Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-03-14

money. He's one sf Iae wealthiesi
 men in Wyoming. And she-his wife needs nothing. He gives her all she
 can possibly want" By this time
 they were at the door, A lamp still
 burned dimly in the hallway, and Dade blew it out, as he ushered the
 general into the cozily-lighted din- ing-room.
 You'll excuse Mrs. Dade and Es- ther, I hope, sir. They are not up yet quite overcome by anxiety and ex- citement-there's been a lot about Frayne the last two days-take this chair, general. Coffee will be served at once. No, sir, as you say, the Hays have no need of money-he and his wife, that is."
 But you suspect-whom?" asked the general, the blue-gray eyes intent on the troubled face before him, for Dade's very hesitancy told of some untold theory. The doctor and the aide had taken seats at the other end of the table, and dutifully engaged in loW-toned conversation.
 That is hard question fof me to answer, general" was the answer. T have no right to suspect anybody. We had no time to complete the in- yestigation. There are many hang ers-on, you know, about Hays store, and, indeed, his house. Then his household, too, has been increased as perhaps you did not know. Mrs. Hays niece-a very brilliant young woman-is visiting them, and she and Field rode together frequently"
 The generals face was a study. The keen eyes were reading Dade as skilled physician would interpret the symptoms of complicated case. How old-and what is she like, Dade?" he asked.
 The woman can answer that bet ter than l, sir. They say she must be 24-Mrs. Hay says 19-she is very dark and very-handsome at times. Most of our young men seem to think so, at least. She certainly rides and dances admirably, and Mir. Field was constantly her partner"
 The general began to see light. Field was constantly with her, was he? Riding just by themselves or with others when they went out?" he asked.
 By themselves, sir. I doubt if any other of our equestriennes would care to ride at her pace. She rather outstrips them all. The major told me they seemed to go-well, every time he saw them, at least-up to Stabber's village, and that was some thing he disapproved of, though dare say she was simply curious to see an Indian village, as an eastern girl might be-"
 Possibly" said the general. And what did you tell me-she is Mrs. Hays niece? I don't remember his having any niece when they were at Laramie in '66, though I knew some thing of Mrs. Hay, who was then but a short time married. She spoke Sioux and patois French better than English in those days. What is the young lady's name?"
 Miss Flower, sir. Nanette Flow er."
 The chief dropped his head on his hand and reflected. "It's a good 20 years, and I've been knocking about all over the west since then, but I'd like to see Mrs. Hay and that young woman, Dade. whether we overhaul Bill or not. I must go to Beecher at once-
 You will wait for the cavalry from Laramie, will you not. sir?" asked the captain. anxiously.
 "I can't. I'll get a bath and break fast and 70 winks later; then see Mrs. Hay and Bill. if he is back. They ought to catch him before he reaches Sage Greek. There are your couriers now" he added, at the sound of spurred heels on the front piazza.
 The captain stepped forth into the hallway. A trooper stood at the front door. his hand lifted In salute. Another. in saddle. and holding the Teins of his comrades horse, was at the gate. A rustic of feminine drsp- cry swept downward from the upper floor, and Dzde glanced up. half dreading to see Esther's face. But it was his wife who peered over the balustrade. T shall be down in ten minutes she said. in low tone Esther is sleeping at last How did -he-seem this mOrning7-
 Sleeping. too. but only ftfully. Dr. Waller is here.- and then Dsde would haze ended the talk He did not wish to speak further of Field CT his condition But she called again, low-toned. yet dominant. as is many wife in and out of the army.
 Surely you are not letting the gen eral start with only two ne1,-
 -No. he goes by and by Ard again Dzde would have escaped to the pizzzs. but once again she held him
 Then where are yOs sending thesez
 After Mir Hay. He-Ez9e an ear ly stsrt-not knowing perhsPs. the general vas couinr
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