The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1912-05-20

QUESTION, and l had yielded to his
goading to such an extent as to give
those in authority every excuse for the
exercise of extreme military power
| Yet of one thing was firmly re.
solved-no thoughtless word of mine
should ever endanger the reputation
OF Edith Brennan. Right or wrong, |
would go to. death of dishonor be.
fore ! would speak without her author.
ity. Love and pride conspired to
make this decision adamant.
Come" said Cation. briefly, and l
turned and accompanied him without
thought of resistance. At the front
door he ordered the little squad of
waiting soldiers to fall in. and taking
me by the arm. led the way down
the gravelled path to the road was
impressed by his seeming careless
ness. but as we cleared the gateway
he spoke. and his words helped me
to comprehend.
Captain Wayne" he said quietly, so
that the words could not be over
heard. you do not recognize me. but
l was the officer who conducted you
to headquarters when you brought the
flag in at Wilson Creek. Of course I
must perform the duty given me, but
| wish you to understand that wholly
believe your word"
He stopped, extended his hand, and
accepted it silently.
There must be some grave personal
reason which seals your lips? he
questioned.
There is
Il thought as much. CHANGED to
overhear the words, or rather a por-
ton Of them. which Brennan whis-
pered, and have no doubt If they were
explained to the General he would feel
more kindly disposed toward you"
1t was asked as a question. and
felt obliged to reply.
Il appreciate deeply your desire to
aid me, but there are circumstances
involving others which con. pei me for
the present to silence. Indeed my DOS.
sible fate does not SO greatly trouble
me, only that l possess a strong de.
sire to have freedom long enough to
cross swords with this major of yours.
The quarrel between us has become
bitterly personal, and hunger for a
chance to have 1t out. Do you know,
is he man who would fight?"
The young fellow stiffened slightly.
I'VE are serving upon the same
staff" he said more abruptly. "and
while We have never been close
friends. yet l cannot honorably take
sides against him. He has been out
twice within the last three years to
my knowledge, and is not devoid
either of courage or skill. Possibly. |
however. the arrival Of his wife may
make him less a fire-eater."
His wife,"
! stopped so suddenly that he in.
frightened his grip upon my
arm as though suspicious of an at.
tempt to escape
DO you." | asked, gaining some
slight control over myself, refer to
the lady who came in with his party
last EVENING""
Most certainly; she was presented
to all of US as Mrs. Brennan, she has
been assigned rooms at his quarters.
and she wears a wedding-ring. Far
too fine woman in my Judgment for
such master. but then that is not SO
uncommon a mistake in marriage.
Why. come to think about It, you must
have met her yourself Have you
reason to suspect this is not their
relationship"
Not in the least" l fastened to
answer. fearful lest my thoughtless
might become the basis
Tor camp gossip. Indeed was
scarcely in the lady's presence at all
coming in, as was left in charge of
the sergeant"
Perhaps he felt that he had already
said too much, for we tramped on in
silence until we drew near a large.
square white building standing direct.
y beside the road.
This Is the old Culverton tavern
known as the Mansion House." he
said. 1T is tremendous big build.
ng for this country. with as fine a
ballroom in 1t as l have seen since
eaving New York. We utilize 1t for
almost every military purpose, and
among others some Of the strong
'ooms in the basement are found val
liable for the safe-keeping of i'm.
,ortant prisoners"
We mounted the front steps as he
vas speaking. passing through a cor
Ion Of guards. and in the wide hall
way was turned tower TO the officer
L charge.
Goodnight. Captain" said Cation.
Kindly extending his hand. "You may
est assured that l shall say all | can
n your favor. but it is to be regretted
hat Brennan has great influence Just
low at headquarters. and Sheridan Is
Tot a man to lightly overlook those
TASTY words you spoke to him."
could only thank him most warm.
y for his interest. realizing fully
rom his grave manner my desperate
and follow my silent con.
luctor down some narrow and steep