The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1896-12-17
CHAPTER XI.

hud gone home, Helen, Ellis, Kitty and
Will in close attendance, and tl.cro they
wero presently joined by Aunt Lucrctia,
whose volubility even calamity seemed
powerlcss to check, and then, to tho re-
lief Of all tho women, Captain Lcalo
knocked and was promptly admitted.
81 am iii search Of my right hand
man" said ho, with his bright, cordial
smile. "Thcy toll mo he is playing
Achilles and sulking in his tent, but I
have work for him to do, " and then
onco moro did Kitty look rcmonstrancc,
for sho could form no idea of work for
him that did not involve deprivation for
her.
"You arc not going to send Mr.. Far
rar away after ALL" sho began, but
Loalo laughingly checked her.
"Far from it, said he. II need him
at tho guardhouso and mean to put him
in charge Of tho prisoners when they
como in. Tho chances arc that tho
colonel will have to arrest not Il few of
those fellows, and ho'll do it in the in
tercst Of peace and good order, despite
tho fact that no has no warrant. Arc
you ready, sir?''
I'm roady and willing to do any
duty, Captain Lcalo," answered Will
rucfully. "But l was the first to volun-
toor for that courier ride to Big Road,
and think tho colonel ought to havo
given it to mo. I'll be officer of tho
guard tomorrow anyhow, and would
just as liof begin now. Shall I como at
onco?'
"Ycs, the second relief goes on in q
few minutes, and you would better in
spect them. Everything is started right.
You have capital sergeant Of tho
guard. want the sentries OH tho north
and cast bluffs instructed to listen for
all sounds from the cast and to keep II
close watch Oh that plant Of Bunko
Jlm's. Watch every movement in that
rowdy town Ger yonder, though 1 be-
lieve most Of tho populace has already
ridden away at tho bidding Of the SO
called cowboy king
Will bent over and kissed his moth
er's forehead. "I'll got my sword and
go at oncc,' said he, "and I'll bo back
as soon as Two mado the rounds Of the
second relief. [ suppose nobody hero
means to turn in for an hour yet Wo
ought to havo nows Of some kind before
midnight. " With that he quickly left
the littlo parlor and, vaulting tho low
fence, let himself III at his own door in
tho adjoining bachelor roost. Mrs.
Daunton, who had been occupying her
self closo to Mrs. Farrar presently arose
and stepped into tho hallway. took
heavy wrap and noisclessly quilted tho
house. Surprised, Captain Lcalc looked
about him for All explanation. Ellis had
drawn aside tho curtain and with pale,
set face was gazing iixcdly out upon tho
parade. Kitty looked bewildcred. 1t
was Mrs Farrar who spoke
'This has boon trying day for Helen.
She is not strong, fear, and tonight
she is so nervous and unstruns that sho
seems to shrink from company or con-
versation. I have never known her 80
distracted. [ fancy sho wants to be
alone few minutes and to take the
fresh air Oh the gallery" Ellis moved
impatiently, but said not word. Sho
could SEQ that, SO far from having stopped
on tho gallery, Helen Daunton had
hastcncd through tho gatc, and, turning
to Wills quarters next door, was there
awaiting his rcappcaranco. Tho boy
camo out III q moment. his sword at his
side and wrapping his cloak about him,
and stopped short in evident surprise at
sight Of Mrs. Daunton.
Ellis well understood tho purport Of
tho conversation that ensucd, though
she could hear no word. Will searched
one pocket after another, then ran back
into the house, camo forth again in
less than n minute. handed square,
white envelope to Mrs. Daunton, and,
raising his forage cap in farewell, has.
tened away across tho parade. Ashamed
Of her espionage. yet fascinated, Ellis
fingered ut tho window and saw Helen
tear open the envelope and draw forth
little packet Or roll, which she closely
inspected and rapidly counted over.
Money! Treasury notes beyond ques-
tionl Money, and paid her by Jack
Ormsbyl Ellis dropped the curtain and
turned away. She cared to SEQ no moro.
Over at tho guardhouse tho second re-
lief was being formed as Farrar reached
tho spot--scven soldiers in their fu,
caps and gloves and heavy winter over
coats and arctics. The corporal had Just
reported them all present, and the lieu
tenant quickly yet closely inspected
their equipment, then stepped to the
front again.
"In addition to tho usual ORDERS"
said he, 'Nos. and 7 are cautioned to
keep sharp lookout and to listen at
tcntivoly for anything at the eastward.
In tho event of any unusual sight or
sound, call for tho corporal ut once. Who
IS No. 5?''
"Graicc, sir, " said the corporal.
The young officers face darkencd u
bit. Ho had no trust in the man what
over and knew we'll his evil reputation.
"Graice," said he, "you have double
functions tonight. You havo not only
tho same orders as Nos. and z, but
the commanding officer Directs that you
keep special watch over the sottlo-