San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-01-31

SuSInenC ana TINS IeJssT Oh OdpU. NsiW-
Inns will not be so considered answered
the witness respectfully. and bending
forward he placed or the judge advo-
Gates table little package OF papers.
The court room was hushed Even the
pencils OF the correspondents were ar
rested. Every eye in an the throng was
ca the pale face of the young corporal
Members Of the court had whirled around
in their chairs so as to look full upon
the new witness. Old Kenyon, with
lifted spectacles, trimming over with
eagerness and excitement, was fidgesing
ON his chair. Pretty Mrs. Lane, all
smiles, was keeping her fan in lively yet
noiseless play. Georgia Marshall's heav-
lily fringed lids were drooping over her
downc2st eyes; but the soft, sum ner
fabric of her dress rose and fell upon
her bosom like the pillows Of an unquie.
sea. She was seated where every word
of the witness could reach her ears. but
sat the calm young soldier whose trial
had nearly reached an end. There was
no longer need of counsel for the ac-
cused; yet his eyes time and again
glanced yearningly at her.
Lawler was the first to speak He
handled the papers CONTEMPORARY as
he glanced them over:
''These are of no earthly account
mere forgeries possibly. One only pur-
ports to be duplicate, anyhow"
"Duplicate of what. sir? The court
will be glad to look at those papers when
you are through with them" said Col
Grace.
Il object to their introduction as evil
dence, in any event, and protest against
their admission here. What possible
business can a corporal of infantry be
having with the private papers of de-
ceased officer, anyway? Where did you
know the late Capt. Rawlins-even sup
posing that he did write that letter."
"Any question on that score the court
may choose to ask will answer, was
the reply, with quiet self possession.
But can swear to the genuineness O,
both papers"
Capt. Thorp had already possessed
himself Of the duplicate receipt, and
after brief glance tossed it over to the
opposite member.
"Schonberg, without doubt" he
whispered.
Meantime, old Grace had received and
was coming over the other, which he
suddenly lowered and looked in amaze
at the calm face of the witness, then
handed it to Maitland, who read, started.
and gazed too
II know this hand sir. | know it as
that of an old and valued friend" said
Maitland, with lips that quivered per-
ceptibly. II could almost swear to its
genuineness myself. 1t is probably one
of the last letters the dear old fellow
ever wrote, and it is to his boy at col
lege. Here, Thorp, you read it aloud"
And, though Lawler would have pro-
tested, protest was useless. Thorp
arose, clicking his heels together as
though on drill, and in u voice that was
audible all over the big room. read
FoRr GRAHAM, n NJ, June IA, 1888,
My DEAR MAIcoLs-It seems hardly possible that
three weeks ago was with you under the elms
seeing the glad faces OF your classmates--as man
ly a set of young fellows as it was ever my lot to
meet-and now here arn again in harness under
a blazing sun, with arid, sandy wastes on every
side, and not leaf that is not shrveled by the
fierce rays | find the old post much as l left il;
but go over to San Carlos in day or two on
court martial duty, and SO am writing my letters
tonight.
In the first place you will be glad to know that
fha old Lao i'm z ali urallI
shall become major OF the Seventh and be or
dered eastward within the next six months. Then
shall fit out my quarters in coy style, and as
soon as Mamie has finished her next year at ma
DANES she shall come and keep house for me and
turn the heads of the youngsters Yet do not
want her to marry in the army, any more than
want you TO enter it. Think of it. Malcolm, for
twenty-five years now haveI followed the stand
ard and if anything were to take me away what
have to leave you and May? Little or nothing
Even If you were TO turn over your modest share
to her. as you 50 gayly spoke of doing, and en-
listing in, hopes of winning a commission she
would not have more than enough to keep her
from want, though so long "a your Aunt Eleanor
EssII sac Nii. LsSCs q. IL neaG & home All,
well, God spare me q little longer! | so pray to
live to see you both happily settled before am
called hence.
After our talk ! cannot but hope that you will
see how little there is TO look forward to in the
career OF soldier in our service-in peace times,
Of course But If the longing prove too great
will not stand in your way. The life has its at
fractions. You will never have sta ncher or tTIer
friends than those who wear the blue But it has
its trials and perils outside of those encountered
in the field. | told you OF the case OF young Mr.
Hearn, as fine soldier as there is in the regiment
today, yet he was well nigh ruined through fall
ing into the hands of the Jews when young and
inexperienced. Wasn't it luck that should have
known of the previous rasca'ty of that clerk, and
so was able to make him come TO termsl Here is
his duplicate receipt in full, filed carefully away
among my papers 1t was the means of saving a
capital officer, too
Your letters bring constant Joy 20 me, my SON
II it had but pleased God TO spare your dear