The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1896-12-15
CHAPTER xL.

ing DICK from tne column with later
news. Almost as soon as the command
had disappeared from view Mrs Farrar
had gone homo, Helen, Ellis Kitty and
Will in close attendance, and there they
wero presently Joined by Aunt Lucrotia,
whose volubility even calamity seemed
powerlcss to check, and then, to tho re-
lief Of all the women, Captain Leale
knocked and was promptly admitted.
II am in search of my right hand
man" said he, with his bright, cordial
smile. "Thoy toll me ho is playing
Achilles and sulking in his tont, but
have work for him to do" and then
once more did Kitty look remonstrance,
for she could form no idea Of work for
him that did not involve deprivation for
her.
"You are not going to send Mr.. Far
rar away after ALL" sho began, but
Lcalo laughingly checked her.
"Far from it," said he. "I need him
at tho guardhouso and mean to put him
In charge OF tho prisoners when thoy
como in. Tho chances arc that tho
colonel will havo to arrest not few of
those fellows, and he'll do it in the in
terest Of peace and good order, despite
the fact that he has no warrant Are
You ready, sir?"
"I'm ready and willing to do any
duty, Captain Leale," answered Will
ruefully. "But was the first to volun-
teer for that courier ride to Big Road,
and think the colonel ought to have
given it to me. I'll be officer Of the
guard tomorrow anyhow, and would
just as lief begin now. Shall I como at
once?"
eyes, 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 the
guard. Iwant the sentrics on the north
and east bluffs instructed to listen for
all sounds from tho east and to keep
close watch on that plant Of Bunko
Jim's. Watch every movement in that
rowdy town over yonder, though I be-
lieve most Of tho populaco has already
ridden away at the bidding CT the SO
called cowboy king" "
Will bent over and kissed his moth
er's forehead. "I'll get my sword and
60 at once said he, "and I'll be back
us soon as I've made the rounds of the
second relief. L suppose nobody here
means to turn in for an hour yet. We
ought to havo nows Of some kind before
midnight. With that ho quickly left
the littlo parlor and, vaulting the low
fence, let himself in at his own door in
the adjoining bachelor roost. Mrs.
Daunton, who had been occupying her
self close to Mrs. Farrar, presently arose
and stepped into the hallway, took
heavy wrap and noiselessly quilted the
house. Surprised, Captain Leale looked
about him for al explanation. Ellis had
drawn aside the curtain and with pale,
set face was gazing flxedly out upon tho
parade. Kitty looked bewildcred. 1t
was Mrs Farrar who spoke.
'"This has been trying day for Helen.
She Is not strong, fear, and tonight
she Is SO nervous and unstrung that she
seems to shrink from company or con-
yersation. have never known her so
distracted. l fancy she wants to be
alone few minutes and to take the
fresh air on the gallery" Ellis moved
impatiently, but said not word. She
could see that so far from having stopped
hastened through the gate, and, turning
to Wills quarters next door, was there
awaiting his reappearance. The boy
came out In moment, his sword at his
side and wrapping his cloak about him,
and stopped short in evident surprise at
sight Of Mrs. Daunton.
Ellis we'll understood the purport Of
the conversation that ensued, though
she could hear no word. Will searched
one pocket after another, then ran back
into the house, camo forth again in
less than o minute. handed Square,
white envelope to Mrs. Daunton, and,
raising his forage cap in farewell, has.
tened away across the parade. Ashamed
Of her espionage. yet fascinated, Ellis
fingered at the 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
OrmsbyI Ellis dropped the curtain and
turned away. She cared to see no more.
Over at the guardhouse the second re-
lief was being formed as Farrar reached
the spot--seven soldiers In their fur
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. 6 and z are cautioned to
keep sharp lookout and to listen at
tentively for anything at the eastward.
In the event of any unusual sight or
sound, call for the corporal at once. Who
Is No 62'
"Graico, SIR" said tho corporal.
The young officers face darkened a
bit. Ho had no trust in tho man what
ever and knew we'll his evil reputation
"Graice," said he, "you have double
functions tonight. You have not only
the same orders as Nos. @ and 7, but
the commanding officer directs that you
keep special watch over the settle
ment across the river, particularly on
the plant OF Bunko Jim. 1 believe you
know it,.
"Therc are plenty of others that know
it as we'll, twas the surly and uneApoct-
ed answer.
"That will do, sir, was the stern
rojoinder. lyon wero asked no quos
tions and will keep silent until you are
Do you understand your instructions"
III am not deaf, " was tho sullen re
sponse.
ANSWER my question, Graice," sale
Will tinplfnR with indipnation but