The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1897-09-03
GhPThIN CLOSE
BY CAPTAIN CHARLES KING.
lCopyright. 1894. by B Lppincott Col
N,-CoNTNUED.

what Close did with his money. A sol
der servant made up his room and
BACKED his boots; a company laundress
washed the very few items sent to her
each week. and declared that the cap
tain stopped the price of two pairs of
gloves out of her wages because she
wore the thumb off one of them scrub
bling the dirt off the other. He never
went to theater. opera, or other diver
sion; never took part in any of the
gayeties of the garrison; never sub
scribed for a newspaper or magazine,
but was always on hand to get first look
at those service journals which were
intended for the post library. He
smoked an old black brier-root pipe,
which he charged with commissary plug
tobacco, preferring it to all others. He
chewed tobacco-navy plug-and did
not care who knew it. He shaved HIM
self, and when his hair needed trimming
it was done by the company barber.
He had no bills. He would be neither
borrower nor-well, there was some talk
about his lending money on unimpeach-
able security and usurious interest. but
to those officers who applied, either in
jest or earnest, he said he never had
cent to lend and wouldn't lend it if he
had.
Then what on earth did Close do with
his money?
Much of this was told to Lambert in
New Orleans. More of it he learned
later. On this particular day he was
destined to have another peep into the
pecularities of this most unusual char
acter.
He had walked perhaps half mile.
revolving these matters in his mind
and keeping occasional lookout for Par
meiee's (Which was evidently further
away than he had been led to suppose),
when he heard some one shouting after
him. 1t was a soldier, running hard.
and in a moment Lambert recognized in
him the affable corporal who was the
first to receive him that morning. This
time the corporal saluted las he came,
painting, to.a halt. Possibly Sergt.
Burns had been giving the company
pointer"
did anybody pass you, lieutenant
anybody on horseback"
NO" answered Lambert, wondering
what now might be coming.
well. cap says-er rather-the cap
tain wants you to come back. Didn't
nobody go along here a-horseback
And the corporal was evidently per-
picked as we'll as nearly breathless.
by CAD, 1 thought twas takin' chances,
even for the two of us. Two of 'em rode
in an sassed cap right to his face an
were off before q man of US could draw
bead on EN-"
who are they?''
''Some of the very crowd Parme1ee
nabbed last night. They must have cut
across at the ford. They've finished
him, / reckon, for one of 'em was ridin'
Lis horse"
In ten minutes Lambert was back at
camp, where all was hustle and sup
pressed excitement. Close was seated
at his tent. smoking imperturhably, and
listening to the tremulous words of a
tall, sallow civilian who was leaning
against the shoulder of a painting mule.
Mcbride, rifle in hand and equipped for
field service, was closely inspecting the
kit and cartridge boxes of squad of a
dozen men already formed.
Lieutenant" said Close, Tive got to
county Jail. How soon can you get
ready?"
Lambert felt a sudden odd, choky SEN
sation at the throat, and was conscious
that his knees were tremulous. 1t was
his first call. mind you. and it was sud-
den and vague. The symptoms made
him furious.
I'm ready now he sa I'd reaching for
his handsome sash and belt. and disap-
pearing an instant within his tent door.
Amt you got some ord-nery things?
You don't want to wear such trappin's
as them. I've got a sash an belt an
sword here plenty good enough; and
you can have 'em for half what they
cost
Il prefer using these, captain saio
L ambert.
Why, you may not get back in :,
week." persisted Close. There's no
tellin' where those fellows have run to.
You ought to have some suitable clothes
for this sort O. work-like mine
I've got something different. but
thought we were needed AT once
$50 you be. 'cordin' to what this gen
tleman says. 1t looks like they must
have stirred up quite a row; but you
needn't worry. There'll be no trouble
once they see the regulars. and if there
should be. you've got me an the hull
company to draw on" And Closes
face fairly frightened up for the min
ute. There's your squad ready.
Parm'lee'll tell you what lie wants done.
Reck'lect. if there's any trouble you
draw on me-"
Il shall need some morcy. I'm afraid,
if we're gone any time. That's the first
thing I'll have to draw for"
:. Closes countenance fell. Ten dol
lars ought to be 'nuff for you anywhere
here. i could get along with fifty
cents" said he, slowly. Suddenly he
frightened up again
Just sit down an makeout them mile.
age accounts C yours. Here. sergeant.
you and this gentleman go on with the
squad. Take the county road. The
lieutenant'll overtake you. Sit right |
down over there in Sergt. Burns tent.
lieutenant; he's got all the blanks and |
things. Never made out a mileage ac-
count? Here. I'll show YOU"
And while Close slowly began his cal |
culations. the squad under Sergt. Nc |
Bride tramped cut upon the dusty red |