Daily camera., 1899-11-27

could thoroughly explain, but one day
Canker turned up with indubitable
proof that the sergeant was the thief
that he was bribed to bring about the
escape of the prisoners, and that he had
drugged the fresh spring water he
brought in 10 the young officer after
the burning heat of the desert was left
behind in the dead Of the summer night.
Canker even recovered most of the
stolen money, for there was a woman in
the case, and she had safely slowed it
away. Carson was cleared and Canker
triumphant. .'See what the man can
do when his sense of justice is aroused"
SAID the optimlsts Of the army. Justice
be blowed," answered the cynics. He
never would have raised his finger to
help Carson but for the joy of proving
the general unjust, and regimental
pet, the sergeant-a thief"
Yet Gray reverted to this episode as
explanation of his tolerance of Canker'.
harshness and thereby gave rise to
reJoinder from the lips of veteran
company commander that many fel-
low was destined to recall before the
regiment was two months older:
In order to settle it, somebody's got
to find his life or his commission in
jeopardy. Maybe it'll be you, Billy, and
I'm betting you won't find Squeers
guardian angel"
Yet on this sunshiny summer morn
ing, with hope and sunshine and con-
fidence in his handsome, boyish face,
Lieut.. Gray came bounding up to the
presence of the regimental commander
as though that sour-visaged soldier
were an indulgent uncle who could not
say him nay. A stylish open carriage
in which were two remarkably pretty
girls and a gray-haired, slender gen
tleman, had reined up in the street
opposite the entrance TO the row of
officers tents and Canker had ripped
out his watch, with an ugly frown on
his forehead for three of his compa-
MES had just marched in from drill,
and three OF their young lieutenants.
on the instant OF dismissal, had made
straight for the vehicle and he half
hoped TO find they had Topped off a
minute or SO of the allotted hour. The
7'uiAb Va iI'iiN ihutbA'i S'tihtu 10
CRATE on his ears. The sight of Gray's
beaming face seemed TO deepen the
gloom in his own. lnstinctively he
knew the youngs,er had come to ask a
favor and he stood ready TO refuse.
Colonel, I'd like nightly to 20 over
and e that review this morning. sir;
and MIR. Prime is good enough to offer
me sea, in his carriage. May 60.
sir?"
You can't go anywhere, sir, with the
tents Of your company in that disgrace
fui condition. Just look at them, sir,
as ragged as n wash line on n windy
day" And Canker scowled angrily at
the young fellow standing squarely at
attention before him.
Il know that, colonel. but the sun did
that while we were out at drill, and the
men will s'raigh'en everything in ten
minutes. I'll give the order now, sir"
And Billy looked as though refusal
were out OF the question.
You'll stay and see il done. sir, and
when it's done-to my satisfaction
will be time enough to ask for favors
Mr.. Gordon, send word to the company
commanders | wish TO see them here at
once" continued the senior officer,
whirling on his heel and terminating
the interview by so doing. 1t was in
Gray's mind for brief minute to fol-
low and plead, He had made it tell
many a time with an obstinate universi-
ty don. but he knew the carriage was
waiting-the carriage load watching.
and deep down in his heart there was
keen disappointment, He would have
given big slice OF his monthly pay
to go with that particular party and
occupy the sea, opposite Amy Lawrence
and gaze his fill AT her fair face. He
well-nigh hated Squeers as he hurried
away TO hail his first sergeant and give
the necessary orders before daring to
return 10 the carriage and report his
failure. His bright blue eyes were
clouded and his face flushed with vex-
alton, for he saw that the rearmost
regiment was even now fling into the
Preside reservation afar oil to the
north. and that no time was to be lost
II his friends We're to see the review.
The distant measured boom of guns
told that the general in whose honor
the ceremony was ordered was already
approaching the spot. and away over
the rolling uplands toward the Golden
Gate cavalry escort rode into view
Billy ground his teeth. Run and tell
them | cannot get leave" he called to
fellow sub. "Squeers has set me to