The citizen., 1913-06-13
CHAPTER XIil-Continued.

CHAPTER Xiil-continued.
Thirty minutes later in the great
barn-like barracks, he hung his ac-
coutrements ever the bed assigned
him in the far corner, and, revolver
belt still buckled about his waist. stood
at the open window, striving to de-
termine which of those winking lights
shone from the house where he had
seen her There had been something
in the easerness of her voice which
he could not forget, nor escape from
She had seemed to care, to feel an in
terest deeper than mere curiosity. The
Sergeants heart beat rapidly, even
while he sternly told himself he was
fool. A hand touched his shoulder.
and he wheeled about to grip N3.s-
sons hand.
Well, Brick old boy" said the
scout genially, although his thin face
was as solemn as ever; so you fel-
lows have come back to be in the
shiDdy?'
We've been in 1t all summer. Sam"
was the reply. IT'S been lively enough
south of the Cimarron, the Lord
knows. I've been riding patrol for
months now. But what's up? No one
seems to know why we were ordered
in."
Its all guesswork here" and Was.
son sat down on the narrow bed and
lit his pipe. But the old man is get.
ting something under way, consolidat.
ing troops. Your regiment is going to
be used, that's certain. I've been car
ryin' orders between here an Wallace
for three weeks now, an I've heard
Sheridan explode once or twice. He's
tired of this guerilla business. an
wants to have one good fight"
1T is getting late"
That's the way he figures it out.
accordin' to my notion. We've always
let those fellows alone during the bad
weather, an they've got so they ex,
pect it. The old man figures he'll
give EN- surprise
A winter campaign"
Why not? We can stand it if thew
can. o. course, I'm just guessin';
there's no leak at headquarters But
Clusters up there" with d wave of the
hand to the north. and they've got
he maps out"
What maps?"
I only Sot glimpse of them out of
the tail of my eye, but | reckon they
was of the kintry south of the Arkan-
aas, along the Canadian"
Hamlin sat down beside him, staring
across the big room.
Then it's Black Kettle; his band is
down on the Washita," he announced.
# hope it's true"
They're arrangin' supply depots.
2nyhow; six companies of infantry are
on Monument Creek, and five troops
OF cavalry on the North Canadian
Already. Wagon trains have been
haulin' supplies. There's some stiff
work ahead when the snow flies, or |
miss my guess"
Hamlin sat silent, thinking, and the
scout smoked quietly. occasionally
slancing toward his companion. Final
" he spoke again. his voice barely
audible
That little girl you sent in with us
IS here yet"
The Sergeant was conscious that his
cheeks famed, but he never looked
ap.
Yes, saw her as we came in"
She's asked me about you once or
twice; don't seem to forget what you
did for her"
Sorry to hear that"
No, yer not; couldn't no man be
sorry to have girl like that take an
interest in him. 'Tain't in human ma
lure. What did yer tell her about me?'
Tell herl" surprised. why, l only
advised her to hang close to you if
anything happened. | didn't exactly
IKE the style of the Lieutenant"
Ihet's wat | thought. Well, she's
done it, though thet hasn't pried her
loose from Gaskins. He's hauntin' her
IKE a shadow. It's garrison talk
lhey're engaged, but ! amt so sure
bout thet. She an | hev got to be
pretty good friends, though O. course,
It's strictly on the quiet. l amt got
no invite to officers row yit. She's
asked me a lot bout you"
interesting topic"
Well, reckon as how she thinks 1t
is' enyhow. Yesterday she asked me
bout thet scrimmage yer had down
on the Canadian. Shed heerd bout it
somehow, an wanted the story
straight. So / told her all | knowed,
an yer oughter seed her eyes shine
While | wus sorter paintin' it up"
"Oh, hell; let's drop it." disgustedly
The Lieutenant here yet?"
Sure; his Company is down on
Monument, but he got special detail
He's got a pull, Gaskins has"
How is that?"
His old man is Senator, or some
thing, an they say, has scads O