The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-04-23

and protege, for Owen attended to his
routine duties and did not attempt rad
ical reforms, after the manner of some
ambitious johnnies-come-late Grad
ually a feeling of pity spread in the
troop for the youngster, who was so
! quiet and courteous, yet so nervous at
times, and always so gray-faced and
unhealthy looking. AS for his fellow
officers, they found that, in spite of his
apparent delicacy, Owen could do fair
ly well all things that they did. He
rode, shot. danced, boxed, played poker
or billiards with that decent average
success which eXcites neither comment
nor jealousy. He never drank, and was
methodical in his duties. so that his
colonel thought we'll of him, as a man
who in time would make a model regi-
mental quartermaster or fill some such
place, where rivers were never eX-
pected to be set on fire.
But Spud. writing home in these days
to his old father, a saloon-keeper in
the dearly loved ward. grew menda-
ciously heroic in his descriptions of
US ALL said Spud land We'll be proud
er Of him some day even than of his
father. l hear old Owens to go to the
senate. He may be president yet. and
Sam'n be a general in time, if the
saints allow a war. Hooray for the old
ward! It's men we breed there
Spud grinned sardonically as he
wrote. but how proud old Murphy was
to show that letter across the bar to his
ancient chum, the member from the
district, Owen senior blew his nose vi
olently when he read it and straight
ened UP like a youngster. He slipped a
$50 bill in an envelope, with an encour-
aging line TO Spud, suggesting that his
pull in Washington might do some
thing for an old friends son. Spud
spent the money honorably with the
boys across the post traders bar, but
asked for no help through Washington.
Twill break the old mans heart"
thought he, when the truths known"
Little DR.. May, who was known to
officers and men alike so Immediately
appropriate was the nickname, as the
kid" was then the contract surgeon,
or citizen doctor" attached to the
post. He was smoking his last pipe be-
fore turning in, one night. when a
knock came to the outer door of his
quarters. Opening it, the light of the
lamp fell upon Spud Murphy's face.
Doctor" said the dog-rubber, quiet
ly. Lieutenant Owens almighty bad.
VIII We come and see him."
The Kid put away the lamp. asked
some questions. put a few things in
his pockets, and stepped off to Owens
quarters at the end of the row, some
what isolated from the rest. Owen had
the house all to himself. Spud followed
five PAGES behind, as was seemly. At
the house he gained on the doctor and
spoke hesitatingly.
Doctor, yen soon see for yourself.
and it's no use lying about it, Tiff
it's not against the rules and regula-
tons, will ye keep it to yourself? It's
drink"
DR.. May whirled on his heel and
stared 1t the man. No one had ever
seen Lieutenant Owen drink. He
whirled again and entered, and Spud
Murphy followed him.
On the edge of the bed sat the I'M
happy young officer. shaking horribly.
while great drops OF perspiration
tricl1led down his cheek His face was
ashen. His eyes We're full Of u pitiful
horror.
Doctor" lie cried. and tottered to
the Kid, save me, For Gods SaKe,
save met
The clean-shaven, plump rosiness Of
the Kids cheeks were in strong con-
traslt to the gray leanness of Owens.
AS great was the difference between
his cool firmnees and Owens horrible
unstrung condition.
Get back into bed" sad the doc
tor, land tell me what all this is
about"
Then followed a wretched, CHASTITY
scene, as the young officer, with shak-
ing voice and weak tears chartered in
ccherently. He told of his last year at
West Point where the vice had got
hold firmly of him. how he had es eaped
detection maryelously, and how. when
on his leave, after graduation. he had