The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1911-11-28

Wechtell he must admit that be was
at the gambling house. His presence
there would condemn him unless be
was there to spy, and spying in itself
was condemnatory.
Wechtell's other friend claimed that
this view OF the case was the sub
ordinates protection. Since the colo
mel must suffer under either suppose
ton he was handicapped. Wechtel
between these two opinions was not
capable Of making up his mind what
to do One thing definite was decided
upOn-that none of the three would
speak of the matter to any one else.
Nevertheless in the quarters Of FIVE
different members of the regiment the
matter was under discussion, for i've
other officers had been present that
Eight at the gambling table, all OF
them disguised, and had seen what
had taken place between Colonel Won
Hollert and Lieutenant Wechtell. Be-
fore morning every officer in the COM
mand knew Of it and was discussing
1t. Most Of them considered the COLO
mel as having been guilty OF conduct
unbecoming an officer and gentle
man in visiting the gambling house at
all and In taking action against Wech-
tell he would demean himself as a
soldier. Till dawn there was a hum
Of conversation upon the episode
when the disputants went to bed
Wechtell did not close his eyes He
could have made up his mind to take
his punishment and gone to sleep had
his fate been certainty 1t was hang
ing between two results that kept him
awake. What would the colonel dol
Would he court martial the guilty man
and take the consequences that might
accrue to himself or come to some ar
rangement with his subordinate By
which the matter might be passed over
with satisfaction to all concerned7
Whatever musings or deliberations
ing night were sealed book. A COM
mander Is denied the condolences that
are granted TO bis interiors. II was
this want of knowledge Of what was
going on In the coionel's mind that
made the matter more interesting.
Wechteil was up at reveiIle and. taxi
ing an early breakfast. repaired to the
coloners headquarters as the barracks
clock struct 8. The orderly, on duty
admitted without announcing him. The
lieutenant found his commander alone
and sitting at his desk. The culprit
scrutinized bis face to see ii he could
detect any indication Of what his fate
would be. The commanders counte-
nance was inscrutabIe.
Lieutenant he said presently, .Iast
night enlered the gambling house
just as you were placing your stake on
the red ordered you to take up your
winnings. which you did after having
won a certain amount ! have been
informed that after your withdrawal
the red won three times In succession.
am responsible for your not winning
a much larger amount than you did.
The colonel paused. took up check
book. wrote a check and handed II tc
his subordinate, saying:
This is the amount Of my indebted
ness
but, colonel" exclaimed Wechtell
'you are not indebted to me for any
thing. Besides. this amount is a small
fortune. II is more than generals
pay for FIVE yearsIr
Il know that, sir"
II cannot accept it."
Refuse 1t at your peril"
THAT means?"
"A court martial and ignominiou1
dismissal from the service"
"And You will testify against met"
II shall be obliged to do so''
Weehtell thrust the check in his pock.
ct that no one might see him going
out with 1t and went straight to his
quarters. where he found his two
friends waiting for him.
"Well?' said both at once.
The lieutenant related the interview.
When the three separated it had
been determined to pass the result
among the officers with request that
each man consider himself in honor
bound not to diyulge it outside the reg.
iment
From that moment Colonel Won Hol.
lert had sure place In the hearts Of
his officers He had been human and
had Dafd dearlv for HIS humanity