Omaha daily bee., 1899-10-22
Copyright, 1890, by f. Tennyson Neely)
sNnOpsis of Preceding Chnptcrs.


synopsis of Preceding Chapters.
The story opens with a scene in the regi-
mental camp on Preside Heights, over
looking San Francisco harbor, Rumors OF
moving orders to Manila and the arriNai
from New York of lady visitors at head
quarters vary the monotonv OF camp
runaway boy who Is believed 20 nay W.
entered the army and Lieutenant Gray, mo
most popular young officer in his regiimenI, aa
through supposed acquaintance Win one
of the visiting party, Miss Amy Lawrentte'
is enyieq by his fellows the ,,spdr pddr'y,
review on the drill grounds and is disturbed
breaks away from his guards near them,
and by a collision among the carriages
Mrs. Garrison, an old acquaintance Oh
Colonel Armstrong, is hurt. Private Nor
money. He appeals to Lieutenant Gray, of
his fraternity, for help and Gray secures
prepare to saii for Manila. Mrs. Garrison
Joins the Red Cross society and assists at
the embarking, Young Morton and tire, three
other prisoners escape through a tunnel; tunnel.
Gray is arrested, charged with having
aided the, prisoners AZ West Point the the
younger sister. Nta Terrss, had caused
much talk. Nita fell in love with a prom
inent cadet. Pat Latrobe. but Mrs. Garri-
son took her away in time to prevent an
elopement and marriage. Latrobe deserts
and his friend Gouverneur Prime, VINO n
cisco. Nita marie; Colonel Frost and
IatrObe followed neT from pldNt w pay
seeking an interview, until he is located IN IN
San Francisco and suspected of being with
Morton. A valuable package OF letters mas
been lost from General Drayton's tent;
I.atrobe is q nephew of the general. tolonei
Armstrong defends Gray at the trial and
secures his release. Gray's regiment sails
for Manila.
But Armstrong knew much less than he
himself believed. fastening back to camp
and ordering his horse. he was soon speed
ing up the slope to the windswept heights
overlooking the Golden Gate. The morning
had opened fine as silk but by noon the
sky was hidden in clouds and the breath OF
the sea blew in salt and strong. The white
caps were leaping on the crest OF the
surges driving in through the straits and
the surf bursting high on the Jagged rocks
at the base of the cliffs little coast
steamer from Santa Barbara way came pitch
ing and plunging in from sea. and one or
two venturesome craft, heeing far to lee
ward, tore through the pillows and tossed
far astern a frothing wake. With names
and tails streaming in the stiff gale, the
troop horses of the Fourth cavalry were
cropping at the scanty herbage down the
northward slope, and the herd guard near
est the road lost his grip on his drab cam
paign hat as he essayed a salute, and gal
loped off on a stern chase down the long
ravine to the east, as the colonel trotted
briskly by. One keen glance over the bay
beyond rocky Acatraz had told him the
China was not yet away from her pier He
might have to send a dispatch by that swift
steamer, and even then it would be six days
getting to Hawaii If the department COM
mander should by that time be on his home
ward journey the information would still
be of interest to tho general commanding
the new military district at 'the Cross
Roads Of the Pacific" and of vast benefit,
possibly, to his late client, Mr.. Gray. He
wondered what Cankers grounds could be
for saddling so foul a suspicion on the boys
good name. He wondered how long that
poor lad would have to struggle with this
attack OF fever and remain, perhaps happily,
unconscious of his latest indignity. He
wondered II Amy Lawrence yet knew of that
serious seizure. and, If she did, what would
be her, sensations. Down the winding
sloping road he urged his way, Glencoe, his
pet charger, marveling at the unusual gait.
The cape of the sentry's overcoat whrled
over the sentry's head and swished his cap
off as he presented arms to the tall soldier
squirting past the guardhouse. 81 envy no
who has to put to sea this day,
said Armstrong to himself, as he turned to
the right and reined up in front of little
Drown cottage peeping out from mass of
vines and roses, shivering in the wet wind
Half dozen strides took him across the
narrow walk and up the wooden steps,
With sharp emphasis he Changed the little
gong bell screwed TO the back of the door
and waited impatient of the servants com
Ing. There was no answer. He rang again
and still again, and no one came. A glance
at the windows told that the white lace cur
tains hung there draped as prettily as ever
Fresh flowers stood on the window sill. a
shawl and pillow, the latter indented as
by a human head, lay in the lounging chair
on the little porch. Another chair stood but
few feet away. There was even a fan
though fans in Frisco summer are less
needed than furs; but nowhere saw he other
sign OF the temporary mistress of the house
He went round to side window and raped
No answer. Then he turned to the walk
again, and, taking the reins, bade the orderly
Inquire next door If Mrs. Garrison could be
found. Yes was the answer; she went
Driving to Golden Gate park with Mrs. Stock
man an hour ago. and Mrs. Stockman was
TO leave for Los Angeles that night. Odd.