The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-09-24

distinctly saw the figure of a man in a soldiers overcoat and fur cap leap ing and sliding down the roof and that a moment later he grappled with it in the dark woodshed. dropping his hold only when angrily ordered to do so. the voice adding instantly, 'Pm Lieu tenant Lanier." Fitzroy declared that a moment later Rafferty rushed to the spot, recognized the lieutenant and by him was sternly ordered to leave. And these statements presently did Colonel Riggs lay before Lieutenant Lanier in the presence of Drs. Larra- bee and tSchuchardt as we'll as Lieu tenant Ennis. i've known you three years, young sir,' said he. "and I've believed in you from the first. have reminded Sergeant F'itzroy of his pre- vious allegations against Trooper Raw don as to the scuff1e and assault, and, so far from showing confusion, FitZ- roy promptly said, Certainly; that took place barely half a minute later and within ten yards of the spot He says his whole idea first was to drive Raw don from the scene and prevent his finding his officer in so humiliating plight. He says he sought in every way to shield the lieutenant, but when all these other facts came out about the cap, the clothing, the slieutenant's absence from his quarters, his lacer- ated hand, etc. there was no help for it He finally yielded to the pressure of Captain Snafhe's questions and told the truth Kelly miserably admitted his Knowledge of it, and when Rafferty came to his senses he, too, was to be catechised.
 .sNow, MT. .Lanfer, there's the situa- 2 TN< t0 sSou fO me, or would you prefer to take coun- se1?''
 And Bob Lanier, leaning on his el- bow, looked quietly up in the colonePs bearded face and answered:
 Colonel Riggs, reckon both those men think they're telling the truth. and I may have to prove they're not"
 DO you mean you were there?' queried old Riggs in genuine concern.
 s"There, sir? Of course was there quick as could get there, but not quick enough. by any manner of means.'
 Riggs looked grave indeed.
 t'You say you may have to prove it was not you. Don't you know you'll have to if these witnesses are further sustained?''
 Fully. sir. and when my need is known there will be witnesses for the defense. The doctors tell me Rafferty may not come round in less than a week. When the time arrives pI be ready"
 That was the condition. of affairs when the eighth and final day of La nier's close arrest arrived. "The idea of Bob Lanier spending Christmas in hospftalr' said Mrs. Stannard. A sunshiny room on the ground floor of the majors big house was duly pre- pared, and thither just before sunset on Christmas eve our young soldier ] was piIoted by Schuchardt and Ennis, making the trip afoot across the rear l ward spaae, yet being remanded to a huge easy chair and partial bandages ] immediately on his arrival.
 "Black Bill;' with his incomplete re- port. had gone back to Omaha to fur ther mystify the adjutant general and to eat his Christmas dinner. At 3 p. m. the day before Christmas came tele- gram from - Arnold. Esq, of Stand ish Bay, Mass, announcing that he would leave forthwith for the west, bringing his sister with him. The k SuInters told Mrs Stannard, and she told Bob Lanier.
 It has been said that this young gen tIeman was an outspoken fellow, with g hit or miss way of saying things when once his mind was made up, and by this time it would seem he had made up his mind.
 Mrs. Stannard, If you think a girl could stand the sight of such Guy Fawkes as this I would give much to speak ten minutes to Miss Miriam Ar noId.'% ...
 You're not Guy Hawkes." said Mrs. Stannard, with futtering heart You've lost something of your mus tache and eyebrows. but very little of your good looks. only"-
 "Only what?"
 tfWhy, it's going to be much harder to see her now than it was before-be- fore she"- And Mrs. Stannard fal- tered.
 Before she saw me playing St. Somebody or other at the back win dow and screamed? Nobody knows I heard it except you, and you won't tell. Moreover, it isn't about that that I have to speak,
 Mrs. Stannard's bonny face showed instant disappointment.
 'sTheres-there'S another natter said Bob, with trouble in his tones.
 T so hoped"- faitered that arch matchmaker.
 ''So did T.. Mrs. $. Stannard,'' said downright Bob. but not with charges hanging oyer my head. First I've got to meet the enemy.''
 And yet he wished to see and speak with Miriam, who not once had set foot out of doors since the night of the fire, whose sweet face famed at every recurring thought of that incident, whose self betrayal covered her with shame and confusion indescribabIe. who would give years of her young life if she could only escape from Fort Cushing and hide herself thou