Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-12-19


time"
that of the more picturesque scouts,
yet was still half military. Buckskin
trousers, down which at the outer
seams was a dripping of fringe were
tucked into high boots. Over his red
flannel shirt he wore tunic or blouse
also of bucksllin, fringed the length of
the arms and belted at the waist like
a hunting shirt. a vest no longer con-
cealed his revolyers. His weapons
We're at his side, like Il troopers. In
one gauntleted hand he held a wide
gray hat.
You want to see me, cap'n?' he
asked. meeting that officers look
squarely.
Yes" answered Oliver shortly. 81
demand an exact account of your time
for the past thirty-siX hours, begin
ming with the evening after the de-
parture of the command. | need not
tell you why ask this, and l make no
apology for asking. There are reasons
for your wanting that old man over
there out of the way. You attacked
liz III tic NiAlCl Ills
sence, when two defenseless women
were at home to repel your attack.
That lays you open to mistrust. l may
add that Lancaster's eldest girl re-
CARDS you as her fathers murderer"
AS Oliver talked his woebegone face
had grown fierce and dark Now he
| rose, lifting clinched fists. Murder"
| h.N
against n household that l had sworn
to guard! Speak, Matthews, speak,
| Matthews screwed up his mouth
thoughtfully and looked into space
Beginning the ev-ning after the com
! mand left?" he said. Let me see
Why. 1 amt crossed since the colonel
| left"
Account for your time" repeated
| Oliver.
Il messed at Blakely's that night
Afterward me and Kippis had little
| game"
What gamer"
Cards
"Ahw At once Oliver sent for the
sutler and the sergeant and, waiting
for them, tramped up and down
When the men came he halted ani
with pointed finger asked Matthews t.
repeat his story. The interpreter did SO
and how long did that game last?'
demanded Oliver
Without looking in Kippis' direction
the interpreter answered, It'll rev
ely" he said.
Fraser grunted, the surgeon smilet
broadly, but the captain frowned.
"Of that, later" he said significant
ly. Kippis?"
The sergeant STEPPED forward, "Hit'
hall true, SIR" he faltered 1t wa
Kippis' misfortune always to lool
more guilty than he was. With OH
ver's angry gaze upon him he fiushe,
redder than fire.
The captain was only half satisfied
He turned to the sutler. "And you
, Blakely?"
The sutler had round, jolly figure
figure that was a living advertise
: ment Of the fat producing quality o
his edible wares. At divers question
that figure gave startled bounce, Xix
kernel of corn on hot grid. TRUE
sir, true" he vowed huskily an
coughed in apprehension behind
plump hand.
The captain looked keenly from ma
to man. Every WELL" he said. Thos
twelve hours accounted for, Matthew
was shown innocent of planting tn
pole. Tell me what you did yestel
day from revelly on"
"Slept till stables"
81 know that's So" said Fraser.
"After that" Oliver asked.
Il goes into the stoekade. Littl
Thief was carving his BRIDE
The captain glanced at Fraser. Th
latter nodded back.
Il remember said Oliver slowl.
Them"
cards till revelly."
The listening officers laughed.
But there was no softening of th
lcaptain 5 face. Who played with you +?