The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1906-07-14

spoke: ITO You. Col. Mitchell, wish
10 apologize. IL have trespassed upon
your kindness But. pardon me, there
are things 90 which one cannot submit
tamely. As an officer and gentle
man, you will understand, and give
warrant for my conduct. am grieyed,
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 happenedg 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. "Sllencel Now, then, Lieut..
West, have you any excuse-any reason
to give why / should not summon
court-martial TO inquire into your
case?"
Rising. the soldier saluted. when
glove Is thrown at my feet. sir | pick
Il up, and the consequences bel mean,I
do not take time 10 consider the con-
sequences, he saluted again, and
dropped 10 his chair.
flash OF approval crossed the SUI
periors officers face at the bold reply,
but he quickly changed It into frown,
and clearing his throat with a sudden
"aheml" 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 or 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-
thorlty, West, do you make that state
ment?"
But winslow interposed hotly: II
beg your pardon. but inquiry into his
reason seems to temporarily justify the
odious term. II is but right that you
demand retraction without further dis
cussion. which |. 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 10 tell all you know"
The lady rose and going step near
or 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 n private talk later, Col.
Mitchell. can show why he Is here,
and can prove 10 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 step
forward. eagerly seconding her moth
err by look and gesture.
The colonel laughed, distinctly molli-
fed by so much gracious pleading fem
ininity.
This is a thoroughly woman like
appeal" he said, mildly. "A very diff
ferent logic from anything these old
barracb walls have ever echoed. 1t is,
In fact, no logic at all, but II will
serve | had the highest words OF
| MIR. Winslow from my friend" he
interrupted himself with n loud cough.
and changed the expression, "the good
opinion OF him given me by Aaron
Burr | shall retain until further proof
20 the contrary. Meanwhile, TO avoid
more businesslike. but troublesome
proceeding, you will retract, lieuten-
ant"
The soldier was consumed with inn
potent rage. but no signs were visible
except his bloodlefs face and tightly
clenched fingers.
He rose. and looking straight at
| Winslow. bowed without a word.
| 1Ou are hdllhneut MT. WlnSloWt
demanded the colonel. And sharply
for he felt some personal irritation at
the chagrln 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 10 fling at n gentle
man and n patriot who has served his
country WELL but who is now bounded
AZ every turn by those hireIlngs OF fac
ton who would cloud with treason his
fair name. | cannot learn the full
charges against Aaron Burr. but what
ever they are, declare them 10 be
false, and am ready. II need be. 10 sup
port that declaration with the sword. !"
lie took his seat in a silence which
nobody seemed willing 10 break His
words were the more convincing In the
absence OF all Wanting.
The colonel sat In study for mo-
ment, the thought wrlnkling IT'S way