The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1897-09-03
.GhPThIN CLOSE
BY CAPTAIN CHARLES KING.
Copyright, 1904, by J. B. Lippincott Col
III.-CoNTNUED.

Lambert looked squarely Mt the two
men nearest him as he rapidly ap-
preached, whereupon one of them nerv-
ously tugged at the sleeve of third.
Others, after one furtive glance. pre-
tended they did not see the coming
officer and became absorbed in the
game. Ten strides and he was opposite
the group and not a hand had been
raised in salute, not man was stand
ing attention. Then he halted short,
saying not a word, but the two men
nearest knew what was lacking, and,
in shamefaced, shambling way,
brought their hands up to the cap visor.
One of these was a corporal, and two
other non-commissioned officers were
among the players. For moment
there was an embarrassed silence. Then
Lambert spoke-rather quietly, too. for
Kim:
| Corporal, have these men never been
taught the salute and when to use 2"
A sergeant among the players slowly
found his feet Others seemed to try
to stink behind their fellows. The
corporal turned red, looked foolish and
only mumbled inarticulate
What say you, sergeant?" inquired
Lambert.
"Why, yes, SIR" said Scrgt Mcbride.
uncomfortably. $50 far as I'm con-
cerned, can honestly say 1 did not
see the lieutenant coming; but, to tell
the truth, sir, we've got out of the habit
of it in the company"
'Then all these men who are still
seated here know they should be up
and standing attention." asked Lam
bert, as coolly as he could, though his
blue eyes were beginning to fash. He
had heard some tittering among the
getting up.
Eyes, sir; at least most of them do.
Only, Capt. Close don't seem to mind,
and
"That'll do am waiting for you
two" said Lambert. And the two who,
hanging their heads, had been 1ittering
into each others faces, finding their
time had come, slowly and awkwardly
found their feet, but not the erect po-
sition of the soldier.
$50 far so good" said Lambert. calm
ly. Now, sergeant, explain the rest
to them, as they seem to be uninstruct-
ed recruits"
There was a general litter at this.
One of the two was an eX-sergeant of
ten years service-one of John Barley
corn's defeated wrestlers. His eyes
snapped with wrath, but he knew the
lieutenant chad the best of him."
Hnonsf II nacaccorv ff mn 70
repeat the lesson" said Lambert, be-
fore moving on; respectfully you, sir"
And the ex-sergeant was plainly the
man indicated.
Up at the end of the row Sergt. Burns
brought his broad palm down on his
thigh with a whack of delight, then
glanced over to see how the captain
took it.
The captain was carefully counting
over the "greenbacks' he had just re-
ceived, and, with these in hand, turned
into the dark recesses of his farther
tent. The episode in front was of minor
Importance.
"You got a rakin' down, Riggs"
laughed some of the men as the lieu
tenant was lost to sight beyond the
wagon, while the victim of his brief
reprimand glowered angrily after him.
Dam young squirt" snarled the fell
low I'll learn him lesson yet"
mo, you won't, Riggs" was the
quick rejoinder of Mcbride. He was
perfectly right, as you ought to have
sense enough to know. I'm glad. for
enc, to see it, for this company has sim
ply been goin' to the dogs for the last
six months"