The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1899-01-05

| sho rushed out after him.
the call, because he wished to have his
interview over and done with. The men
of his troop were already leading out
us he came in sight of the long row of
! yellow-washed rookeries that passed
for stables, and it annoyed him to be
hailed on the way, one after another,
| by these two admirers of so much that
he couldn't admire at all. Then, as luck
would have it, the lieutenant-colonel
was the next TO accost him and to re-
mark that he was five minutes late,
which wasn't so, but couldn't be con-
tradicted, and Grafton was gritting his
teeth when he reached his troop. He
was in no mood to talk automatically
with Merriam just then, and knew it,
and was thankful that the lieutenant
was still another stable beyond, when
who should appear, walking rapidly
back from the bank where the horses
were watering, than Merriam himself.
Seeing inquiry in the captains eve, he
stepped quickly toward him.
MY wife isn't feeling at all WELL" he
explained, "and I'm excused in order to
return to her."
Nothing serious, I hope" said
Grafton. There, at least, was woman
he approved of.
Nothing that 1 can understand, or
the doctor either" said Randy, anxious
ly. "She hasn't been like herself for
several days, and gets worse instead of
better. | don't like to be away from
her, although Mrs. Hayne is there
great deal, bless her!"
I'm sorry-Im doubly sorry, Mer-
riam," said Grafton. uncomfortable,
for l was on the point of asking you
to come over and see Mrs. McLane about
a matter which is giving her deep
anxiety"
Merriam's face began to darken at
once, but he said no word.
Randy" continued Grafton, after a
moments embarrassed pause, 81 know
it's asking great deal more than 1
should care to do were in your Place,
and | wouldn't ask it if didn't think it
might do gosd for all and do harm to
none. You heard of her sudden pros
tration the other night?"
"Yes-but-"
"Do you know-have you any idea of
the cause?"
Not the faintest-No! I can't say
that. She got a telegram, heard"
she did, and an answer was demand
ed and | had to read it and reply that
she was Frustrated and couldn't an
swer herself, perhaps for days. have
no right to tell you what was in the
message, but she seems to need to see
you. She says tomorrow say to-
night"
For moment no answer came. At
last, with evident effort, Merriam spoke.
Il had promised myself never to see
her alone. 1t is due TO my wife. if not
to me. You know the relations that ex-
listed. Now Mrs. Merriam does not
like your guest"
Neither do l." interrupted Grafton.
stout.y, land I've an idea she'll 60 after
she's got what-information you can
give her"
And now Merriam's face began to lose |
its dark look and to grow suddenly |
pale DO you mean that this telegram
has made-has anything to do with her
wish 10 see me?"
Everything. Merriam. according to
my belief, and if 1 could tell YOU what
it said l think you would not refuse
her"
lntently Merriam eyed the captains
Iace as though burning with eagerness
to read his full meaning.
Very well, viii come right after re-
ireat. Surely five minutes ought to be
enough" he said at length, and then
vent thoughtfully homeward.
but retreat parade came within so
mort a time after Grafton's return to
lis quarters that his message to Mrs.
heLane covered that lady with con-
FORMATION. What! Meet Randy Mer-
IAN when she had less than so min
''es IN which to Gressl 1t couldn't
'e thought of When Merriam called
irs. Grafton fluttered down. with
Iusning cheeks and indignant eyes.
m SO sorry, Mr.. Merriam, but really ,
irs' McLane says she is so far from well ,
gam TINS evening that she cannot see
nyone' She has gone back to bed. but
egs that you will come in at noon To- =,
morrow How is dear Florence? =
mould have been to see her, but I am :
led hands and feet" .
And Randy went angering back to !
Toys mutely inquiring eyes. "Wbat .
an DO to cheer you tonight, my dar-
ng! he whispered, as he bent over =,
KISS her. is Mrs. Hayne coming h