Waterbury Democrat., 1901-06-25

| tiTN cOHmllIee, JuSI HOW mucn ne1p could Cat look for at his hands?
 'Tell Melville to invite him by all meaAs,' said Mrs. Cat. But "Cat'' demurred. Why had Langdon left Sheridan so mysteriously? Why had the Big Horn discharged him if they had not good reason to connect him with the robbery of the safe? Mel vile, with his grave, courteous smile, promptly disposed of the first. It was to spare Nelson a possible breach with the post commander. Sharpe felt that he ought not to allow Langdon to re- main at the post one day after he was able to move, first, because of the bad blood between him and Armistead; l second, because of his anomalous posi- l ton as dismissed officer. But Sharpe knew Nelson was impetuous of speech and intolerant of interference. He liked him well and thought for him and so chose a time when Nelson had to be at stables to send his adjutant to Langdon to break to him, diplomatical- ly as possible, his desire, and Langdon left between two bugle calls, hurt and heartsick, but convinced that the step was due to Nelson, if not to Sharpe. When fairly away from Chicago and beyond reach of Nelson's reproaches or approximations, Langdon had written and given good reasons for his action on that count at least. The Armistead l affair was something that would have | to be left for time to settle. It might crop out any moment in the future. On the other matter, the safe rob- bery, "Cat' owned to himself with shame that he had trunped it up as an objection even when he disbelieved it's l truth, for Melyfies clear eyes had | calmly asked, .You surely do not be-
 ieve Langdon party to that, do you"
 "Oh-no, no, certainly don't! Oh, well, ask him by all means, if you like. IT merely suggest these as matters-others might desire explain ed. Then-theres Torrance. Now, how do you expect them to meetT'
 ''They are not apt to meet at all. MT. Torrance, you know, has not been well come at my quarters since that occur renee" was Melville's quiet reply and, much to Torrance's chagrin, such was the case. He had been living with the bachelors mess during the campaign and here in camp, Mrs. Torrance hay ing taken that opportunity to go east, visit her kindred and replenish her wardrobe. He had partially re-estab- lished himself in the batteries by sol dierly conduct in the campaign and during the mob days, but he knew Mel ville's household had heard all about the language which led to Langdon's assault, and how could that be con- doned? He was a sorefy unhappy man that summer, and May and Woodrow said it served him right.
 There was another reason why Lang don didn't care to leave Brentwood just then. Cresswell was relentless hater. He was still trying to ferret out his as sailant or assailants, and he had never ceased his shadowing of Betts and his aspiring son. Cresswell worked in se- crecy, binding Langdon to silence. He had been most helpful and liberal to Langdon in every way, even when he dreaded his looming up as a competitor for congress. He was fairly well to do and could easily have been richer but for the southern temperament which made him as open handed as he was open hearted. He insisted on advanc- ing Langdon money to meet the claims that would not wait and begged him to accept more that he might dress and live like gentleman. He meant Lang don to grow into the increasing busi- ness and care for it and preserve it, leaving him, Cresswell, free to pursue his political path. But Langdon was obdurate. The rifles had presented their new captain with his entire outfit of uniform and equipment on his re- turn to duty. Boniface "gave him rate' at his hospitable board that even Langdon half resented as not being equitable, but Boniface swore Lang don was worth more than his board; "he drew custom.'
 Langdon's law studies were going on uninterruptedly and we'll. He could reasonably expect to stand all 1egiti- mate quizzing and be called to the bar within another twelvemonth provided there were no distractions. He did not allow the will-o'-the-wisp of possible reinstatement to draw him from inces- sant study. What was the use of go- ing back to the army, anyhow? He could never settle those outstanding debts and keep up the proper appear ance on the pay of lieutenant The path to competence and freedom lay in civil life. He could far better repay the nation for his West Point educa- ton by assiduous drill and instruction of the state soldiery than by pottering about another ten years as file closer. To return to the regiment was only to place himself once more where such narrow minds as "Cat' and such vicious souls as Nathan could slight or sting him. To remain in civil life would soon place him, should he see fit to en- ter politics, where, if he were mean enough, he could slight or sting them.
 You are better off today than you have been since the day of your grad uation," said Cresswell 'You are in- dependent" He would have said even more but that he feared to wound. What he thought was: Thank God for two things, my lad = you've neither wife nor child to hamper you! The married man is never free''
 'Langdon," said Cresswell, coming into the office one bright June morn ing, 'I want you to knock off for a few days and take a run with me to Lin