Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1902-07-26
would speak a word concerning this

would speak a word concerning this
man."
"And what business II In of yours?"
demanded his superior. You will retire,
sir, at once."
The slightest trace of a frown spread
over the serious face. and the man
turned even a little whittier, while his
voice. calm as before, seemed to cut
the air In the room with Its decisive
tone.
This is the case OF the examination
Of u prisoner taken at the picket line.
He has the right OF witness and coun-
sci. / act as both with my friend, Lieu
nan Acton"
1 turned to him in wonder; but he
fixed his cole eyes IN the examining
officer and kept them there. Every one
instinctively drew up by the desk, with
that silent, mysterious movement that
makes no sound hut means SO much at
times-the movement that precedes
some coming event.
Lieutenant Curtis, you will under
stand hat you do not conduct this ex-
animation said the officer, trying to
control himself, but with his voice ris-
ing as he proceeded. Il do, however;
and, by God, sir, I'll continue to do so!
Do o retire at once, or 1 will place
you under arrest"
"Oaths have no place In an examina-
tion, sir. IT is, therefore. in bad taste,
and In contradiction to martial law"
Sergeant" cried the examining Of
ficer, with blazing eyes and flushed
cheeks.
II appear for this prisoner" inter-
rupted the imperturbable man, now the
only one In the room who appeared per-
fectly composed and calm.
Appear for the devil in he'll, II you
like. but you appear for no one here!"
And 1 tell you that no law in this
army permits you un6<r such condi-
lions to tell a prisoner he is a liar"
Sergeant, arrest Lieutenant Curtis!"
yelled the stupefied officer.
Gentlemen" said Curtis, turning to
the silent but Interested spectators, is
this a court, or Is 1t perchance q COL
lection OF the benighted insane?" and
a cold smile drew back the corners Of
his mouth. Who or what was this re-
markable person? He was the picture
Of a calm, dignifed gentleman; and
yet he defled military discipline, no
matter how basely applied. without the
slightest apparent concern, and all on
account Of a man whom he saw now
for h first time.
Sergeant. arrest that mani" sounded
through the room again. Every one
waited, and at last the sergeant ap-
preached Lieutenant Curtis and salut-
ed him apologetically.
There was the space of an instant,
when the air was charged with protent-
Gus possibilities, and then an orderly
entered n handed a note to the dazed
examiner, which he, after reading with
a reddening face, threw down on his
desk; then, turning to the sergeant, he
cried out:
Take the prisoner to headquarters!
And mark YOU, Mr.. Merton Balfort, if
you should u out to be an officer of
any-any, mind ye-any army of the
earth, I'll have We out, sir by God,
Will" And down came his fist, splitting
the sand from the box by his inkstand
n sounding through the room.
Something had happened, surely, for
l was Herewith led away out through
the camp, musing on the extraordinary
character Of this military examination,
but more especially on the remarkable
man who had deied it. Here and there.
as l walked along, stood farmhouses
n barns AMI any sort Of building
turned into officers quarters, or stab
ling room for horses, and rows Of huts
n tents for the infantry and cavalry
Of Colonel Livingstone's command.
Continued Next Week.)