Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1899-12-29

previous day. The result of that was
his being placed in close arrest and in
formed that, he should be tried by gen
eral court-martial at once. So he had
taken counsel, as was his right, and
counsel" forbade his committing him
self in any way.
"Then you refuse to divulge the con-
tents of that note and to say why you
were so eager to go IN guard out, of
your turn?" said Canker, oracularly.
THAT in itself is sufficient to convince
any fair-minded court of your guilt,
Whereat Gordon winked at Billy
and put his tongue in his cheek-and
Billy stood mute until ordered, with
much asperity, to go back to his tent.
But there were other things that
might we'll go toward convincing a
court of the guilt of Lieut.. Gray, and
poor Billy contemplated them with
sinking heart. Taking prompt adj
vantage of his position as officer of the
guard, he had caused the young pris-
oner to be brought outside the guard
house, and as a heavy, dripping fog had
come on the wings of the night wind,
sailing in from the sea, he had led the
way to the sheltered side, which hap
pened to be the darkest one, of the rude
little building, and had there hidden
him tell his story. But Morton glanced
%aneasily at a sentry who followed close
and was lowering suspiciously about.
81 cannot talk about-the affair-with
that fellow spying" he said, with an
eager plea in his tone and a sign of the
hand that Gray well knew and quickly
recognised. Keep around in front.
I'll be responsible for this prisoner"
were his orders, and. almost reluctant
~. the man left. He was 4 veteran sol-
dier. and hin manner impressed the
lieutenant with . vague sense Of
trouble Twice the sentry glanced
back and heaftated. as though some
thing wers ON his mind that"he must
tell. but finally he disappeared and kept
out Of the way during tho brief inter-
view that, Immediately followed. The
prisoner eagerly. excitedly began his
explanation-swiftly banishing any lin
gering doubts Gray might have enter
tanned a. to his innocence. But he had
come from Z stove-heated guard room
iint6. tie oofd sea wina OF the Pscifo-
into the hoating wisps at vapor that
sent chill to the marrow. He was fur
too lightly clad for that climate. and
presently hsr began to shivsr.
"You r esld," said Gray. pityda9ay.
"HaEe yoH no o~voreoat9"
'Itss at my tamil scvsr expected to
apead this night hero. I've been be-
fore tho summary COURT fined fer a.
senee, and thought that would eaa 1t,
bnt insteaa Of that I'm a prisoner and
tho man who should be hore is stalking
about camp, planning moro robbezdes.
Yet I'd rather associate with the very
worst Of deserters or dead beats In
side there" and the dark eyes glanced
almost in horrer-the slender figure
shook with unmingled repulaioa and
ehill-"Aan with that smooth-tongued
sneak and liar. There's no crime toe
mean for him to commit, Mr.. Gray,
and the men are beginning to know it,
though the colonel won't. For Gods
sake get me out of this before morn
ing" And again the violent tremor
shok the lad from head to foot.
"Here-get inside!" said Gray, i'm
pulsively. "I'll see the adjutant at once
and return to you in a few minutes. If
you have to remain until the matter can
be Investigated by the general it might
be"
ut would be-" vehemently inter-
rupted Morton, then breaking off short
as though at loss for descriptiveness of
sufficient strength. He seemed to swell
with passion as he clinched his fists and
fairly stood upon his toes an instant, his
strong white teeth grinding together
1T would be-simply HE'LL" he burst in
again, hoarse and quivering: "It would
ruin everything! Can't the gen
sral give the order tonight" he
asked with intense eagerness, while
the young officer, taking him by the
arm, had led him again to the light OF
the guardhouse lamps at the front. The
sergeant and group of soldiers
strengthened up and faced them, listen.
ing curiously.
1T may be even impossible to see thu
general" answered Gray, doubtfully
"Take Morton into the guardroom till
I get back, sergeant, and let him warm
himself thoroughly. Don't put him
with the prisoners till I return" and Sc
saying he fastened away. Gordon, his
friend and adviser, had left camp and
gone visiting over in the other divi
sion. The lights at general h~eadquar
ters were turned low. Even now, after
having heard proofs of the innocence
of the accused soldier, Gray knew thai
it was useless to appeal to the colonel
He could not understand, however, tn,
feverish-almost insane Impotence O.
the lad for immediate release. Another
day ought not to make so great a diff
ference. What could be the reason-
if it were not that, though innocent O.
the robbery of the storehouse, or o
completely in the sale of stolen goods
some other crime lay al his door which
tho morrow might ,disclose7 All tn
loyalty Of q Delta Sig was stretched t,