Rosebud County news. [volume] (Forsyth, Mont.) 1901-1906, 1902-07-31
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
Mid October. The Queen of the Fleet,
the finest transport of the Pacific serv-
ice, thronged with boys in blue at last
ordered on to Manila, lay at the wharf
at Honolulu, awaiting her commanders
orders to cast loose. In strong force
and with stentorian voices, the Prime
val Dudes joined in rollicking chorus
to the crashing accompaniment of their
band, and, when they could take time
to rest, the crowd ashore set up cheer.
The Hawaiian national band, in spotless
white, forming huge and melodiOus cir
Gle on the wharf, We'd with the must
clans from the states in the spirit and
swing of their stirring airs aloha
De! Aloha Oe!" chorused the surgiug
throng, afoat and ashore, as wreathS
and garlands-the leis of the islanders
were twined or hung about some IA
vorite officer or favored man. The
troops still held to service in Hawaii
Shouted goodwill and good-by to those
ordered on to the Philippines. The
Dudes of the Queen, and the lads from
transports anchored in the deep but
narrow harbor, yelled soldierly con-
dolence to those condemned to stay.
The steam of the 'scape pipe roared
loudly and belched dense white clouds
on high, swelling the uproar. Dusky
little Kanaka boys, diving for nickels
and padding tireless about the ship,
added their shrill cries to the clamOr.
The captain, in his natty uniform of
blue and gold, stepped forth upon the
bridge to take command, and raised his
banded cap in recognition of the con-
slant cheer from the host ashore and
the throng of blue shirts on the fore
castle head. Then arose another shout,
as veteran officer, in the undress uni
form of general, appeared upon that
sacred bound, and, bowling to the
crowd, was escorted by the captain to
the end overlooking the animated scene
below; and then the signal was given,
the heavy lines were cast off and hauled
swiftly in, the massive screw began
slowly to churn the waters at the stern,
and gently, almost imperceptibly at
first, the Queen slid noiselesSly. along
the edge of the dock. to the accompani-
ment of little volley of flowers and
garlands tossed from eager hands, and
cheer of godspeed from the swarm of
upturned faces. And then there up
rose another shout, a shout of mingled
merriment, surprise and applause;
for all on a sudden there darted up the
stairway from the crowded promenade
deck to the sacred perch above, detian,
of the lettered warning: "Passengers
are not allowed upon the bridge" ;
dainty vision in tilmy white, and all il
the next moment there appeared at the
generals side, smiling, bowling, blow
ing kisses, waving adieux, all sparkle
animation, radiance and rejoicing, a be
witching little figure, in the ARREST
loveliest of summer toilets. The Rec
Cross nurses on the deck below looked
at one another and gasped. Two brave
army girls, wives of wounded officers il
the Philippines, who by special dispen
sation were making the voyage on The
Queen, glanced quickly at each Other
and said-nothing audible. The gen
eral, lifting his cap, but looking boil
depreciation and embarrassment, Eel
back and gave his place at the white
rail to the new arrival, and colored higl
when she suddenly turned and took hi
arm. The captain, trying not to see hel
or to appear conscious of this infrac
ton of a stringent rule and invasion o
his dignity, grew redder as he shoute,
rapid orders and swung his big, beauti
full ship well out into the stream. Thu
guns of the Bennington doomed a deaf
ening salute as the Queen turned he
sharp nose toward the open sea; and al
most the last thing Honolulu saw o
her human freight was the tiny, dainty
winsome little figure in white, waving
spotless kerchlef in fond farewell
Once clear of the narrow entrance thu
big troopship headed westward towar'
the setting sun, shook free the reins. a
it were, and, followed by less favored
craft, sped swiftly on her way, Witchi
Garrison, the latest addition to tn
passenger list, entirely at home, if no
actually in command.
Leaning on the generals arm an hou1
later and deity plotting that Devil