Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1902-07-24
would speak word concerning this
man.
And what business 1t is of yours p"
demanded his superior. You will retire.


man.
And what business 1t is of yours?"
demanded his superior. You will retire.
sir, at once"
The slightest trace of frown spread
over the serious face, and the man
turned even a little whittier, While his
voice, calm as before, seemed to cut
tone.
This is the case Of the examination
OF prisoner taken at the picket line
He has the right of witness and coun-
sci. act as both with my friend, Lieu
tenant Acton.
turre,l to him IN wonder; but he
fixed his cold eyes on the examining
officer and kept them there. Every one
instlnct,yely drew up by the desk, with
that silent. mysterious movement that
makes no sound hut means SO much at
tilneSa-the movement that pfccctes
some coming event.
lieutenant Curtis, you Will UNDER
stand that you do not conduct this ex-
animation said the officer, trying 10
control himself. but With his Voice ris-
ing as he proceeded. II do however;
and, by God sir, LII continue TO do So
DO you retire at once, or l will place
you under arrest"
"oaths have no place in an examina-
ton. sir. II is, therefore. in bad taste,
and In contradiction to martial law
Sergeant, cried the examining Of
nicer, with blazing eyes and flushed
cheeks.
Il appear for this prisoner, Inter
rupted the iinperturb;,ble man. now the
only one III the room who appeared per-
feetly composed and calm.
APPEAR for the devil in he'll, il you
like. but aoa appear for no one hcre!''
And ! tell you that no law in this
army permits you untIr such conai-
tions to tell u prisoner he is a liar,
Sergeant, arrest Lieutenant Curtis,,
yelled the stupetied officer
Gentlemen" said Curtis turning to
the silent but Interested spectators, is
this ., court or is it perchanc Il coll
lection of the henigbteei insane?" and
cold smile drew back the corners of
his mouth. Who or what was this re-
markable person. lie was the picture
OF u calm, digniiied gentleman; ane,
yet he deiiea i-ilitary discipline no
matter how bhsel3 applied without the
| slightest apparent concern. and all on
account of 4 man whom he saw NOW
4 for The first time
Sergeant arrest that mani" sounded
| through the room again. Every one
waited, aud at last the sergeant APP
preached Iieuten:tnt Curtis and salut-
\ ed him apologetically
There WIS tine space of an instant.
when the cir WAS charged with protent-
Gus possibilities. and then an orderly
entered and handed a note to The daxetl
/, examiner which Ne. after reading With
Il reddening face, threw down ON his
desk, then, turning TO the sergeant, ho
4 cried out:
Take the prisoner to Headquarters.
/ And mark you. Mr.. Merton l.alfort, If
| you should turn out to be an officer OF
amy any mind ye any army OF tie
earth, III have We out sir by God, /
Will" And down came his fist, splitting
the sand from the box by his nkstanll
/ and sounding through the rooni
Something had happened surely for
| was herewith led away out through
| the camp, mDsing ON the extrsorlinary
character OF this military examination.
| but more especially ON the reinarialle
man who had defiedit. Here and there
as walked along, stood famhouses
and barns and any sort of building
/ turned into officcls quarters, or Stab
| ling room for horses, and rows of huts
and tents for the Infantry and cavalry
of Colonel lsiyingstone's command
Continued Next Week.