Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1897-05-27
bert had determined TO investigate the

bert had determined TO investigate the
butter market, however, and time was
not hanging heavily upon his hands
by any means. Throwing q light-blue
overcoat, such as was worn by the rank
and file, over his uniform, he sailed
forth just after nine o'clock, and made
his way around the camp until he
reached the road, and followed it to
the gap among the rose-bushes whence
had rolled the tin pail on the previous
night All was dark and still. Set
ting the pail just within the hedge,
he patiently waited. Presently voices
feminine voices-became family audi
BILE. "Elinor" had evidently been pushed
forward en- reconnaissance, and, after
her recent nerve-racking experiences,
didn't like the detail.
Il tell yo' dey ain no one bout, Mis-
Katie. done felt fur de pail, an 'tain't
day-h," was her protest. At this Lam
bert saw fit to give low whistle. at
sound of which Elinor, with prodigious
rustic of skirts, bolted back towards
the house, and her unseen companion,
after emphatic and scornful reference
to "bawn cosvuds," came hurriedly for
ward. but paused at discreet distance.
You're theh. ah you?" was the semi
assertive, semi-interrogative remark in
disdainful and truculent tone. "Ah
hope you've got that money at last"
For an answer Lambert reached in
and shook the pail. The combination
Of "shnplasters" and small coin within
gave a reassuring rattle. Eagerly the
girl bounded to the hedge. He could
lust discern the slender little form and
the tumbled head of hair as she dropped
the enfolding shawl and stopped to take
the prize-which the unprincipled young
man had by this time cautiously with
drawn. He could hear her eager breath
ing and the patter of her hands among
the rain-laden branches.
"Whuh on earth" (who on earth can
spell the word as real southern girl
says it?) did you hide that pail? Alive
no time TO nawnsense."
Silence moment.
Look hyuh. Mr. Yankeel Ah'm not
accustomed 10 being made fool Of,
n All want that money. Alive hau 10
wait too long already"
A sound as of something shaking in
tin vessel, but further away, towards
broader gap in the dark hedge.
'Ah'm not going up thuh. All told you
twice befoh. You bring that pail back
hyuh" Indignantly. All don't be-
lieve you've gawt the money at
ALL" tentatively. IF you had, no
gentleman would keep me waiting
when we need it so much" Symptoms
of vanishing nerve, and again a tempt
ing rattle). "Ah can't go there [plead-
ingly now). please bring it hyuh, Mr..
Riggs. Brothuh Floyd would be fuyious
if he knew" (pause)-"an' we had such
awful trouble las night-all on ac-
count of some of your rascally-Oh!
whut's that new lieutenant's name?"
Sudden change of theme and tone).
His names Ike" was the response
in hoarse whisper across the dripping
rose bushes.
"Ah don't believe a wuhd you say.
Whut's his real name?'
"Ask Mr.. Potts If his name isn't Ike;
and come and get your money"
"Ah don't have a chance to ask Mr..
Potts anything. They don't allow me
in the pahlor when Mr.. Bahton Potts
comes Ah'm too much OF a child to be
trusted with family secrets, it seems:
though Ah'm not too young to find out
how much we need money.-Whuh's
that pail 2"-suddenly coming down to
business again.
Lambert gave 1t shake, this time
within reach of little hand that darted
in among the bushes and firmly closed
upon his own.
"You let go that paill" was the i'm
perious demand from within.
81 can't-till you let go my hand"
from without
"Ah don't want your hand. All
want
~ didn't offer 1t, but, since you like
1t so much, here's the other" And
through the darkness another hand,
with soft warm palm and long, slender
fingers, closed in upon the hot little paw
straining and tugging at the original
occupant of the handle. Instantly, with
indignant force, the EMBODIED member
was snatched away, and the STOPPING
girl sprang to her feet, wild-eyed and
alarmed.
"Wh' ah you9" she painted. That's
not Sergt. Riggs" A window was sud
denly raised back towards the house;
the mournful toot of q tin horn began.
"Quick! Alive got to go. Roll that pail
through. Why didn't Mr.. Riggs Gomez"
Hes detained-on duty, but it's all
right. Where's the buttermilk?"
Through the trees behind the girl
came Elinor at top speed; one could hear
the rustic rods away. "F' Gawd's sake,
Mis- Katie, come quick. Mis- Walton's
callin'."
But Kate was fumbling for something
in her pocket and bending forward to
The hedge The next instant, with bril-
liant flash, the glare Of parlor match
leaped out one second on the ght and
fell full on :; hing, handsome young
face peering III from under the visor of
an infantry forage cap. One second
only, and down went the match, and
with stifled cry bounded the youngest
daughter Of the household of Walton
even the precious pail forgotten.
Ten minutes later horseman came
galloping up the muddy road and in
quiring for the lieutenant. Lambert
recognized him as one of the deputies
or assistants engaged in Saturdays af-
fair at the jail. He handed folded pa
per to the young officer, and, in low, ex~
cited tones, began some explanatory
comments.
"Wait," said Lambert. Let me read"
Tearing open the paper, by the dim
light of Burns lantern he made out the
following:
Lieut.. Lambert: Post guard at once
around Walton place, so as to prevent any
men from getting in or out. Take half the
company If you need It. I'll be there in half
an hour. CLOSE,
pvt. Capt. Com'd'g."
lro BE Continued
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