Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1894-12-27

ter, somebody closely connected
with the cavalry had csnineered
the whole scheme. Everybody knew
there were some very shady characters
among the men enlisting during the
centennial year. Everybody knew
what train would fetch him out from de-
partment headquarters. The plotters
would not wire in time to admit Of his
making inquiries, but waited until the
last moment, then, dressed and
equipped as the cavalry were dressed
and equipped, they had sent two Of
their number in to Minden station
with dispatch signed by an officer
whom they reported mile or two be-
hind, coming up with the wagon and
main body. Everything looked straight
to the operator, and so 1t was sent to
Pawnee and there handed to the Pull
man porter. What could have been
more complete? The troopers who met
him at the platform addressed him
confidently and respectfully, saluting
exactly like old soldiers OF course, he
hadn't a personal acquaintance with
the entire regiment, but this he would
say and did say. that he believed Mr..
Lacy, his clerk, was willing to swear
that the two men who met him at
Minden were bona flde members Of the
Eleventh cavalry; Mr.. Lacy had seen
them before, and could identify them
II he were to see them again. The
people were already working
on the clew.
II was nearly tattoo that evening
when Morgan left the majors and went
slowly homeward. Voices in eager
were audible in the
kitchen as he entered, then became Us
still and the door was quickly
closed. 1t was his custom to 60 to the
childrcn's room and kiss and pet them
. little after Connie had prompted
them through their representations
over which, in their infantile deprav-
Ity, they were far more apt to fall
asleep than during the subsequent GER
smony. But the sounds from aloft as
he entered were those Of lively conten-
lion rather than alteration, lively con-
lrovcrsy rather than the lisping prayers
# childish lips. Lot and Billy were
till up and astir, it was evident, and
70 engrossed in their tilt that the
'athcrs coming up the crealiing stair
way failed to divert their attention.
Hating at the door and looking in, the
veteran trooper enjoyed coup-d' @il
II the scene. Perched on the bed in
he bifurcatod vestment of canton
lannel referred to as his 'nighties'
vas the burly son and heir, barcfootcd,
]ushed, truculent, bouncing up and
Town on the bed-springs as he con-
,ersed with his sister, who, equally,
lushed, II a trine less confident in mien,
md Just about half undressed, was
tanding with one Of her spring-heeled,
,uttoncd boots In hand. half concealed,
lalf disclosed, as though she lacked de-
to hurl II after its mate.
low rcposing on top Of the bureau
,eyond the bed, surrounded by the
wreck Of glass toilet-sct, once their
nother's--Aunt Lottie's one present to
Ter army sister.
~ don't care" said Lot, sturdily;
you did it,
"0h, you're worse'n Annanice Ailre!
didn't"
"You did, too! and you shant call
James,
II shall if you 'cnse me- again. said
sill, stoutly. You fired that shoe at
ne when | wasn't even loolsin at dolly,
nd it smashed everything"
81 don't care" reiterated Lot, ut
vas all your fault. 1t never would
ave hit EN- at all Tiff you hadn't
edged. SO therc!' And then Lot,
triumphant, turned, saw her fathers
rave face, and lost her nerve. Run
ing to HIM, she burst into tears,
vhereupon lilly began to whimper
'IIush, Lottie. Never mind who did
now" said Morgan, taking her in his
rms, "IIush, child. Well settle that
ONE other time. Where's Conaie?
Where was she when this happened2"
NANNY called her to the kitchen.
ergt. lIinkel's wife comed," sobbed
.ottic, "and she told Billy not to step
n my dolly, and he-he-iust danced
! of the bed purpose, and land
- and here the sobs overmastercd
err and Billy came tumbling off his
erch in dire dismay. And this was
he situation when Comics low voice
nd fleet footsteps were heard on the
tairway, and little mother came hur-
ying In. One glance told her what
ad happened. She flew around the
ed to the bureau.
"0h, Lottie, Lottic, how could you"
he cried. Our dear mothers set
Iunt Lottie'spresent."
Never mind, Connie, never mind IL
ow, dear. She wasn't aiming ut It,"
aid paterfamilias, with his patient
mile.