Mower County transcript., 1906-07-25

Mrs. Creighton kept her seat, await
ing developments.
The colonel excused himself, and fol
a few moments she sat alone. watchins
the door. 1t was suddenly opened-the
man whom she heard denouncing Wins.
low entered, and after him his compan
ion. The former, unaware of her pres
ence, gave vent to a volley of conjectures
as to the cause of the summons.
Upon discovery of the lady's pres.
ence he flung himself down, muttering
! low.
Shortly after, Winslow appeared in
the doorway, with Lavender on his arm
"Why, MOTHER" the latter said, gayly,
'how solemn you look! And Lieut.
West? All, then, perhaps we are called
as witnesses in court-martial?"
But, subdued by the tense, expectant
air of the others, she took a seat in Won
dering silence.
In the midst of an oppressive pause
the colonel entered.
FrOwning, he seated himself in the
largest chair. and twisting his undisci-
|
the subject. He told how informa ton
of the proposed duel had come to him,
| and concluded by pounding emphatical-
| ly on the arm of his chair.
But, thank God, I know my business,
and can stop this disgraceful affair.
| The guardhouse and reduction for you,
! lieutenant; as for you. sir" and he
| turned sharply to Winslow, 81 am only
sorry that you are not under my au-
thority. Though you have forgotten
the duty you owe your host, I will try
to remember that you are my guest -
The commander collapsed in his seat
his aabby frame exhausted by the effort
to keep his rage within bounds. For
now fairly warmed to the subject. and in
sight of the culprits, he was as eager
to administer punishment as he had at
first been willing to condone.
There was a pause, then Winslow
spoke: 'To you, COL Mitchell, l wish
to apologize, if l have trespassed upon
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 you
and the ladies'" and with a bow, at
once proud and deferential he took
his seat
Lavender listened, pale and trem-
bling. What had happened? She
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. Tis the shifting of many
glasses, eh?" and he nudged the other
playfully. But the presiding officer
turned upon him with sudden stern
ness. ''Silence! Now, then, Lieut.
West have you any excuse-any reason
to give why l should not summon a
court-martial to inquire into your
case?'
Rising, the soldier saluted. when
glove is thrown at my feet, sir, l pick
it up, and the consequences bel mean, I
do not take time to consider the con-
sequences he saluted again, and
dropped to his chair
A flash of approval crossed the su-
periors officers face at the bold reply,
Int ho Ill oh int
and clearing his throat with sudden
''ahem!" that startled everybody, ad-
dressed Winslow.
Pray explain, sir, your provocation
for the challenge"
Winslow was on his feet in an in
stant 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 I, on my part, decline"
1T does not argue we'll. sir. that
you rcse,l; an Investigation" The. he
addressed Mrs. Creighton: You
brought news of this, madam, be gooG
enough to tell all you know"
The lady rose, and going step near
er Winslow, answered.: This gentle
man is above suspicion, and l quite
agree with him that his motives should
also be beyond discussion. If you
will grant me private talk later, Col.
Mitchell, I 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
Investigations
Lavender had risen, and took a step
oooor1;ro- bo,