The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-06-17
CHAPTER x1.-(CoSr1suun.,

NUMBERS Dy one. MY second lleuIeE-
ant, who was to have joined the ex-
ploring party, has had fall on the
Ice. Judging by what the quartermas-
ter tells me, am afraid the poor fell
low has broken his leg"
II will supply his place." cried a
voice at the other end of the hut.
Everybody looked round. The man
who had spoken so was Richard War
dour.
Crawford instantly interfered-so
vehemently as to astonish all who
heard him.
"No" he said. Not you, Richard,
rot you"
"Why not?" Wardour asked sternly.
"Why not, indeed?" added Captain
Helding. "Wardour is the very man
to be useful on long march. He is in
perfect health, and he is the best shot
among us. was on the point of pro-
posing him myself"
Crawford failed to show his custom
airy respect for his superior officer. He
| openly disputed the captains conclu-
| sions.
"Wardour has no right to volun-
teer," he rejoined. "1t has been set
tied, Captain Helding, that chance
| shall decide who is to SO and who is
| to stay"
card chance has decided it," said
Wardour. do you think we are going
to cast the dee again, and give an Of
ficer of the sea-Mew a chance of re-
placing an officer. CT the Wanderer?
There is vacancy in our party, not
in yours; and we claim the right of
filling it as we please. volunteer,
and my captain backs me. Whose ail-
thcrity is to keep me here after that?"
Gently, Wardour," said Captain
| can afford to speak with moderation"
He turned to Crawford "You must
admit yourself" he continued, that
Wardour is right this time. The miss
ing man belongs to my command, and
in common justice one of my officers
ought to supply his place"
1t waa impossible to dispute the mat
ter further. The dullest man present
could see that the captains reply was
unanswerab!e. In sheer despair, Cray
ford took Franks arm and led him
| aside few eteps. The last chance left
of parting the two men was the chance
of appealing to Frank.
MY dear boy" he began, II want to
say one friendly word to you on the
| subject of your health. I have already.
if you remember, expressed my doubts
whether you are strong enough to
Laake one of an exploring party.
ssel these doubts more strong
| ly Ehat ever at this moment. Will you
take the advice of a friend who wishes
! you well?'
Wardour had followed Crawford.
Wardour roughly interposed before
Frank could interpose.
"Let him alone"'
Crawford paid no heed to the inter
ruption. He was too earnestly bent
on withdrawing Frank from the ezpe-
dition to notice anything that was said
or done by the persons about him.
Don't. pray don't, risk hardships
which you are unfit to bearw he went
on entreatingly. Your place can be
easily filed. Change your mind, Frank.
Stay here with me-
Again Wardour inteTfered. Again he
called out, Leave him alone! more
roughly than ever. Still deaf and blind
to every consideration but one, Cray
ford pressed his entreaties on Frank.
"You owned yourself just now that
you were not we'll seasoned to fatigue, .
he persisted. you feel Gyou must feeD
how weak that last illness has leftyou.
You know u am sure you know how
unfit you are to brave exposure to cold
and long marches over the snow"
Irritated beyond endurance by Cray
fcrd's obstinacy-seeing or thinking he
saw, signs Of yielding in. Franks face
-Wardour so far forgot himself as to
seize Crawford by the arm and attempt
to drag him away from Frank. Cray
ford turned and looked at him.
Richard" he said, very quietly,
you are not yourself. I pity you.
Drop your hand"
Wardour relaxed his hold with some
thing of the sullen submission of
wild animal to it's keeper. The mo-
mentary silence which followed gave
Frank an opportunity Of speaking at
last.
II am gratefully sensible, Crayford,"
he began, "of the interest which you
take in me-" -
"And you will follow my adviee?"
Crawford interposed eagerly.
my mind lis made up, old friend"
Frank answered, firmly and sadly.
Forgive me for disappointing you: I
am appointed to the expedition. With
the expedition co." He moved nearer
to Wardour. In his innocence Of all
suspicion, he clapped wardour heart
lily on the shoulder. when feel the
fatigue. said poor simple Frank; "you
will help me. comrade-wo you?
Z Come a1nnOiO ~ a5S&. 2