Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-05-04

Wnen tne colonel cdlleu MIN up the
previous day. The result of that was
his being placed in close arrest and in
formed that he should be tried 10y gen.
eral court-martial at once. So he had
taken counsel, as was his right, and
Counsel forbade his committing him
self in any way.
Then you refuse 10 divulge the con-
tents of that note and to say why you
were so eager 10 go on guard out of
your turn?" said Canker, oracularly.
THAT in itself is sufficient 10 convince
any fair-minded court of your guilt,
SIR" Whereat Gordon winked at Billy
and put his tongue in his check
Billy stood mute until ordered, with
much asperity, to go back to his tent.
But there were other things that
might well go toward convincing "a
court of the guilt of Lieut.. Gray, and
poor Billy contemplated them with
sinking heart. Taking prompt adj
vantage of his position as officer of the
guard, he had caused 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,
sailing in from the sea, he had led the
way to the sheltered side, which hap
pened to be the darkest one, of the rude
little building, and had there hidden
him tell his story. But Morton glanced
lneasily at a sentry who followed close
and was lowering suspiciously about.
Il cannot talk about-the afrair-with
that fellow spying" he said, with an
eager plea in his tone and sign of the
hand that Gray well knew and quickly
recognized. Keep around in front.
I'll be responsible for this prisoner"
were his orders, and, almost reluctant
ly, the man left. He was a veteran SOL
der, and his manner impressed the
lieutenant with vague sense of
trouble. Twice the sentry glanced
back and hesitated, as though some
thing were on his mind that he must
tell, but finally he disappeared and kept
out of the way during the brief inter
view that Immediately followed. The
prisoner eagerly, excitedly began his
Xplanation-sw swiftly banishing any lin
gering doubts Gray might have enter
tanned as to his innocence. But he had
come from stove-heated guard room
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 SILVER.
You are cold" said Gray, pityingly.
Have you no oyercoat?"
It's at my tent never expected TO
spend this night here. I've been be-
fore the summary court, fined for alb
sence, 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 descrters or dead beats in
side there" and the dark eyes glanced
almost in horror-the slender figure
shook with uumingled repulsion and
chill-"than with that smooth-tongued
sneak and liar. There's no crime too
mean for him to commit. Mr.. Gray,
and the men are beginning to know it,
though the colonel won't. For Gods
sake get me out of this before morn
ing" And again the violent tremor
shok the lad from head TO foot.
"ITere-get inside!" said Gray, i'm
pulsively. I'll see the adjutant at once
and return TO you in a FEW minutes. II
you have to remain until the matter can
be investigated by the general it might
be"
ut would be" vehemently inter
rupted Morton, then breaking off short |
as though at loss for descriptiveness of |
sufficient strength. lie seemed to swell |
with passion as he clinched his fists and |
fairly stood upon his toes an instant, his |
strong white teeth grinding together.
ut would be-simply hell" he burst in
again, hoarse and quivering: 1T would
'uin everything. Can't the gen
sral give the order tonight" he
asked with intense eagerneSs, while
he young officer, taking him by the
lrm, had led him again to the light of
he guardhouse lamps at the front. The
sergeant and a group of soldiers
up and faced them. listen
ng curiously.
1T may be even impossible TO see the
general answered Gray, doubtfully.
Take Morton into the guardroom till
get back. sergeant. and let him warm
himself thoroughly. Don't put him
With the prisoners till return, and so
aging he fastened away. Gordon, his
riend and adviser, had left camp and
zone visiting over in the other divi-
ion. The lights at general headquar-
ers were turned low. Even now, after
aving heard proofs of the innocence
f the accused soldier, Gray knew that
was useless to appeal to the colonel.
lie could not understand, however, the
insane Impotence of
he lad for immediate release. Another
ay ought not to make so great a diff
erence. What could be the reason
it were not that, though innocent of
ne robbery Of the storehouse, or Of
in the sale of stolen goods,
)me other crime lay at his door which
le morrow might disclose? All the