Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1901-03-11
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that he and the general would have
shaken hands and parted friends, for
both had sterling qualities. But orders
given in compliance with orders from
superiors are sometimes given only
grudgingly. The general had heard in
that brief interview with his late at
night callers enough to convince him
that the harshest charges laid at Lor-
ing's door belonged elsewhere. But
there were things Loring had been too
proud to explain-there was his insub-
ordinate-so the general regarded it
appeal over his commanders head to
the bureau in Washington; there was
his defiance of his envoy and represent
ative, Captain Petty; there were lots
of little things that Tuf1ed the dignity
of the veteran autocrat, especially the
somewhat peremptory tone of the dis
patch from the war department, and the
general felt himself wronged by his su-
periors.
Strain, too, suffered in his own esti-
mate, and Petty was Tuning with pent
up wrath and hate against that cool,
supercilious, contemptuous upstart of
an engineer. Who in blazes was he, any
how? What was his family? What his
social status? demanded Petty to him
self, even though he knew that these
were matters whereof our democratic
military system took no thought what
ever. 1t is the proud boast of the Amer
ican army that neither wealth nor name
nor ancestry can count in the long race
for the stars. In these glad days Of
peace and national prosperity the officer
is speedily taught that promotion is the
result of only one of two things-patient
waiting or political influence.
And so it resulted that when Walter
Loring steamed away southwark on the
long run for the States he left behind
an unsettled fight, three or four ag-
grieved offcials-aggrieve because of
him or his affairs and their mismanage-
ment of both-and one inveterate enc
my. He had plenty Of time to think it
all over after he was fairly at sea, but
none before. He and Dennis needed ev-
cry moment to get his belongings aboard
and his business closed. He called upon
the general as directed and stood in re-
spectful silence while the choleric war
rior paced up and down the room and
explained his position. He wished Mr..
Loring to understand that while he
felt that the young officer had behaved
with disrespect, at least with disregard
of his commanding general, the latter
was too magnanimOus to stand in his
way, and had therefore determined the
evening previous to release him from
arrest and from further duty that he
might lose no time in Joining" his
new station, even went so far as to say
he had found much, very much, to COM
mend in the young gentleman and his
performance of duty in Arizona, and,
but for the unfortunate entanglements
that had resulted, would have taken
ment of the fact.
He could not but deprecate the con-
duct of Mr.. Loring's friends in Wash
ington, and might find it necessary to
appeal to the president for justice.
Meantime, however, he desired Mr..
Loring to know that no personal cunsid-
Grafton had actuated his conduct. He
had done what he believed to be his
duty, and then, like the orator, the gen.
eral paused for reply.
Mr.. Loring stood in civilian dress
and soldier attitude, hat in hand, an
attentive listener, never interposing a
word or hazarding remark. When the
general stopped, the lieutenant remain
ed silent and standing. The general
looked perturbed, halted and glared, as
much as to say, "Why the devil don't
you speak?" thing Loring never did
when he had nothing to say. The chief
found it necessary to begin anew, but
- 1fF al
do you not!'
Eyes, sir" said Loring.
"Then 1 suppose-you'r re very busy
have many things to do?''
"Only one, sir"
"Well, I won't detain you II
wish you we'll, Mr.. Loring, and-and-
bon voyage!" And the general strove to
smile.
"Thank you, general. Anything else,
sir?''
The general stood and could think of
nothing. 81 believe not, he replied,
"unless-however, never mind won't
detain you"
GOOD day, SIR said Loring, and
marched quickly away to the room of
the aid-de-camp. Petty was not there. |
An embarrassed lieutenant arose and
smiled vaguely.
PETTY isn't about anywhere this
morning. He was out late last night.
l expect him every moment"
"You needn't. He won't come. Tell !
him waited until II 3d.
Then Loring shut the door and left. !
He had many an hour later in which to
think over his final interview with the .
aid. A most unwelcome duty was that
second call to Petty. He would rather
be kicked than go to Loring and say he
was released from arrest and free to go.
Perhaps he thought the kick forthcom-
ing If he went. But Loring treated