Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-01-04


around here-know her-real name"
Brant stared incredulously. DO you
meaa TO insinuate that that young
woman is living in this community un-
| der an assumed one? Why. she Is
scarcely more than a child, What do
you mean. MANI"
The soldiers hat still rested on the
grass where it had fallen. its military
insignia hidden.
Il guess know-what know"
the fellow muttered. "What's-your
regiment"
Seventh cavalry"
( The man stiffened up as II an cleo
trio shock had swept through his limp
/ frame. The elli-and-did-she-
can you-Brant2"
The young officers face exhibited
his disgust Beyond doubt that Sc
| questered nook was favorite loung-
ing spot for the girl. and this disrepu-
! table creature had been watching her
| for some sinister purpose.
SO you have been eavesdropping.
have you2" said Brant, grayeiy. And
now you want to try a turn at defam-
ing a woman? Well, you have come
to poor market for the sale OF such
goods. I am half inclined to throw
you bodily into the creek. believe
you are nothing but a common liar.
but I'll give you one chanco-you say
you know her real name What is it?''
The eyes of the mummy had become
! spiteful. "It's-nOne Of-your damn
business Im-not under-y0Er or
ders"
Under my ordersi OF course not;
but what do YOU mean by that? Who
and what are you?"
The fellow stood up. slightly hump
backed but broad OF shoulder his
arms long. his legs short and some
what bowed. his chin protruding i'm
pudently. and Brant noticed an oddly
shaped black scar. as II burned there
by powder. on the back OF his right
hand
"Who-am 70" he said. angrily. I'm
-Silent-Murphy."
An expression Of bewilderment
swept across the lieutenant's face.
silent Murphy, Do you claim 30 be
Clusters scout?"
The fellow nodded. "Heard-of me
-maybe?"
Brant stood staring at him, his mind
occupied with vague garrison rumors
connected with this odd personality.
The name had long been a familiar
one. and he had often had the man
pictured out before him. There could
remain no reasonable doubt Of his
identity. but what was ne doing thereg
Yes, I've heard of you,"-and his
crisp tone instinctively became that
OF tersc military command. -"althouch
we have never met, for I have been
upon detached service ever since my
assignment to- the regiment / have a
troop in camp below" he pointed
down the stream. and am IN COM
mand here
The scout nodded carelessly.
WAY did you not come dowa there
and report your presence in this neigh
borho0d TO mog'
Murphy grinned unplcasantly. ~Rath-
or h7--alone-no report-boen over
Black Range -telesraphed-va or
ders."
DO You mean You are in direst com
munication with headquarters. with
CUSTER"
Tho man answered. with wide
sweep Of HIS long arm toward the
northwest Coin to-be heN-out
there-damn soon"
How? Are things deveIopin,- into
A truly serious affair." real cam
paign?"
Every buck-in the-Sioux nation
lis malSin-fer thc-bad lands" and
he laughed noIselcssly, his nervous
fingers gesuculaunv. guess thai
mcans-busincss"
Brant hesitated. Should be attomnt
TO learn more about the young "Trip
lnsunctiveiy he appreciated the futile
ity OF endeavcring 10 extract infarma-
ton from Murphy. and he experienced
a degree Of shame at thus seeking 10
penetrate her secret He glanced
about, seeking some way of recrcss-
Ing the stream
II you require any new equipment"
he said tersely, we can probably sup
ply you at the camp. How do YOU
manage TO get across here?"
Murphy walking stifly, led the way
down the steep slope, and silently
pointed out log bridging the narrow
stream. He stood watching while the
officer picked his steps across. but
made no responsive motion when the
other waved his hand from the oppo-
site shore, his sallow face booking
grim and unpleasant.
The young officer marched down
the road. his mind busted with the
peculiar happenings Of the morning.
and that prospect for early active
service limited at in the brief utter
ances of the old scout. Brant was a
thorough soldier. born into the service
and deeply enamored OF its dangers;
yet beyond this he remained a man.
young man, swayed by those emotions
which when at full tide sweep aside
All else appertaining to life
His had been a lonely life since
leaving West Point and joining his
regiment life passed largely among
rough men and upon the desoIate
plains. For months at a time ne had
known nothing ~ refinement. nor en-
Joyed social Intercourse with the op-
posite sex. Yet. beneath his mask OF