The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-05-15

captain. Austen and Peterkln were
knocking the balls about and we others
were helping them by sitting on the cor
ner pockets. Suddenly Austen chucked
down his cue with a clatter into the corner.
YOU'RE damned little liar, Peterkin,"
he remarked.
This was interesting. as we had not lis
tened to the context. We all came off our
perches and stared. Peterkin took up the
chalk and gently rubbed the tip of his cue.
You'll be sorry for having said that,
Captain Austen" said he.
''Shall II"
YES, and you'll apologize to me for it."
"Oh, indeed!
"All | ask is that you test the matter
for yourself tonight, and that tomorrow
We all meet again here at this hour, and
that you let these gentlemen know what
you think then"
They have nothing to do with it,
Excuse me- Captain Austen, they have
everything to do with 1t. You used an eX-
preston To me a few moments ago in their
presence, and you must withdraw it in
their presence also. | shall tell them
what the matter was about, and then"
Not a wordl' cried Austen. angrily.
Don't dare to repeat such libel -
Just as you like. but in that case you
must agree to my conditions"
We'll, I'll do it. I'll watch tonight,
and | ii meet you here tomorrow; but |
warn you, young Peterkln, that when
have shown up this mares nest of yours
the regiment viii be too hot TO hold you !"
lie stalked out OF the room In a passion,
while Peterkin chuckled to himself and
began to practice the spot stroke, deaf TO
our questions as 10 what was the matter
We were all there to keep our appoint
ments next day. Peterkin had nothing 10
say. but there was 4 twinkle IN his little,
sharp eyes, especially when Austen came
in with very crest-tailen expression on
his face.
We'll, " said he, "if hadn't seen II with
my own eyes should never have believed
il, never! Peterkin, | withdraw what |
said yesterday. You were right. BY God,
10 think that an officer OF this regiment
should stoop SO low -
Its bad business, " said Peterkin. at
was only by chance noticed it,
Its q good thing YOU did. We must
have public exposure"
If lis matter affecting the honor of
any fellow IN the mess it would surely be
best 70 have Major Errington's opinion"
said Hartr'dge.
Austen laughed bitterly. You fellows
may as well be told" said he. There's no
use IN any mystlfication. Major Erring-
ton mas, as you may know, been playinc
high stakes n ecayte with the chief He
has been seen on two evenings in success
SION, first by Peterkln. and then by nae. To
hide cards. AMI 50 strengthen his hand
after dealing. Yes. yes, vou may saw what
you like. buj tell vou that | saw It with
my own eyes You know how short
sighted the chief Is. Errington did it in
the most bare-faced way. when he thought
no one was looking. I shall speak 10 the
chief about II. / consider il 10 be my
duty"
Won had better all come tonight" said
feterAln, "put don SIT near the table, or
pretend 10 be watching. SIX witnesses
Will surely be enough 10 settle il.
sixty wouldn't make me believe il"
said Hartrijge.
Austen shrugged has shoulders. Well
you must believe yopr own ewes, sun
pose It's an awkward thing for lew
snoaIIerns 10 bring such a charge against
senior major 81 twenty years service
but the ch.ei shall he warned. and he NAV
take such steps IS he thinks hest. Its
been going on too long. and tonight should
finish II for good ana all. -
80 that night We were all in the coloneg's
room, when the card liable was pushed for
ward and the two seniors sat down "a their
ec3rte rs usual. We Others sat round the
hre with keen eye on the players. The
CosoOc.'S face WAS about two shades re3ier
than usual and his sgjh hair bF.siied up. a.
II would T hen lie MAS angry. Austen. TOO.
look rQtlled. Il was clear that he mad told
The chef. and taat the chief had not taken
u ve~y sWCe:tv.
What points? 80 asked the major.
Pound = game - before"
Pound trick, II YOU ike" suggested
the major.
"Nery good; pound a trick" The
chief pat on his p.ocenez and shot q keen.
questioning glance ~ ms antagonist. The
major seufiied and pushed the cards over
e. he cut
The nrst three games were fairly even.
The major held the better cards lut the
chief Played tar the nner game. The
fourth game and deaf hal come round to
the major aCaln, and A. he laid the pack
down he spread his elbows out SO as 70