Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-12-13

dollar he wasn't thief. Canker said
such language was reflection on him
self, as he had personally investigated
the case, was convinced Morton's guilt
could be established, and had SO report
ed to the brigade commander in recon-
mending trial by general court-martial.
Indeed he had made out case against
the lad even before he was arrested and
returned to camp. Gordon asked if he
had seen the boy and heard his story.
Canker redeemed and said he hadn't,
and he didn't mean to and didn't have
to. Gordon said he had-he had talked
with the lad fully and freely on his
being brought to camp toward nine
o'clock, and was greatly impressed with
his story-as would anyone else be
who heard it. Canker Redeemed still
more and said he wouldn't allow Of
ficers to interview prisoners without
his authority. 'I'll prefer charges
against the next that does it," said he.
And not three hours later, Mr.. Billy
Gray, sprawling on his camp cot, striv-
ing to forget the sorrow OF the earlier
morning, and to memorize a page of
paragraphs of army regulations, was
suddenly accosted by an orderly who
stood at the front of the tent, scratch
ing at the tent flap-the camp substi-
tute for ring at the bell.
"a note for the lieutenant" said he,
darling in and then darting out, pos
sibly fearful of question. It was q
queer note:
'T am total stranger to you. but wore
In brighter days the badge Of the same So
ciety that was yours at the university.
Three of the fraternity are IN my COM
pany-one is on guard and he urged me to
write at once to you. They know me to be q
my real name. What have to say Is that
the charge against me is utterly false. a.
can convince you, but could not con-
vince a court. am confined at the mo-
ment of all others in my life when 1t is most
vitality important that I should be free.
Grant me ten minutes interview this aft
ernoon and II do not prove myself guilt
less will ask no favor-but when do con-
vince you. do as you would be done BY.
yours in d q <,
GEORGE NORTON"
well, I'll be blessedl" said Mr.. Gray,
as he rolled out of his gray blanket.
"Here's state of thingsl Listen to
this, captain" he called to his company
commander in the adjoining tent.
Here's Morton, back from 4S hours
absence without leave, brought back
by armed guard after sharp resist
ance, charged with Lord knows what
all, wants to tell me his story and prove
his innocence"
"You let him alone" growled his
senior. Remember what Canker said
or you'll 90 in arrest. What call has
Morton on you, I'd like to Mow?"
The lad flushed. Fraternity was q
very sacred thing in the d 8 Z. II
was 1.-THE most exclusive crowd at the
varsity" Its membership was pledged
to one another by unusual ties. 1t wal
the hardest society for fellow to get
into in any one of the seven colleges
whereat it fourished, and its mysti,
bonds were not shaken of with tn
silken gown and mortar board" o,
undergraduate days, but followed IT.
membership through many maturel
year. 1t was a society most college mel
might ask to join in vain. Money, SO
cial station, influence were powerlesl
Not until student had been under oh
servation two whole years and wa
thoroughly known could he hope for
Ibid" to become Delta Sig" No
until another six months of probation
could he sport its colors, and not unit
he formally withdrew from its fold
in post graduation years, could he con
slider himself absolved from its mill
obligations. But the boast Of the "Dsl
Ia Sig" had ever been that no one Q
its membership had ever turned . dsa
ear to a fellow in nssd of aid. Who Q
its originators ever dreamed Of such
thing as its drifting into and bscomin
. factor In the affairs Of the regula
axmyf