Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1892-08-11

Mrs Berrlen. Inc CneythHeo W.
TO- an outbreak, and sheridan SIMPLY
called in troops from everywhere, ana
,,,ben the Indians saw the great array OF
cavalry and infantry they caved at once.
Never had to fire shot, madam. And
that's the proper way TO handle Lnis
matter That's what this means. Inc
Sioux will be so disheartened they Won !
dare resist even if orders are gwen 10
disarm them-God forgive me the lie! .
he nuttered under his breath. 'Of
course it's exasperating to think of the
twelfth being sent so far away AT sucn
. time. but better now, believe me, IMAM
later. after those misguided wretches
had had chance to jump.
But Mrs. Berrien had lived, heaven
only knows how, through many sim
liar experience. She had seen time ana
AGAIN her husbands command hurried
forth on the trail or across the path OF
savage foe. Never yet had they returned
unscathed. never yet without serious
loss Of officers and men. She could only
bow her head the lower while her llps
moved in silent prayer. Just as they
reached the gate tall form came SPRING
ing after them through the darkness
and Brewster's voice was heard:
Il hurried back to the hoproom, MISS
Winifred, only to find you gone. l had
expected to escort you home. You have
heard the news? You know our orders
have Gomez He glared at Ridgeway,
as much as to say, Leave, man; you
are one too many, as you ought to see.
But the Junior lieutenant stoutly held
his ground, nor did Winifred Withdraw
her hand from his arm.
Il have heard; yes, it seems very sud
den" was all she could or would say,
and the dark eyes were shrouded from
his longing gaze.
"We1l be off by daybreak, ! fear.
cannot hope to see you again before we
have to &c" he went ON desperately.
Wont you come in. Mr.. Brewster
called Mrs. Berrien from the steps.
lyon and Mr.. Ridgeway can spare
moment, can you noti Oh, Dick, here
You are." she cried, as with quick, ener-
getic step the major sprang across the
road and appeared under the dim hight
of the garrison lamp, and back to the
gate she sped to meet him and to twine
her arm in his.
.Tll say good night, ladies" said Ken
yon. IN call in in the morning to see
if can be of any service. Now must
trot over and help Holden to pack.
And, unrestrained. he went.
Brewster, Ridgeway, won't ask you
in now. You have much TO attend TO
and but little time. Run in, Winifred, "
said the major. "Ill be with you at the
barracks in few moments. gentlemen.
Slowly but obediently Winifred step
ped forward
GOOD night, Mr.. Ridgeway," she
murmured, holding out her little hand.
Thank You very much
Berrien stood impatientiy at the gate,
as though to see her safely through.
With trembling lips Brewster spoke as
he sprang TO her side.
"Goodby. Don't forget, was all he
could murmur as he seized her hand,
clinging 10 it one miserable moment
with both his own.
"Goodby." she said, in low, tremu-
lous tone. but withdrawing her hand,
withholding her glance. The major
threw his arm about her and almost
thrust her through the gate.
1T is good night only, not goodby,
Mr.. Brewster said Mrs. Berrien, kind
ly forgetting her own misery for the
moment in the contemplation of the woe
in his face. Then they hurried within
doors. Winifred dropping before them,
and then the door closed and Brewster
and Ridgeway stood there confronting
each other under the light. For mo
ment neither spoke.
Have you lost your crossed sabersF'
said Brewster finally, noting that the
handsome cap badge of solid gold which
Ridgeway ordinarily wore upon the
front of his forage capwas now missing.
"No; l took it off to pin Miss Berrien's
wrap about her throat
A moment more Brewster stood as
though he would ask another question,
then abruptly turned and plunged into
the darkness.
Meantime Major Kenyon had trudged
up the row toward Holden's quarters.
Already the lights were beginning to
CLEAN from the various houses around
the big quadrangle of the parade, where
dozen of the cavalry officers were now
busily engaged in preparation for the
sudden move. Over at the hospital, too,
the lamps were being lighted in the
stewards room and the dispensary.
4 Holden's hall door stood wide omen The
hall itself was dark, but lamp was
alight in the sitting room, and that door,
too, was wide open. A tall form passed
across the illumined space as Kenyon
drew near He stopped for moment
at the gate, listening to the sound of
hustle, the whistling and singing of the
men at the barracks. Hardship, hun
ger, privation, suffering ahead of them,
even if they don't have hard fighting"
he muttered to himself. In thirty-six
hours they'll be freezing, poor devils,
i I. l. he