Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-01-09

Ssh! See there
A half drunken trooper was inter-
rupting the game. He had reeled for
ward to the table and seemed TO he
addressing himself to Matthews, who,
MS he answered, glanced up indiffer-
snty. The trooper continued, empha-
sizing his words by raising n clinchcd
fist and striking the board blow.
The chip piles topplcd. He turned
to those about, gesticulating. A few
surrounded him, evidently bent on
leading him toward the door. Others
appeared to be continuing the dispute
with Matthews. But as the disturber
was pushed out they gradually sub
sided
I've got an idea," announced the
storekeeper And he disappeared
around corner
When he returned he was leading
the trooper and talking low to him.
All three retired to the shadow of the
wall
Here there was n colloquy. First
Lounsbury held forth, next the troop
err, protestingly. When the lieutenant
broke in two phrases were frequently
repeated "to the guardhouse" and
won't il you WILL
At last the three went back to the
window.
Remember cautioned the store
keeper. 1--WE don't want all these she
bangs stirred up"
Needn't worry" said Fraser. Just
listen to that rumpus down the street"
The disjointed music of a wheeZy
accordion was rending the night With
1t sounded the regular stamp of feet
Now the trooper rounded the corner.
A moment and through the window
Lounsbury and the officer saw him en-
ter the door.
He slipped down to a seat beside old
Michael. There he stayed for awhile.
Whenever brother trooper looked his
way he called him up by the crooking
Of finger and whispered to him. Be
fore long knot of men had again sur
rounded him. But this time their at
tention was all for the table at the
rear of the room.
There the game was going on. Mat
thews' chip pile showed where the
winnings were gravitating. In the dim
light there was strained look on the
faces Of the players.
Deal after deal passed. Finally one
Of the five, having no more disks be-
fore him, pushed back his chair and
got up.
As he stood, daZed and dismayed,
the trooper who had been elected ap-
peared at his side. clapped him upon
the back and spoke. At their elbows
was the knot that had gathered at the
stove.
The next moment the trooper turned
to the table and snatched the pack Of
cards from Matthews hand. He held
up one, pointing at its back. snapped
1t down, pointed at a second, then
scattered the pack In the air.
Lounsbury and Fraser whipped
round the corner and in through the
door.
An uproar greeted them. Cheat"
"Clean him out.' do him like Sog-
gy did, Before them was jostle Of
blue backs. Across these on the far
Their side Of the plank bar, they saw
hand held the cigar box against his
chest. his right was up and empty.
Hold on, boys. 1t was Lounsbury.
AS if he had caught cue the fore
most trooper-he who had been the
disturbing element-repeated the cry
and directed the eyes of his comrades
to the door.
There was sudden lull. The men
In blue wavered. Here and there q
revolver was covertly returned to
place.
Lounsbury pushed forward to the
stove, Fraser beside him. Hold on,
boys" he said again and pointed at
Matthews. Hold on-Tve got a mes
sage for that man."
The lull became dead silence. To
the troopers the sight of shoulder
straps was discomfiting, for the officer
at once became the personification of
the guardroom-chilly, poorly bedded
and worse provisioned, Of all places
the one to be dreaded in raw weather.
| \
come. His right hand slowly lowered
to join its mate.
I'm going TO ask you to call your
little differences with that gentleman
or" continued Lounsbury.
Matthews fairly blinked. The store
keepers voice was soft, confidential,
Negotiating.
Mr. Fraser and have come to say
that Mr.. Matthews is wanted to serve
as interpreter for Colonel Cummings"
"Interpreter:' queried Matthews.
A bullet head made itself visible
from behind a barrel. Don't let him
bluff y, Nick" called voice.
The other looked round. shut y
Hytrap, Babe" he commanded.
Thank YOU" said Lounsbury pleas
antly, Interpreter Is right. Two white
women are held as captives in an I'm
capapa camp somewhere west of here
It's been learned that you understand
and speak the tongue. So we present
Colonel Cummings compliments. He
would like very much to have talk
with you At Brannon."
1t was q solution to Matthews. "Yesi
Yes?" he said approvingly, then hest
tated in suspicion as he measured the
Dtorekeeper.
"Oh, I guess don't want to be nc
Interpreter" he said.
Lounsbury smiled. Just as you say
Just as you say. Boys"-cheerily-