Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1899-03-18
CHAPTER IX.-CoNTrNUED.

CHAPTER IX.-CoNTrSUED.
There were two restless and unhappy
men at Sedgwick now-gunner and
rooper-Minturn and Whitaker, and.
each at his appropriate stable, man
aged to intercept the troop commander
on the way to his own, each i'm.
Fortunate for tidings of the fair in
valid, each resentful of his indifference
and IMPLYING response. Grafton was
a warm friend where he liked, but. an
unbeliever and cynic where he did not,
and Grafton believed that he had
fathomed Fanny McLane's shallow
nature and secret purpose, and was in
tolerant of her to the verge Of rudeness.
He loved his wife. He mourned the
semi-deception in which she had in
dulged in having, against his wishes.
brought her former friend within her
gates. But now he looked upon Har-
riet as being quite sufficiently punished
and equally willing that Mrs. McLane
should take herself elsewhere. II,
therefore, Merriam should see her and
door refuse to do-that which she de-
manded Of him, Grafton felt that he
might speed his parting guest and re-
lieve not only his own but his fair wife's
shoulders Of heavy load. He was
late reaching stables, q fact burly old
Buxton would be quick to notice and as
quick to rebuke. He had delayed only
q minute or two after the sounding Of
the call, because he wished to have his
interview over and done with. The men
Of his troop were already leading out
as he came in sight Of the long row Of
yellow-washed rookeries that passed
for stables, and II annoyed him to be
hailed on the way, one after another,
by these two admirers Of so much that
he couldn't admire at all. Then, as luck
would have II, the lieutenant-colonel
was the next to accost him and to re-
mark that he was five minutes late,
which wasn't SO, but couldn't be con-
tradicted, and Grafton was gritting his
teeth when he reached his troop. He
was in no mood to talk automatically
with Merriam just then, and knew II,
and was thankful that the lieutenant
was still another stable beyond, when
who should appear, walking rapidly
back from the bank where the horses
were watering, than Merriam himself.
Seeing inquiry In the captains eye, he
stepped quickly toward him.
MY wife isn't feeling ut all WE'LL" he
explained, "and I'm excused in order to
return to her"
"Nothing serious, I hope" said
Grafton. There, at least. was woman
he approved Of.
Nothing that ] can understand, or
the doctor either" said Randy, anxious
". "She hasn't been like herself for
several days, and gets worse instead OF
better. I don't like to be away from
her, although Mrs Hayne Is there u
great deal. bless herl"
"Tm sorry-I'm doubly sorry, Mer-
riam," said Grafton, uncomfortably,
"for was or the point Of asking you
to come over and see Mrs. McLane about
q matter which IL giving her deep
anxiety"
Merriam's face began to darken at
once, but he said no word.
"Randy," continued Grafton, after a
moments embarrassed pause, II know
It's asking q great deal more than /
should care to do were ! in your place,
and wouldn't ask It II I didn't think 1t
might do good for all and do harm to
none. You heard Of her sudden pros
tration the other night?"
"Yes-but-"
"Do you know-have you any idea OF
the cause?" ..
"Not the faintest-Nol ] can't say
that. She got a telegram, l heard"
sShe did, and an answer was demand
ed and I had to read II and reply that
she was Frustrated and couldn't an
swer herself, perhaps for days. Ihave
no right to tell yod what was In the
message, but she seems to need to see
you. She says tomorrow say to-
night"
For q moment no answer came. At
last, with evident effort, Merriam spoke.
IT had promised myself never to see
her alone. It Is due to my wife, II not
TO me. You know the relations that ex-
listed. Now Mrs. Merriam does not
like your guest"
sNeither do T." interrupted Grafton,
stoutly, "and I've an idea she'll 60 after
she's got what-information you can
give her" --...
And now Merriam's face began to lose
its dark look and TO grow suddenly
pale. aDo you mean that this telegram
has made-hns anything to do with her
wish to see me"
Everything. Merriam, according to
ny belief, and II could tell JON what
II said I think you would not refuse
her"
Intentiy Merriam eyed the captains
face Is though burning with sagerness
to rad his fun meaning.
rVsfy wei. win come right after re.
irsSE Surely i've minutes ought to b
rnoufh,p be said at lspgth, and thsr
Vrrl tkopgttiully hunsWsFd.