The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-09-21
L,anier of the Cavalry

[ to their commander and to the best Interests of the regiment Now mean to show you. MT. Barker said he ampressively, Ego to Lieutenant Lanier and say that desire his presence here at once"
 And Barker took his cap and cape 0nd departure without a word. Just as Barker neared Stannard's, at the head of the row, two cloaked and hooded forms hurried forth, and Bar ker almost collided with them. ssOh, good evening. Miss Kate! Good evening, Miss Arnoldv' was his em-
 barrassed greeting. Then, with at tempt at jocularity for which he later could have kicked himself: 'Tm just in time to see you home and bead off hobgoblins and hoboes. Indeed. I beg pardon he blundered on "Pm just bound for Lanier's. Any messageT'
 1'You might say we wish him speedy deliverance." answered Kate Sumter.
 Silently Lanier heard the @ummons. There was no reason why he should not go, said the doctor. t"The air will do you good,' he added, and we'll be here when you come back"
 Ten minutes more and for the first time since Friday evening the accused officer stood in the presence of his colonel
 "Mr. Lanier." said Button presently, sI am free to say. that I have had grave reasons for forming a most un- favorable opinion of your conduct. It has been my intention to forward charges Of a serious nature against you and to urge your trial by general. court martial. But such is my regard for these gentlemen that stand ready to abandon my views and adopt theirs on your simple word. Can say more?''
 There was a n1opent of silence. Then Lanier sepoke, tIt depends, sir, think, upon what you wish me to an- gwer."
 Button colored. Turning to his desk, he took from an envelope several news paper clippings. ''Do you rare to say what part you took in their prepara- 4ion ?"
 s.I took no part.''
 .eYou do not know the author?''
 q took no part. sir. I do not wish to say that do not know the author
 t'Then permit ne to infer that you know hfm-a member of this com mand, for no one else knew the facts and you shield Eim Y'
 tT am shielding no man. Colonel Button
 'sYet you know the author and you will not teIl?"
 tWhat little know came in such a way that I cannot teIl,'' was the reso- lute answer.
 Enough said-or refused to be said -on that head We will go to the next. Who personated you the night you left your troop at Laramie and l went, contrary to orders, to that frolic at the post2''
 A look of amazement came into the 1 young officers face. The answer came slowly painfully:
 ''I took part in no frolic, sir. went l contrary to an order that had held good while we. were out on the campaign. 1 but that we did not suppose was bins- : ing there. went to the post that [ night to help fra man who-who | needed money for an immediate jour l ney. No one personated me to my knowledge"
 'tI have the written report of the of i dcer of the day that you were there asleep at Il D. m. Subsequently, I l learned that you were away from taps until nearly revetlle."
 "You could have heard that from me, sir, and why was gone, if need be-
 Officers xyho make comrades and i int1mates of enlisted men take chances that''-
 Colonel Button, I protest''-
 Protest you may. but listen you shall" was the instant rejoinder. tsIt as well known you interfered with a 1 moneommissioneds. ofhcer in the prop CT discharge of his duty. That was last June, and it was in behalf of that young man Rawdon. It is well known that you were hobnobbing with other enlisted men here. It is well known you lent civilian clothing to your pro- tege for his latest escapade''-
 ''Colonel Button-gentIemen cried Lanier, "this is beyond all rightr' h. deed, Stannard and Sumter were on 1 their feet in approximation. but the