San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1892-11-17


theirs tone signifed that dismissal was
intended, and that further attentions
were forbidden, Berrien's did as he alb
ruptly turned, leaving Brewster stunned
and silent at the edge of the parade
In ten minutes lights were dancing
like will-o' -the-wisps about the galleries
of the mems quarters. Quick, bound
ing footsteps could be heard, and the
low, brief orders of the sergeants as they
went fitting from door to door. Then
half suppressed EXPLANATIONS, an occa-
sional smothered yell of excitement or
delight from some enthusiastic Paddy
ever ready for frolic or fight Then
gradually swelling murmur of voices,
the rapid scurry of booted feet, clat-
tering up and down the stairways, the
slamming and banging of barrack doors,
the dragging forth of heavy chests and
boxes, the clank of a dropped saber, and
then people at the hoproom, strolling out
on the broad veranda for fresh air or
Irritation, became aware of the unusual
illumination over across the parade, and
listening heard the sounds of hustle and
preparation. And then lights began
to pop up among the windows of the
second battalion, where the news had
rapidly spread, and where dozens of
troopers tumbled out of their blankets
and into their boots forthwith and went
charging en- masse upon their own ser
geants to know what it meant that
''them fellers in the first battalion had
odd nrIa 70 no nd
had come for u.s."
In less time than it takes to tell it
the tidings spread from porch to hall
that something was up" and other
people, men and women, old officers and
young, matrons and maids, quit their
places in the Lancers and came stream
ing forth upon the gallery. whats
the natter SIS it fire? l heard no
alarm" THE trumpets haven't sound
ed" "See! there's the orderly trumpeter
going across the parade now, running
to the Office" "Why, the office is
lighted too" "Where's Warrenp'
what does it mean?" These and doz-
ems of other verbal conjectures and sug-
gestions flew from lip to lip. Men ex-
cused themselves to their fair partners,
seized their caps, scurried away down
the steps and sped over toward the
lights at headquarters. A dozen or
more suddenly disappeared in this way,
and then it was found that the colonel
and Berrien and Hazlett and Thorpe
and Brewster, too, were all missing. And
then Mrs. Thorpe's voice was heard
wailing out upon the night air:
"Oh, Mrs. Berrien! Mrs. Berrien! |
know what it means. l saw the tele-
graph operator coming up the steps. It's
orders-orders for the field"
And then indeed
There was hurrying to and fro
And gathering tears, and tremblings of dis
treSS,
And cheeks all pale which but an hour ago
Blushed at the praise of their own loveliness.
And the dance was forgotten, and the
musicians, astonished, found the lighted
hall rapidly emptying of the jewellers,
and women pressed, pallid and fearful,
into the dressing room, gathering up
their wraps with hasty hand and hurry
ing forth to take the arm of husband or
lover, as though claiming that right to
the very last. And then in some way
the word went around, "Only one battal-
ion goes-only Berrien's," and those
whose lords were attached to the other
plucked up heart and spirit for a mo-
ment, and in the midst of it all, pale but
fearless, Mrs. Berrien stood waiting pa
tiently for Dicks return, and by her
side, even raler, but as brave and tear
less and patient, Winifred chung to her
mothers arm and would take no other
Ridgeway, who had scampered over to
the office among the dozen departed,
came painting back up the stairway.
''Is it trueT' asked Mrs. Berrien.
Eyes; the first battalion goes at day
break. The major says he will be over
in few moments"
"'Mrs. Berrien, permit me to escort
you home," said Major Kenyon, hasten
ing after Ridgeway up the stair. 81
have just seen Berrien; he has to go to
the barracks few minutes"
Miss Winifred, may have the pleas
ure? Mr.. Brewster is of course needed
with his troop, and mine does not CO."
said Ridgevay, proffering his arm. The
girl hesitated one moment, half clingil
to her mothers side, and casting one
swift, appealing glance into her face.
Eyes, daughter, we'll go home at
once" was the low toned answer as Mrs.
Berrien took old Kenyon's arm, and
with bowed head moved toward the
stairs, her escort eagerly, volubly ex-
planning to her that he felt sure the OBJ
ject of the sudden move was merely to
overawe the Indians by display of
force. at is exactly what was done
----
here with such success few years ago,