The National tribune., 1899-10-05

and quite as full of his own official dignity
and high opinion of his own ability to
manage things better than those engaged
in the work.
Capt McGillicuddy is in charge of the
advauce," Col. Mcintyre had said, in re-
sponse to his inquiries couched in officially
polite words, but not concealing his feelings,
Capt. McGillicuddy is an excellent, ener-
getic officer, is fully aware of the need OF
haste, and I'm sure is doing all that can be
done"
you're Capt. MeGillicuddy, | believe"
said the Aid, with much less restraint upon
his tongue. as he came to where the Captain
of Co. Q was busy with some rearward
wagons, to promote progress. you have
charge OF the advance. Why are you not
going ahead? You must start thes e
wagons at once. You are delaying tt e
whole column. We have lost great deal
OF time already, and it is very annoying.
You must not lose another minute, sir"
I'm doing all that can to start the train.
1t was stalled before We came" replied the
Captain, without turning from the work
that he was engaged in. 'The train will
start the insant that it can start"
why are you not in your place up at the
front seeing that it does?" asked the Aid
snappishly.
@To be strictly official" replied the Cap
tain, calmly, that's none of your business.
I'm doing the duty was assigned to in my
IL. IL
like the way Pm doing things, complain to
my Colonel, under whose orders | am, not
yours. Merely, however, as a matter Oi
information, | will say that | have one oi
my best Sergeants up there who is doing
everything possible to be done, ard in tie
best way. I'd trust him in such predica-
ment even before l would myself. I've
Just been up there, and saw that he was
doing everything possible You can go
and see for yourself. Possibly you have
military genius enough to instantly pulver-
ize two feet Of solid rock"
The Captains quiet sarcasm irritated the
Lieutenant so that he rushed off to take his
spite out on 81.
"Here, men" he shouted, as he came I'D to
where 81, Shorty and the rest were
straining on the long levers, get these
wagons started at once. Do you hear?
Start them, say. What do you mean by
blocking up the road this way? Get them
started, l say"
"Ain't we gittin EN- started?" grunted 81
crustily, as he bore down on the pry. "Pete
and Sandy, shove them rocks under the
wheels when we raise 'em. Now, all bear
down at once. Ye-hoi Ye-hoT'
"ls that the way you answer your su-
perior officer, confound you?" said the irate
Aid.
A stone on the hillside, which had been
loosened by the surging men, took that
moment to roll down through the squad,
scattering it, bruising ST on the shin, and
making them all let go of the pry. The
wagon in settling down pinched Pete
Skldmore, hand, SO that he yelled with
pain.
go away-go off and tend TO your own
business, and leave me to tend to mine,"
said 81, clear out of patience. / hain't no
time to fool with little Second Lieutenants.
Go talk to somebody O. your size"
you rascal, I'll go to your Colonel at
once, and have your stripes taken off before
you're Is minutes older" for insolence to
your superior officer" said the Lieutenant.
20. yes" said Shorty savagely, for the
stone had rolled over his toes, and he was
help git the wagons forward. That's the
way with you West Point roosters. Always
thinking more about your dumbed rank
than Of dOin' any good in the world Why
don't you take hold o that pry, like man,
and do your share"
"Ill have your stripes taken off, too,"
said the Lieutenant, turning to go back
ST and Shorty turned again to their pry.
Sergeant, you oughtn't to talk that way
to a commissioned officer" said voice be-
hind them, which sounded like that of Bill
Westfield. 4 member of the company, who
was fonder OF giving advice than his COM
rades were of taking it.
20, go to the devil" said ST, hotly, with
out looking around. Keep your advice,
Bill, till it's asked for. If you'd only do "A
little more, yourself, instead OF standing
around like an owl, looking wise and aG-
vising, you'd be of more account and better
liked. Come, git hold O. this pole and help
pry:"
eral commanding the brigade, "but must
insist on your speaking more respectfully
to me-"
81 and Shorty both forgot their own pain
full bruises, in the tremor of beholding the
man with a star in his shoulder-straps take
his place by their side, and put his strong
hands on the pry.
was that lazy ST began to stammer.
Never mind apologies now," said the
General. kindly. They II keep till we
have more time. You're doing well. Now,
all together, and We'll get the wagon up"
The energy which the squad threw into
their work now would have lifted up a loco
motive. The fore-wheels were soon on the
rock, and then an inclined plane was made
Of billets Of wood, which enabled the hind
wheels to follow, after which the approach