The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-08-17
THE pR1N cEToN UNION: THURSDAY, AUGUST ~, 1899

leaves at the Shoulders, hung loosely
about his shrunken form. Tho trousers,
with their narrow welt Of yellow at the
seam, looked far too big for him. His
forage cap, still natty in shape, was old
and worn. His chin and cheeks bristled
with stubbly grayish beard. All the
old alert manner was gone. The once
bright eyes were bleary and dull. Neigh
bors said that poor Ned had been drink
ing deep Of the contents of demijohn
sympathetic soul had sent him, and
half an eye could tell that his lip was
tremulous The colonel arose and held
out his hand.
Come in, Lawrence, old fellow, and
tell me what I can do for you." He
spoke kindly, and Brooks, too turned
toward the desolate man.
you've done-all you could-both
Of you. God bless you," was the falter-
ing answer. "I've come to say start
at once. I'm going right to Washington
to have this Strengthened out. want
to thank you, colonel, and you, too,
Brooks, for all your willing help. I'll
try to show my appreciation Of it when
get back. -
"But Ada and little Jim, Lawrence.
Surely they're not ready for that long
journey yet' said Frazier, thinking
sorrowfully Of what his wife had told
him only the day before-that they had
no decent winter clothing to their
names.
Its all right. Old Nanny stays
right here with them. She has taken
care of them, you know, ever since my
poor wife died. can keep my old quar-
tiers month, can't II" he queried,
with a quivering smile. "Even if the
order ism It revoked, it would be month
or more before any one could come to
take my place. Mrs. Blythe will look
after the children day and night
Frazier turned appealingly to Brooks,
who shook his head and refused to
speak, and SO the colonel had to.
Lawrence, God knows hate to say
one word of discouragement, but fear
II fear you'd better wait till next
weeks stage and take those poor little
folks with you. I've watched this
thing. l know how dozen good fell
lows, confident as yourself, have gone
on to Washington and found it all USE
less."
lit can't be useless, SIR burst in
the captain impetuously. 'Truth is
truth and must prevail. If after all my
years of service can find no friends in
the war Office, then life is a lie and a
sham. Senator Hall writes me that he
will leave no stone unturned. No, colo
mel, I take the stage at noon today.
Will you let VIM ride with me as far
as Castle Peak? I've got to run down
and see Fuller now.''
"Winn can 60 with you, certainly,
but indeed, Lawrence, shall have to
see you again about this
"I'll stop on the way back" said
Lawrence nervously. Fuller promised
to soc me before he went out to his
ranch" And hastily the captain turned
away.
For a moment the two seniors stood
there silently gazing into each others
eyes. "What can one do or say?" asked
the colonel at last II suppose Fuller
is going to let him have money for the
trip. He can afford to, God knows, afte,
all he's made out Of this garrison. But
the question is, ought I not to make
poor Lawrence understand that it's q
gone case? He is legally out already.
His successor is on his way here got
the letter this morning.
"On his way here? Who is hep
queried the major in sudden interest
"They didn't know when Stone came
through San Antonio ten days ago.
"Man named Barclay; just got hi
captaincy in the hirtieth-consolidate
out Of that, of course -
"Barclay-Barclay, you say?' ejacu
lated the major in excitement. "Well
Of all the''-
"Of all the what?'' demanded tn
colonel impatiently. Nothing wron,
with him, I hope
Wrong? No, or they wouldn't hav'
dubbed him Galahad. But, talk abou
} aps and downs in Texas, this beats all
, Does VIM know?''
| II don't know that any one know
but you and me-" answered the veteran
} half testify. "What's amiss? What ha
i VIM to do with it?''
"Blood and blue blazes! Why, O
| course you couldn't know. Three year
ago Barclay believed himself engage'
, to girl, and she threw him over TO
Winn, and now we'll have all three O
them right here at Worth.''
CHAPTER II.
| SAo 90 ~