Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1899-01-19
THE DESER'IEI WENT
DOWN THE RIVER.
THE starry emblem Of freedom float
A STORY OF MILITARY DISCIPLINE.


sloped down TO the swift-rolling Mis-
souri, was dotted with trim buildings.
which seemingly won a martial appear
ance from their occupants. A chill
was noticeable in the air, though June
reigned and countless mosquitoes
reigned also, lowering in dense swarms
over the willows near the rivers edge
mosquitoes whose spiteful sting was
altogether out of proportion to their
size. Even the stoical Indians from
the eros YeDtres village, two miles
north, just over the boundary line in
Montana, were visibly affected by
those ubiquitous pests, and waved
eagles wings before their imperturb-
able, grave faces as they stood upon
the banks, while cargo OF military
supplies was being unloaded from
-down river" boat.
Hither and thither, across the parade
ground, figures in blue were moving
slowly-soldiers with the dull, apa-
thetic countenances characterizing so
many troops upon the western from
tier. But to-day there was Frightening
OF faces, a quickening of steps, for the
"down-river" had brought letters from
the states and home
An unusually generous mail, too,
Several men laughed when they saw
Jack Brayton with a deeper bronze on
his cheeks and letter in his hand.
He had never been known TO receive
one since the coming Of the company
TO Fort Buford. He was tall, awz-
ward fellow, one of those stumbling
men who suggest some mistake on the
part of nature in choosing material too
hastily. He stood now just opposite
the gymnasium. the letter futtering in
his grasp, the torn envelope crushed in
one strong hand. lie had read II over
twice, and was beginning at the first
page again, mumbling it indistinctly:
"You and me amt been as much 70
each other as husband and wifeoughter
be. II we had, you wouldn't never have
gone away Ivekept silence long time,
waiting for youtosay you cared, butyou
don't say that yet: ard now it's my
cough and the strange feelings all over
me that make me write The doctor
says 1t won't be long there's little
Jim and the baby"
He stopped suddenly and crumpled
the piiiful scrawl in his brawny fist
and pushed the back or his hand across
his deep-set eyes.
Il don't know rightly what I'll do
he began. desperately; and then he
Strengthened up, as a eomrade APP
preached, laughing.
Lots Of news, Zaek?" he queried in
a teasing way.
Ten minutes later Zack Brayton
stood more awlSwardly than ever, be-
fore the highest authority in the fort.
That officer bad. received pleasant news
from home. and he unbent his military
dignity 10 a surprising degree, and was
chatting merrily with several subor-
dinates.
We'll. my man." was his remark,
when lacks presence vas noticed.
The private saluted awkwardly. He
began 20 speak in low, hesitating
voice.
"Beggin' your pardon, colonel. but
I've got word I'd like to say-least-
wise. il"
Talk to your captain" interrupted
the officer, recalling his dignity now.
Hewas tired of hearing complaints, and
there had been too many OF late.
Not as I'd oughter bother you. sir;
but the fact is"
well, speak out. What is it, said
the officer. with some show Of impa-
tenee
MY wife" he began huslily, she
is sick. aud lowed maybe you had
wife, colonel. an you'd know how,
"Whcre is She"
Pack in Missoury."
And YOU want a furioueh2 It's im-
possible. sir. If we needed half the re.
quests we shouldn't have soldier left
ON the post Don't you see. my good
fellow 2"
Yes, sir." replied Jack. simply.
When he was clear of the quarters he
leaned against post as if needing sup
port Of some sort Yet Iack Was a
strong man, certainly.
IN this Aieh latitude the sun cheats
You ont ot the evening hours. and sets
Mt nearly ter O'Clock. \ detachment
of troops were assisting 49, shant
roast0bouts in unloading military sup
plies At dar AamheauN were flaring
from the DO. cards. - the light of
which they leted teir labors
Thea the bluetea.s marched hack TO
the barracks, proceeded by traln az
goyerumentwa
\ few roustal Is, huddlsd upon tio
boiler deck. were erunhiug ni3sdly
about some triAc, is Missouri river
roustabouts hayea habit efdolpg. The
night became ,ert dark q; last-so dark
that even HAD one hrer looking ir that