another word could be
said the corporal of the guard with a
couple of men, answering the signal OF
the officer of the day, came bounding to
the spot.
Take that man to the guard house, =
said Capt. Brodie, boiling over with in.
dignation. III attend to this case, Mr.
Hearn. / witnessed the whole thing"
And, swearing and struggling in the
grasp of the guard, Welsh was led away
Brodie saw him safely landed in the
guard room, then turned back to the
store. The two civilians, who had 81
lently witnessed this scene, We're ex
changing significant glances from time
to time and some low whispered words
His names Brodie." Schonberg wa.
heard to say. You've got Hearn.'
But when the officer of the day re
appeared at the doorway they turned
their backs aud were apparently alb
sorbed in the discussion of the cocktail.
which the barkeeper somewhat grudg
ingly set before them. Brodie took
good look at the pair, but, as they care
fully refrained from showing their faces
he remained but moment at the door
way, and then, with dissatisfied shak
of the head. turned and walked over to
ward the garrison.
The trumpet was loudly pealing order
ly call few minutes later us the me,
came marching up from stables, thei
sabers clanking and their spucred heel
ringing along the road. The instant tn
ranks We're broken in front of the bar
racks rush was made by dozens of thei
number for the cool refreshment of tn
traders beer, and the bar was speedil,
crowded with their stalwart, dust Gov
cred forms and ringing with their jovia
voices. Some of them looked askance q
the strangers, but Schonberg assumed a
air of joyous good fellowship.
"Just in time, boys" he called aloud
Come right up and have it with me
Here, Billy, ask all these gentlemen t
take glass of beer. l always swore b
the cavalry, anyhow; didn't l, Billy
That's right. boys; fill EN- all up; an
when you get into town come aroun
and see my place" And with that
began distributing printed business card
among them.
Some of the men accepted the card
and the proffered hospitality; other
seemed to hang back. One or two nor
commissioned officers drew away to on
side by themselves and signaled to th
barkeeper that they wished to be serve