The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1900-12-14

man,
"Genrm'n," said he, thickly, "le'm
Introduce m'self. Haven't tn honor
y'r 'quaint's. I'm Cam New (hic)1l.
Cap'n Nm (hic) oohaul (this cost pro-
digious effort and much balancing),
an'-an' you sherv'd that f'ler pepper
hicky RI He's damn scoun'rl-
gen'lemen-an' ole frien' mine"
For an instant he stood swaying I'M
steadily, with half extended hand. For
an instant the two younL officers
gazed at him in contempt, then turned
abruptly away
Good Lord, Marshall" said Loom
is, as they cleared the gate, "if that's
the only appreciation this days work
will bring us what will the results
beP You served him right, no doubt,
but" and an ominous shake of the
head wound up the sentence.
"But or no but" said Dean, cts
done now, and I'd do it again"
There was no dinner party at Fol-
SONS that evening. At two messen-
ger trotted out to the post with
note for Miss Folsom to apprise her
of the fact, and without word or
change of color she put IL into her
pocket The garrison girls were bent
on having them spend the afternoon,
but presently Miss Folsom found
moment in which to signal to Jess,
and at three they were driving home.
"You will surely come out this
evening and hear the music and have
dance" were the parting saluta-
tions, as, with skllful hands, the
young girl took up the reins.
I'VE hope to-" was her smiling an
swer. Jess was clinging to her broth
er's hand as he stood by the wheel,
and LOOMS had already clambered in
beside her.
please come Marshall" pleaded
Jessie; but he shook his head.
81 must be at camp this evening,
sister mine. We go to stables in an
hour You will come back. Loomis?"
"As soon as I've seen" and n sig
nifcant nod supplied the cllipsis.
Something ominous was i'm the wind
and both girls knew it. LoomiS, usual
ly gay and chatty. was oddly silent, rs
the light, covered wagon sped swiftly
Ai'AliN " hl A4s lhNNlNt lllt lulI fIdIlDlttT
sat young officer of the infantry who,
vastly rejoicing that Dean could not go,
had laughingly possessed himself of
the vacant place, and to him Miss Fol.
som had to talk. But they parted from
their escorts at the gate and FASTENED
within doors. just as Elinor expected,
papa had not come home. IL was near
ly six when she saw him striding slow
ly and thoughtfully up the road and
she met him at the gate.
Tell me what has happened, daddy"
was her quiet greeting, as she linked
her hands over his burly arm, and look
ing into her uplifted. thoughtful eyes,
30 full of intelligence and deep affec-
ton, he bent and kissed her cheek.
"By Jove, daughter, believe it's the
best thing l can do. Come into the
library"
That night the moon beamed bright
ly down on the wide-spreading valley,
glinting on the peaks, still snow-tipped,
far in the southern sky, and softening
the rugged faces of the nearer range,
black with their clustering beard of
spruce and pine. The band played
sweetly on the broad parade until after
the tattoo drums had echoed over the
plains and the garrison bellies strolled
aimessly in the elfn light all nature
SO lavishiy inviting, yet so little val
ued now that nearly every man was
gone. Out in the camp of { troop men
were fitting swiftly to and fro, horses
were starting and stamping at the
picket ropes. eager eyes and tilted ears
inquiriug the cause of all this stir and
hustle among the tents. In front of
the canvas home of the young COM
mander a grave-faced group had gath
cred, two gentle girls among them, one
with tear-dimmed eyes. Old Folsom
stood apart in murmdred conference
with Griggs, the sutler The regi-
mental Qudrtermaster was deep I'm con
sultation with Dean, the two officers
pacing slowly up and down. One or
two young people from the garrison
had spent a few minutes earlier in the
evening striving to he interesting to
the girls; but Jessie'S fearful eyes and
Miss Fulsom's grave manner proved
hint sufficient TO induce them to with
draw, each bidding Dean good night, |
safe journey and speedy return. and |
the hand-clasps were kind and cordial. |
The colonel himself had paid a brief-l
visit to camp his aGmtaut in attend !
ance, and had given Mr.. Dean ten min
utes of talk concerning a country Dean |
knew all about, but that "PccksniR"
had never seen. at is a responsibility |
| own | should have expected TO see
placed on older shoulders" said ne.
but prudence and-and, let. me sug-
gest, cool-headedness-wil probably |
carry you through. You will be ready |
to start"
Ready now, sir, so far as that's con
cerned; but we start AT three"
"Oh, ah-yes, of well all
it leaves me practically with no com
mand, but I'll hope to have you back,
Mr.. Dean. Good-hy." Then as he |