The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1897-08-12
VII.

turned, and barely IL when he again
set forth. This time 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had long been replaced by Mr."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 Lambert 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-
tion 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
his tent, leaving Lambert standing in
some embarrassment and chagrin out
side. Looking to see If his strong box
is all safe" whispered the first SER
geant, as he came up. "It's under the
boards-under his cot-and he never
lets anybody come in, not even the MIR
shall"
1t 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.
well go to your tent, sergeant" he
said. "Your desk is handler. How've
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.
~ had been told should find some
splendid old oaks among the rank and
file," hazarded Lambert. after pause,
and thinking his commando should
give some directions in the case.
"Old oaks? Old soaks. most lilSe,"
was the disdainful answer Specie
ly 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 bain't hurt 'em no
more'n If they were cast iron. Better
keep q guard over the mules while
Tn away, sergeant--or. rather, lieu-
tenant; you see, amt use to havin'
anybody 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
sixty-fve dollars for transportation of
a servant, sir; / brought no servant
with me-"
whats the difference? The law
lows it. Every officers entitled to a
servant, And if he does his own wor1.
he's entitled to what the servant would
get. You didn't black your boots on
the way, did you? You had a servant
do it. He was with you on the train
porter OF the sleeping-car, wasn't he?
I never go in the durn things myself,
but you did, I'll warrant. Well, you
paid him out of your pocket, every
time you changed cars or boat"
THAT may be, sir: but can't sign
any such claim as sixty dollars for
transportation of servant when l paid
no such sum-"
.Then how're you 30 get your money
back ?-the dimes and dollars you've
given to porters and walters on the
way? Every officer know would sign
that certificate without question, and
every quartermaster would pay it.
Capt. Warren came with you to head
quarters, at least. What d'you bet he
hasn't drawn servants transportation
You think it over, lieutenant. There's
no sense in you robbin' yourself this
way. Write down to barracks 4 you
like, and see what they say at head
quarters. They'll tell you just what
! do"
'I'll sign the accounts without that,
and get the mileage for myself" said
Lambert. II need the money. Then
IL it's allowable and proper l can col
lect for servant later"
"Not much you can't. There's where
you show your ignorance. Then the
government would make you fight ten
years for ii, even il you'd brought a
servant with you. The way is to get
Il first and let them stop 1t if it's wrong.
But here, ! can't fool away time ar
gum simple thing like that. I've got
TO be miles away before midnight, and,
no matter who comes and inquiries,
you don't know where we've gone. Now
you won't need any commissary funds
or anything while I'm away. just
pay cash and take receipts II you buy
vegetables for the company"