Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-02-06

the arms aud beltcd ut the waist like
hunting shirt. y vest no longer con
cealed bis revolyers. His weapons
were at his side, ike Il troopers. In
one gauntletcd hand he held wide
gray hat.
"You want TO see me, cap'n?" he
asked meeting that officers look
squarcly.
YES" answered Oliver shortly. 81
demand an exact account of your time
for the past thirty-sx hours, begin
ming with the evening after the de-
parture of the command. l need not
tell yon 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
his house IN the winter during his alb
sence. when two defcnseless women
were at home to repcl your attack.
That lays YOU open to mistrust. | may
add that Iancaster'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 cl,nched fists. Murder"
he cried, under my very nose and
against household that | had sworn
to guard. Speak. Matthews, speak"
Matthews screwed up his mouth
thoughtfully and looked into space.
Beginning the ev-nng after the com
mand left?" he said Let me see.
Why, amt crossed since the colonel
left"
Account for your time" repeated
Oliver.
II messed at Blakely's that night.
Afterward me and Kippis had little
game"
What gamer"
Cards"
"Ah" At once Oliver sent for the
sutler and the sergeant and, waiting
for them. trampcd up and down
When the men came he halted and
with pointed finger asked Matthews to
repeat his story. The interpreter did so
And how long did that game last?"
demanded Oliver.
Without looking in Kippis' direction
the interpreter answered, "Till rev.
ely" he said.
Fraser grunted. the surgeon smiled
broadly; but the captain frowned.
"Of that later" he said significant
ly. "Kippis:"
The sergeant stepped forward, Hits
hall true, SIR" he faltered. IT was
Kippis' misfortune always to loob
more guilty than he was. With OF
ver's angry gaze upon him he flushe
redder than fire
The captain was only half satisfied
He turned to the sutler, And vol
Blakcly?"
The sutler had round, Jolly figure
figure that was living advertise
ment of the fat producing quality q
his edible wares. At divers questio
that figure gave startled bounce, Xix
kernel of corn Ga hot grid. "l'ruc
| sir, true" he Towed huskily an
coughed in apprehension behind
| plump hand.
The captain looked kecnly from ma
to man. Very WELL" be said. Thos
twelve hours accounted for Matthew
was shown innocent of planting tn
pole. Tell me what you did yestei
day from revelly on"
Slept till stables"
81 know that's So" said Fraser.
after that" Oliver asked.
81 goes into the stockade. Littl
Thief was carving his bride"
The captain glanced at Fraser. Tn
latter nodded back.
Il remember" said Oliver slowl.
"Then?"
"Cards TIL revelly."
The listening officers laughed.
But there was no softening Of tn
captains face. "WhO played wit
you?"
Matthews indicated the sutler an
the sergeant by sideways move {
the head. "Them two" he answered
"Blakely""
"True true" And Blakely gave NJ
other bounce.
"Sergeant?"
"True's fairs Hi know. sir"
The thirty-six hours were now co
cred Oliver sat down. "Thatll do.
want Squaw Charley and the fnen wi
have been on duty at the stockade SIM
the command left Matthews, "
may GO"
Matthews bowed Blakely and Il
sergeant saluted and the three wit
drew. Outside, beyond hearing, thu
exchanged congratulatory shakes
the hand.
"My. but the danderv' breathed Il
relieved suffer rolling his apple roul
head. 81 was that scairt"
Make you happreciate the X. Fl
Wen you got i'm" returned KipT
sagely.
Matthews shrugged his shoulde
pitylngly. But he hao nothing to 81
The three gone, Oliver had turned
those with him. "A complete alb
he said.
81 knew It," said Fraser. But
wanted you to get 1t first hand"
"You knew
Eyes. sir. And hope you'll be ca
on Kippls. He and Blakely have lie
helping me keep tab on Matthews
prevent the very thing that's hi
pened,'
An hour later a second group of m
gathered in the captains front roo
These were the troopers for whom
commanding officer had asked. w
them came Squaw Charley, Quaking
his feathers. flinching at every lo
As Oliver appeared the wretched
dian xyaa half draC1ed half nust