Daily camera., 1897-01-25
The DAILY CAMERA.

thin. sensitive lips qu1verlng Just a
trifle ct the dropping corners of her
irmly-set, almost colorless mou4. In
front Of Ger, his brown head barred. his
burly form nearly concealed in his light
blue overcoat, an almost pleading
look in his soft brown eyes, was Close.
the hero of score of battles. On his
right, folded and Misunderstanding
documents extended in an unsteady
hand, also with uncovered head, stood
Parmelee, representing the majesty of
the law. To the left of the commander
and pace retired, buttoned to the
throat in the uniform of his rank and
girt with sash and belt, stood young
Lambert, obedient to orders. Behind
them, and almost at the top of the steps,
armed and equipped, a sergeant and Two
soldiers of the guard. Back, fart her
down the steps, still others were
grouped, the fixed bayonets cleaning
in the light of the two lamps, one held
by the amazed woman at the threshold,
the other swinging from the gloved
hand of the sergeant of the guard.
''What you say, sir, is absurd-impos-
sible. At no time, under no circum-
stances" Mrs. Walton was saving,
could the gentleman you name be Sc
creted in that room"
Madam" replied Close, his deep
voice trembling, nobody can feel more
sorry about this than l do. I'd rather
go through the whole war over again
than be here on such an errand to-
night, but-a soldier must obey his or
ders. l saw him, madam, at that " in
dow These gentlemen saw
Gentlemen! Gentlemen, sir, never
would connive tsuch an outrage. That
is my daughters room-Miss Esther
Walton's"
Dead silence for moment, solemn
and impressive indeed, for Close TUNED
helplessly to the supporters -son his
right, unable to face such majesty of
confidence and conviction, unable to
say the words that could sound only
like insult intensified. Itwas i'armelce
whose sense OF duty rose superior to
exalted sentiment
MADAM" he began, stepping for
ward, these papers are full warrant
for my action. l know two men to be
seoreted here. I, too, saw one at that
window. and the law must take its
course"
"Stop!" she cried. 81 have said that
was my daughters room. One cf your
party, at least, has the appeaI&nce Of
gentleman. Lieut.. Lamhr t, is it
possible that you-that any graduate
of West Point-can stand here ard per
nit such outrage as this? We III you
allow your sisters room to be s. lrched
for-oh, my God! nothing we have had
to bear was comparable to this. I give
you my word of honor no such man is,
or has been"
But she got no further. Out from the
dark hallway,rw bounding step, tnll,
slender and athletic, sprang a young
fellow with the warning cry: Mother!
not another word" -.-..
She strove to check him as he pushed
his impetuous way past her. With a
wall of anguish unspeakable she threw.
aside her cane and seized him by the
arm. Down went the candle sputter-
ing to the floor. "Floyd-Floyd! Oh.
my boy, what have, you done?' she
moaned, and bowed her gray head upon
the broad young shoulder.
And then, with just a touch of the
melodramatic in his bearing, the youth
fo1 Ioul ctoOl hofnra
the astonished group of officials.
81 reckon, gentlemen, I'm the man
you want"
Close looked at him in bewilderment,
then turned to Parmelee, whose face,
whether through fear or excitement,
was twitching nervously, and who
stood staring blanlsly at the stranger.
From the hallway came creeping hur-
riedly forth a girlish form, misery in
the streaming eyes and disheveled hair,
and Katherine Walton threw herself
upon her brothers arm, sobbing con-
vulsively. Hush, Kate" he whispered,
in almost stern reproach. "Hush, child
Go back to your room;" and though
now he EMBODIED his mother in the en-
brace of his left arm. he strove to free
the right. But Katherine would not go.
And still, though here apparently was
the sought-for prisoner, no man stepped
forward to claim him, Officers and men,
the nocturnal visitors looked blankly at
one another, at the stricken group upon
the threshold, and were silent. Then
with sudden gesture, as though he
could no longer bear the strain, the
young man broke loose from kath-
crimes clinging arms, and, gently un-
clasping his mothers hands, once again
addressed himself to Close:
81 say, sub, I reckon you've come
for me. I'm ready togo with you at
once"
And then, with wonder and relief in
their faces, with sudden check to sobs
and tears, mother and sister lifted up
their heads and stared at the embar-
rassed officer. Lambert gave vent to an
audible gasp of delight, for Close, turn
ing slowly upon the silent and aston
ished deputy, and with world of sup
pressed wrath in his deep tones, growled