The National tribune., 1901-05-16

HE Took HIM IN HIS ARMS"
| knife, and he did it promptly, decisively,
and with sure guidance. She stood pa
tiently by, holding the candle, and hand
ing him the basin and the towels with
an instant, intelligent helpfulness and
lack of fussiness or blundering that de-
lighted him.
Il say again, you're a most wonderful
woman" he remarked, as he was care
fully washing his hands after he had fin
ished, and she was standing near with a
towel. Quite a remarkable woman, Mrs.
-Mrs.-I don't believe L have heard your
name"
Miss Sophronia Sutton" she answered,
with a strong accent on the Miss"
That's awful long, though. You may
call me 'Phrony when we're Alone" she
added, with as much tender archness as
she could command in her strongly craven
features. And I'm going to call you
Augustus. 1t is very genteel name, and
so sweet"
Brooks? Brooks?- she communed with
herself, after retiring to the privacy of
her room. Brooks, without the e. Those
Rrookeses over there spell their name
with an e. They are the muddy Brooks
Their great-grandfather that they boast
so much about was only Captain and
Quartermaster in the Revolution, while
Augustus's land her meager bosom
swelled with pride as if he were already
her's) was Major-General, and mentioned
in history. l don't care if he is Yankee.
There must be some good men among the
Yankees, as well as other people, and he's
one of them."
Il observe, Surgeon" remarked Lieut.
Gillen, with official austerity, as the Doc
tor came into his room to submit his re-
port, that you are becoming quite friend
ly with that woman in there. Such things
are very dangerous to the discipline Of 4
camp"
My social and personal relations are
piled the Surgeon, tartiy. You will please
direct your attention to my report, which
herewith submit to you"
Say" commented Shorty, after wit
Messing the Lieutenants discontinue of
Miss Sophronia, and while he and 81 were
fixing down for the night, that Second
Lieutenant puts on frills enough for old
Sherman himself, but he certainly took
the starch out OF that she-cesh gallinipper
to the Queens taste, and he has my
thanks. He has front enough for a town
hall, but he's business, all the same, from
the ground up"
''Blast him and his 'front.'" said ST.
sleepily. Lets lie down. I've arranged
with the Sergeant that we be walked just
before daylight. Better get what sleep
we can"
Even before the Sergeant came around
the next morning the restless Foster
Walsh had wakened them, had made his
own coffee, had saddled n horse he found
in the stables, and was impatiently wait
ing them to get ready and start.
1t was full daylight when 81 took his
place at the right of the line, and Just
as he put his foot in the stirrup to mount
the Lieutenant strode out on the porch
and demanded:
''Serg't Klegg, do you presume to leave
camp. without first reporting to me, and
securing my approvalF
"Why, Lieutenant" Stammered 81, en-
barrassed at being caught in another mil
itary blunder, II supposed you knew all
about it. We talked it all over last night
and decided. l thought you heard it all,
and supposed'-
You are never to suppose anything in
the army, sir the Lieutenant sternly cut
him off. 'It is your duty, sir, to officially
inform me, as commander of this posi-.
of any move you contemplate making. and
receive my sanction or disapproval."
why" began 81. but Shorty. who was
fidgeting to get off, interrupted with a
loud whisper:
20, stop the chin-music, ST. Report to
him officially, and let's get away"
ST brought his heels together, took the
position of soldier, saluted stiffly, and
said:
Lieut.. Gillen, desire to report that
am about to start with my detachment
in the direction of Millen, on a scout to |
secure information and assist prisoners |
who may have gotten away from the reb- |
els"
''Amend your report, Sergeant" said
the Lieutenant, returning the salute, "by |
adding, in pursuance of my orders'"
But it wasn't your orders at ALL" 81 |
started to demonstrate, but Shorty inter-
fered:
Say it, 81; say anything, and let's get
Yes, yes; humor him." added Foster
Walsh, impatiently.
'In pursuance of your ORDERS" said 81. |
every good, Sergeant" responded the
in his dry, official tone; you
have correctly understood my wishes, and
herewith hand you a written order to
that effect. You will report to me from
lime to time the progress you make"
81 restrained himself into respectful
salute as he received the order, but there
was something vindictive in the way he
ammed it into his blouse pocket as he
urned and sprang into the saddle.
''If that feller's official dignity" snorted
Shorty, as they rode away, "should be
exposed to the weather, and get wet and