Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-04-22

looking. As for his fellow officers, they
found that, in spite Of his apparent deli
cacy, owen could do fairly we'll all things
that they did. He rode, shot danced. box
ed, played poker or billiards with that de-
cent average success which excites neither
contempt nor jealousy. He never drank,
and was methodical in his duties. so that
his colonel thought we'll of him, a man
who in time would make a model regimen
tai quartermaster or fill some such place,
where rivers Were never expected to be set
on fire.
But Spud writing home in these days
to his old father, a saloon keeper in the
dearly loved ward, grew mendaciously
heroic in his descriptions of Sammys sue
cesses. Hes an honor to US all, said Spud,
and We'll be prouder of him some day
even than of his father. L hear old owen s
TO go to the Senate. He may be President
yet, and Samll be a general in time, if the
saints allow a war. Horray for the old
/ ward It's men we breed there"
| Spud grinned sardonically as he wrote,
| but how proud old Murphy was to show
| that letter across the bar to his ancient
/ chum. the member from the district! Owen,
| senior, blew his nose violently when he
read it and Strengthened up like young
/ Ster. He slipped a SO bill in an envelope,
/ with an encouraging line to Spud suggest
| ing that his pull in Washington might do
| something for an old friends son. Spud
| spent the money honorably with the boys
I across the post traders bar, but asked Tor
| no help through Washington.
| Twill break the old mans heart,
! thought he, when the truths known
Little DR.. May, who was known to officers
| and men alike, so Immediately appropriate
| was the nickname. as the kid" was then
| the contract surgeon, or citizen doctor,
attached to the post. He was smoking his
| last pipe before turning in, one night, when
| a knock came to the outer door of his quar-
| tiers. Opening it, the light of the lamp fell
upon Spud Murphy's face.
Doctor" said the dog robber quietly,
| Lieut.. Owens almighty bad. VIII ye come
| and see himf"
The Kid put away the lamp, asked some
| questions, put a few things in his pockets,
| and stepped off to Owens quarters at the
| end of the row, somewhat isolated from the
! rest. Owen had the house all to himself
Spud followed five PAGES behind, as was
! seemly. At the house he gained on the
doctor, and spoke hesitatingly.
| Doctor, yen soon see for yourself, and
it's TO use lying about 1t. lift it's not
against the rules and regulations, Will ye
| keep ii to yourself? It's drink"
| Dr. May whrled on his heel and stared al
| thu man No one had ever seen Lieut.
| Owen drink. He whirled again and en-
tered, and Spud Murphy followed him.
On the edge of the bed sat the unhappy
young officer. shaking horribly, while grea
drops of perspiration trickled down his
cheek. His face was ashen His eyes were
full of ptiful horror.
Doctor" he cried, tottering to the Kid
save me! For Gods sake, save mer'
| The Clean-shaven, plump rosness of thu
KIDS cheeks were in strong contrast to thu
gray leanness of owens. As great was the
| difference between his cool firmness ant
Owens horrible unstrung condition.
| Get back into bed said the doctor "ant
tell me what all this is about
Then followed a wretched, CHASTITY scene
as the young officer. with shaking voic
and weak tears, chartered incoherently. H
told of his last year at West Point, wher
the vice had got hold firmly of him; how h
had escaped detection marvelously, ant
! how, when on his leave, after graduation
he had let himself go. He had hoped tn
new life on the plains would help him t
the hopeless, lonely fight in the bachelor
| quarters.
He kept on crying-"Save me- doctor
| save me-!
The doctor spoke to Spud, who stood OF
in the shadows, watching Owen with
curious mingling on his broad face of pity
sorrow, contempt and shame.
Had he been like this before?' the XII
asked.
Twice" said Spud. Not so bad but Nv
, | had the worst time keeping it dark. To
night l was sure he was ausgespieled, SO
gives thu thing up and goes for you, see ?
, | Suddenly the man in the bed rosa up wit
: | a screech, his eyes rejecting horror. Ir
| stantly Spud pounced on him, and clappe
| a hand on his mouth, that the sound Nigh
, | not penetrate unfriendly ears. He and til
D | Kid held the maniac down until the pal
I | oAysm passed. Then May took a syring
e | from his pocket, filled and barred his pc
e TENTS arm.
. Murphy" he said, after q while, whe