The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-02-18

| For that matter, the regiment was proud
of 1t, too. and tried to pattern itself ac-
cordingly.
'Derss parade and inspection this AFTER
noon. Mr.. Carter" said the Colonel.
Yes, sir, l saw the orders this morn
ing"
Much cooler to-day"
Think so, sir?"
Carter wondered if the hard, dry flesh
on the Colonels bones ever felt any
change in the thermometer at all. APP
parently he only perspired when he was
angry, and was only cold in the presence
of the Majors wife, VINO had once Of
Tended his dignity"
Have chair, Mr.. Carter" went on
the Colonel, looking up. and this time
blowing mathemaically correct smoke
rings toward the ceiling. How are the
new horses?'
"Only a middling lot, sir; might be
better"
'Humph.' said the Colonel. that's in
your department"
Yes. SIR
II didn't say 1t was your fault. But
see what you can make of them"
Did you wish to see me on something
Particular" asked the Lieutenant, almost
suffocating in the heat of the room.
80. yes; bandmaster reports that one
of his nags turned very lame this morn
X.
horse in time for dress parade. Have
you got one that can stand music?"
Eyes, sir: 1 think so. What instrument
STRIP
Bass drum, believe"
Every good, sir; 1 will have a mount
for him.
That's all"
Thanks, sir" the Lieutenant hurried
out.
| it's mounted band. 1t was considered by
all means the best in the service. The
| bandmaster was German of some must
cal education; and he had surrounded
himself with a company of good perform
ers. the majority of them of the same ma
tionality as himself Col Shepard used to
brag a good deal about the band.
Lieut.. Carter smiled to himself as he
crossed the parade ground on his way
to the stables a half-hour later; he was
thinking of Murphy's appearance. The
bass drummer had the reputation of be-
! ing something of a fighter. He was not
| exactly popular in the regiment, and the
mental picture of little Murphy engaged
in single combat with him caused the
lieutenant's smile. AS he came out of the
stables he was met by Murphy himself al
the door of the big corral. The little
Irishman was a favorite among the of
ticers because he was polite, eager and
willing, and he could ride anything that
had hide and hoofs. There he was stand
ing at attention with about as much ex-
preston on his battered, swollen coun.
tenance as one finds on bronze image OIL
Buddah.
Murphy" said Lieut. Carter, lifting
one foot to the lower rail of the CORA
fence. IT want your advice"
-"Yes, sorr."
Haven't we got a good, quiet horse tina
will stand music?" the Lieutenant asked
Sure they all have to learn, sir"
''Well. the Colonel has asked me to picl
out sober quiet mount for one of tho
band men. Let's see, l think IL is the
bass drummer"
tine bass drummer, sorr?" Murphy.
eyes opened the merest fraction of al
inch.
Yes; can't you recommend a good an
imal for him TO ride at this evenings dres
parade?"
Lieut.. Carter looked full into Murphy'i
face and slowly winked. not once, bu
three Gmes-it might have been the sun
light.
81 have just the horse. sorr"
Which one?"
"Well, he has no name yet that yot
could use in polite society" Murphy re-
turned. though he has been called a great
many to be sure
rs he wen up to weight?" the Lieuten.
4 ant asked.
Gle win carry anything. sir" replied