The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1896-12-24

Something had tended to sober the
man, for he came into tn, captains
presence, looking sullen, bLS self pos
sessed. II warned you after that affray
with Crow Knife" said Leale, "that
you were to keep out of temptation and
mischief until you were sober enough to
understand what I had to say to you.
Where were you between dinner call
and 10 1902"
"Walkiing off my heat. sir, as the
captain directed"
Leale stood closely scanning the swol-
len face Of the soldier. He was always
grave and deliberate in dealing with
the malcontents of his command, rarely
speaking in anger and never in tone
indicative of irritation. Under the cap
tain's calm, steadfast scrutiny Graice
plainly WINGED. His bloodshot eyes
wandered restlessly about, and his fin
gers closed and Enclosed nervously.
"You have made but an ill name for
yourself thus far, my man," said Leale,
''and this days work has not added to
your credit. What started the trouble
with Crow Knife?''
''He struck me,'' was the surly an
ever.
"You have been drinking liquor to-
day; Graice, and it is said Of you
throughout the whole troop that when
drinking you are ugly and i'll tempered.
I have known Grow Knife long time
and never knew him to be in trouble be-
fore. You are the first man Of this COM
mand to quarrel with him. Let it be
the last time. He bears a good name
you have made bad one. Another
thing: You were working there at the
hall this morning under Corporal Rorke
What became of you when the other
men left and went to dinner?'
"I-was thirsty-and went for a
drink" was the shifty answer.
event where? You were not then at
the post exchange"
The soldier turned redder, if 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
repeated, land I'm not bound to say
where and so get some one else in
trouble. I'm not without friends here
even if haven't them among my Off.
GERS, and can be true to those who are
true to me''
"Such talk is buncombe, Graice, .
said Leale coolly, "and you know it.
You will do better to keep clear Of
friends who give you liquor. You are
sober enough to appreciate now wha
you hear and what you say. Keep cleal
of it, warn you, or it will be yor,,
undoing. Are you not for guard?'
II am, sir, and ready to take my
turn when needed, but I can take NJ
such affront as that redskin slung in m,
teeth"
enough on that score. I'll hear you
story tomorrow, when you're botf
cooled down. Now go to your quarters
and for the rest Of this day keep ava.
from three things-Crow Knife, iquo
and, 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 a
least" he muttered.
"You are not fit to be seen by tn
eyes of gently nurtured women, Graice
Your face is bloated, your eyes inflam
ed, your whole carriage tells of tn
havoc liquor plays. You may as wei
know that the sight of you was shoe
to our guest, Mrs. Farrar, and l suspec
that you could tell what it was that S
startled Mrs. Daunton.'
II don't know any SUCH bega
the soldier in the same surly tone, bu
, Leale uplifted his hand.
"The less you say when you bee
drinking, my man, the less you're like
~ to fall into further trouble. You G
no more to the assembly room today
because I forbid. Do you understand!
GIVE got rights to go there. Aye, {
where my betters cannot co." burst j
Graice in sudden fury, but the insta1
his eyes met those of his captain tt
words died on his lips and the red liz
dropped.
, "You have said more than enough
SIR" sternly answered Leale Thel
turning sharply to a little knot of mol
: commissioned officers who at the ba
rack steps were curiously watching tt
3 scene, he called, Sergeant Roe!" ar
q young soldier in natty uniform can
springing forward, and, hating close
hand, stood at the salute.
Il leave this man in your charg
He is for guard, believe. Set him
: work at his kit and see that he is
!. proper trim-in every way-for tomo