The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-08-02

Some of them turned awSy, unwilling
to look and yet unwilling to go and not
understand this new phase Of the mys-
terry. Rollins, looking neither to right
nor left, repassed them and walked off
with a set, savage look on his young
face, and then, as one or two still gazed,
fascinated by this strange and daring
proceeding, others, too, turned back
and, half ashamed Of themselves for
such a yielding to curiosity, glanced
furtively over at Jerrold's door.
There they stood-he restrained by
his arrest unable to come forth; she,
restrained more by his barring form
than by any consideration Of maidenly
reserve, for, had he hidden, she would
have gono within. She had fully made
up her mind that wherever he was even
were it behind the sentinels and bars Of
the guardhouse, she would demand that
she be taken to his side. He had handed
out chair, but she would not sit.
They saw her looking up into his face
as he talked and noted the eager gesti-
culation, so characteristic of his creole
blood, that seemed to accompany his
rapid words. They saw her bending to-
ward him, looking eagerly up in his
eyes and occasionally casting indignant
glances over toward the group at the
Office, as though she would annihilate
with her wrath tho prosecutors Of her
hero. Then they saw her stretch forth
both her hands, with quick impulsive
movement, and grasp his one instant,
looking so faithfully, steadfastly, loyal
ly, into his clouded and anxious face
Then she turned, and with quick, eager
steps came tripping toward them. They
stood irresolute. Every man felt that it
was somebody's duty to step forward,
meet her and be her escort through the
party, but no one advanced. There was,
if anything, tendency to sidle toward
the Office door, as though to leave the
sidewalk unimpeded. But she never
sought to pass them by. With flashing
eyes and crimson cheeks, she bore
straight upon them, and with indignant
emphasis upon every word accosted
them:
captain Wilton, Major Sloat, wish
to see Captain Chester at once. Is he
in the Officer"
Certainly, Miss Beaubien. Shall I
call him, or will you walk in?" And
both men were at her side in moment.
"lhanks. Twill go right inf you
will kindly show me to him.
Another moment, and Armitage and
Chester, deep in the midst Of their du-
ties and surrounded by clerks and order
lies and assailed Ly half dozen ques-
tions in one and the same instant, looked
up astonished as Wilton stepped in and
announced Miss Beaubien, desiring to
see Captain Chester on immediate busi-
ness. There was no time for conference.
There she stood in the doorway, and all
tongues were hushed on the instant.
Chester rose and stepped forward, with
anxious courtesy. She did not choose to
see the extended hand.
"It is you, alone, I wish to see, cap
tain. Is it impossible here?"
II fear it is, Miss Beaubien, but We
can walk out in the open air. l feel
that know what it is you wish to say
to me-" he added in low tone, took
his cap from the peg on which it hung
and led the way. Again she passed
through the curious but respectful
group, and Jerrold, watching furtively
from his window, saw them come forth.
The captain turned to her as soon as
they were out Of earshot:
II have no daughter Of my own, MY
dear young lady, but if had l could
not more thoroughly feel for you thar
/ do. How can / help you?"
The reply was unexpectedly spirited.
He had thought to encourage and sus
tain her, be sympathetic and paternal
but, as he afterward ruefully admitted
he mover did seem to get the hang of {
woman's temperament. p" Apparently
sympathy was not the thing she needed
''It is late in tho day to ask such ;
question, Captain Chester. You have
done great wrong and injustice. Tht
question is now, Will you undo it?"
He was too surprised to speak for ;
moment. When his tongue was un
loosed, he said:
II shall be glad to be convinced
was wrong"
81 know little Of army justice O.
army laws, Captain Chester, but whel
girl is compelled to take this step t.
rescue friend there is something bruta
about them, Or the men who enforc,
them. Mr.. Jerrold tells me that he il
arrested. ] knew that last night, bu
not until this morning did he consent t,
let me know that he would be cour
martialed unless he could prove wher
he was the night you ySre officer of tn
day two weeks ago aiiu last Saturda,
night. He is too noble al good to de
fend himself when by doinss 50 he nigh
harm me. But / am here to free hin
from the cruol suspicion you have form
ed" She had quickened her step ant
in her impulsiveness and agitation the,
were almost at the end of the walk. H
hesitated, as though reluctant to e
along under tho piazza, but she was i'm
perious, and he yielded. "No, come!'
she said II mean that you shall hea
the whole truth, and that at once. d
not expect you to understand or condon
my conduct, but you must acquit him
We are engaged, and-I love him. H
has enemies here, as l see all too plain
ly, and they have prejudiced mothe
against him, and she has forbidden IN
seeing him. / Icame out to the fort with
out her knowledge one day, and it an
gered her From that tinio she woul
not let me see him alone. She watche
every movement and came with m
wherever I drove She gave orders tina
/ should never have any of our horse
to drive or ride alone-I, whom fathe
had INDUCED to the utmost and who ha