The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-09-24


formed that he should be tried by general court
martial at once. So he had taken counsel, as was
his right and counsel forbade his committing him
self in anyway
Then you refuse TO divulge the contents Of
that note and TO say why you were so eager TO
go on guard out Of your turn said Cnnker,
oractilarly That in itself is sufficient 10 con
vince any fair minded court Of your guilt. sir. ="
Whercat Gordon winked at Billy and put his
tongue in his cheek-and Billy stood mute until
ordered, with asperity, to go back to his tent
But there were other things that might well
60 toward convincing a court Of the guilt Of Lieut.
Gray. and poor Billy contemplated them with
sinking heart Taking prompt advantage
of his position as officer Of the guard he had
caused the young prisoner to be brought outside
the guardhouse. and as heavy, dripping fog
had come on the wings Of the night wind sailing
in from the he had led the way to the sheltered
side, which happened to be the darkest one OF the
rude little building, and had there hidden him tell
his story. But Morton glanced uneasily at SEN
try who followed close and was lowering sus-
piciously about
Il cannot talk about-thc aGair-wth that fellow
spying" he said. with eager plea in his tone
and a sign Of the hand that Gray well knew and
quickly recognized.
Keep around in front I'll be responsible for
antly, the man left He was a veteran soldier
and his manner impressed the Lieutenant with
a vague sense OF trouble. Twice the sentry
glanced back and hesitated, though some
thing were on his mind that he must tell, but
finally he disappeared and kept out OF the way
during the brief interview that Immediately fol
lowed. The prisoner eagerly, excitcdly. began
his xplanation-swiftly banishing any linger-
ing doubts Gray might have entertained
as to his innocence. But he had come from stove
heated guardroom into the cold sea wind of
the Pacific-into the floating wisps Of vapor
that sent chill TO the marrow. He was far too
lightly clad for that climate and presently he
began TO shivcr.
You are cold" said Gray, ptyingly. Have
you no overcoat?"
ITS at my tent never expected TO spend
this night here. I've been before the summary
court fined for absence and thought that would
end it, but instead Of that I'm prisoner and
the man who should be here is stalking about
camp, planning more robberies. Yet I'd rather
associate with the very worst OF the deSertcrs
or deadbeats inside there" and the dark eyes
glanced almost in horror-the slender figure
shook with mingled repulsion and chill-"than
with that smooth-tongucd sneak and liar There's
no crime too mean for him 10 commit, Mr.. Gray,
and the men beginning 10 know it, though
the Colonel won't For Gods sake. get me out Of
this before morning" And again the violent
tremor shook the lad from head to foot
Here, get inside!" said Gray. impulsively.
I'll see the adjutant al once and return TO you
in a few minutes. II you have to remain until
the matter can be investigated by the General II
might be
1T would be" vehemently interrupted
Morton. then breaking of short as though at
loss for descrp tive words of sufficient strength He
seemed to swell with passion he clinched his
fists and fairly stood upon his toes on instant,
his strong white teeth grinding together. 1T
would be--simply hell. " he burst in again,
hoarse and quivering 1T would ruin every
thing Can't the General give the order to-
night" he asked with intense eagerness, while
the young officer, taking him by the arm, had
led him again to the light of the guardhouse lamps
at the front The sergeant and n group Of sol
dicrs Strengthened up and faced them, listen
ing curiously.
1T may be even impossible to see the General.
answered Gray, doubtfully. Take Morton into
the guard room till ! get back, sergeant, and
let him warm himself thoroughly. Don't put
him with the prisoners till return" and SO say
ing he FASTENED away.
Gordon, his friend and adviser had left camp
and gone visiting over in the other division.
The lights at general headquarters were turned
low Even now, after having heard proofs Of
the innocence Of the accused soldier. Gray knew
that it was useless to appeal to the Colonel. He
could not understand, however, the fevcrish,
almost insane impotence of the lad for immediate
release. Another day ought not to make so
great difference. What could be the reason.
il il not that though innocent Of the robbery
of the storehouse. or Of completely in the sale
of stolen goods, some other crime lay at his door
which the morrow might disclose? All the loyalty
H. thaa
as Gray paused irresolute in front Of the adju
tant's tent his quest there unsuccessful The
sergeant major and a sorely badgcred clerk
were working late some rcgimcntal papers,
things that Morton wrote out easily and accu-
rately
Il suppose sir it's no use asking to have the
prisoner sent up here under guard" said that
jewel of a non-commiSsioned officer. Yet the
Colonel will he savage il these papers amt ready
1t will take us all night as things are going"
Gray shook his curly head. 60 ask, if You
| like but--Mortons in no shape TO help you"
Has he been drinking, sir, said the sergeant
| major in surprise Il never knew him"
"Oh. it isn't that" said Gray hastily. only
| hc's-he' got-other matters on his mind! Bring
me his ovcrcoat He said it was in his tent, "
and the young officer jerkcd his head at the patch
of little A tents lined up in the rear Of those Of
! the officers.
Get Morton's overcoat and take il TO him at
| the guardhouse," snapped the staff sergeant to
| the clerk. BE spry now. and no stopping on the
| way back" he added-wc aware how much in
| need his assistant stood of creature comfort of
| some surrcpttious and forbidden kind The
| man was back in moment the coat on his arm.
I'll take it," said Gray, simply. You needn't
| come"
Go on with IT," ordered the sergeant as the SOL
| der hcsitated. Dye think the service has gone
to the devil and officers are runnn' errands for
| enlisted men? An get back inside two minutes.
| too" he added with portcnt in his tone. The
| subaltern Of hardly two months service felt the
implied rebukc Of the soldier of twenty years
| and meekly accepted the amendment, but-a
| thought occurred to him He had promised Nor,
| ton paper, envelopes and stamps and the day 3
! ncwspapers-the lad seemed strangely eager Ia
get all the latter, and vaguely Billy remembered
| having heard that Canker considered giving pa
pers to prisoners as equivalent to aid and comfort
| to the enemy.
Take il by way OF my tent" said he as they