The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1897-09-02
CRPTAIN CLOSE
BY CAPTAIN CHARLES KING.
Copyright, 1894, by J. B. Lippincctt 90 ]
N.-CoNTINuEp.


The boy was thinking of his own
mother when he tripped so lightly up
that worn old gravel path on his way
10 inquire how he could be of service
to one whose dignity and sorrow and
suffering had so impressed him. He had
donned his best uniform for the mis-
sion, and little dreamed how in so do
ing he had rendered himself much the
more persona non grata. He, who could
not war upon women and children un-
der any circumstances, had not begun
to learn how bitterly the recent war
had borne upon the women of the south,
ur how, even so long after, they suffered
from it's effects. He had gone to offer
the aid and projections of loyal heart
And a strong arm, and had not realized
that itwa the very last succor a Walton
would seek, SO long as both heart and
arm were draped by the union blue.
Not ten minutes after his return, Gis-
comfted and dismayed, there rode up
the muddy, red bridlepath--fcr il was
little more-a broad-faced young fellow
who was attired in the clumsiest Of
''store clothing" and whose lean and
long-necked steed looked detection it.
self as his vigorous rider disnounred,
slung the reins over the gate post, and,
after one sharp and warning survey of
the silent negroes still lowering about,
swung cheerily up the walk. To him
the old doors opened wide without
summons, and eager hands were thrust
forth in welcome.
Lambert, hearing the first heavy
drops come humping on his canvas
roof, thought it was the rain that so
quickly thinned the group of darkies
on the road. He could hear the mule
hoofs sputtering away through the mud
as the rain came quicker and faster, but
not until several hours later did further
explanation dawn upon him. Then he
heard Burns and Watts in conversation
at the first sergant's tent.
Did you see how the niggcrs kind O.
lit out when he Cameo" asked Burns.
81 haven't seen him around here since
August Reckon he knows captains
away. He hates him like poison ever
since cap interfered i'm that row he had
with Parmelee."
Looks like pleasant enough fellow.
Id rather back him than Parmelee :ny
day, IS far as looks go. What's he doing
here?"
Hes some kin to the old lady-they're
all related hereabouts-and she's sent
for him to come probably, after last
nights row."
"But they're talking all over the COM
pany about Murphy's yarn about
there being some relative there some
man--last night. You heard it when
he talked to the lieutenant"
"Oh, yes" answered Burns, evasively,
81 heard what he had to say, but Riggs
shut him up short as soon as he was
sober enough to know what Murphy
was saying. Wait till Riggs tells his
side of the story to the lieutenant. Then
perhaps we'll know what brought Mr.
Barton Potts over here"
Lambert was up and at the door of his
tent in a minute. "Did you say that
Mr.. Barton Potts was at the Walton
place now, sergeant?"
"Yes, sir" answered Burns, whirling
about in the mud and promptly salut'
ing.
"Then have some man let me know
when he comes out. l wish to speak
TO him. And if Riggs is sober enough
now, send him here"
Presently, looking moist, blear-eyed
and detected, the ex-trooper and ser
geant was marched up through the pat
tering rain, and, with the big drops
tricl<ling down from the visor of his
old war-pattern forage cap, stood sui
lonly at the tent of his young com
mander. The guarding sentry, after the
fashion prevailing among some of the
regular infantry at the time, allowed
his rife to topple forward from the
'carry" into the grasp of the left hand
a foot or so in front of the right breast
and with this well-intended effort al
the rifle salute" of the '60's, Private
Mulligan reported
prisoner Riggs, sorr; to spake te
the Lieutenant"
1t was the first time Lambert had con
Quoted an investigation of the kind, an6
lie had no precedent to guide him.
Riggs" said he, "Murphy tells m,
your going to town last night was a
the instance of some relative of Mrs
Walton's, who asked you to do then
service. Was that true?"
1T was, sir"
"Then he will doubtless be glad Il
come forward and exonerate you, OF a
least explain your conduct in the earl.
evening. Your later conduct only ,
court-martia. can properly consider
Where is this gentleman"
II don't know, sir"
what is his nameT
"I-can't tell, sir"
"You know it, do you not?"
II suppose do, sir, butt can't tel
IT,"
''In the event of your trial he is IN
only man who can help you. and the re
port have to make of your miscon
duct is most serious. Drunkenness
only aggravates housebreal<ing and at
tempted robbery, as well as assault"
II broke no houses, sir, and attempted
no robbery. AS for assault, the lady her
self will say meant no harm"
But your own comrade admits h
found you in the cellar entrance at tn
foot of the steps, on premises you wer
forbidden to enter, to all appearance
stealing wine, and he was striving 4
get you away when the noise brough
Mrs. Walton upon you. The case i
fragrant"
Riggs threw his hands forward in