Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-16

Torrance, you know, has not been well
come at my quarters since that occur
renee" was Melville's quiet reply, and,
much to Torrance's chagrin, such was
the case. He had been living with the
bachelors mess during the campaign
and here in camp, Mrs. Torrance hav-
ing taken that opportunity to go east,
visit her kindred and replenish her
wardrobe. He had partially re-estab-
lished himself in the batteries by SOL
dlerly conduct in the campaign and
during the mob days, but he knew Mel
ville's household had heard all about
the language which led to Langdon's
assault, and how could that be con-
doned? He was sorely unhappy man
that summer. and May and Woodrow
said it served him right.
There was another reason why Lang
don didn't care to leave Brentwood Just
then. Cresswell was relentless hatcr.
he was still trying to ferret out his as
scilant or assailants, and he had never
ceased his shadowing of Betts and his
aspiring son. Cresswell worked in Sc
crecy. binding Langdon to silence He
had been most helpful and liberal to
Langdon in every way, even when he
dreaded his looming up as competitor
Tor, congress. He was fairly well to do
and could easily have been richer hut
for the southern temperament which
made him as open handed as he was
open hearted. lie insisted on advanc-
Ing LanSdon money to meet the claims
that would not wait and begged him
to accept more that he might dress and
live like gentleman. He meant Lang
don to grow into the increasing bust
ness and care for it and preserve it,
leaving him, Cresswell. free to pursue
his political path. But Langdon was
obdurate. The rifles had presented
their new captain with his entire outfit
OF uniform and equipment on his re-,
turn to duty. Eoniface gave him a
rate" at his hospitable board that even
Langdon half resented as not being
equitable, but goniface swore Lang.
don was worth mere than his board;
che drew custom"
Langdon's law studies were going on
uninterruptedly and well. He could
reasonably expect to stand all legiti-
mate quizzing and be called to the bar
within another twelvemonth provided
there were no distractions. He did not
allow the will-o -the-wisp Of possible
reinstatement to draw him from inces-
SAINT study. What was the use of go.
ing back to tile army, anyhow? He
could never settle those outstanding
debts and keep up the proper appear:
ance on the pay of lieutenant. The
path to competence and freedom lay in
civil life. He could far better repay
the nation for his West Point educa-
ton by assiduous drill and instruction
Of the state soldiery than by pottering
about another ten years as a file closer.
To return to the regiment was only to
place himself once more where such
narrow minds as "Cat" and such vicious
souls as Nathan could slight or sting
him. To remain in civil life would
soon place him, should he see fit to en-
ter politics, where, If he were mean
enough, he could slight or sting them.
you are better off today than you
have been since the day of your grad
.uation," said Cresswell. ''You are in
dependent" He would have said even
more but that he feared to wound.
What he thought was: "Thank God for
two things, my lad you've neither
wife nor child to hamper you! The
married man is never free"
"Langdon," said Cresswell, coming
into the office one bright June morn
ing, II want you to knock off for few
days and take run with me to Lin
coin and Omaha. There are people
you ought to meet. Why, surely you
can leave the rifles that long, can't
you" he continued, noting instantly
the demur in Langdon's face.
eyes. In fact, have begun to think
of leaving them whole week. Read
that" And Langdon placed Melville's
letter in the lawyers hands and then
rose and walked to the window
"H'm," unused Cresswell a moment
later as he thoughtfully replaced the
missive in its envelope. 81 might have
seen this coming the day that girls
face peered from the car window last
week" Then, aloud, said he, eric,
you keep away from that camp unless
you're counting further trouble" and
abruptly left the room.
Yet Eric went, and possibly courted.
CHAPTER XVI.