The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-10-08

general with two aids and others OF his
stafY had assembled In the office OF Colo
mel Strain. Several of them had known
and sailed with the Idaho's master ana
liked her captain we'll. despite his fire.
ouent filings at soldiers. His appearance
at the doorway. therefore, was the sig
nal for quite a cordial welcome. The gen.
eraI himself came forward 10 take him
by the hand and say how sorry he was
at the loss of his ship and how he hoped
soon 10 see him on the decks OF bigger
and better one. But the BLUM captain
thought as little OF land generals as or
lubbers OF lower grade, and was not as
grateful as he should perhaps nave peen,
and was evidently looking for something
beyond the sympathetic group. and pres
emily said so.
.I've come to see Mr.. Loring, by
George, haven't laid eyes on him since
the night he backed me up In restoring or
der and discipline on my ship. That man
ought to have been a sailor' Wherein L
nnd him?" he concluded. abruptly, star
ing round at the circle of somewhat en-
harrassed faces.
1--WE heard some rumor about this, cap
tain" said the general. suppose you
come into my office and tell me the
whole story?"
''Why not right here. where they can
all hearg" was the instant answer. I'm
work trying TO rob him Of the credit.
| and as for Mr.. Jennings. who was our
first officer l gave the company piece
| az nv mind the moment heard IL, and
| I've got a tongue lashing In store for
| him 'Tnin't the first I've had 10 give
| him. either. and IL won't be the last II
| he ever runs foul OF me again They tell
| me. what's more, that Escalante's agent
| has had the impudence to come here a
| dozen times threatening Mr.. Loring Next
| time he comes you have him kicked out
| and charge Il to me. That mans a
| thief. and so Is one OF the Escaantes-
! n not more than one. AS for Loring, no s
| head and shoulders above any OF the
/ Young fellows that have sailed with me,
| and when was fiattened out by me rush
| OF that cowardly gang he stood up TO 'em
1 like a man. That one shot of his brougn,
em up with n jerk and put an end 10
/ the trouble"
He broke off short and glanced about
| him TO note the effect OF his words. IL
| was an awkward moment. Three OF the
| group had had their doubts as TO the
| possibility OF Loring's being culpable, but
| so disturbed and partially convinced had
| been the general and his chief OF staff,
| so active had been the aid-de-camp re-
| ferred 10 I'm his collection and dissem-
nation of scandal at Loring's expense
that no one felt able 10 say anything
|
The chief evidently felt his dignity as
sailed and his commanding attitude i'm.
| pcriled No further revelations ought
to be allowed except such as should bs
filtered through him or his accredited
staff officer.
Come into my den, captain" he ex
claimed. therefore. You interest tn'
greatly. and want to hear all about II.
"I'n come quick enough" said th'
captain briefly, after I've seen Loring
want TO shake hands with him. ! say
before l do anything else Where'h
find him." And with most depressin,
disregard Of the generals greatness. IN,
sailor would have turned his back on th'
| entire party IN order TO find his ipjure,
friend. but the chief was strategist.
"Ah. go 10 Mr.. Loring. captain.
said he TO a ready stan oficer. "and sa,
| TO him that I desire he should come q
my room a moment" And the aid-de
camp was of like a shot so tho seamai
could only walt The general led tn
way into his comfortable room and sig
nailed TO one or two to follow, and pres
emily back came his messenger and
| moment after him-grave. composed bu
| freezingiy formal--there at the doc
stood the engineer. Ills eyes brightene
up the instant he laid them on tn
Idaho's sturdy commander. but etiquett
demanded that he should first address
the general
"You sent for me, sir7'
I'll II did. Mr.. iyoring. our good friend
| Captain Moreland, has been telling us O
; your most-er-praiseworthy conduc
the night OF the disaster We all. Wis
| 20 assure you arc-er-gratiled tc hea
, | Of this. And now Il has occurred 20 M
| that Captain Moreland m!ght-be able I
! | throw some light on the very unpleas
Z | ant matter which we had 20 bring {
I | your attention a few weeks since Sure
| ly he must know something OF these
: | er-peopie who were youi accurers."
! The general was seated at his big desl