Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-12-03
CHAPTER II.

ing back from the column with later
news. Almost - soon 40 the command
had disappeared from view Mira Farrar
had gone home, Helen, Ellis Kitty and
Will 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.
II am In search Of my right hand
man." said he, with his bright cordial
smile. "They tell me he 10 playing
Achilles and sulking in his tent, but I
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" she began, but
Leale laughingly checked her.
Far from it," said he. II need him
at the guardhouse and mean to put him
in charge Of the prisoners when they
come in. The chances are that the
colonel will have to arrest not few Of
those fellows, and he'll do 1t in the In.
terest Of peace and good order, despite
the fact that he has no warrant Are
You ready. STRIP
I'm ready and willing to do any
duty, Captain Leale" answered Will
fuefully. "But I was the first to volun-
teen for that courier ride to Big Road.
and think the colonel ought to have
given 1t to me. I'll be officer Of the
guard tomorrow anyhow, and would
Just a. Lief begin now. Sha" come at
onces''
Eyes, the second relief & y on in .
few minutes, and you would better IN
spect them. Everything is started right.
You have q capital sergeant Of the
guard. Iwant the sentries on the north
and east bluffs instructed to listen for
all sounds from the east and to keep .
close watch on that plant Of Bunko
Jim's. Watch every movement In that
rowdy town over yonder, though l be.
lieve most Of the populace has already
ridden away at the bidding Of the 60
called cowboy king"
WILL UcuG OVeI huu AAbocU AAo uooA.
er's forehead. "I'll get my sword and
20 at once, said he, land III be back
as soon as I've made the rounds Of the
second relief. 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 parlor and, vaulting the low
fence, let himself in at his own door in
the adjoining bachelor roost. MIRA
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 an explanation. Ellis had
drawn aside the curtain and with pale,
set face was gazing fixedly out upon the
parade. Kitty looked bewildered. It
was Mrs. Farrar who spoke.
''This has been a trying day for Helen.
She Is not strong, fear, and tonight
she Is 80 nervous and unstrung that she
seems to shrink from company or con.
versation. I have never known her 10
distracted. 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
on the gallery, Helen Daunton had
hastened through the gate, and, turning
to Wills quarters next door, was there
awaiting his temperance. The boy
came out In q moment. bis sword at his
side and wrapping his cloak about him.
and stopped short In evident surprise at
sight Of Mra 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, came forth again IN
less than q minute, handed a 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
a little packet or roll, which she closely
inspected and rapidly counted over.
Money! Treasury notes beyond ques-
toni 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 ana gloves and heavy winter over.
coats and arotioA The corporal had just
reported them all present, and the lieu.
tenant quickly yet closely inspected
their equipment then stepped to the
front again.
I'm addition to the usual orders."
said he, mos. 6 and 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. 81"
"Graice, sir. said the corporal.
The young officers face darkened q
bit. He had no trust in the 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 z, but
the commanding officer directs that you
keep . special watch over the settle
ment across the river. particularly Of
tho plant Of Bunko Jim. believe you
know 1t.
There are plenty Of others that know