The National tribune., 1904-07-07

ter, ordered the lines cast off and the en-
gine started. The wheels seemed to splash
down into the water as ill-temperedly as
the whistle had 'cussed" The vessel gath
cred headway, and moved out to where she
could point her PROV straight for the Ches-
apeake, and begin her swift run for Wash
ngtOn.
The lookout in the bow reported to the
Captain. Messenger coming, sir. Appar
emily from the Fort"
They all looked, and the Captain could
not help swearing out loud, even in the
hearing of his distinguished company, as
he rang the bell to stop the engine, and
ordered the helmsman to turn the vessel
back to the dock.
Serg't Byrnes striding in strictly military
common time down toward the dock, wav-
ing in his hand large white official enve-
lope. The Captain might be in a hurry,
but certainly he was not.
''Some communication in regard to JEFF
Davis" said the distinguished passengers,
looking disapproval at the Captains slow
ness in returning:
''Why the devil don't he double-quick!'
snorted the Captain. ''This amt dress
parade. Come on there. Sergeant, in a
hurry. We've no time TO lose. Come, as if
you were ordered to the front and center
March - you," the Captain added under
his breath.
The Sergeant did not quicken his pace a
particle. but marched as if solemnly moving
out to report:
Sir the guard is formed"
He came up the gangplank. which was
thrust out for him, and when one of the
impatient officers would have snatched his
envelope from him to see what it contained,
he thrust it into the breast of his coat,
saying as he respectfully saluted:
BEG pardon, sir. That's me furlough,
and arders to carry the Flag. and ripri-
snt the rijiment in the Grrrand Rrrrre-
view"
"But what of Davis? Haven't you
something about JEFF Davis?" they eagerly
asked
Nothing at all. SIR
whats he d0ing"
"The last glimpse Oi had av him, sir,
he'd pulled off his coat and boots, an was
lying quietly on his cot, meditating on his
avil ways or some new divilmint, sir"
"What the devil did you call the vessel
back for, then" inquired the Captain
angrily.
answered Byrnes with dignity.
ordering the boat about. and to give her
full steam, I'VE weren't the next boat. You
could've come on just as well by another
this evening. No such q devil of a rush to
get up to the Grand Review, which don't
come off for several days yet"
"Me arders was to take the Mkt boat"
answered the Sergeant, impassiyely. "You
were the mkt boat. You hadn't started
until you were out av gunshot av the
Fort"
"These blanked Mick Sergeants of the
Regular Army put on more airs and au-
thority than Major-Generals," said the
Captain angrily.
"And these swell-headed Captains of
transports 'have to be larned their business
every hour av the day." returned Byrnes
composedly. "They think because they're
hired by the month they're regularly in
the service of the United States. and just
the same.s officers. They're intoirely too
presumptuous. Oi have me arders, an
Dim executin' thin. Say that you do the
same, Captain without any more words"
Though a Captain of steamer has dig
nifty by the hayload, he suffered when he
came up against one Of the old-fashioned
Irish Sergeants of the Regular Army. who
knew his place and his worth.
The Captain gave up the unequal con-
test much to the amusement Of the army
officers, who knew Byrnes. and relieved his
feelings by wicked notes on the whistle.
swell, you laid it into that high and
mighty Captain in great shape" laughed
Shorty, as Serg't Byrnes came over to
them. "You talked to him like Dutch
uncle"
"Dommed civilian" said the Sergeant.