Rock Island Argus., 1896-09-24
CHAPTER VIII.

hiHHcu NJ .siis DduitOu W
rejoin them, Leale had tossed the reins
to his orderly. and, leaving Mrs. Farrar
seated in the sleigh, hurried into the
building in search Of her. 1t was u
prUstrate. senseless form he found, close
10 the inner door, and only after deal
Of trouble did she revive. Greatly
alarmed. Mr.. Farrar had caused her To
BE- driven straight home. and there the
doctor came and Ellis and ministcring
angels without stint and ques,ioners
without number, but meantime Leale,
with wrathful face, had gone to his
troop quarters and summoned his first
sergeant. Graice had not been with the
m,n mt dinner, was that worthy's re-
port. He was at the post exchange eat
ing sandwiches and drinking beer at
that moment, and Leale sent for him.
Something had tended to sober the
man, for he came into the captains
presence. looking sullen. but self pos
sessed. 81 warned you after that affray
with Crow Knife" said Leale, that
you were to keep out Of temptation and
mischief until you We're sober enough to
understand what had 10 say to you.
and ~ :30;"
Walking on my heat. sir. as the
captain directed"
Lealc stood closely scanning the swol-
len face of the soldier. He was always
grave and deliberate in dealing with
the malcontcnts Of his command, rarely
speaking III anger and never in n tone
indicative of irritatiois Under the cap.
tain's calm, steadfast scrutiny Graice
plainly WINGED. His bloOdshot eyes
wandered restlcssly about, and his fin
gers closed and unclosed nsrvously.
'Sou have made but an i'll name for
yourself thus far. my man." said Lcale,
land this days work has not added to
your credit. What started the trouble
with Crow Knifc:''
''lie struck me-" was the surly an.
ever
"iou have been drinking liquor to.
day. Graicc, and IL is said Of you
throughout the whole troop that when
drinking you are ugly and ill tempered.
have known Crow Knife long timo
and never knew him to bc in trouble be.
fore. You are the first man of this COM
mand to quarrel with him. Let it he
the last time. He bears a good name !;
you have made n bad one. Another
thing You were working there ut the
hall this morning under Corporal Rcrkc.
What became Of sou when the other
men left and went to dinner:'
Twas thirS;y-and went for q
drink. v was the shifty answer.
Went where? You were not then nj
the post exchange "
The soldier turned rctid,r. IL possible.
hitched uneasily. the bloodshot eyes still
wandering warily about, as though
eager for any light other than that
which burned in the clear. stern gaze of
his captain. Il went for a drink. " he
repeated. and I'm not bound to say
where and SO get some one else in
trouble. I'm not without friends h, n
even 10 haven't theia among my Off
GERS. and can be true to those who are
true To me.
"Such talk is buncomte. Graicc, =
said Lcale coolly. land you know it.
You will do better to keep clear @,
friends who give you liquor. You ar,
sober enough to appreciate now wha
you hear and what you say. Keep cleal
Of 1t. warn you. or il will Re you,
undoing. Are you hot for guard
II am, sir. and ready TO take IN,
turn when needed. but I can take IL,
such afYront ~ that rcdskin slung IN m.
teeth"
Enough on that score I'll hear you
story tomorrow. when you're boil
cooled down. Now 60 to your quarters
and for the rest Of this day keep ava.
from three things-Crow Knife, liquo
md. understand me, the assembly hall.
The sullen eyes glowed with new an
ger. The man had been drinking jus
enough TO BE- reckless. I'D like to know
why I'm not considered fit to work 4
least, he muttcred.
You are not fit tn I've seen by th
eyes Of gently nurturcd wcmen. Graice
Your face is bloatcd. your eyes iniiam
ed, your whole carriage tells Of tn
havoc liquor plays. You may rs wei
know that the sight Of you was shoe
TO our guest, Mrs Farrar. and suspec
that you could tell what il was that $
startled MrA Dauntcu.