The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1900-04-06

ago, and If l were to mount you to-
night he'd mount me-with both feet"
Think there's any use in asking
him." queried. the boy. tossing back
ward glance toward Canker's tent.
Not unless you're suffering for an
other snub. That man loves to say no
as much as any girl ever asked, and
he doesn't do it to be coaXed, either.
Best leave it alone, Billy"
And then the unexpected happened.
Into the tent, with quick, impetuous
step, came the commanding officer him
self, and something had occurred to
stir that gentleman to the core. His
eyes were swapping and his head was
high.
Mr. Gordon" said he, there's more
of this pilfering business, and now
they're beginning to find out it isn't
all in my camp by a damned sight. 1
| want that letter copied at once" Then
| with glance at Gray, who had whipped
off his cap and was standing in respect
| full attitude, he changed his tone from
| the querulous, half treble of complaint.
whats this you'd best leave alone?"
he suddenly demanded. There are a
dozen things you'd best leave alone and
| a dozen you would do we'll to cultivate
| and study. When 1 was-however,
I never was lieutenant except in war
time, when they amounted to some
| thing. 1 got my professional knowl-
edge in front of the enemy-not at any
damned charity school. You're here
TO ask some new indulgence, suppose.
Want to stay in town over night and
fritter away your money and the time
the government pays for. No, sir; you
can't have my consent. You will be
back in camp at IL O'Clock, and stop
and report your return to the officer
of the guard, so that 1 may know the
hour you come in. Who's officer of the
guard tonight, Mr.. Gordon?"
'Mr. Brooke. sir"
"Mr. Brooke! Why, I thought told
you he was to take those prisoners in
town tomorrow. He has to testify be-
fore that court in: the case of Sergt.
Kelly and it saves my sending another
officer and having two of our lieuten-
ants away from drill and hanging
around the Bohemian club. Detail
somebody else!"'
61ll 1iShl, al dhS" NoAuoh,
imperturbably. make any odds, sir,
| who is detailed?"
Canker had turned TO his desk and
| was tossing over the papers with nerv
Gus hand. Gray impulsivcly stepped
forward, his eyes kindling with hope.
1t was on the tip of his tongue to launch
into proffer of his own services for
the detail, but Gordon hastily warned
him back with sweep of the hand and
a portentous scowl.
NO. Ones as bad as the other.
Next thing 1 know some of 'em will be
letting prisoners escape. right under.
my nose, making us the laughing stock
of these damned militia volunteers"
(Canker entered service in '61 as
private in city company that was mil
tia to the tip of its spike-tailed coats,
but he had forgotten it.) II want these
young idlers to understand distinctly,
by George, that the first prisoner that
gets away from this post takes some
body's commission with him. D'you
hear that. GMr. Gray?" And Canker
turned and glared at the bright blue
eyes as though he would like to blast
their clear fires with the breath of his
disapprobation. Has that. voting fell
low, Morton, been put in irons yet?"
he suddenly asked, whirling on Gordon
again.
think not. sir. Supplies limited.
Officer Of the day reported half an hour,
| ago every set was in use. Sent over to
division quartermaster and he an
swered we had dozen more'n we were
entitled to now. Wanted to know f we
meant to iron the whole regiment-'
1.-THE hell he did!" ragged Canker.
9TH settle that in short order. Ny
horse there, orderly! I'll be back by
four, Mr.. Gordon. Fix that detail to
suit yourself" Ard so saying the
irascible colonel flung himself out of
the tent and into his saddle.
"You young IDIOT" said Gordon,
whirling on Billy the moment the coast
| was clear. you came within an ace
of running the whole thing. Never ask
Canker for anything, unless it's what
you wish to be rid of. Tell Brooke
you're for guard, and he's to go 70 town
| instead"
Hopping mad" as he himself after
| ward expressed it, Col. Canker had
| ridden over to "have it out" with the
quartermaster who had ventured to
| comment on his methods, but the sight
| of the commanding general, standing
| alone at the'entrance to his private tent,
his pale face grayer than ever and