The Kalispell bee. [volume] (Kalispell, Mont.) 1900-192?, 1901-12-25

honor was not my honor, and he was
its only guardian, and he would not
say anything but bad words.
Invent away, and from time to time
thought great deal of that subalterr
and that private in Fort Amara, anc
wondered what would be the upshot OF
everything.
CHAPTER III.
When l returned it was early spring
B company had been shifted from the
fort to regular duty in canton
ments, the roses were getting ready
to bud on the mall, and the
regiment, which had been at a camr
of exercise, among other things was 60
ing through its spring musketry under
an adjutant who had a notion that its
shooting average was low. He had
stirred up the company officers, and
they had brought extra ammunition for
their men-the government allowance
was just sufficient to foul the ritiing-
and + company, which counted many
marksmen, was vaporing and offering
to challenge all the other companies,
and the third-class shots were very sorry
that they had ever been born, and ali
the subalterns were rich. ripe saddle
colur from sitting at the butts six or
eight hours day.
l went off to the butts after break
fast very dull of curiosity to see how
the new draft had come forward.
Oulcss was there with his men by the
bald hillock that marks the six hun
dred yards range, and the men were in
gray-green khaki that shows the best
points OF soldier and shades off into
every background he may stand against.
Before | was in hearing distance l
could see as they sprawled on the dusty
grass, or stood up and shook themselves,
that they were men made over again
wearing their helmets with the cock of
self-possession, swinging easily and
jumping to the word of command.
Coming nearer, heard Oulcss whistles
"Bauy hooley" between his teeth as he
looked down on the range with his
binoculars, and the back of Lieut.
Ouless was the back of free man and
an officer. He nodded as I came up,
and l heard him fling an order to nom
commissioned officer in a sure and GER
tain voice. The flag ran up from the
target and Ortheris flung himself down
on his stomach to put in his ten shots.
He winked at me over the breech block
as he settled himself, with the air Of
man who has to go through tricks for
the benefit of children.
watch you, men," said Ouless, to the
1,A1> .rJ =, I, III
Brannigan, but he isn't afraid of his
rifle"
Ortheris had his little affectations
and pet ways, as the rest of us have. He
weighed his rifle, gave it little kick
up, cutdled down again and fred across
the ground that was beginning to dance
in the sun heat.
"Miss" said man behind.
TOO much bloomin' ground in 'front.'"
Ortheris muttcred.
II should give two feet for refrac-
tion," said Ouless.
Ortheris fred again, made his outer,
crept in, found the bull and stayed
there, the noncommissioned officer
pricking off the shots.
Cant make out 'ow l missed that
first" he said, rising and stepping back
to my side, as Learc.>. took his place.
SIS it company practice?" asked.
mo. Only just knocking about.
Ouless 'e's givin' ten rupees for second
class Shots I'm outer it, of course, but
l come on to show 'em the proper style
O. dom things. Jock looks like a sea-
line at the Brighton aquarium, sprawl
in and crawlin' down there, don't e?
Gawd, what butt this end of i'm
would make"
''B company has come up very WE'LL"
l said.
"Thcy 'ad to. They're none so dusty,
now, are they? Samuelson even e can
shoot sometimes. We're gettin' on as
we'll as can be expected, thank you.''
"How do you get on with
80! i'm. First rate. There's nothin'
wrong with 'im."
WAS it all settled them"
"'Asn't Terence told you? I should
say it were. Els gentleman, e is"
Lets hear" said.
Ortheris twinlSled all over, tucked his
rifle across his knee and repeated:
"'Es gentleman. 'E's an officer, too.
You saw all that mess in Fort Am
merer. T'wasn't none O. my fault, as
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