Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1897-07-31
CAPTAIN CLOSE
nv CAPTAIN CHARLES KING,
Ioopyrish. 1894. BY J. D. Lippinco., COL
N.--CoNTINUED.


gloves out of her wages because sh,
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 tn,
gayeties Of the garrison; never sub
scribed for n newspaper or magazine
but was always on hand to get first lool
at those service journals which were
intended for the post library. Hi
smoked an old black brier-root pipe
which he charged with commissary plug
tobacco, preferring 1t 10 all others. Ii,
chewed tobacco-navy plug-and die
not care who knew it. lie shaved him
self, and when his hair needed trimming
II was done by the company barber
He had no bills. He would be neither
borrower nor-well, there was some tall
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 q
cent to lend and wouldn't lend II IL 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
peculiarities of this most unusual char
acter.
lie had walked perhaps half mile,
revolving these matters in his mind
and keeping occasional lookout for Par
melee's (Which was evidently further
away than he had been led to suppose)
when he heard some one shouting after
him. II was soldier, running hard,
and in moment Lambert recognized in
him the affable corporal who was the
first to receive him that morning. This
time the corporal saluted MS he came,
painting. to q halt. Possibly Scrgt.
Burns had been giving the company n
"pointer."
Ibid anybody pass you, lieutenant
anybody on horseback
"No," answered Lambert, wondering
what now might he coming
"Well. cap says-cr rathcr-the cap
tain wants you to come back. Didn't
nobody go along here a-horsebacls ~
And the corporal was evidently per-
picked rs well as nearly brcathless
by CAD, thought twas tal;in' chances,
even for the two Of us. Two OF 'em rode
In nm cnccnJ ,on WIGHT 20 HE fooo 49,,
were off before man Of us could draw
bead on EN-"
"Who are they?"
"Some Of the very crowd Pormelee
nabbed last night. They must have cut
ncross 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
ut his tent, smoking imperturbably. and
listening to the trcmulous words of n
tall, sallow civilian who was leaning
against the shoulder Of painting mule.
Mcbride, rifle in hand and equipped for
field service, was closely inspecting the
kit and cartridge boxes Of squad Of q
dozen men already formed.
Lieutenant" said Close, "I've got 10
send yon with detachment over to the
county Jail. How soon can you get
ready?"
Lambert felt sudden odd, choly SEN
sation ut the throat, and was conscious
that his knees were trcmulous. 1t was
his first call, mind you, and 1t was sud-
den and vague. The symptoms made
him furious.
I'm ready now," he said. reaching for
his handsome sash and belt, and disap-
pearing an instant within his tent door.
"Ain't you got some ord-nery things?
You don't want TO wear such trappin's
as them. I've got sash an belt an
sword here plenty good enough; and
you can have EN- for half what they
cost"
~ prefer using these, captain" said
J. ambert.
e. "Why, you may not get back in q
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-lilie mine"
1--WE got something different, but !
thought we were needed al once."'
$50 you be. 'cordin' to what this gen.
tleman says. II looks like they must
have stirred up quite row; but you
needn't worry. There'll he no trouble
once they see the regulars, and II there
should be, you've got me an the hull
company 10 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 money. I'm afraid,
II 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 nun for You anywhere
here. ! could get along with fifty |
cents" said he, slowly. Suddenly he
frightened up again
"Just sit bowman make out them mile. |
nge accounts C yours. Here, sergeant,
you and this gentleman go on with the
squad. Take the county road. The
ovcrtake you. Sit right
down over there in Sergt. Burns tent.
lieutenant; he's got NIL the blanks and
things. Never made out q mileage ac-
n Il
And while Close slowly began his cal
rulations. the squad under Sergt. Nc
Bride tramped cut upon the dusty red
road. most Of the men following as
though TO see them around the bend.
while Lambert. vaguely troubled. and
feeling. somehow. that Re ought to be
with his detachment even though his
superior officer called him back. stood
looking anxiously after them.