Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-09-26

ant asLeu aim Were VII was. and
he said he left him Offering his services
to Uncle Fenton to ride ahead to the
Indians, and he wanted to know if I
didn't think Will was trump I
DON'T didn't think it's simply
h-hheartless in him.
And then Mrs. Farrar raised her ewes
appeallngly 10 Ornsby, and he went
without word. He knew what she
needed and hastenod in search of Will.
tie found him at Fenton's. whittier he
had accompanied the colonel, and where
he was still pleading and Juggling at
his tiny mustache and tramping up and
down and biting his nails. while Fen
ton. Ill the adjoining room. was calmly
getting out of his dress clothes and into
wi:tcr field garb.
Would you mind dropping this and
going down to the chaplain's and COM
fforting your mother and my sister,"
| said Ormsbv as soon as he could get in
word edgewise.
| "Yes. Go. WILL" said Fenton, land
tell her that there is nothing whatever
in this affair to worry about. We're
merely going to bring old Big Road up
here to take Christmas dinner at the
fort. There's no chance for a fight or
you should 60 along. No. it's useless
arguing, my boy. I'd do anything for
you that's right, but this is absolutely
unreasonable on your part. Now go and
tell those two blessed women that you re
to remain on guard over them, and
they'll rise up and call me blessed-at
least they ought to.
And so, finally, Ormsby got the pep
fairly started, Ormsby keeping pace with
him as he strobe excitedly from the
room.
Il want you to do something for me.
WILL" said he i'll a low tone as they
hastened along I'm going with the
command, and 1 haven't moment to
spare. Give this note to Mrs. Daunton
for me as soon as possible after You
reach the house. May rely upon you:'
And as he spoke he held forth an en-
velope, evidently snugly filled, and Far
rar took it mechanically and without
reply. The boy was thinking only of his
own disappointment. "Do you under
stand, Will" persisted Ormsby. 1T is
Of great Importance that she should
have it before 10 O'Clock. You won't
forget" And wondering now, Farrar
promised, and OrmsDy turned abruptly
back.
Il wish to the Lord I were in your
place. was poor Wills parting shou,
/ Z I,n, ,al
for the night ride. Already the -four
troops had marched to stables and were
saddling. Already there were sounds OF
excitement over across the river and
much scurrying through the struggling
street of the cattle town of well mount.
ed ranchmen and ''cow punchers. u
Thorpe was as good as his word. He
was rousing the county with a venge
auce, hoping to ride down the valley
i'll strong force within the hour and
wind up the whole business before
the cavalry could come to the rescue OF
the offending band. Will could hear the
occasional whoop and yell that came
ringing over on the still night air. :.nt
he was il Il pctUlant mood bordering OF
evaporation when admitted at the chap
lain's and ushered into the parlor
where Kitty still lay clasped in tn;
mothers arms.
She scrambled to her feet the instant
he entered and began an energetic out
burst, but the sight of his woebegont
, face checked her suddenly Mrs Farral
read instantly the cause of his gloom
and her eyes frightened with rejoicing
/, willy. my boy. then you don't havs
to go:''
. Don't have to go!' was the wrath
full answer. Don't have to go! ",
. been on my knees to that stony hearted
a old rip for the last ten minutes, and h,
, won't let me co.
God bless hint" were the mother
=, fervent words. He knew he wei
! knew-what it would cost me to hav,
! my only boy torn from me at thi
time. was the thought that fiashe,
4 through her mind, and her eyes wellet
with grateful tears, though she could sa,
no more 1t was Kitty who restored tn
social equilibrium. Il won't have 70,
speak of Uncle Fenton in that disgrace
:. full way. Mr.. Farrar. You ought to b
thankful you don't have to go, as 20,
put it. Have You totally forgotten on
4, engagement for tomorrow night:''
y "Oh, for heavens sake, Kitty! VIVA
, is that at such time as this? Their
won't be :, sign Of dance unless the
), all get back in time, and I'd rather b
= dead than left here the first scout tn
regiment has after my joining it, H
threw himself disgustedly into chair
lie
hand and for tine time being absolutei
indifferent to Kitty S reproaches. Itwa
= the discovery of this fact that laugh
!: 'I.k,,L.