The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1896-11-26
CHAPTER VIII.

" illS OIuClIS, ttltt, ltuNlDR MIS- arrSlr
seated in tho slcigh, hurried into tho
building in search of her. It was q
PROSTATE, scnsclcss form he found, close
to the inner door, and only after deal
Of trouble did she revive Greatly
alarmed, Mrs. Farrnr had caused her to
be driven straight home, and there tho
doctor camo and Ellis and ministoring
angels without stint and questioncrs
without number, but meantime Lealo,
With wrathful face, had gono to his
troop quarters and summoned his first
sergeant. GraiCe had not boon with tho
men at dinner, was thnt worthy's rc-
port. lilo was at tho post exchange cat
ing sandwiches and drinking beer ut
that moment, and Lcalc sent for him.
Something had tended to sober the
man, for no camo into the captains
presence, looking sullen, but self DOS
sesscd. 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 12 :8O?"
Walking Off my heat. sir, as tho
captain ulreCtod.
Leale stood closely scanning the swol-
lon face of the soldier. He was always
gravo and deliberate in dealing with
the malcontents Of his command, rarely
speaking in anger and never in tone
indicative Of irritation. Under the can
tain's oalm, steadfast scrutiny Graice
plainly WINGED. His bloodshot eyes
wandered rcstlessly about, and his fill
gers closed and unclosed nervously.
" on have made but an i'll namo for
yourself thus far, my man., ," said Lcale,
land this days work has not added to
your credit. What started the trouble
with Grow Knife?''
"He struck NO." was tho surly an
swer.
"You have been drinking liquor to-
day, Graico, and it is said of you
throughout tho whole troop that when
drinking you arc ugly and III tempered.
have known Grow Knife long time
and never knew him to bo in trouble be-
fore You are the first man OF this COM
mnnd to quarrel with him. Lot it bo
the last time. He bears good nnmo
you have made bad one. Another
thing: You were working there at tho
hall this morning under Corporal Rorke.
What became Of you when tho other
men loft and went to dinncr2"
"I--was thirsty-and went for a
drink, " was tho shifty answer.
event where? You wcro not then at
the post exchange -
Tho soldier turned reddcr, If possible
hitched uneasily, tho bloodshot eyes still
wandering warily about, az though
eager for any light other than that
which burned in the clear, stern gaze Of
his captain. 81 went for drink" " he
repeated, "and I'm not bound to say
where and SO get somo ono elso in
trouble. Pm not without friends here
even If 1 haven't them among my off,
GERS, and can DO truo to those who arc
true to me. "
"Such talk Is buncombc, Graicc, "
said Lcalo coolly, "and you know it.
You will do better to keep clear of
friends who give you liquor. You arc
sober enough to appreciate now what
you hear and what you say. Keep clear
Of 1t, warn you, or 1t will be your
undoing. Are you not for guard?'
II am, sir, and ready to taI,o my
turn whom needed, but l can tako no
such atfront as that redskin slung In my
teeth.'
Enough on that score. I'll hear your
story tomorrow, when you're both
cooled down. Now go to your quarters,
and for tho l.st Of this day keep away
from three things-Crow Knife, liquor
and, understand me- tho assembly hall. -
The sullcn eyes glowed with new an
ger. The man had been drinking just
enough to bo reckless. "I'd like to know
why I'm not considered fit to work at
least, no muttercd.
You are not fit to be seen by the
eyes OF gently nurturcd women, Graicc.
Your face Is bloated, your eyes infam.
ed' your whole carriage tells Of tho
haVoo liquor plays You may as vel
know that the sight Of you was q shocl
10 our guest, Mrs. Farrar, and suspec
that you could tell what it was that SC
startled Mrs. Daunton."
doh't know any auch"--- bega,
the soldier III tho samo surlv tome In
Lealo uplifted his hand. ~
'Iho less you say when yon,vo boo,
drinking, my man, the less you're like
~ to fall into further trouble. Won -,
no moro to tho assembly room today
because forbid. DO you understand; 8,
"1'vo got rights to go thore. Ayo q
where my botters cannot co." burst i,
Graice IN sudden fury, but tho instan
his eyes met those Of his captain thu
words died on his lips and tho red lid
dropped
"You have said moro than enough
Sir, - stornly answered Lcalo. Then
turning sharply to u little knot of non
commissioned officers who at the bar
rack steps were curiously Watching tn
sconc, he called, Sergeant Roe!' an,
ayounG soldier in natty uniform cam
springinR forward, and. haltinR close Il
hand, stood at the salute.
O. leave this man in your charge
He 10 for guard, believe. Set him t.