The Somerset reporter., 1903-09-24
|. 6. BRAND
BY
EDWARD MARSHALL
Copyright, 1913, by T. c. Mcclure
.c.c.o.c.o.oO.O.0.0.0.O.

Lieutenant Phillips, U. S. V, had
been inspecting government property
out in the corral, but the heat had
driven him into his tent, which was
pitched just on the edge of n coffee
plantation.
1t was at the time when our govern
ment was Withdrawing from Porto
, Rico the vast number of horses, army
wagons and other transportation para
phernalia which had been necessary
during the war. Inspection duty is
only given to men who are thoroughly
trustworthy. Especially is this true in
Porto Rico. There We're large guam
titles of government property there
after the surrender most of it in good
condition. The planters thereabouts,
who had lost a seasons crops through
the war. were anxious to eheaply re
equip their plantations with wagons,
horses and mules. 1t was because the
honest gentlemen had tendency to
offer Inducements to inspecting of
feers to condemn good property, which
the planters could afterward buy for
a song at the auction, that especial
care was used in the selection of in
speeding officers. Lieutenant Phillips
was one of the elect.
On such government property as Is
condemned the Il. c." brand Is placed.
~. c." means inspected and condemn
ed 1t is not wise for a civilian to have
in his possession any property which
bears the mark ~. S." and does not
also bear the mark 81. c." Both are
stenciled in black paint on tentage can
vas blankets and such like, burned
into the bodies of wagons and other
wooden articles and branded on the
TANKS of horses and mules
Lieutenant Phillips kept the irons in
his own possession for fear they might
be used unscrupulously. He carried
them, with their brazier still half full
of hot coals, to the rear of his tent so
that what little breeze there was would
blow the heat away from him. Then
lie removed his heavier garments.
1t had been a hard day for the lieu
tenant. Early in the. morning he had
been chief witness mt a court martial
which had convicted an American sol
der of having cruelty treated his wife
IL beautiful Porto Rican girl. The ae-
eused. Luigi Aramado. WAS Il swarthy
fellow of Italian parentage.
Lieutenant Phillips remembered with
discomfort the fierce look the man had
thrown at him as. handcutted. he had
been led away to the guardhouse. But
although the lieutenant had the pink
cheeks of "A girl and never suspicion
of mustache upon his upper lip, he
had a reputation for fearlessness.
Before he settled down TO sleep he
released from the ventilated box
pair of little lizards. They are of the
variety called chameleons and can be
easily tanned by any one who will oc-
caslonally give them a sip of sugar and
water. IA few flies or some other dain-
ties dear to the heart. Many of our
soldiers in Porto Rico SO tanned them,
and Lieutenant Phillips was among
their number.
When he finally lay down on his
camp cot they took their stations, one
upon his pillow, one upon his chest.
They knew instinctively that he did
not like 10 have them on his face for
whenever they trespassed on this terri
tory he. moved restlesSly. but their
presence near his face MAS quite suili-
Gent to keep most of the flies away.
Willie the lieutenant was making all
these preparations for his sesta there
was an unpleasant eye watching him
through the open space left by the lift
ing of the back flap of the tent The
eye was in the head of the man whom
The lieutenant had given evidence
against that morning. Luigi Aramado
had escaped Below the eye, but Who'll
~ hidden in the bush. there were two
hands. and in one of them there was "A
knife. The man WAS waiting until the
lieutenant should fall asleep.
The tents flaps moved lazily in the
sleepy breeze Now and then one of
the little lizards made n lightning dart,
and fly had persisted. The lieutenant
slept peacefully. Everything was as 1t
should be when noon approaches in the
tropics.
Still the figure crouched, watchful
and silent At length the man crept
forward till he was full in the tent:
then he stopped and drew from his
blouse tiny vial. lie was near
enough to have used the knife but he
evidently had other purposes. Perhaps
he wished to gloat over his victim be
fore the blow fell His glance had
fallen upon the brazier and the brand
ing irons.
Slowly and noiselessly he rose to his
feet. 1t was mistake. for it startled
the lizards. Disobeying their training
they scampered over the face of the
sleeper.
1t half woke him, and he looked up
laziy, but before he could more than
catch glimpse of the evil eyes and
cleaning blade. before he could halloo
for help, the man flung himself upon
him and in the lieutenants nostrils
entered the deadly fumes Of chloro-
form. Then he lost consciousness.
The Italian raised himself cautious
ly-the stupor might be feigned But
4 moments scrutiny relieved his fears
J. IA twinkling he had bound the lieu
Enant hand and foot and thrust a gag