Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1897-09-04
CAPTAIN CLOSE
BY CAPTAIN CHARLES KING.
copyright. 1904. BY J. B. Lippineo.s Col
X-CoNTINUEp.


Then, simply raising his forage cap, he
whirled about and left.
The boy was thinking of his own
mother when he tripped SO lightly up
that worn old gravel path on his way
to inquire how he could be OF service
to one whose dignity and sorrow and
suffering had so impressed him. He had
donned his best uniform for the mis-
sion, and little dreamed how in SO do
ing he had rendered himself much the
more persona non grata. lie, who could
not war upon women and children I'M
der any circumstances, had not begun
TO learn how bitterly the recent war
had borne upon the women OF the south,
on how, even so long after, they suffered
from its effects. He had gone to offer
the aid and protection Of loyal heart
and strong arm, and had not realized
that IL was the very last succora Walton
would seek, SO long as both heart and
arm were draped by the union blue.
Not ten minutes after his return, cis-
comflted and dismayed, there rode up
the muddy, red bridlepath-fcr II was
little more-a broad-faced young fellow
who was attired in the clumsiest OF
"storc clothing" and whose lean and
long-necked stced looked dcje ction IT.
self MS his vigorous rider disnounred,
slung the reins over the gate post. and,
after one sharp and warning survey OF.
the silent negroes still lowering about,
swung checrily up the walk. To him
the old doors opened wide without
summons. and eager hands were thrust
forth in welcome.
Lambert, hearing the first heavy
drops come humping on his canvas
roof, thought it was the rain tina, so
quickly thinned the group of darkies
ON the road. He could hear the mule
hoofs suffering away through the mud
aa the rain came quicker and faster, but
not until several hours later did further
explanation dawn upon him. Then he
heard Burns and Watts in conversation
nj the first sergnnt's tent.
did you see how the niggers kind o
lit out when he came?' asked Burns.
81 haven't seen him around here since
August. Reckon he knows captains
away. He hates him like poison ever
since cap interfered in that row he had
with Parmelee."
"Looks like pleasant enough fellow.
JIG rather back him than Parmelee my
,iny, IS far as looks 20. What's he doing
here?"
"IIe's some kin to the old lady-thcy're
al related hereabouts-ands she's sent
for him TO come, probably, after last
nights row."
"But they're talking all over the COM
pnny about Murphy's yarn about
there being some relative there some
n,an-last night. You heard it when
he talked TO the lieutenant"
"Oh. yes" answered Burns. evasively,
~ heard what he had to say. but Riggs
shut him up short Us soon rs he was
sober enough TO know what Murphy
wns saying. Wait till Riggs tells his
side Of the story to the lieutenant. Then
perhaps we'll know what brought Mr..
Barton Potts over here"
Lambert was up and at the door OF his
tent in n minute. ibid you say that
Mr.. Barton Potts was Mt the Walton
place now, sergeant?"
"Yes, sir" answered Burns. whirling
about in the mud and promptly salut-
ing.
Then have some man let me Know
when he comes out. ! wish to speak
TO him. And II Riggs is sober enough
now, send hin, here"
Presently, looking moist, blcar-eyed,
and detected, the ex-trooper and SER
geant was marched up through the pat
tering rain, and, with the big drops
trickling down from the visor OF his
old war-pattern forage cap, stood sui
lcnly at the tent OF his young COM
mander. The guarding sentry. after the
fashion prevailing among some OF the
regular infantry ut the time, allowed
his rife to topple forward from the
"carry" into the grasp Of the left hand,
foot or so in front of the right breast,
and with this well-intended effort at
the "rifle salute" Of the COS, Private
Mulligan reported
prisoner Riggs, sorr; to spake to
the lieutenant"
1t was the first time Lambert Ind con-
Quoted an investigation OF the kind, and
he had no precedent to guide him.
riggs" said he, murphy tells me
your going to town last night was ut
the instance of some relative Of Mrs.
Walton's, who asked you to dc them
q service. Was that true?"
1T was, sir"
"Then he will doubtless be glad to
come forward and exonerate YOU, o. at
least explain your conduct in the early
evening. Your later conduct only q
court-martin! can properly consider.
Where is this gentleman"
II don't know, sir"
"What is his name?"
"I-can't tell. sir"
"You know II, do you nct?"
II suppose do, sir, butt can't tell
It."
''In the event of your trial he Is lie
only man who Gun help you, and the re-
port have to make of your miscon-
duct Is most serious. Drunkenness
only nggravntes housebreaking and ut
tempted robbery, as well Us assault"
81 broke no houses, sir, and attempted
no robbery. As for assault, the lady her
self will say meant no barn."
But your own comrade admits he
found you in the cellar entrance ut the
foot Of the steps, on premises you were
forbidden to enter, to all appearances
stealing wine, and he was striving 20
get you away when the noise brought
Mrs. Walton upon you. The case Is
fragrant"
Riggs threw his hands forward In q
despairing gesture, dropped them again