The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1906-08-24
to administer punishment as he had at
first been willing to condone.

your kindness. But, pardon me, there
are things to which one cannot submit
tamely. AS an officer and a gentle
man, you will understand, and give
warrant for my conduct. | am grieved
however, for the annoyance to yol
and the ladies'" and with bow, a
once proud and deferential, he tool
his seat.
Lavender listened, pale and trem
bling. What had happened? She
looked from one serious face to an
other, her own clouded with alarm
Mrs. Creighton fastened grave eyes
upon the colonel.
Lieut.. West toyed with his scabbard
belt in gloomy attention: his friend
whispered: See how the old man
turns from red to redder yet. His
moods are more Kaleidoscope than
usual IT'S the shifting Of many
glasses, eh?" and he nudged the other
playfully. But the presiding officer
turned upon him with a sudden stern
ness "Silence! Now, then, Lieut..
West, have you any excuse-any reason
to give why | should not summon a
court-martial to inquire into your
case?"
Rising, the soldier saluted. when a
glove is thrown at my feet, sir, | pick
it up, and the consequences bel mean, |
do not take time to consider the con-
sequences" he saluted again, and
dropped to his chair.
A flash of approval crossed the SUI
perior's officers face at the bold reply,
but he quickly changed it into frown,
and clearing his throat with sudden
"ahem!" that startled everybody, adj
dressed Winslow.
Pray explain, sir, your provocation
for the challenge"
Winslow was on his feet in an in
slant. THE title of spy is one at which
the tamest blood must revolt. The least
heroic one of us must give the lie to
that word"
He paused, but remained standing,
glaring, white and furious, at the
staggering subordinate.
HE called you spy" the colonel
asked. Then as Winslow merely
bowed, he demanded: by what au-
thority, West, do you make that state
ment?"
But Winslow interposed hotly: 81
beg your pardon, but inquiry into his
reason seems to temporarily justify the
odious term. 1t is but right that you
demand retraction without further dis
cussion, which l. on my part, decline"
1T does not argue well, sir, that
you resent an investigation" Then he
addressed Mrs. Creighton: You
brought news of this, madam, be good
enough to tell all you know"
The lady rose, and going step near
er Winslow, answered: This gentle
man is above suspicion, and | quite
agree with him that his motives should
also be beyond discussion. II you
will grant me a private talk later, Col
Mitchell, l can show why he is here,
and can prove to you who and what
he is. In the meantime will you do
me the personal favor to believe in
him, and stop this most unnecessary
Investigation"
Lavender had risen, and took step
err by look and gesture.
The colonel laughed, distinctly molli
fled by so much gracious pleading fem
ininity.
This is a thoroughly womaa-like
appeal" he said mildly. "a very diff
ferent logic from anything these old
barrack walls have ever echoed. 1t is,
in fact, no logic at all, but it will
serve. had the highest words of
Mr.. Winslow from my friend" he
interrupted himself with loud cough,
and changed the expression, "the good
opinion of him given me by Aaron
Burr l shall retain until further proof
to the contrary. Meanwhile, to avoid
a more businesslike, but troublesome
proceeding, you will retract, lieuten-
ant"
The soldier was consumed with i'm
potent rage, but no signs were visible
except his bloodless face and tightly
clenched fingers.
He rose, and looking straight at
Winslow, bowed without a word.
You are satisfied, Mr.. Winslow?"
demanded the colonel. And sharply,
for he felt some personal irritation at
the chagrin of favorite member of
his staff.
Satisfied as regards myself, colonel,
but deeply wounded for another; out
ragged by the insult which your lieu
tenant was pleased to fling at a gentle
man and patriot who has served his
country well, but who is now bounded
a. every turn by those hirelings of fac
tion who would cloud with treason his
fair name. l cannot learn the full
charges against Aaron Burr, but what
ever they are, declare them to be
false, and am ready. if need be, to sup
port that declaration with the sword"
He took his seat in a silence which
nobody seemed willing to break. His
words were the more convincing in the
absence of all Wanting.
The colonel sat in study for a mo-
ment, the thought wrinkling its way
to the surface of his unyielding skin.
"As you are guest of the fort. Mr..