Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1897-07-30
GAPTAlN CLOSE
~ CAPTAIN CHARLES KING.
Copyright, 1894, BY J. B. Lippincott Col

tospyrasht, 1894, BY J. B. Lipptncost Col
VI.-CoNT1NUED.
Again the sound of the cheap and
despised tin. Lambert recalled it as a
necessary concomitant OF the street
bow and straw rides about the Christ
mas holidays, and its summons, he
thought, was never to prayer; it called
for many lively malediction.
''Sena Sergt. Watts, if you think it
advisable" said he, briefly. I'm going
up on the road moment"
Again the blast of the horn, short,
staccato, imperative, and then an i'm
patient, uuerulous voice at the north
end of the porch-a voice calling: you,
Einor! you wuthless black gadabout!
VIII ali you?''
And as Lambert scrambled up the
steep path and reached the road an
other voice, low, tremulous, eager, close
at hand, whispered: 'Oh, I thought
you'dnever come! Hyuh! quick! Leave
the money, shuah, and the pail,
t'maw'ow night
And then, with rustic of feminine
garments, bending low, a slender, girl
islh ssorm shot across the beam of lamp
= light falling from an east window.
Another form, also feminine, scurried
away from the hedgerow and some
thing came rolling out into the road
way, clinking against the stones. There
was sound of voluble reprimand and
fustered explanation at the north end
Of the building, quick, kitten-like pat
ter of little feet up the rickety old steps
In front and in an instant the girlish
torn seemed perched on the window
sill. There a second or two it hovered
motionless, until door slammed
around at the north side of the house.
Then in popped the slender figure, cut
went the light, and but for the sigh and
complaint of the night wind in the rus
Ting branches of the old trees about the
veranda all was silence at Walton hall.
VII.
It WAS after ten when Capt. Close re-
turned, and barely II when he again
set forth. This time a sergeant and
ten picked men went with him, nobody
but Close knew whittier. Il may be
gone two days, lieutenant" said he, in
the laborious use of the title which
among regulars "to the manor born"
had long been replaced by Mr." and
had not Lamber asked for instructions
none probably would have been given.
OF his adventures during the day he
said not word. He brought back the
mule, and that was enough. The first
thing Lambert and Burns knew of his
return was the sound of his voice at
the wagon, informing the guard that
he wanted coffee and something to
eat. Then, paying only vague atten-
ton to Lambert's congratulations on
his safe return, he told Burns to get a
detachment ready at once, then dis
appeared within the dark interior of
mis- tent, leaving Lambert standing in
some embarrassment and chagrin out
side. Looking to see if his strong box
is all eafe," whispered the first SER
keant, as he came up. cts under the
boards-under his cot-and he never
lets anybody come in, not even the MAJ
shal''
It was full five minutes before the
captain reappeared. He struck no light
meantime, but could be heard fumbling
around in the darkness. When he came
forth he had some papers in his hands.
we'll go to your tent, sergeant he
said ''Your desk is handler. HOWE
you got along, lieutenant"
1.-Two men are out, sir; Riggs and
Murphy"
Dam blackguards, both of 'em-
specially Riggs; almost the oldest SOL
der in the company, too," said Close,
wrathfully, seating himself at the desk
and beginning to arrange the papers
for signature.
1T had been told should find some
splendid old oaks among the rank and
fle," haZarded Lambert. after pause,
and thinking his commander should
give some directions in the case.
"Old oaks? Old soaks, most like
was the disdainful answer" special
" Riggs. He come from the cavalry.
Why, I've had them two fellows tied
up by the thumbs three times since
last March; and it hain't hurt 'em no
n,ore'n if they were cast iron. Better
keep q guard over the mules while
I'm away, sergeant-or, rather, lieu
tenant; you see, I amt use to havin'
but the sergeant. Oh! Now
bout them mileage papers O. yourn.
You said not to send 'em. Why not"
you've made out charge of some |
fxty-hve dollars for transportation of |
servant, sir; I brought no servant
pitE me-
whats the difference? The law
ows It. Every officers entitled to a
arvant. And If he does his own work
- entitled to whs. the servant would