Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1901-11-22
4copynghsed. 1890. by the j. B. Lppineoa Col
CHAPTER XyI-CoNrINuEp.

CHAPTER XVI.-CoNTINUED.
A whole battalion in the regulars
and dozens of gallant boys in the
1dahos and North Dakotas knew Billy
Benton and had been full of sympa-
thy when he was picked up one night
some three weeks previous, his head
laid open by a powerful blow from
some blunt instrument, bleeding and
senseless. Even when released from
hospital a fortnight later he was
dazed and queer, was twice reported
>out of quarters over night and alb
sent from roll call, but was forgiven
because of previous character" and
the belief that he was really not re-
Sponsible for these soldier solecisms.
One thing seemed to worry him,
and that was, as he admitted, that
he had been robbed of some papers
that he valued. But he soon seemed
"all right again." said his fellows, at
least to the extent of resuming duty,
and when, clean shaved and in his
best attire, he marched on guard that
glad October morning they were bet
ting on him for the first chevrons
and speedy commission.
, All that his few intimates, the one
could be induced to admit was that
that he had enlisted utterly against
the wishes of his kindred. And SO,
regulars and volunteers alike, they
thronged the open patio and all ap-
proaches thereto, and no officer
would now suggest that that court be
cleared. It was best that '"rhink-
enc, Ro ofvO oh no n
hear and see for himself.
mo, indeed, don't do anything of
the kind!" said the general, prompt
ly,-when asked half hesitatingly by
the captain of the guard whether he
preferred to exclude the men. And
in this unusual presence the brief,
straightforward examination went on.
First to tell his tale was the cor
poral of the second relief. He had
posted his men between $3.50 and S:45,
Private Benton on No. at the cor
ner of the Gale Real and Parde
Faura. That post had been chosen
Cor him as being not very far away
from that of the guard, as the young
'"feller" had not entirely recovered
his strength, and the officer of the
day had expressed some regret at his
X having so soon attempted to resume
duty. but Benton had laughingly said
that he was "all right" and he didn't
mean to have other men doing sentry
60 for him. a.
"Soon after nine," said the cor
poral, az went round warning all as
directed by the officer of the guard
The officer of the guard himself wen,
round about that time personally
cautioning the sentries. There was g
good deal of fun and excitement just
then down the street. No. 9 in the
Gale Nueve had shot twice at some
fleeing natives who nearly upset hin
as they dashed round the corner
from the Bagumbayan, and he hat
5ater mistaken Col. Brent in his whit,
suit for a Filipino and nervousl,
fired. Nos. and in the sid,
- streets mistook the shooting for fir
alarm, and Private Benton repeated
in accordance with his orders, blu
when (the corporaD saw him wa
laughing to kill himself over the Ma
Mia fire department"
Benton didn't seem much impresse
at first about the thief and the de
serter, but towards 9:45, when tn
corporal again visited his post an
the streets were getting quiet, Ben
ton said there were some natives i
the second house across the wa
whose movements puzzled him. The
kept coming to the front door an
windows and peeping out at him.
patrol came along just then. search
ing alleyways and yards, and the
looked about the premises, while b
Corporal Scott) started west ION tn
Faura to warn No. (, who was owe
towards the beach. and while ther
Mai MacNeil.s the neld officer of tn
day, came along. and after maxim
Inquiries as to what No. 4 had see
and heard and asking him his order
he turned back to the Faura, Coz
poral Scott following.
Once block west of the Gale Re.
the major stopped as though to Iii
ten to some sound he seemed to ha,
heard in the dark street running pa,
allei with the Real. and then steppe
into it as though to examine. SO Scot
followed. and almost instantly the
heard muffied report like a pist'
inside q blanket" and hastenin
round into the Faura they found Be-
ton lying on his face IN the middle
the street, just at the corner of tt
Gale Real, stone dead. His rifle the
found in the gutter not 20 feet fro
him.
Scott ran at once to the guar
house. three blocks away. and ga
the alarm. Then the patrol said TIL
. tall officer. running full speed. h