The Advocate and news., 1898-10-26

LO1, 44A9 EbIIoOb DAlbs VI JuO mbAAOhu
war days, Lawrence was believed to
write his generals dispatches and re-
ports, but who now shrank uneaslly out
of his way for fear that he would ask a
favor.
Even Brooks, who liked and had
spoken for him, drew back from the
window when with slow, heavy steps
the sad faced, haggard man came slowly
along the porch. The orderly sprang up
and stood at salute just as adjutant's
call sounded and the band pealed forth
its merry, spirited music For a mo-
ment the newcomer turned and glanced
back over the parade now dotted with
little details all marching out to the
line where stood the sergeant major.
Then he turned, entered the building
and paused with hopeless eyes and pal
lid, careworn features at the office door
way. His old single breasted captains
frock coat, with it's furnished silver
leaves at the shoulders, hung loosely
about his Ghrunken form. The trousers,
with their narrow welt Of yellow at the
seam, looked far too big for him. His
forage cap, still natty in shape, was old
and worn. His chin and cheeks bristled
with stubbly grayish beard. All the
old alert manner was gone. The once
bright eyes were bleary and dull. Neigh
bors said that poor Ned had been drink
ing deep Of the contents Of q demijohn
q sympathetic soul had sent him, and
half an eye could tell that his lip was
tremulous. The colonel arose and held
out his hand.
Come in, Lawrence, old fellow, and
tell me what I can do for you" He
spoke kindly, and Brooks, too, turned
toward the desolate man.
you've done-all you could-both
Of you. God bless you, was the falter-
ing answer. GIVE come to say start
at once. I'm going right to Washington
to have this Strengthened out. want
to thank you, colonel, and you, too,
Brooks, for all your willing help. I'll
try to show my appreciation Of it when
get back. "
"But Ada and little Jim, Lawrence.
Surely they're not ready for that long
journey yet" said Frazier, thinking
sorrowfully Of what his wife had told
him only the day before--that they had
no decent winter clothing to their
names
"It's all right. Old Nanny stays
right here with them. She has taken
care Of them, you know, ever since my
poor wife died. can keep my old quar-
ters a month, can't I?'' he Queried,
with quivering smile. Even If the
order isn't revoked, it would be amonth
or more before any one could come to
take my place. Mrs. Blythe will look
after the children day and night"
Frazier turned appealingly to Brooks,
who shook his head and refused to
speak, and so the colonel had to.
Lawrence, God knows hate to say
one word Of encouragement, but fear
II fear you'd better wait till next
weeks stage and take those poor little
folks with you. I've watched this
thing. l know how dozen good fell
lows, confident as yourself, have gone
ON to Washington and found it all USE
less."
1T can't DO useless, SIR" burst in
the captain impetuously. "Truth is
truth and must prevail. If after all nov
years of service can find no friends in
the war Office, then life is lie and a
sham. Senator Hall writes me that he
will leave no stone unturned. No, colo
mel, / take the stage at noon today.
Will you let Winn ride with me as fax
as Castle Peak? I've got to run down
and see Fuller now. p"
"Winn can go with you, certainly,
but indeed, Lawrence, / shall have to
see you again about this.
"I'll stop on the way back, said
Lawrence nervOusly. "Fuller DrOmised