Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1897-04-29

them buttons?" he finally inquired.
lambert said he didn't know. They
were on the coat when it came from the
tailcr's. Would the captain kindly di-
rect him to Mr.. Parlelee'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
tLat-ard gave him the needed instruc-
tions, winding up by saying: Got your
pistol? ?" Lambert answered that he
never carried one.
You'll have to, here" said Close, cor
be out of fashion entirely. / amt got
one to lend, but if you've q mind 10 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 brisl<ly
away. So did the first sergeant. Mid
way across the open space between the
tents half a dozen of the men were
squatting, in the bright sunshine, pipes
=
that looked suspiciously like draw
poker, a gray blanket being outspread
and little piles of white field beans
decorating its outer edge at different
POINTS. Surrounding the players were
perhaps a dozen spectators, in various
costumes more or less soldieIly. 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.
II 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 n 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 a hand had been
raised in salute, not q 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 n corporal, and tw0
other non-commissioned officers were
among the players. For moment
there was an embarrassed silence. Then
Lambert spoke-rather quietly, too. for
him:
Corporal, have these men never been
fought the salute and when to use it?'
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 inarticulately.
"What say you, sergeant?" inquired
Lambert.
why, yes, sir" said Scrgt. Mcbride,
uncomfortable. $50 far as I'm con-
eerned, I can honestly say l did not
see the lieutenant coming; but, to tell
the truth, sir, we've got out OF the habit
of II 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 flash. He
had heard some tittering among the
gamesters, two more of whom were now
-e0t.izts MP.
"Yes, sir; at least most of them do.
Only, Capt. Close don't seem to mind,
and"
"That'll dol am waiting for you
two" said Lambert. And the two who,