The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1897-01-14
(CoNTINUED.)

''Far from it, said he L need him
at the guardhouse and mean to put him
in charge of the prisoners when they
come in. The chances are that the
colonel will have to arrest not few of
those fellows, and he'll do it in the in
terest Of peace and good order, despite
the fact that he has no warrant. Are
you ready, sir?"
''I'm ready and willing to do any
duty, Captain Leale, answered Will
ruefully. "But was the first to volun-
teer for that courier ride to Big Road.
and I think the colonel ought to have
given it to me. I'll be officer of the
guard tomorrow anyhow, and would
just as lief begin now. Shall I come at
once?o
eyes, the second relief goes on in a
few minutes, and you would better in
spect them. Everything is started right.
You have a capital sergeant Of the
guard. want the sentries on the north
and east bluffs instructed to listen for
all sounds from the east and to keep a
close watch on that plant of Bunko
Jim's. Watch every movement in that
rowdy town over yonder, though I be-
lieve most Of the populace has already
ridden away at the bidding of the SO
called cowboy king
Will bent over and kissed his moth
er's forehead. "I'll get my sword and
go at once,' said he, 'sand I'll be back
as soon as I've made the rounds of the
second relief. suppose nobody here
means to turn in for an hour yet. We
ought to have news of some kind before
midnight. With that he quickly left
the little parlor and, vaulting the low
fence, let himself in at his own door in
the adjoining bachelor roost. Mrs.
Daunton, who had been occupying her.
self close to Mrs. Farrar, presently arose
and stepped into the hallway, took a
heavy wrap and noiselessly quilted the
house. Surprised, Captain Leale looked
about him for an explanation. Ellis had
drawn aside the curtain and with pale,
set face was gazing fixedly out upon the
parade. Kitty looked cbewildered. It
was Mrs. Farrar who spoke.
"This has been a trying day for Helen.
She is not strong, fear, and tonight
she,is SO nervous and unstrung that she
seems to shrink from company or con-
versation. I have never known her so
distracted. I fancy she wants to be
alone few minutes and to take the
fresh air on the gallery" Ellis moved
impatiently, but said not word. She
could see that, SO far from having stopped
on the gallery, Helen Daunton had
fastened through the gate, and, turning
to Willis quarters next door, was there
awaiting his temperance. The boy
came out in moment, his sword at his
side and wrapping his cloak about him,
sight of Mrs. Daunton.
Ellis we'll understood the purport Of
the conversation that ensued, though
che could hear no word. Will searched
one pocket after another, then ran back
into the house, came forth again in
white envelope to Mrs. Daunton. and,
raising his forage cap in farewell, has
tened away across the parade. Ashamed
of her espionage. yet fascinated, Ellis
fingered at the window and saw Helen
tear open the envelope and draw forth
q little packet or roll, which she closely
inspected and rapidly counted over.
Money! Treasury notes beyond ques-
ton! Money, and paid her by Jack
Ormsby! Ellis dropped the curtain and
turned away. She cared to see no more.
Over at the guardhouse the second re-
lief was being formed as Farrar reached
the spot-seven soldiers in their fur
caps and gloves and heavy winter over
coats and arctics. The corporal had just
reported them all present, and the lieu
tenant quickly yet closely inspected
their equipment, then stepped to the
front again.
Gin addition to the usual orders, >
said he, "Nos. 6 and are cautioned tt
keep sharp lookout and to listen at
tentively for anythinr at the eastward
In the event of any 1nusual sight O
sound, call for the corporal at once. VIII,
is No. 5?''
"Graice, sir, /" said the corporal.
The young officers face darkened ,
bit. He had no trust in the man what
ever and knew we'll his evil reputation
"Graice," said he, ''you have doubl
functions tonight. You have not onl..
the same orders as Nos and z, bu
the commanding officer directs that yo1
keep special watch over the settle
ment across the river, particularly Q
the plant of Bunko Jim. I believe yo
know it. y
! ''There are plenty of others that know
it as welk" was the surly and unexpect
ed answer.
| 'That will do, sir" was the ster
rejoinder. ''You were asked no ques
tions and will keep silent until you are
Do you understand your instructions?'
81 am not deaf was the sullen r.
spouse.
| ANSWER my question, Graice," sal
Will, tingling with Indignation, BIT
keeping his temper. There was mt
ment's silence, then
81 s'pose do.
There appears to be some doub
however, said Farrar coolly. ssPo
your relief. corporal, and we will loo
l ut Hoo