The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1901-11-22
CHAPTER XvI.-CoNr1NuEp.

CHAPTER XVI.-CoNTNUED.
A whole battalion in the regulars
and dozens of gallant boys in the
Idahos and North Dakotas knew Billy
Benton and had been full of sympa-
thy when he was picked up one night
some three weeks previous, his head
laid open by powerful blow from
some blunt instrument, bleeding and
senseless. Even when released from
hospital a fortnight later he was
daZed and queer, was twice reported
out of quarters over night and alb
sent from roll call, but was forgiven
because of previous character" and
the belief that he was really not re-
sponsible- for these soldier solecisms.
One thing seemed to worry him,
and that was, as he admitted, that
he had been robbed of some papers
that he valued. But he soon seemed
''an right again." said his fellows, at
least to the extent of resuming duty,
and when, clean shaved and in his
best attire, he marched on guard that
glad October morning they were bet
ting on. him for the first chevrons
and speedy commission.
ALI that his few intimates. the one
or two who claimed to know him,
could be induced to admit was that
his real name was not Benton. and
that he had enlisted utterly against
the wishes of his kindred. And so,
regulars and volunteers alike, they
thronged the open patio and all APP
tproaches thereto, and no officer
would now suggest that that court be
cleared. 1t was best that 'Think-
Ing Bayonets'' should be there to
siear and see for himself.
'No, indeed, don't do anything of
the kind!" said the general, prompt
~, when asked half hesitatingly by
the captain of the guard whether he
preferred to exclude the men. And
in this unusual presence the brief,
straightforward examination went on.
First to tell his tale was the cor
poral of the second relief. He had
posted his men between $50 and s:45,
Private Benton on No. at the cor
ner of the Gale Real and Parde
Faura. That post had been chosen
for him as being not very far away
from that of the guard, as the young
teller" had not entirely recovered
his strength, and the officer of the
day had expressed some regret at his
having so soon attempted to resume
duty, but Benton had laughingly said
that he was call right" and he didn't
mean to have other men doing sentry
go for him.
"Soon after nine," said the cor
poral, 81 went round warning all as
directed by the officer of the guard
The officer of the guard himself went
round about that time personally
cautioning the sentries. There was
good deal of fun and excitement just
then down the street. No. in the
Gale Nueve had shot twice at some
fleeing natives who nearly upset him
as they dashed round the corner
from the Ragumbayan, and he had
later mistaken Col. Brent in his white
suit for Filipino and neryously
: fred. Nos. and s in the side
streets mistook the shooting for fire
alarm. and Private Benton repeated,
in accordance with his orders. but
when (the corporaD saw him was
laughing to KID himself over the Ma
Mia fire department"
Benton didn't seem much impressed
at first about the thief and the de-
sserter, but towards 9.45. when the
corporal again visited his post and
the streets were getting quiet, Ben
ton said there were some natives in
the second house across the way
whose movements puzzled him. They
kept coming to the front door and
windows and peeping out at him. A
patrol came along just then. search
ing alleyways and yards, and they
looked about the premises, while he
corporal Scott) started west on the
Eaura to warn No. 4, who was over
towards the beach, and while there
Maj. MacNeii. the field officer of the