Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1902-07-26
CHAPTER VII.

The parade ground of Fort Snerldan
was a colder place after nlghtfau IMAM
the country Darlington had just lett;
and he made his way across to the bacn-
elors' mess, with chills chasing each oth-
er up and down his spine, and wishing
fervently for his overcoat. The porter
seemed doubtful as to the whereabouts OF
Major Tazewen, and held whispered
consultation with jaunty young lleuten-
ant. The lieutenant, with bored air,
came out of the reading room, ana,
spreading his legs wide apart, inquired
If he couldn't carry the message, since
the major was particularly engaged. Car
rngtOn answered that he preferred TO
deliver it himself.
"WeIl, to tell the truth" the lieutenant
said, with bland discourtesy, Il don't
think we can consult your preferences"
The officers manner as he answered,
pulling at a wisp Of mustache, was so
very complacent and his years were so
few, that Hugh laughed in spite of his
anger. "All right, little Mr.. Civil-Llfe
Appointee," he said; ''tell him Hugh
Darlington Of Virginia wishes to see
him."
"Sirr' cried the young man, snorting
with rage, "I'll teach you"
Certainly not manner" Hugh Inter
rupted, catching the uplifted arm, and
Slowing the lieutenant halfway across
the room with the twist with which one
loosens a heavy forkful Of hay.
'I'll have you thrown out" the officer
cried, regaining his balance, if not his
dignity.
Several men in citizens clothes entered
at this instant, and glanced with surprise
at the fracas.
whats wrong?" asked a tall man,
with long, gray mustache.
''This man insulted me-" cried the boy
lieutenant.
Hugh laughed loudly. 81 knew from
his manners he had never seen the inside
of the Point"
Hugh Darlington, by heaven!' shout
ed a burly fellow in the group.
1.-THE same Hullo, Phil Barbour-fat
and weltfed after all these yearsw Hugh
seized the outstretched hand.
In the smoking room two more of his
classmates were found, and Hugh nearly
forgot his errand in the pleasure of meet
ing them.
81 swear forget what you were sent
down for" Barbour said, reminiscent.
poker; third offense."
''Well, you can renew your fun to-
night, without fear of after-effects. l
expect that's where Bob TazeweI is,
don't you think?" turning to a brother
officer.
The group broke up after elaborate
plans for the next day, Barbour taking
Darlington off to find Tazewel. At the
end of a long corridor a door stood open,
and from within came Wisps of smoke
and the words frequently used in poker,
interspersed with the silences of contem-
plation following the dealt hand. Around
a table lounged four men in civilians
clothes. The rom was hot and close.
major Bob" Barbour called.
A tall, gray-haired man looked up. His
face was deeply lined, and the crows
feet about the eyes and the unhealthy
pallor of his skin told with tolerable eX
actness his habits.
"Mr. Hugh Darlington of Virginia."
Barbour said; sometime of my class at
West Point"
''Mr. Darlington and I are both from
the old county of the only State in the
Union" Major Tazewel answered, and
introduced him to the others. All at once
it seemd to flash over the paymaster that
Hugh had come especially to see him.
"Oh! YOU want to see me, Hugh!
AT your convenience" Hugh answer
ed.
"Gentlemcn, excuse me. Here, Bar
hour, take my hand. Cash in for me. I'll
join you later"
He conducted Hugh into his own room
and babe him be seated. Any bad news
from home?" he asked. ''Anything wrong
with father or N8Nn;e?"
Darlington was nonplussed. He had
expected to find ruined man, in the
agonies of despair. In his place was an
apparently debonair. though disipated
looking soldier. fresh from the card table
Il came from your father" Hugh an
swered. HE heard that you were in
trouble"
From whom did he hear that?" Taze-
well asked.
From your uncle, the general. He
said you were on the verge of ruin and
needed help badly"
The paymaster leaned back and laugh
ed an unmirthful, jeering laugh. II sup
pose the general thought he was playing
a safe game and that my father, not be-
ing on good terms with me. would act
through him. What trump the old gen
tleman is! But how, in heavens name,
could he help me?'
Its your sisters money"
Tazewel's face clouded and he was ST
lent for some time. There was a softer
note in his voice when he spoke. Good
little Mamie! how long it is since | have
thought Of her How are my people,
Darlington? How does the old place
look?"
Darlington told him dispassionately of
the poverty and the shabbiness of the
great house, without proper lights or ser
wants; of Miss Nannie's going with him
to the stable to get the horse. and of the
old mans sickness and lack Of necessary
dehcacies
The soldier heard him through in ST
Ience. He arose and closed the transom
and locked the door. Il will tell you
.ttsbout the affair" he said, taking a seat
i ,osite Hugh. Il was very near broke
.b.,yeek ago. In fact, l saw no way out: