Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1910-08-04

every day when 1t was fair. His routS
was usually out High street toward the
country; but to-day he rode down
town through the monument plaza and
then struck east over the asphalt OF
Jefferson street, where a handsome old
gentleman of 90, riding a horse that
was remembered with pride at Lexng-
ton, was not seen every day. Rodney
Merriam was thinking deeply this
morning, and the sharp rattle Of his
horses hoofs on the hard pavement
did not annoy him as it usually did.
Arsenal is word that suggests dire
full things, but the Arsenal that had
been maintained through many peace
full years at Mariona until the town in
its growth leaped over the government
stone walls and extended the urban
lines beyond it, was really a pretty
| park. The residences of the officers
and several massive storehouses were.
at least, inoffensive to the eye. The
native forest trees were aglow with au-
tumn color, and laborers were collect
ing and carrying away dead leaves.
as he neared the open gates. pri-
vate came out of the little guard house
and returned Merram's salute. The
man gazed admiringly after the mill
tary figure on the thoroughbred,
though he had often seen rider and
horse before, and he knew that Mr..
Merriam was a friend of Major Con-
grieve, the commandant The soldier
continued to stare after Rodney Mar
riam, curious to see whether the visitor
would bring his hand to his hat as he
neared the flag that tapped high over
head. He was not disappointed; Rod
ney Merriam never failed to salute the
colors, even when he was thinking
hard; and he was intent upon an idea
this morning.
The maid who answered the bell was
not sure whether Major Congrieve was
at home; he had been packing, she
said; but the commandant appeared at
once and greeted his caller cordially.
Major Congrieve was trifie stout,
but his gray civilian clothes made the
best of figure that was not what ii
had been. He was bald, and looked
much better in hat than without it.
You'll pardon me for breaking in on
our packing. l merel came to register
a kick. l don't seem to know an of
the local news any more until it's stale.
I've Just heard that the Arsenal has
been sold and l want to say that it's
an outrage to tear this place to pieces
1T is too bad; but l don't see what
you are going to do about it. I've al
ready got my walking papers. The in
a. oIA 70 7
cerned"
ITO give us an active post in eX- |
change for the Arsenal is not to do us
a kindness. We've got used to you |
gentlemen of the ordnance. Your re-
pose has been an inspiration to the
community"
mo irony The town has always
been so good to me and mine that
we've had no chance for repose."
But the Spanish War passed over
and never touched you, don't believe
the powers at Washington knew you
were here"
"Oh, yes, they did. They wired me
every few hours to count the old guns
in the storehouse, until l knew every
piece of that old scrap iron by heart.
If we'd used those old guns in that war,
the row with Spain would have been
on more equal basis
Il suppose it would" said Merriam.
who was thinking of something else.
But I'm sorry you're going to leave.
We never quite settled that little ques-
ton about Shiloh; and I'm convinced
that you're wrong about the Fitz-John
Porter case"
We'll, posterity will settle those
questions without us. And would you
mind walking over to the office with
BLESS me, must be going! This
was an objectionable hour for a call"
Not in the least; only I've another
caller over there-Pollock, of the quar-
department, who has been
sent out to take charge of the new post
site. He's a nice chap; you must
know him"
I'll be very glad, some other time" {
said Merriam. Which way does he |
come from?" ,
He's a Southern boy. Father was !
a Johnny Reb. Another sign that the ,
war is over and the hatchet buried"
Pollock, did you say? Tennessee
family? l seem to remember the name"
Il think so. Yes. I'm sure look.
ed him up in the register" 6
Ito be continued.) I