Waterbury Democrat., 1901-06-26

They ult came tlETRbltng to meet LGngdon. sense of relief. yet hardly liked to own lt even to himself. Santley he cared little about, but Charming had stood his friend ahdi served him well. Why should he not have welcomed Chan nfngs presence? Why should he se zefflg fsjplces that ChHpning was not here? i
 With the old accustomed salute and with joy in their honest eyes brace of battery men sprang'to aid him as the little party dismounted in a lovely glade among the crested hills. White tents gleamed among the pines in the settingl sun Dogs and children with loud ac-l claim, came tumbling to meet him.I Melville, glad and genial, linked his, arm in that of his guest and led him to. khe campfire. 1.-Two sturdy young Mel-l Tiiles climbed and twined about his; 9egs and beat him Justify upon the back as the ladies arose to greet him, Mrs.; Melville with frankly extended hand,l while Ethel Grahame, looking the pie, fure of health and serenity in jersey. waist and Tam O'Shanter, clamped :, a huge earthen bowl in one rounded arm and presented spoonful of sirup, ther soft cheek dimpling, her white teeth gleaming between the ripe red lips. Langdon bowed over Mrs. Melville's hand and bent both knees in abortive attempt to sip the contents of the spoon, a difficult feat without the aid Of the youngsters and one that only re- suited on their part in a climbing race for his back and on his to still further prostration It was just as well for Channing's peace of mind that he had not been included in the family plan- 1t might have been better had not that plan likewise omitted Santley, who had found means to get away from battery duties and to take the 30 mile ride int0 the heart of the hills on the trail of his hopes and, sitting in saddle at the edge of the glade, to look on at this pretty picture and then turn and curse the folly that had led him thither. Others might welcome Langdon; he could and would not Neither could he spend the night, as he had planned, in Melville's camp. In bitterness of spirit he rode back a dozen miles to a miners cabin, and Torrance was his confidant when at noon next day he returned to duty and reported what he had seen
 Five evenings later the whole com mand, six troops of horses and two deld batteries, were grooming at the picket ropes along under the edge of the mesa, and Torrance, in natty un- dress uniform, riding whip in hand, was sauntering up and down watching the work of his men, when he became aware of eager glances and mutter- lngs- The tap, tap of currycomb and brush went on as steadily, but heads kept bobbing up and gazing over the brown backs of his strong gun teams, and. glancing about to see what it meant, Torrance became aware of sight that sent him presently to the opposite side of his line. Strolling down the slope. talking volubly, came the colonel, his dogs tumblfng about him, as usual, his orderly following primly at his allotted distance, Mel vile, calm, courteous and dignified as ever, listening with all outward ap- Bearance of serene interest on one side, and on the other, 1.-the, spare and erect, lookingIy marvelously unlike the sad, |aded. hopeless man who left their midst the second year before, clad now in trim camping garb, strode Erie Langdon. When D battery broke ranks half an hour later, three rousing cheers rang out on the evening air, and Torrance sent for his first ser geant.
 .sWhat made the men cheerp he ssked. and the sergeant was imper-