Waterbury Democrat., 1900-10-30
CHAPTER NI,

That evening, when John Folsom, half an hour earlier than the stipulated time, drove the girls and their friend, , Lieut.. LOomis, out to the fort, Maj. Burleish was left to his own devices, and his face plainly showed that he was far from pleased with the way things were going. The news that Marshall Dean had been placed in ar rest by order of the commanding off cer of Fort Emory, following as it did close on the heels of the tidings of that young officers prompt and sol dierly handling of the crisis at the ranch, made Folsom boil over with wrath. His first word was one of eau tion, however. "Hush!" he said. Speak low. Yonder stands his sis ter. The girls must not know yet" Then, leading the way into the library and closing the door behind them, he l demanded all particulars Lannion could give him, which were few enough.
 'The lieutenant halted the troop out side the post" said the indignant ranchman, had it dis1nount there while he rode on in to report to the ! commanding officer for instructions. The colonel was taking his nap after
 
 office, and what does he do but get up from his desk solemn-like, and when the lieutenant says: I report the ar rival of troop c at the post, sir,' the adjutant didn't answer word, but reached out and got his saber and be- gan bucling it around him, and then he put on his cap and gloves, and says he: Lieut.. Dean, I'm sorry, but my instructions are to place you in close arrest, by order of Col. Stevens Why, you could have knocked me down with the kick of a gopher I was so dunn founded! The lieutenant he didn't say anything for minute, but turned white and looked like he could have knocked the top of the adjutant's head off. An officer will be sent to take charge of the troop said the adjutant, am l suppose you'd better confne yourself to your tent, as the colonel means to have them camp there day or two, until he hears from Capt. Brooks as to quarters Well, will you have the goodness to say what charges have been laid against me?' said MT. Dean. and the adjutant hemmed and hawed, and lowed that the colonel hadn't formally drawn 'em up yet, but that copy would be served on him as soon as they were ready.
 Then l said To, go right in and find you, and that's all I know.'
 And then it was that Folsom turned on Burleigh, with gloom in his eye, and said: By the Eternal, Maj. Burleigh, l hope you've had nothing to do with this!"
 1 Nothing in the world, I assure you, Mir. Folsom IT deeply regret it. Though, as I have told you, can hard ly be surprised, after what has been said, and-what I have seen." But | the major could not squarely meet the gaze in the keen eyes of the old trader, nor could the latter conceal his sus- picions. "I know you wish to hear all the particulars of the affair at the ranch from this gentleman" said the major, uneasily, ''so l will leave you with him for the present" and back ing out into the hall he turned to the foot of the winding staircase where Elinor had met her friend. The girls were still there, their faces clouded with surprise and anxiety. It was an l opportunity not to be lost.
 Pray do not be troubled, Miss Fol son." said Burleigh, advancing upon | them with outstretched hand. ''er-Mr. Folsom merely wants to hear further l details from Lannion. Iwish to extend l my congratulations to you and-ah- this yeang lady, first upon the for tunate escape of your brother" and he bowed over his distended stomach to Elinor, "and second upon the part played by yours," and he repeated the bow to Jess, who, however. shrank away from the extended hand. 'It will go far to counteract the stories that l r-ah-er-believe you know about