Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-03-07

ALOFT IN THE MOONLl11I. throat; next, that, obedient to that same power-one he dare not ques- tion-the Indian was struggling slow ly to his feet, and then, for few seconds Kennedy scared away into cloudland, knowing naught of what was going on about him. When he came to again, he heard confused murmur of talk about him and grew dimly aware that his late antagonist was standing over him, panting still and slightly swaying, and that an officer, young athlete, was saying rebukeful words. We'll he knew him, as what trooper of the -th did not? -I.ieut. Beverly Field; but, seeing the reopened eyes it was the Indian again who sought to speak. With uplifted hand he turned from the rescuer to the rescued.
 "You're saved this time, you cur of a Mick" were expurgated of un- printable blasphemy, the exact words of the semi-savage lord of the from tier, but by the God that made us both I'll get you before another moon, dash dash you, and when I do I'll cut out your blackguard heart and eat it." Then bounding on his pony, away he sped at mad gallop, westward.
 For a moment no further word was spoken. The officer presently helped the soldier to his feet and stayed him. for the latter's legs seemed wobbly. Field let his salvage get its breath before asking questions. Yet he was puzzled, for the mans face was strange to him. "Who are you?" he asked, at length, ''and what on earth are you doing out here this time of night?"
 Kennedy, sir. Capt. Truscott's troop, at Fort Beecher. I got in with dispatches an hour ago"
 What" cried Field. Dispatches! What did you do"
 "Gave 'em to the major, sir. Beg pardon: they was lookin' for the adiutant, sir, an Sergt. Hogan said he wasn't home"
 Even in the moonlight the Irish man saw the color fade from the young officers face. The hand that stayed him dropped nerveless. With utter consternation in his big blue eyes, Field stood for a moment, stunned and silent. Then the need of instant action spurred him. "I must goat once" he said. You are all right now-you can get back? You've been drinking. haven't you?'
 The majors health, sir-iust a sup OF two
 I've no time now to listen to how you came to be out here. I'll see you by and by." But still the young officer hesitated- One hand grasped the rein of his horse. He half turned to mount. then turned again. Ken nedy." he falter-d, you'd have been a dead man if we-if I-hadn't reached you at that moment"
 "I know it. sir." burst in Pat. im- petuously. "I'l never forget it
 Hush. Kennedy, you must forget forget that you saw-spoke with me-forget that you saw or heard any other soul on earth out here to- night. Can you promise?-
 "I1l cut my tongue out before ever spake the word thst1l harm the lieutenant. or the-the-Or anyone he says. sir. But never will I forget! It sin't in me, sir"
 Let it 20 a. that then. Here. shake hands. Kennedy. Now, good night.- Another instant and Field was in saddle and speeding away to- ward the post where lights were now dancing about the qusrtermsster's corral. and firshy lamps were fitting down the slope toward the stables on the fats. Rays men were already Hp and doing- Slowly. stifay follow ing. Pat Kennedy rubbed his aching head with a hand that shook as never did bis resolution His be- wihBered brain was puzzIing over weight prObIem- The Heutensnt7s safe all right he muttsred- but what's eOae uid the squaw thst was shoutTn- Si0ax at that murtheria bueky-
 Meantime all Fort FFsyne had se~nesi to wake to Fife No call had soanE1sS o1 the trumpes- No vn5c- had bsra FzfsesL save the Eaxzrisbse call ~ the ssutri-ss passing from FoSt to pasf tk- kzlf kssrS If the sfxht- b1t fhe stir ct tke Eusru-