Evening star., 1901-02-18
PRICE, 10 CENTS.

Finally he brought in the lights. The An
glo-American pair had now no notion Of
Quitting-not much before taps" anyway.
Under the genial influence of the Scotch
the deepest sort of an affection had sprung
up between the pair. Barlings stories on
this occasion topped any he had ever told
before. Morse's admiration was more
fervid. He sat squirting, with one eye
closed at his friends features as he saw
them in that dim light. Barling ordered
more and more of the Scotch If it hadn't
been for fear Of the guard these two troop-
ers would have sung some jolly songs.
Barling wanted to, in fact, but Morse man
aged to restrain him. So, indeed, they
talked about the love between England and
America, and incidentally proved their love
for Scotch. -Barling graVely arsErted that
England and America could thrash the
whole world. Morse claimed that either
country could do 1t alone, but that it would
be more fun to do it together, as an alliance
gave chance to meet such fine fellows
There is no knowing where 1T would have
ended nor what plans for the campaign
ing of the future would then and there
have been made, had it not been for the
sound of quick, firm, heavy tread in the
next room.
Hi Hang" said a stern voice, IT under
stand that you're selling liquor here"
That's the officer of the guard" whis-
pered Trooper Morse, thickly, and with
some alarm in his voice.
Me no sell lickee," protested Hi. "Me
sell meat. You wantee some? Velly-"
ncer I'm going to have this place
watched If soldiers come in here, out you
go beyond the walls of Pekin. Do you I'M
derstand that? We're not going to have
any more of this sly liquor selling in the
American section. I'll pull your house
down about your ears if you try it. Any
American soldier who drinks too much af-
ter this Is going to have thirty days in the
guard house, and killing won't be too good
for the Chinaman who sells to him. I've
set a guard to watch this house Be care
fulr' .-.v-ss.=....
There was the same heavy tread, the
slyly at Morse
Jolly fine lot OF officers you've got" he
observed, just as the door opened and Hi
glided in to inquire:
You wantee more?'
Yes" said Morse, with sudden despera-
ton. I'm in for 1t, anyway, L guess, and
l might as well give the summary court its
moneys worths'e--~-.o
They took three more tipples, and then.
after much squinting at his watch, Morse
found it time for them to leave.
"There'll be a Guard outside he whis-
pered I'm in for it, ! reckon. You're
right. Wish was Chic). English tonight"
"Cheer up, old chap. Stiffen your back
and you'll thicl walk all ri'.''
American Nerve.
Just then there was sound of some one
else entering. the~neNt room. There was
something about the. tread that denoted the
officer. Morse sank back INTO the chair from
which he had just arisen Darling stood
leaning against The wall, blinking at the
light.
ION such a confoundedly cold night as
this I hardly blanca fellow for wanting
one drink" spoke one Of the newcomers
Full Of new--idea,s Morse managed to
get to the door without noise, opened 1t
a crack and peeredr cut There in the dim
light he saw two American officers seated.
For what seemed to ~Barling an Infinitely
long time Morse stood at the door. The
young trooper stood, In fact, until he saw
Hi enter with two long glasses. He saw
the officers take them, raise them to their
lips. Then, without seconds warning,
steadied somewhat by thought. of the or
deal through which he must pass, he pulled
the door open. stepped5 out into the next
| room, halted and mades the best salute he
could. Barring stood just beh1nd MIN, sa-
"Hullo, my man. what area you doing
here?" demanded one of the oncers' rising
| quickly.
Some one said this Chinaman was shellin
| liquor replied Morse. with all the gravity
he could summon.
'sWell, do you thing he is?''
Don't (hic) think So. shir. Can't see no
sign of It, shir.'
One of the officers glanced quizzically at
| the other. They were in something OF a
mess themselves, for 1t is no slight breach
| Of discipline for oficersato drink In places
| frequepted by enlisted men. Morse stood
| there swaying slightly. Barring looked as
| solemn as an owl. After moments thought
| the officer who had done the questioning
walked through to the outer door. followed
| by the cronies. Outside the door, little
| way off. paced a sentry. i
"My man." hailed the officer. you will
| allow these two soldiers to pass. They
| have been here on duty
Very good, sir" and sthe sentry came to
! present arms. Afterward he looked
| rather quizzieally at the pair as they
| lurched by him. -
/ ''Whatsh the matter 1.wiz our officers? 2"
demanded Morse, with chuckle. IF they
| hadn't been in there, do you know where
we'd BET In Jug. Finest officers In
I worldsh.''
i Darling added his warm encomium as they