Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-03-20


 ing quick and seemed hurried and shut the door after thanking him, and he saw no more of her for 15 minutes, when the door opened and out she came, the same cloak around her, yet she looked different, some how, and must have tiptoed, for he aidn't hear her heels as he had be- fore. She didn't seem quite so tall, either, and that was all, for he never knew anything more about it till the steward came running to tell of the escape.
 So Schmidt could throw but little light upon the situation, save to Flint himself, who did not then see lit to say to anyone that at no time was it eovenanted that Miss Flower should be allowed to go and come unattended. In doing so she had de- luded some one beside the sentry.
 twas late in the night when Num- Der Six regained his senses and could tell his tale, which was even more damaging. Quite early in the even- ing, so he said-as early as nine o'clock-he was under the hospital corner, listening to the music further up along the bluff. A lady came from the south of the building as though she were going down to Sudstswn. Mrs. Foster had gone down not long before, and Hogan, with a lantern, and two officers ladies. But this one came all alone and spoke to him pleasant-ike and said she was so sorry he couldn't be at the dance. She'd been seeing theNsick and wound ed in hospital, she said, and was Go- Ing to bring some wine and jellies. If he didn't mind, she'd take the path around the quartermaster'sN store house outside, as she was going to MT. Hays, and didn't care to go through by the guardhouse. So Six let her go, as he had no orders agin 1t" (even though it dawned upon him that this must be the young lady that had been carried off by the Sioux. That made him think bit, he said, and when she came back with a basket nicely covered with white napkin, she made him take a big chicken sandwich Sure I didn't know how to refuse the lady, until she poured me out big tumbler of wine-wine, she said, she was taking in to Sergt. Briggs and Corporal Tur- ner that was shot at the Elk, and she couldn't bear to see me all alone out there in the cold" But Six said hes dasn't take the wine. He got six months blind" once for a similar solecism, and, mindful of the majors warming (this was diplomatic), Six swore he had sworn of, and had to refuse the repeated requests of the lady. He suspicioned her, he said, because she was so persistent. Then she laughed and said goodnight and went on to the hospital. What be- came of the wine she had poured out? (This from the grim and hitherto si- lent doctor, seated by the bedside.) She must have tossed it out or drunk it herself, perhaps, Six didn't know. Certainly no trace of it could be found in the snow. Then nothing hap pened for as much as 20 minutes or SO. and he was over toward the south end of his post, but facing toward the hospital when she. came again down the steps. and this time handed him some cake and told him he was a good soldier not to .drink even wine. and asked him what were the lights away across the Platte, and he couldn't see any, and was following her pointing finger and staring. and then all of sudden he saw million lights dancing and stars and bombs and that was all he knew till they be- gan talking to him here in hospital Something had hit him from behind, but he couldn't tell what.
 Flint's nerve was failing him, for here was confirmation of the gener- srs theory.
 And so it was with hardened and resentful heart that the major sought her on the morrow. The gem eral and the commands afeld would soon be coming home. 'Such Indians .. they had not rounded up" and captured were scattered far and wide The campaign was over. Now for the disposition of the prisoners. It was to tell Mrs. Hay and Nanette, especially Nsnette. why the sentries were re-established about their home that, though he would not place the traders niece within garrison cell. he should hold her prisoner beneath the traders roof to await the action of superior authority on the grievous charges lodged at her door. She was able to be up, said Miss McGrath- not only up. but down-down in the breakfast room. locking blither and more like herself than she had been since she was brought home.
 -Ssy that Maj Flint desires to zee her and Mrs. Hay said Flint. with majesty of mien. as, followed by two of his officers. he was shown into the traders psrIor.
 And presently they esne-Mrs- Hay pale and sorrowfng; Miss Flower. pale, perksps. but triumphsntly de- liant The one sal and covered her face with her hsnds as she listened