Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1899-09-22
Are you addressing me, sir?"

why, yes. of course"
Then dismount.''
why. what"
"DismOunt say
Neall clambered painfully from his
saddle, astonishment depicted on every
feature.
Stand a attention. sir"
Nealrs boot heels clicked together.
Nov salute"
Up came the Lieutenants hand to his
cap.
Now, sir what do you want?"
Neall made his inquiries about the
tents. standing at attention and received
an accurate estimate of the number re-
quired. The business was soon concluded
and as Neall turned to his horse he ven-
tured:
Pardon me- Colonel. but you have seen
service before; may l ask your name?'
"Wallace.''
Where have you served?"
Sixth cavalry. I'm a First Lieutcn-
ant"
"The devil you are. Say old fellow the
dinners are on me. Don't say anything
about this among the fellows over to the
PresidiO mess. will your" Their hands
clasped and the promise was given. The
dinner was paid and the two became firm
friends during the regiments stay at
Camp Merritt.
That was little more than a year ago.
Since then Colonel Wallace has won the
honors that only fall to the gallant SOL
dier. Poor Jack Nealls fate has been
diametrically opposite. His own great
heartedness wrought his ruin. and few
months ago he was courtmartialed and
sentenced to dismissal from the army.
This too. within few weeks of his pro-
motion to a captaincy in the regular serV-
ice Poker caused his downfall and no
man in all the army will more sincerely
grieve over his fate than Lieutenant
Colonel Wallace.
BE WELL CARED FOR.
That was the First Montanas first en-
trance into San Francisco. Now. 1t is all
different. Instead of the discOmforts OF
Camp Merritt. the boys will find them
selves surrounded with every comfort
that can be provided for them. when they
go into camp tomorrow. The regiment
has been assigned to the quarters just
vacated by the First California volun-
teers who have received their discharge
and are again members of the civil COM
munity. The camp IS situated in the
sOutheas; part Of the big reservation on
hillside commanding magnificent view
of the entire PresidiO the Golden Gate. a
large portion of the bay and islands. Fort
Mason and considerable of the city.
Across the Gate arise the Marin hills
with Mount Tamalpais, one Of the scenic
peaks of the state. towering above. No
loveler view can be obtained on the
whole peninsula.
Instead of the old style wall tents. fine
large Sibleys will shelter them from the
night winds. These tents are all f1Oored
the floors being raised sufficiently from
the ground to admit of perfect ventila-
ton. Each tent is capable of holding
sixteen men comfortably, if necessary,
but it is not likely that more than five
or six will be assigned to a tent for am
pie provision has been made to accom-
modate all the troops that are likely to
be assembled here at any one time. here
after, Each tent is equipped with stove
and there is all the frewood that can he
burned delivered in camp by the gov
ernment. Board mess houses are pro-
vided for each company, as we'll as tables
and benches. Board sidewalks extend the
entire length of every company street,
while water is piped into every mess
house.
The very best of food. including fresh
meat every day, will be supplied and
military duty. with the exception of a
small guard to take care Of the property
will be done away with. The men will be
given permission to come and go as they
please during the day and evening so
that the three weeks they will be here
pending their muster out will be exceed
ingly agreeable after the hardshps they
have endured.