Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-05-12
deep in a scathing criticism on the unblush-
inb boodlers Of the city hall
CHAPTER II

CHAPTER II.
The Santa Fe train was speeding rapidly
toward Pueblo and Paul, with the exuber-
ance and elasticity of youth, was beginning
to recover from the terrible attack of home
sickness that had haunted him since the
day previous.
1t had been harder to say goodbye to this
parents and sisters than he had antici-
pated. and but for his brave promise made
to Mr.. Wilder it is possible that he would
have abandoned the trip at the last mo-
ment when he saw the grief of his mother
and the tears of Madge and Edith. But
although there was big lump in his
throat and a heaviness of heart that op-
pressed him sorely, he managed to go
through the ordeal without utterly break
ing down, and the promise of liberal letter
writing on both sides was a slight measure
of comfort.
To the lad who had never before been out
of Illinois the journey so far had been full
of novelty. The crossing of the Father of
Waters and later of the mighty Missouri
were events not to be soon forgotten, while
the ever-changing scenery through which
the train passed so engrossed his attention
that gradually his spirits frightened and
his features resumed their accustomed vi
vacity.
Perhaps it was his lively interest in the
surroundings, together with his CHEEKY
countenance. which attracted the attention
of young army lieutenant, who presently
opened conversation that, by the time
they reached Pueblo, resulted in establish
ing quite bond of friendship between the
two.
Mr. Hatfield was in the cavalry branch
of the service, and was returning to his
post on the Colorado frontier. after two
months leave of absence. He was greatly
interested in Paurs proposed trip, and
the gentle breeding of the lad, added to the
fact that both had recently severed home
ties. warmed his heart toward the young
ster.
At Pueblo they stayed over night at the
same hotel, where the officer insisted on
settling the bill next morning. AS the
route of each lay in similar direction
ever the Denver and Rio Grande railroad,
both went south on the same train, the
presence of the lieutenant adding greatly
to the charm of the ride in that picturesque
region.
Paul was fairly overcome by the awful
grandeur of the noun tains whose beauties
he experienced for the first time and If he
said little 1t was because he was too full for
mere words. But there was an exultant
leap at his heart and thrilling OF the
pulses, as he absorbed the inspiring Seen
cry. that caused his eyes to dilate and his
cheeks TO blush with gratifed pleasure.
Lieut.. Hatfield had business TO transact at
Fort Garland that would detain him day
and he invited Paul to be his guest at the
post. AS the lad was in no hurry to reach
Silverton, he gladly awaited himself of the
chance to see something of soldier life on
the frontier.
post remarked the lieutenant. 1T Is to
be abandoned shortly, and only two compa-
MES of doughboys' remain. Just walt I'M
til we reach my command on the Uncom-
pahgre river, then I'll give you a taste of
army life" BE-.
However, Paul passed very enjoyable
day, especially in the forenoon, when, in
company with two young Heutenapts fresh
from West Point, he hunted jack rabbits
through the scrub oaks and sage brush in
the San Luis Valley. 1t was great sport,
and, as Paul had the good luck to knock
over a big jack, he returned to the post
elated with his success.
His friends business proved to be of a ma
ture not suspected by Paul, who accidently
learned that Mr.. Hatfield had lost his heart
TO the charming daughter of rich rancher
down the valley. This accounted for the
late arrival of the lieutenant at the post
that night after an all days absence and
for the glum looks he wore they rode to
the station next morning in the ambulance
Paul rallied his friend on his lugubrious
aspect. and his lively sallies finally ELECTED
h aarty laugh from the young ofticer. who
apologized for his dullness. At Anamosa
they engaged seats in the stage coach which
was to carry them through to Lake City,
and at 10 o'clock the conveyance started,
Paul and the lieutenant settling themselves
for an all-night ride to Wagon Wheel Gap.
At daylight the next morning the two
comrades jumped out to stretch their
cramped limbs and for an hour trudged
alongside the horses that toiled up a steep
to breathe his team and. pointing with his
whip across the intervening valley oracu-
larly observed: Deer yender.'
Paurs eyes danced with excitement as he
took in the graceful contour of the slender
animals that, seeming the strangers, sud
denly derted back into the woods. Hear
ing the sigh Of disappointment which es-
capped him the lieutenant laughingly ex-
claimed Never mind, Paul; promise you
plenty of sport when We get to camp"
1t had been settled that before going to
Silverton Paul was to leave the coach at
Los Pinos and accompany Lieut.. Hatfield
to his command which was camped forty
miles north of the agency. There had been
trouble with the Utes some months previous
necessitating the presence of troops, and
although the excitement had abated the
regulars still remained in the field.
At Los Pines an ambulance from the
camp was found awaiting the arrival of
the coach. into which Paul and his friend
climbed after eating a hearty dinner at
the agency mess. A dusty ride through the
reservation behind four spanking mules
brought them to the camp just In time for
supper. to which meal both did ample JUS
tice. PauPs appetite, never particularly
poor. had materially improved since his ad-
vent into Colorado.
The army officers, from the colonel down.
gave the young Chicagoan a warm welcome
and Paul spent a very delightful week in
their company. Owing to the absence of
the captain on sick leave. Mr.. Hatfield as
senior lieutenant, was in command of his
troop, and he proved capital host. He