Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1901-03-04

80
But at last he ''Iit'' on something tangible
ty posted back to Frisco without delay,
convinced that here was something
with which to confront and cOnfOund
that cool, supercilious snob. Then he
could take a fresh start for Yuma and
get more. One can always get some
thing when the object of the story is
away, and, like the seaman's story Of
his interview with Loring, Petty's YER
sion Of the seaman's interview with
him waxed as he FASTENED to his gen.
eral, and had assumed the proportions
of magnificent scandal by the time he
told it to that much ruffied brigadier
Even Strain, had he heard the ac-
count, would have riddled it-Captain
Moreland's evidence was conclusive on
that point-and while Loring, in pity
and compassion, might have left money
with the man for comfort in his con-
valescence, it was incredible that he
should have rendered payment as q
bribe for silence. Strains exaggerated
self esteem was deeply wounded by the
engineers evident lack of appreciation
of his greatness, and he would be glad
indeed to bring him to heel and convince
him he would be wise i'll future to do
homage instead of slight, and what
made Loring's Indifference SO exasper-
ating was that Strain himself was forced
to see that Loring was not only no fool,
as he admitted, but a man of brains,
courage and ability, which he would
not concede aloud. Strain, sent for at
O'o1ooIy nv no comma n
to listen to the aids wrathful account
Of the interview with Loring, fumed
and fidgeted and strove to ask some
questions to make matters clear, but
Petty was already on the defensive and
did not mean to be questioned, and the
general kept interpreting.
''Let him tell his tale his own way,
colonel. Let him give you the whole
story, Monterey and all. And Strain,
who had hoped to spend the evening
with his cronies at the club and whist,
was compelled to sit till long after
and hear the details of Petty's asinin-
ity.
Stripped OF unnecessary explanation,
it seems that the general and Strain
had decided that their dignity and pre-
rogative had been invaded by the sum-
mary orders from Washing ton, which
were at once criticism of their action
in not relieving Loring, and a demand
for an immediate explanation as we'll as
an implied threat that unless that re-
port was entirely satisfactory Loring
must be allowed to proceed. They had
spent an hour or more in the prepara-
ton of the telegram, which finally
hi no of e ~ tod
their view of the case, represented that
if Loring left it would be under cloud,
and that he should not now be allowed
to leave because of the fact that his
having resorted to forbidden and 1nsub-
ordinate means to procure his release
was in itself virtual admission that
he feared to stay and face the constant
~ recurring accusations.
It was very adroitly and impressively
worded, but still the general and chief
of staff felt nervous and i'll at ease.
Down in their hearts both realized that
nothing had been proved against Lor-
ing, and that the chances were ten to
one that nothing ever could or would
be. What was more, both were begin
ming to realize that Loring had been
badly and shabbily treated. Yet this
conviction only made them the more
ready to listen to any story-grasp at
any straw-that lent an atom Of weight
to the case against him. Dinner had
brought no comfort to either, and Petty's
preposterous story, swallowed whole by
the chief while still bristling with the
nervous strain of the concoction of that
telegram of explanation, had further
upset his digestive powers. The aid
had been sent forthwith to notify Mr..
Loring of the new story at his expense
and to demand his version thereof. Pet
ty was at no time diplomatic man,
and at this time did not mean to be-
Both in language and manner he con-
trived to make his mission as offensive
as he dared, for Loring had braved him
so exasperatingly on every previous oc- |
casion that, now that he had him safe
in arrest, he meant to taunt and did it,
but his sneering sings broke harmless
on the polished armor Of the engineers !
placid disdain. The madden Petty got /
the cooler was Loring, and when Dennis |
dropped in just at the close Of the inter-
view worse whipped man was never
seen than the aid, who ratified back to
his general, thinking of what he ought |
to have said, his wits, like his brevet to
the double bar, coming to him long aft
er the war was over.
"He treated me and the generals Or
ders with perfect contempt" said Petty
finally, and the general looked into the |
face of his senior staff officer, hopeful |
that Strain would seem properly i'm
pressed. But Strain did not. 1t was one /
thing for Loring to ignore him, but
quite different when that officer failed
to stand and deliver at the demand of /