Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-03

son at my headquarters tomorrow
morning at 8 O'clock"
When the lieutenant reached his
quarters he called in his two most in
innate friends and told them Of the
situation. None OF the three could
fathom the coloners presence at the
gambling house. He was not the man
TO so there TO spy upon his subordi-
mates. and such an act would have
been unmilitary. He could not have
gone there TO play in the face OF his
own order against others playing
Not one OF those discussing the matter
surmised that SO great had been the
temptation that II had overwhelmed
ell other considerations.
One OF Wechtelrs friends advised
him to send in his resignation at once
and not obey the coloners order to re
port at headquarters. This, he argued,
would simplify matters. Quite likely
the colonel would recommend its ac-
ceptance, for to prefer charges against
Wechter he must admit that ne was
at the gambling house His presence
there would condemn him unless he
was there to spy, and spying in itself
was cOndemnatory.
Wechtelrs other friend claimed that
this view Of the case was the sub
ordinate's protection. Since the colo
mel must suffer under either supposi-
ton he was handicapped. Wechtell
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 Eve
different members Of the regiment the
matter was under discussion, for five
other officers had been present that
night 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 il and was discussing
it. Most Of them considered the colo
mel as having been guilty of conduct
unbecoming an officer and a gentle
man in visiting the gambling house at
all and in taking action against Wech-
tell he would dcmean himself as
soldier. Till dawn there was 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 a certainty. II was hang
ing between two results that kept him
awake. What would the colonel do?
Would he court martial the guilty man
and take the consequences that might
TO IN
rangement with his subordinate by
which the matter might be passed over
with satisfaction to all concerned?
Whatever musings or deliberations
came to the colonel during that agitat
ing night were sealed book. A com
mander is denied the condolences that
are granted TO his Interiors. It was
this want OF knowledge OF what was
going on in the coloners mind that
made the matter more Interesting.
Wechtell was up at reveille and, TAX
ing an early breakfast. repaired to the
colonel's headquarters as the barracks
clock struck 0. The orderly on duty
admitted without announcing him. The
lieutenant found his commander alone
and sitting at his desk. The culprit
scrutinized his face 10 see II he could
detect any indication Of what his fate
would be. The commanders counte-
nance was insCrutable.
Lieutenant" he said presently, last
night | entered the gambling house
just as you were placing your stake on
the red. I ordered you to take up your
winnings, which you did after having
won a certain amount. ! have been
"a
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 a check
book, wrote Il check and handed IL 20
his subordinate, saying:
This is the amount Of my indebted
ness"
But, colonel" exclaimed Wechteu.
you are not indebted 10 me for any
thing. Besides, this amount Is a small
fortune. 1t is more than a generals
pay for five yearsw
Il know that, sir"
q cannot accept it."
Refuse 1t at your peril"
"That meansf"
"A court martial and ignominious
dismissal from the service"
And you will testify against meY"
II shall be obliged 10 do so"
WechteI thrust the check I'm his pock-
Z thGt no one might see him going
,ut with IT and went stra ight 10 his
quarters, where be found his two
'rieuds waiting for him.
well" said both at once.
The Lieutenant related the interview.
When the three separated Il had
,een determined TO pass the result
Imong the officers with a request that
ach man consider himself IN honor
.ound not 10 diyulge # outside the reg
Dcnt.
From that moment Colonel Won Eol-
ert had 2 cure place IN the henrts or
is officer. lie bad been human and
ad paid dearly Tor bis humanity.