Daily camera., 1897-01-16

lunohed IN camp at noon, and about.
three o'clock came forth from his tent
buttoned to the throat in his handsome
ly fitting uniform, his forage-cap
cooked jauntily over his righteye, and
a pair of white gloves in his hand. A
soldier slouchiIg across the open space
in front shifted to the opposite hand
the bucket he W as carrying and saluted.
Close surveyed his trim subaltern with
out changing a muscle of his face.
what do they charge you extra for
them buttons?" he finally inquired.
Lambert said he didn't know. They
were on the coat when it came from the
tailor's. Would the captain kindly di-
rect him to Mr.. Parmelee's and permit
him to go thither? The captain gravely
said he need not ask permission just to
leave camp-even the men didn't do
that-and gave him the needed instruc-
tions, winding up by saying: "Gotyou
pistol?" Lambert answered that he
never carried one.
you'll have to, here" said Close, cor
be out of fashion entirely. I amt got
one to lend, but if you've mind to pay
less than cost I've got one that will just
suit you, strap and holster complete"
In five minutes the trade was made, and
Lambert had only eleven dollars left
when he started to hunt up Mr.. Par
melee.
Close watched the erect figure of
the young fellow as he stepped briskly
O. l, = Mid
way across the open space between the
tents half dozen of the men were
sGuatting, in the bright sunshine, pipes
in full blast, engaged in a game of cards
that looked suspciously like draw
poker, gray blanket being outspread
and little piles of white field beans
decorating its outer edge at different
points. Surrounding the players were
perhaps II uozen spectators. In various
costumes more or less soldier ly. At
sight of Mr.. Lambert in his trim frock
coat some of the number faced half
towards him; some, as though en-
barrassed began to edge away. The
gamblers calmly continued their game.
If the young officer had looked as
though he did not notice them, the
chances are that, though he passed
within ten feet of the group, no one
CT the party would, in proper and SOL
dierly style, have noticed him, but Lam
bert had seen enough "slouching" for
one day, and his youthful soul was up
in arms. He looked squarely at 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 sec the coming
officer and became absorbed in the
game. Ten strides and he was opposite
the group and not hand had been
raised in salute, not man was stand
ing attention" Then he halted short,
saying not word, but the two men
nearest knew what was lacking, and
in shamefaced, shambling way.
brought their hands up to the capvisor.
One of these was corporal, and two
other on-commissioned officers We're
among the players. For a moment
there was an embarrassed silence. Then
Lambert spoke-rather quietly, too, for
him:
Corporal, have these men never been
taught the salute and when to use it?.'
sergeant among the players slowly
found his feet. Others seemed to try
tc stink behind their fellows. The
corporal turned red, looked foolish and
only mumbled inarticulately.
what say you, sergeant?" inquired
Lambert.
"Why, yes, SIR" said Scrgt. Mcbride,
uncomfortably. $50 far as I'm con-
cerned, l can honestly say | did not
see the lieutenant coming; but, to tell
the truth, sir. we've got out of ihe habit
of it in the company
"Then all these men who are still
seated here know they should be up
and standing attertion?" asked Lam
bert, as c71!,y as he could, though his
blue eyes Were beginning to flash. He
had heard some titiering among the
pamesters, two more of whom were now
getting up.
'Tes, sir; at least most of them do.
Only, Capt. Close don't ssan2 TO mind,
and
''That'll dol am waiting for you
two," said Lambert. And the two who,