Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-12

be the 1cuSS JOr Bou."
"rd ruther be a cotton hoein niger"
said Chickasaw John, that's what I'd
ruthor be, than Il blue backed slave of
such government as ourn. My wife
and mules is a-starvin over at Colonial,
and I'm here, and all for what-for
what, say: Just for wantin little
land. And we'll have that land yet
spite of these skulkin soldiers We hain't
stole nothin, we hain't killed no one, we
hain't even he'd, lessen it was in calm
you officers gentlemen. Therefore, say
with Yates here, turn us loose or it may
be w;iss for you yet.
Il am sorry, men," returned Stirling
mildly. But YOU knew what the orders
were before You Went ont. wish you
had these lands. We are all tired of
keeping you ont, but we don't make the
laws. We have to execute them, how
ever, or take the consequences ourselves.
You have repeatedly and wiufully vio-
lated them, and the colonel insists on
making an example Of some one. 1t is
three days in the guardhouse for you
both. Take them away, sergeant"
At this moment tall, blond Young
lady in gray riding dress appeared
upon the parade ground from round the
corner Of the commandani's office. Yates
was again raising is voice IL IN angry
reply when his eye fell upon her face.
He came as near changing color as a
sunDurued plainsman can. His loud
words seemed to lose themselves in his
throat. With Il muttcred after curse or
two he turned and followed Chickasaw
John to the guardhouse, both of them
preceded by the sergeant, while two
troopers with drawn sabers brought up
the rear.
Meanwhile Philip, dismissing disagree
able thoughts, joined the young lady,
who seemed to have something urgent
upon her mind.
why, Stella" said he gayly, you
really look animated. Has the giant of
boredom released you at last? And am
the happy cause? Net-no couldn't
interest you, even in the moon last night,
though It rose oat Of the prairie like
Venus from the sen. Stay, was it Venus
or Diana now"
You ridiculous man. said the ad-
mirals daughter How could dote
over the moon when my feet We're so
cold: But I've made the most charming
dlscoYery-a perfect Maid Marian, with
soupcon Of western slang thrown in,
for local coloring, suppose She has
made me jealous already, my Philip.
There is your remedy against your rival
OF boredom-continue to make me jeal-
Gus, A jealous person is never bored"
Maid Marian-jeGlousy-what is all
this He looked playfully puzzled.
You will have to explain further be-
fore / put on airs"
There is the sweetest saucicst, sad
dest chit of IA girl here, if you will know.
Yes, sweet and saucy, yet she impresses
Inc somehow as being sad She wants
TO do securing, washing, sewing-work
of any kind Had heard of my arrival
and thought the chance to secure some
would be better, suppose, But this is
not the worst, sir. She wants to see you
you. Modest little jewel that she is,
however, rather shrinks from appearing
before all these men of war"
This looked rather fictitious. seeing that
selves But Stella-her gray eyes half
closed tiny smile barely emphasizing
the dimples at the corners Of her mouth.
her manner at once droll, affectionate
and lnquisitive - surveyed her lover
archly.
1T must be Arizony," he said, putting
her arm within his own and slowly
walking her off, She's a good girl,
Stella, yet with a lot of combustible
friends about her who cause us nc end
Of trouble. Where is sheE"
"There-behold" said Stella semitrag-
ically as Arizony herself came in sight
from round the officers quarters. Seeing
Philip, the latter hurried forward
Have you locked 'em up, leftenant"
she began earnestly. IF you !have,
want you 10 let EN- out. / just heard