Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1901-01-02

she had listened to the tale of her
brothers recent peril. 81 arshall's here
almost home. It's just as we said,
jess. Do come down. He was there
just in time to save my brothers life
to drive the Indians back to the river.
come quick-I want to hug you!" And
ner dark eyes flashing with Joy and
e1cltement danced full upon the bulky
form OF the major, slowly issuing from
the parlor door, then beyond as she
went bounding by him, all eagerness
to clasp her bonny friend in her arms
and shower her with congratulations,
And so it happened that both the girls
were at the rear of the hall entwined
in each others arms at the foot of
the stairs when the ranchman an
swered Folsom's next question, and
then broke out with the abrupt an
nouncement: II never see young Of
ficer handle his men better. We'd all
been in hell by this time if it wasn't
for him; yet, by God, sir, the moment
he got into the post they clapped him
in arrest"
CHAPTER XII.
That evening, when John Folsom,
half an hour earlier than the stipulated
time, drove the girls and their friend,
Lieut.. LOOMS, out to the fort, Mai.
Burleigh was left to his own devices,
and his face plainly showed that he
was far from pleased with the WAY
things were going. The news that
MOI lon =
rest by order of the commanding Off
Ger of Fort Emory, following as it did
close on the heels of the tidings of
that young officers prompt and SOL
dierly handling of the crisis at the
ranch, made. Folsom boil over with
wrath. His first word was one of eau
ton, however. "Hush!" he said.
''Speak low. Yonder stands his SIS
ter. The girls must not know yet"
Then, leading the way into the library
and closing the door behind them, he
demanded all particulars Lannion
could give him, which were few enough.
''The lieutenant halted the troop out
side the post" said the indignant
ranchman, had it dismount there
commanding officer for instructions.
The colonel was taking his nap after
lunch, and the adjutant was at the
office, and what does he do but get
up from his desk solemn-like, and when
the lieutenant says: I report the ar
rival of troop C at the post, sir the
adjutant didn't answer word. but
1o,, md 1>o-
gan bucking it around him, and then
he put on his cap and gloves, and says
he: Lieut.. Dean, I'm sorry, but my
instructions are to place you in close
arrest, by order of Col. Stevens Why,
you could have knocked me down with
the kick of a gopher I was so dunn
founded! The lieutenant he didn't say
anything for minute, but turned
white and looked like he could have
knocked the top of the adjutant's head
off. AN officer will be sent to take
charge of the troop said the adjutant,
AM I suppose you'd better confine
yourself to your tent, as the colonel
means to have them camp there day
or two, until he hears from Capt.
Brooks as to quarters well, will you
have the goodness to say what charges
have been laid against me?' said Mr..
Dean, and the adjutant hemmed and
hawed, and lowed that the colonel
hadn't formally drawn 'em up yet, but
that copy would be served on him as
soon as they were ready.
''Then said I'd go right in and find
x,o,, o-1 ~ II
And then it was that Folsom turned
on Burleigh, with gloom in his eye, and
said: "By the Eternal, Maj. Burleigh,
I hope you've had nothing to do with
this!''
Nothing in the world, assure you,
Mr.. Folsom. II deeply regret it.
Though, as I have told you, / can hard
ly be surprised, after what has been
said, and-what I have SEEM" But
the major could not squarely meet the
gaze in the keen eyes of the old trader,
nor could the latter conceal his sus-
picions. II know you wish to hear all
the particulars of the affair at the
ranch from this gentleman" said the
major, uneasily, $50 I will leave you
with him for the. present." and back
ing out into the hall he turned to the
foot of the winding staircase where
Elinor had met her friend. The girls
were still there, their faces clouded
with surprise and anxiety. 1t was an
opportunity not to be lost.
"Pray do not be troubled, Miss Fol-
son." said Burleigh, advancing upon
them with outstretched hand, "er-Mr.
Folsom merely wants to hear further
details from Lannion. wish to extend
my congratulations to you and-ah--
this young lady, first upon the for
tunate escape of your brother" and
he bowed over his distended stomach
to Einor, land second upon the part
played by yours" and he repeated the
bow to Jess, who, however, shrank
away from the extended hand. 'sIt will
go far to counterfeit the stories that
I-ah-er-believe you know about
that were in circulation, and most I'M
Justly, doubtless, at-er-his expense"
"Who put them in circulation, Maj.
Burleigh?" asked Pappoose, her brown
eyes studying his face as unf1inchingly
as had her fathers gaze moment be-
fore. .......,.. 81. ~.-s
''That, my dear young lady Ter
cannot sur mise. They are mostly i'm
aginative, I dare say" .-~}. =.
But Miss Folsom looked unmoAified,
Miss Dean agitated, and Burleigh him
self had many a reason for feeling i'll
at ease. Just at the time of all others
when he most desired to stand on good
terms with the well-to-do old trader
and his charming daughter he found
himself the object of distrust. He was