Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-09-28
CHAPTER XI

Ten O'Clock and no one yet came rid
ing back from the column with later
news. Almost as soon as the command
had disappeared fror, view Mrs. Farrar
Ind gone home, He n, Ellis, Kitty and
VIII in close attendance, and there they
were presently joined by Aunt Lucretia.
whose volubility even calamity seemed
powerless to check, and then, to the re-
lief of all the women, Captain Leale
knocked and was promptly admitted
Il am in search Of my right hand
man. said he. with his bright, cordial
smile. They tell me he is playing
Achilles and sulking i'll his tent, but l
have work for him to do" and then
once more did Kitty look rcmonstrance,
for she could form no idea Of work for
him that d not involve deprivation for
her.
"fou arc not going TO send Mr.. Far
rar away after ALL" she began, but
Leale laughingly checked her.
Far from it," said he. II need him
ut the guardhousc and mean to put him
III charge of the prisoners when they
come III. Tho chances are that the
colonel viii have to arrest not u few of
those fellows, and he'll do it i'll the in
terest OF peace and good order. despite
the fact that Inc has no warrant. Are
You ready, sir?"
I'm ready and willing to do any
duty. Captain Lcale," answered Will
rucfully. But was the first to volun-
tcer for that courier ride to- Big Road.
and l think the colonel ought to have
given 1t to me. Ill DO officer Of the
guard tomorrow anyhow. and would
just aS lief begin now. Shall come at
oncc?'
YES, the second relief goes on in "a
few minutes, and you would better in.
spcct them. Everything is started right
You have u capital sergeant Of the
guard. lwant the sentres ON the north
and east bluffs instructed to listen for
all sounds from the east and to keep u
close watch on that plant Of Bunko
Jim's. Watch every movement i'll that
rowdy town over yonder. though I be-
licvo most Of the populacc has already
ridden away at the bidding Of the so
called cowboy king"
Will bent over and kissed his moth
or's forehead. I'm get my sword and
80 az once. said he, land I'll be back
as soon rs I've made the rounds of the
second relief. l suppose nobody here
means to turn in for an hour yet. We
ought to have news Of some kind before
midnight" With that he quickly left
the little rarlor and, vaulting the low
fence. let himself in at his own door in
tho adjoining bachelor roost. Mrs.
Daunton, who had been occupying her.
self close to Mrs. Farrar. presently arose
and stepped into the hallway. took "a
heavy wrap and noisclcssly quilted the
house. Surprised, Captain Lealc looked,
about him for an explanation. Ellis had
drawn aside the curtain and with pale.
set face was gazing fixcdly out upon the
parade. Kitty looked bewildered. II
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-
versation. I have never known her so
distracted. I fancy she wants to be
alone few minutes and to take the
fresh mir on the gallery" Ellis moved
impatiently, but said not word. She
could see that. so far from having stopped
On the gallery, Helen Daunton had
hastened through the gate. and. turning
70 Wills quarters next door. was there
awaiting his temperance. 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 ensucd. though
abe could hear no word. Will searched
one pocket after another. then ran back
into the house, came forth again in
less than . minute. handed u 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 opeu the euvelope aud draw forth