The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1896-12-12

use IL I'm his favor. He had made his
late appointment plea for withhold
ing any present efforts TO assist him.
He even avoided the Boompointers'
house, in what he believed was partly
a duty to the memory of his wife. But
he saw NO Inconsistencies in occasional
ly extending his lonely walks To the
vicinity of a foreign legation. or in be-
ing lifted with a certain expectation at
the sight of its liveries on the avenue.
There was a craving for sympathy in
his heart, which Miss Faulkner's let
ter had awakened.
Meantime he had reported himself for
duty at the war department, with little
hope, however. in that formality. But
he was surprised the next day when
the chief of the bureau informed him
that his claim was before the presi-
dent.
81 was not aware that had present
ed any claim" he said little haugh-
tily.
The bureau chief looked up with
some surprise. This quiet, patient re-
served man had once or twice puzzled
him before. Perhaps / should say
case general" he said. drily. But
the personal interest OF the highest
executive In the land strikes me as be-
ing desirable in anything"
II only mean that have obeycd the
orders of the department in reporting
myself here, now and BEFORE" said
Brant, with less feeling, but none the
less firmness, land should imagine IL
was not the duty of n soldier to ques-
ton them, which fancy claim or n
case would imply"
He had no idea of taking this atti-
tude before, but the disappointmentso OF
the past month, added TO this first Off
cal notice of his disgrace, had brought
forward again that logged. reckless.
was part of his nature.
The official smiled. ~ suppose, then,
you are waiting TO hear from the presi-
dent" he said. drily.
II am waiting orders from the de-
partmeEt," returned Brant quietly,
'but whether they originate in the
president or commander in chief, or
not, it does not seem for me to inquire"
Even when he reached his hotel this
half savage indifference which had
taken the place of his former incerti-
tude had not changed. Ii seemed TO
him that he had reached the crisis of
his life where he was no longer re-
sponsible, but could wait superior alike
to effort or expectation. And IL was
with a merely dispassionate curiosity
that he found note the next morning
from the presidents private secretary
informing him that the president
would see him early that day.
A few hours later he was ushcred
through the public room of the white
house to more secluded part OF the
household. The messenger stopped be-
fore n modest door and knocked. 1t
was opened by tall figure. The presi-
dent himself. He reached out long
arm TO Brant, who took il hesitatingly
on the threshold, grnsped his hand and
led him into the room. 1t had single,
large, deliberately draped window, and
magnificent medallion carpet, which
contrasted with the otherwise almost
appalling simplicity of the furniture. A
single, plain, angular desk, with blot
ting pad and few sheets of large fools
cap paper upon IL, n waste paper
basket, and four plain armchairs, COM
pletcd the interior, with n contrast as
simple and homely as its long-limbed
black-coated occupant. Releasing the
hand of the general to shut the door,
which opened into another apartment,
the president showed an armchair to-
words Brant and sank somewhat wear
lily into another before the desk. But
only for moment; the long, stumbling
limbs did not seem to adjust themselves
easily 10 the chair; the high, narrow
shoulders dropped to find n more com
Portable lounging attitude, shifted from
side TO side, and the long legs moved
dispcrsedly. Yet the face that was
turned toward Brant was humorous
and tranquil.
81 was told I would have 10 send for
you il | wished to see YOU" he said,
smilingly.
Already Modified. and perhaps again
falling under the previous influences of
this singular man, Brant began some
what hesitatingly TO explain.
You don't understand. IL was some
thing new to my experience here to find
mn able-bodied American citizen with
genuine healthy grievance who had TO
have IL drawn from him like decayed
tooth. But you have been here before.
l seem TO remember your face"
Brant's reserve had gone. He nd
mitted that he had twice sought an au-
dicnce-but-
You lodged the dentistl That was
wrong" As Brant made n slight move
ment of depreciation the president con.
tinued: II understand: not from the
fear OF giving pain TO yourself. but 20
others. don't know that that is right,
either. A certain amount of pain must
be suffered in this world. even by ones
enmies. Well. have looked into your
case, Gen. Brant." lie took up piece
of paper from his desk, scrawled with