The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-03-31

shaggy and far from swell from the
point of view of the Eastern avenues,
but were eminently fit for campaigning
among the billiards. of the plains. and
as for the men, they were serving under
Il soldier who didn't believe in letting
troopers grow soft and out of condi-
ton even in midwinter, and So no mat
ter what the weather, Farrar had had
his people out for exercise every week
day of the year, and the exercise during
the snowstorm had consisted in breaking
roads in long compact column of tours
all around the plateau on which stood
the great spreading garrison, and the
men liked it and throve under it, and
came in each day glowing with health.
to the enjoyment of their substantial
dinner, vowing the Colonel knew no
end of tricks worth their studying, even
if he wasn't a West Pointer. even if he
had gone into the army from the
militia in the old days of the war.
And now that all their Christmas fun
seemed summarily ended and they them
selves were to be hurried forth upon
sharp and sudden campaign, they
sprang to their preparations with CHEEKY
vim, almost with eager rejoicing. For
three weeks they had been excitedIy
reading and discussing the reports of
the doings of their comrade regiment,
the Eleventh, around the agency far to
the east. and coyeting their prominence
and distinction. Already they had en-
viously heard of one or two sharp
affairs in which the Eleventh had
rounded up party of young warriors
breaking for the Cheyenne country or
had surrounded and disarmed Tall Bulls
little band of ugly buffers" Even at
the expense of Christmas trees, Christ
mas dance, Christmas dinner. they didn't
want to loaf in garrison when other
regiments were having stirring service
in the field. And SO. while women wept,
the barracks rang with shout and song
and CHEEKY whistle, and the laugh and
joke went around as the troopers slowed
their treasures IN the home chest and
packed their bullying saddle bags. Few
of their number had wives or children
to leave behind. 1t was over among the
officers quarters that no laughter rang.
and the only smiles were piteous through
their mist of tears.
Il could bear it better at any other
season, Royle,' said the Coloners wife.
as she chung, Sobbing, to his neck after
he had donned his rough field dress. 1T
seems as though the worst blow of my
life had come to me at ChriStmaS--juSt
this time" He bowed in silence ten
derby kissing her. yet even then check
ing further reference to that browning
sorrow. He could not shut out the
recollection of how the news of their
boys disgrace had been received on
Christmas morning, and now, with an
other Christmas so close at hand he
was keeping from her tidings that still
more had bowed his head in sorrow
Ills WfelCneQ son
had robbed deceived and deserted the
sweet woman who had trusted him,
leaving her penniless to struggle un-
aided and unknown Who can say what
would have been his shame had he
dreamed that this genial, kindly young
New Yorker, this stranger within his
gates was the bearer of evidence that
still further was the son felon IN the
eyes of the law and that to all his
other crimes Royle Farrar had added
that of forgery. AT noon on this very
day Jack Ormsby was striving to nerve
himself TO carry out his employers oNr
ders and break the tidings. but these
few words with the gentle mother and
the sight of her pathetic face again I'M
manned him, and in the midst of his
irreSolution came these sudden orders
for the field, and that put an end to all
thought of anything else.
II cannot help it, he was saying to
Ellis as The girl pale and sad, but u.-
complaining, was busi1y packing her
fathers mess chest. 1T would be
ridiculous to- say / could be of any use.
but all the same / want to go. It's the
chance of a lifetime. l have never seen
an Indian campaign. ! haven't an idea
what an Indian fight is like, but d. you
fellows of the Seventh and tell them l
rush to head off XIII Eagles band, and
that i didn't go. too.
L should want to go Ii / were In your
place." said she. II understand 1t fully.
No doubt Captain Leale can ut you out