Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1900-06-14
CHAPTER XIU.-CoNTINUED.

But with the edict that no more
troops should be sent came comfort to
the souls of these bereaved ones.
Transports would not go without
troops, and Mrs. Frank could not go
without transports, the journey was
far too expensive. They wished her no
evil of course; but if they were them
selves forbidden how could they rejoice
that she should be permitted? They
were actually beginning to feel a bit
charitable toward her when the Queen
of the Fleet herself came in Honolulu
with the latest news. The fifth eNpedi-
ton had been halted there and put in
camp. The hospital held several Of
ficers. Billy Gray was down with brain
fever, and there had been furious
scene between him and his peppery
colonel before the breakdown; and by
that same steamer Mrs. Garrison had
got a letter that had made her turn
white and trembIe, as Mrs. Stockman
saw and told, and then shut herself up
in her room an entire day. Now for
nearly a fortnight the lovely guest had
been daily limiting THAT she really must
go home, dear Witchie" was surely
tired Of her; and Witchie disclaimed
and protested and vowed she could not
live without her devoted friend. But
then had come that letter and with it
q change of tone and tactics. Witchie
ceased to demonstrate or reproye Mrs.
Stocllman, and the latter felt that she
must 90, and Witchie consented with
out demur.
In no pleasant mood Armstrong
mounted and trotted for the east gate.
The road was lined with camps and vol
unteers at drill. Vehicles were fre-
quently moving to and fro; but the
sentry at the entrance had kept track
of them. and in response to question
answered promptly and positively Mrs.
,Garrison's carriage had not come that
way. But" said he, the wagon with
the lady's baggage did. saw the name
On the trunks"
The colonel turned in saddle and
,coolly surveyed him. "Do you mean
Mrs Stockman's name?' he asked, in
quiet tone. How many trunks were
there?"
'tOh some of them might have had
or three that / saw were marked NJ. G."
This was unlooked-for news. To her
neXt-door neighbor Mrs. Garrison had
said nothing about going away with
Mrs. Stockman, and Armstrong had
grave need to see her and to see her at
once. The train for Los Angeles did not
leave until evening. Possibly they were
lunching somewhere - spending the
afternoon with friends in town. He
rode direct to headquarters. Some of
the staff might be able to tell, was his
theory; and one of them justified it.
''Did l happen to meet Mrs. Garrison? {?
Yes, just saw her aboard the China"
aboard the China!" exclaimed Arm
strong, with sudden thrill of excite
ment. "D'you mean she is going?"
Didn't ask her. They were hustling
everybody ashore, and l had only time
to give dispatches to the purser; but
she was on deck with friends when
came away"
People wondered that day at the
speed with which the tall officer, fol-
lowed by his orderly. clattered away
down Market street. In less than ten
minutes Armstrong was at the crowd
ed pier and pushing through the throng
to the China's stage. Too late AL
ready it was swung aloft, the lines were
east loose, and the huge black mass
xas just beginning to back slowly from