The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1900-04-26

poor Billy contemplated them. with
sinking heart. Taking prompt nd
vantage OF his position as officer OF the
guord, he adscaused the young pris-
'oner 10 be brought outside the guard
house, and as heavy, dripping fog had
come on the wings Of the night wind,
smiling in from the seq, he had led the
way to the sheltered side, which hap
pened 20 be the darkest one, OF the rude
little building. and had there biddcn
him tell his story. But Morton glanced
uneasily at a sentry who followed close
and was lowering suspiciously about.
"T cannot talk about-the nfInir-with
that fellow spying" he said, with an
cngcr plea In his tone and sign OF the
hand that Gray well knew and quickly
recognized. keep around In front.
I'll he responsible for this prisoner"
were his orders, aud, almost reluctant
w, the man left. lie was u veteran sol
licr, and his manner impressed the
lieutenant with vague sense of
trouble. Twice the sentry glanced
back and hesitntcd, MS though some
thing were on his mind that he must
tell, but finally he disappeared aud kept
nut of the way during the brief inter-
view that Immediately followed. The
prisoner eagerly. cxcitedly began his
xplanation-swiftly banishing any lin
gcring doubts Gray might have enter
taincd as TO his innocence. But he bad
come from n stoyc-hcatcd guard room
into the cold sea wind of the Pacific
into the floating wisps OF vnpor that
sent chill TO the marrow. He was far
too lightly clad for that climate, nnd
presently he began TO shivcr.
"You are cold" said Gray, pi,yingly.
Have you no ovcrcont?"
ITS at my tent never expected 10
spend this night here. I've been bc-
fore the summary court, fined for alb
scnce, and thought that would end 4,
but instead OF that I'm o prisoner and
the man who should he here IL stalking
about camp, planning more rObberics.
Yet I'd rather associate with the very
worst of dcscrtcrs or dead beats In.
side there" and the dark eyes glanced
almost in horror--tbc slender figure
shook with unminglcd rcpulsion and
chill-"than with that smooth-tongucd
sneak and liar. There's no crime toe
mean for him To commit, Mr.. Gray
and the men IRE beginning TO know II
though the colonel won't. For Gods
sake get me out of this before morn
ing" And again the violent trcmoi
slok the lad from head to foot.
"Iicre-gct inside!" said Gray. i'm
pulsiyely. "Tll see the adjutant at one,
and return to you in few minutes. u
you have TO remain until the matter car
be investigated by the general II might
be"
1T would be-" ychemcntly inter
ruptcd Morton. then breaking OFT shor
MS though nt loss for dcscripti,cncss %
sufficient strength. lie seemed 10 swell
with passion ns he clinched his fists an,
fairly stood upon his toes an instant. hi
strong white teeth grinding together
ut would be-simply hell" he burst IL
again, hoarse and quivcring: ut woul,
ruin everything. Can't the gen
eral give the order tonight" h
asked with intense cagcrncss. Will
the young officer, taking him by III
arm, had led him agnin TO the light q
the guardhouse lamps at the FROM. Tn
sergeant and group of soldier
Strengthened up and faced them. listen
Ing curio,lsly.
1T may be even impossible 20 see III
general" answered Gray, doubtful,