The Delta independent., 1898-10-21

business interests would necessitate his
declining, if indeed there were no other
reasons. General Corliss had rendered
him the position Of aid-de.c camp and
made Billy Ray Of the -th resign to
make way for him. and the moment
Barclay found that out he went to Ray
and told him the whole business was
without his (Barclay's) knowledge and
sooner than displace him he would re-
fuse. ''Yes." said Hodge. ''that's the
way my friend heard it from Ray him.
self. Now. if Barclay could only get Q
detail on McDowell's s staff in California
it would have suited him to a tee. Then
he could have looked after his Nevada
interests and his Wyoming pensioners
too"
Ibid Mr. Hodge know surely about
Mr. Barclay . wealth? Was it all true?"
he was asked.
"Oh. yes. there wasn't doubt Of
it," said Hodge. It was just another Of
those cases where . man had money in
abundance and yet would have given
it all. he added scntimentally, but hero
she uplifted rebukingly her white, slim
hand-or was it warningly, for there
came u quick football on the porch
without? The hall door opened sharply.
letting In gust Of cold night wind.
and. throwing of his cavalry cape. with
its faded yellow lining. Lieutenant
Winn strobe through the hallway into
his little den at the rear.
"You will come and sec me again"
she murmured low while yet the foot
steps resounded; cit has been so-good
to see you-so like old times. Well
have to talk Of other things now. Mr..
Winn doesn't like old times too we'll
But Mr.. Winn never SO much as look
ed in the parlor door until she called to
him. Then, as she saw his face. the
young wife arose with anxiety in her
own.
What is 1t! Where are you going
with your revolver. too. Mr.. Hodge.
dear?''
"Oh-h. beg pardon. Mr.. Hodge! Glad
to see your was Winu's distraught nc
acknowledgements Of the presence Of the
visitor US he extended reluctant hand.
my sergeant can't he found. he went
on hurriedly. "They say he's gone to
FulIer's ranch. and il may be all right,
but the colonel has ordered out patrol
to fetch him back. Don't worry. Laurie
may have to ride out with It,"
And hurricdly be kissed her and
bounded down the stcpa
For moment she stood in tho door
way, the light from tho hall lamp shin
ing on her dusky hair and proud. beau
tiful face. forgetful Of tho man who
stood gazing at her. Then. with shiv-
er, she suddenly turned
''It's the second time that Sergeant
Narsden has been missed in Just this
way when he was most needed. and
it's 50 imprudens. so-and my husband
10 So imprudent, % unsuspicioua Mr..
Hodge," she cried impulsiveIy. "f
you We heard anything or II you do hear
4nything abous him or Mr.. WiDn. BE- .
friend to ms and tell me. won't your
And shess was nothing Hodge would
not have promised, soothing be would
not have told, bot ths doos q shs sd-
Sining quastsp slammed. IN ollcss
tAsne stsidins along the porch common
70 The double sef. and the clank Of -
bss wss heard as he nearcd them.
"WinL gomez" he asked. "Don't
worry, Mrs. wipn. Well oveib haul thas
soosndrel before be can reach the set
slsmeuts unless
''But what IL rong? What has hap
psued. Mr.. Brnyton?" she asked, her
facs white with dread. her heart nut-
tesing.
MY Lord. Mrs. winn. I beg youf
partioni I supposed. Of course. he had
told yoa. Marsdcn's boited. Colonel
RiggA the inspector general. got bsrs
Spu:ghs With Captain Barclay. instca'
q cospi,,g by regular stage Saturday
and Marsien Iis out the moment h'
hard Of their arrival. OF course we
hope winn isn't badly bitten. !"
But her thoughts were Of another
matter nuw. "Captain Barclay" she
faltersd, "he-e? Why, IL heard
"Yea, shouted the yoang officer. as
h went Gathering down the steps.
ssScuse me-I've got TO mount ut
once" ~ m orderly came running mp
n the moment with his horso. Riggs
hss come. pssthaste, only Barclay and
ono man with him besides the driver.
ls's lucky that Friday gang mover got
wind Of H."