Pittston Gazette

              ui C If E utablitthed 18S0. I OL. XLVIlIXo. | Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1898. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. \ *1 OO a Yea iu Aftvauee* "An Army Wife," C• give her." gravel of the road. Then as nis footfalls died away, Mrs. Hayne knelt where he had knelt the moment before. "You were ill and wretched. 1 knew you could not bear her. Grafton asked nic- to come on a matter entirely of She heard him let himself out into the night and the clank of the scabbard against the gatepost and the tramp of his cavalry boot as he crossed the road, lie walked slowly, heavily now, not eagerly as he came. Florence heard and noted, and then her pride and resolution gave away, and again she wept bitter, bitter, yet not wholly penitent tears. perhaps, but not Mr. Merriam. He was thinking of the unprotected condition of those stables back of officers' row, wibere those gentlemen who owned private stock were required to keep theirs, instead of, as had been customary under a previous administration, at the cavalry or quartermaster's corrals. The colonel of the Riflers had once been knuckle-rapped for allowing public forage to be fed to private "mounts" of some garrison ladies, and now he had his eyes open. The Freemans. Haynes, Qraftons and Merrlams, as well as the doctor, all had private horses for ladies' use; so did certain others; and, although every mounted officer could draw forage for two horses, not a peck of oat* could be get beyond that, and when It came to forage for ladies' Ihorses—animals never ridden or driven except by ladies, and too light for government service, the colonel drew the line at that entirely, and was sustained by a virtuous congress. And now Merrlam'sface began to lose Its dark look and to grow suddenly pale. "Do you mean that this telegram has made—has anything to do with her wish to see me?" "Floy, dear, it isn't possible you think he cherishes any feeling except of pity or contempt for—that woman? I never saw anything more perfect than his devotion to you—his avoidance of her." business." "Oil! what business have you to have business of any kind with her—now?" "Everything, Merriam, according to rov belief, and if I could tell you what It raid I think yon would aot refuse her." "I do not yet know, Florence," he answered, slowly releasing her, and hia .tone changing to one in which pain and reproach were mingling now. "I have not seen her; indeed she refused to BY  For answer, with sudden force the young wife seemed to tear herself from the touch of the friendly band, the auund of tlhe gentle voice, and, burying her face in her arms, turning her back upon her consoler, moaned aloud. "Oh, Floy, Floy, my little friend I You must not doubt him. Never distrust him again. Whyl he will not even go near Tier. He will not see her—speak with her, and I never heard such love and tenderness In his voice as when he speaks to you." CHAPTER VIIL Captain Charles Jfing, Tl.S.fl. Mra. Mctane," said be, stoutly. "We can converse .perfectly well, as Annette is below staira. All 1 wish to say Is this: If I can be of service—in sending off any letters or dispatches to your friends, command me. But really, Mrs. there is no need of telling me anything about the matter." Intently Merriam eyed the captain's face as though burning with eagerneaa to read his full meaning. A waek Went by. and by that time, as a member of the Grafton household and a social success at Sedgwick, the lovely widow was an established fact. Everybody, as in duty bound, had called within the seven days, Mr. and Mrs. Merriam with the others anS| not nsnong the last; but tbey chose Tuesday evening, which was not a hop night, but the very evening on which dozens of others would lDe calling, and even then they went in company with the Kaynes, and found, as they expected— indeed as they knew—the little army parlor full of people. see me." The waning moon was shining over the dim, far-stretching desert to tha east, and a little torchlight procession was forming at the band barracks, as 'lerriam recrossed the parade. Each musician wore attached to his headgear a bright littde lamp, its reflector so arranged as to throw the light full upon the sheet of muslo in the rack of hia instrument. It was nearly time to form the regiment, and though the band wsa not to go, it meant 60 -play the boys on to the cars," as the sergeant said. Whittaker. longing for excitement of some kind, had gone to Buxton and begged permission to turn out his troop, mounted, and escort the rifles to the railway, and Bus said "no" with cheerful and customary alacrity. All the same alj the post was up and mostly outof doors, thronging about the edge of the parade, when adjutant's call sounded and the two battalions came swinging out In full marching order—"campaign hats, blankets rolled, great coata folded,haversacks, canteens and orammed cartridge belts." There was but brief ceremony. The colonel whipped out hia sword and gave "Column of fours," the rifles of the first company leaned to the right shoulder, the band burst forth Into Its liveliest strain, and. taking tha lead, the baton-beating drum majorat its head, away they tramped for the . southeast gate, and all Fort Sedgwick seemed to follow. The colonel spurred his way and jolted out in front of the band, his adjutant at his heels. The cadenced step and spirited musio were kept up until the hospital corps at the rear of column was clear to the gate, then route step was ordered, and then by twos and threes and little squads and parties the throng of escorts cams drifting back, by far the larger portion veering off to the right and taking the pathway toward the barracks, while a long string of women and children, wftfc a few attendant officials, kept the direct road, nearly westward, that ran In front of the main line of officers' quarters. Over at the guardhouse the little handful of armed soldiers had stood watching from afar the formation and departure of the regiment, and now. spreading their blankets, were settling themselves for a brief nap before relieving the sentries now slowly tramping their posts, and Merriam, after one long look at the distant row, vatnly seeking for the bright light that used to 4Durn in her parlor window on previous nights when be was 00 guard, turned into the office of the guardhouse with a 'heavy heart and a weary sigh, and sat himself down to look over the list of prisoners and the half finished report. [Copyright 1886, by F. Tennyson Ne»-ly ] "Very well. I will oome right after refloat. Surely five minutes ought to be enough," he said at length, and then went thoughtfully homeward. "You said Capt. Grafton urged yon to come. What right had he if she didn't mean to see you?" Grafton became convinced that Fanny's devotions were rapidly waning, that with recovering health and bloom and •pirit« the crying need for the one dear friend to lean on had vanished. Less and less grew the hours of confidential chat. More acd more was the lat* disconsolate widow becoming interested, not to say absorbed, in the details of garrison life. Freeman, formerly of the —th. hot, now a squadron commander at Sedgwick, remarked that the lady was "beginning to take aoHea "Tell him I'm at dinner and won * see him now," said the colonel, not nn willing to lmpreas on hia fair gueat thC idea of his professional importance ana personal force. The aervant bant and whispered again, whereat the colonel changed color and glanced up uncertainly in the troubled face of the messenger, then aa uncertainly around ttD« tab*, hia eyea only for an instant meeting tfioae of hia gueat. "That remains to be explained, Florence. I have had no time to inquire. Indeed, I have not felt sufficient interest. Mrs. Grafton said the lady had declined to see anybody, and had gone back to bed, prostrated again, possibly. I was most anxious to come to you, my wife, little dreaming what welcome was in store for me. Florence, dear, is it possible—is it credible that you have let that poor woman come as a torment Into your life and make you so unjust to me? O, my little soldier girl, is this just to either of us?" "But T have to. Copt, Grafton," and | I be door opened a bit wider. "1 must have your advice, 1 must do something right awuy. and you're the only one who ran help me.** Rut retreat parade came within mo abort a time after Grafton'* return to bis quarters that hi* message to Mrs. McLaur covered that lady with oonsternation. What! Meet Randy Merriam when she bad less than 30 minutes In which to dress! It couldn't be thought of! Whe.n Merriam called, Mrs. Grafton fluttered down, wiih flushing cheeks and indignant eye*. "I'm so sorry. Mr. Merriam, but really Mrs. McLanc says jhf Is so far from weH again this evening that she cannot *e« anyone. She has gone back to bed, but begs that you will come in at noon tomorrow. How is dear Florence? 1 should li*ve been to see hex, but I tied hands and feet." Then, a* though stung, Florence whirled upon her, and. with dilated, burning eyes, and a hot flush overspreading her face, with lips close set as though to beat dcrwn the tremors that strove for the mastery, answered with startling vehemence: "Then I'll ask Harriet to come here at once." said be. and. suiting action to words, started for the stairway. She rushed out after him. dishevelled, pallid. "Ob, 1 cannot tell Harriet," rihe cried So Randy bad to buy forage for Mignon, and Inckily forage was cheap, with all those ranches of Santa Clara close at hand. He had often thought bow easy It would be for greasers—■ natural horse thieves—to sneak in on that southern front of a dark night and makeoffwith four or five favorite horses, and the colonel used to keep three sentries along tlhere. Now they had only one. "All the more reason for my keeping personal watch on that front." thought Randy, "and that-will give me an occasional chance to look in on Florence." Mrs. McLane's welcome was charming. Already the soft a}r and sunshine, as she was saying, had been of infinite benefit, and her physician must have known exaotly what to preaociba tor her, for she felt ever so much better, and her cougli was so much less frequent. Certainly she was laoking wondrously well—whether Dame Nature or some more snbtle artist bad touched the rounded cheeks and the framework ofthose lustrous eyes. As the quartette entered. Mrs. Hayne, the elder matron, leading, and the men arose and the women callers looked smilingly on and Mrs. Grafton gracefully presented the first (*mer, the welcome accorded Mrs. Hayne was cordial and gracious, with Just a tinge of reserve, but it wan "Will you excuae me a moment, my dear?" ha aaid to hia wife, and left tho "Then, Mrs. McLane, yon cannot tell "But I have—it's when he calls to her —talk* to her in his sleep!" uncommonly early," and Minium, with whom she was quite ready to walk and even to visit the tennis court, waa heard to ask if they never had euch things aa half»mourning hops. Whittaker, who waa sulky about something and preternaturally stately aa a coiyequence, reminded him that Mrs. McLaoe waa still 1« deep mourplng—full mourning —to which a cynic in sboulder-atrapa who happened to be present replied that be only wished that other fnlla could be as lightly worn. "She may have been in the depths of woe before she left Chicago, aa lira. Grafton declares she was," said Mrs. Buxton, a lady with yeara of experiences, "but she's bravely over it soon enough. She'll be dancing next." And this unchristian, uncharitable remark waa aalled forth by the aight of the lady going to ride with Whittaker—Whittaker, who at first could hardly be Induced to call, and who now could hardly be induced to believe it time to go. table and the room. Conversation went on somewhat constrainedly. Mra. McLane, Intent on faaclnating the colonel, had rather ignored the rest. Mintiwn waa plainly in the sulks, and Mra. Colonel, with anxiety in her eyea, was plainly listening to the hurried talk in the outer room. Presently ia same the aervant. Would Capt. Grafton pleaae Join the colonel in the parlor, and, wondering, Grafton went. me" Then Mrs. Hayne sprang up aghast. One moment she stood gazing incredulously down at Florence, a world of sorrow and pity in her eyes. Then, with her hand to her ear. cried "Hark!" and hastened to the window. "Tell me this!" she demanded, suddenly facing him and looking into his troubled eyes. "Is there any business —can there be any reason why she should wish to see you—alone?" For a moment she looked at him In "1 will wire for your lawyer, Mr. Parry?* he went on calmly. "He can advise what I probably could not." amaze. Merriam hesitated. "Florence," he began, "there are matters sometimes made known to a man that he must divulge to no one. I do not know what she desires of me, but I believe it is her wish to learn all I know about that poor fellow who was killed up the Mescalero last June—nothing else." "He cunnot advise as you can. captain. It's a matter be knows nothing about. I've got to see Mr. Merriam, and be avoids me even worse than you do. than—in fact, everybody does now that I'm in deep trouble," she wailed. And Randy went angering back to Floy's mutely inquiring eye*. "What can I do to cheer you to-night, my darling?" he whispered, as be bent over to kiss her. "Is Mrs. Hayne comioy back?" Fsr out across tihe still, starlit level of the parade a trumpeter was sounding officers' calL CHAPTER X. One o'clock came, and the call had gone from sentry to sentry, thanks to the breathless stillness of the air, and the moon was climbing high, and Bux was still up and swearing. A "wire" came out from t*e Junction that the "special" would not be there for two hours, so the Riflers bad stacked arms, unslung pscks. atjd were snoozing or skylarkingaa suited their humor. The colonel had given permission for a dance at Miguel's. The band was playing, and there was Jollity in the wind. Bux said be wouldn't have the cavalry mixed up in tyiy such tomfoolery, however, snd-ffie patrol was saddled and ready to start. Grafton, coming back from his stable, where he had gone to see to the selection of the mounts required, stopped and drew Merriam to one side. "If# that dreadful telegraph operator,*' said Mrs. Colonel, in a low, troubled tone. "It's some bad news. Indian outbreak, probably, or he'd never be *o Insistent." "I am sure Mr. Merriam will come to you If there is anything of importance." said Grafton, gravely. "I will see him at the stables, and the call is sounding uow." Florence was lying on the aofa In her pretty room aloft, and Merriam knelt a*, her side, taking her passive hand in his aoCl stroking genCly the curt* that shimmered about her white temple*. The smile with which *he greeted him was very wan and flitting. That night the rlfiers, seven companies, were whirled away by special train to the rescue of the railway •hopa and roundhouses at Cimmaron Springs, a hundred mile* to the north. One of those unaccountable manias that prompt men to appropriate other people's property bad seized upon the employes of the road. The Valley division bad been forced to abandon all trains, and It was only a question of time, said t-he ringleaders, when the Mountain division would follow suit. Passenger and cattle, fruit and freight trains were blockaded. The mails, sent through at first with a single car. «were presently belated, then blocked entirely, and Uncle Sam. who had been showing his teeth for twenty—four hours, now showed his hand. In the old days of 8edgwick it was the cavalry that was perpetually being bustled off on the warpath, leaving tlhe Infantry to hold the fort, but of late the Indians had kept the peace and the cavalry the post Then caDme the sudden outbreak of troublo on an eastern road, the swifi assurance of sympathy from brethren in the west, and then a strike that speedily established Ibe fact that there were still savages in the valley of tlhe Bravo, for men who tried to stand to their duty were kicked and battered Into pulp, and helpless women and children were burned out of house and home. "And needs a private interview with her rejected lover for that purpose!" she interrupted, her eyes flashing anew. The child was indeed a woman. "Oh, I hate her! I hate herl" she cried, throwing herself passionately upon the sofa, and then Merriam cried: "Hush!" for some one was knocking at the door. Florence, standing' with flushed cheeks just behind her friend and ally, the lovely bine eyes sought out and then lighted instantly with joy and recognition. Both slender white bands were extended, and with a little cry of "Mrs. Merriaml Ob, how glad I am to see yon again!" the accomplished little lady Then all conversation seemed to drag, and people only spoke in monosyllables or hazarded aoma gueaa aa to what could be the matter. "Oh. not to-day—not to-day. Tomorrow. perfhaps. but not to-day. I really cannot see bim just yet. I'm 60 unstrun—and he mustn't let ber—his wife, know. She'll never rest till she's worried It all out of him." "She «aid she would, after a little. I told her you'd be in right after parade. but;—"and the "but" had a mournful tone to it. But it na't Indiana. It waan't warfare. It waa only the aoldler telegrapher at Ae post, who bore with him a message which the operator at the Junctitm had received positive Instructions from the eastern manager to deliver at once and report delivery and get an answer. It was for Mrs. McLaoe. Bo there was nothing for It but to call her, and with sudden panic in her eyes she hurried into the parlor, shrunic for a moment from the proffered dispatch—then, with an effort at aelf-control, took It. tore It open, read with dilsted eyes, lifted her hsnd to her face as though In bewilderment and dismay, staring into vacancy as she did so, and then suddenly, without a moan, without a sound from her lips, went down In a limp heap upon th« bearskin rug whereon she stood, snd the ladies rushed to —but could not—revive her. It was the servant, their oblique-eyed Chinaman, with a note. "My knockee tlee times," he grinned. "All time tr.lkee—talkee; no listen." "He will let his wife know," said Grafton, calmly,"and is wise in sodoing, but she will not be apt to make inquiries." Then he turned and left her. "I had to stop a moment on the way, dear. A matter I promised to attend to." and again He bent and laid his lipa upon Iipt brow, then pressed them to hers. Time was. and only a few days gone by. when she used to meet that fond caress with a kiss as fond, as lingering as his own. Now she lay there patient, unresponsive. Something prompted him to pass his arm underneath her neck and to draw her head to his breast, and she let herseff go, unresisting. but her cheek did oot nestle happily, confidently, as was Ita way. Her big, pathetic eyes were downoast. even averted. stepped forward, uplifted her soft lips. And of course, before she bad been st the post a week everybody knew that this was tbe woman to whom Merriam was at least believed to be engaged two years before, and that added to the thrilling Interest of the situation. For a little while It had been quite a problem how to entertain her. She didn't go to dances or dinners. She could, perhaps, ride and play tennis, but tennis she did not care for. Hiding was unpleasant, because there were no winding wood roads, no elastio turf. The mesa was pebbly or sandy by turns, tbe canyon narrow, the roads dusty. Ladles' lunches, very, very quiet snd informal, she consented toattent, but shs did not care for lnnchea. The women presently declared she did not care for women. it was a brief summons to relieve Lieut. Henry in command of the guard at once. Henry had to go with bis regiment.and—kissed her. What Florence would have looked and said or done bad she There were two restless and unhappy men at Sedgwick now—gunner and trooper—Minturn and Whittaker, and. each at bis appropriate stable, managed to Intercept the troop commander on the way to his own, each Importunate for tidings of the fair in; valid, encb resentful of bis indifference and uti pi tying response. Graftal was a warm friend where be liked, but an unbeliever and a cynic where hetijd not, and Grafton believed that he had fat_bomed Fanny McLane's shallow nature and secret purpose, and was intolerant of her to the verge of rudeness. He loved his wife. He mourned tlhe semi-deception in which she had Indulged in having, against his wishes, brought her former friend within her gates. But now be looked upon Harriet as being q-uit* sufficiently pnnisfoed and equally willing that Mrs. McLane should take herself elsewhere. If, therefore. Merrism should see her and do—or refuse to do—that which she demanded of him, Grafton felt that he might speed his psrting guest and relieve not only his own but his fair wife's shoulders of a heavy load. He was lata reaching stablea. a fact burly old Boston would b« quick to notice an7aa quick to rebuke. He had delayed only a minute or two after the sounding of ■ot been fully forewarned cannot be ~hanarded here. "I think it more than probable she will kiss you. Floy." Merriam had said, "so look as unconcerned as you can." Look unconcerned Floy did not* She reddened. She almost recoiled, but Randolph was at her elbow, and bent quickly forward in admirable time, with the most audacious pleasantry. Anyone would have sworn that he hoped to be similarly welcomed. It was more than Mrs. McLane had bargained for. "Mrs. Hayne is coming back, is she not?" he queried of Florence, but bad to repeat the query twice. She only shook her head. "I'm sorry for the needless trouble you took this evening, Merriam. I had hoped that Mrs. McLane would see you and have done with It. Another dispatch came for her three hours ago, and It seems to have roused her to action. She was up and dressed in time to see the regiment oil, and now, I presume, she's flirting with Whittaker. There ere lights in the parlor. At all events the orderly hasn't found him, and Bux may send you after the stragglers in town." He waited a moment. "Listen, Florence, dear," he presently said, as he bent compassionately over her. "1 am ordered on guard at once, and 1 must go to relieve Henry. Even though I cannot tell you what Mrs. McLane wishes to see me about, this I will tell you, dear. If I must see her, you shall know it first—from me, and not hear of It through some meddling gossip." "I wish I knew some way to gladden you a bit. ray Rrownle," he murmured, using for almost the first time her father's own fond pet name for her, and he was startled lDevond measure at the result. One instant her face lighted as with sadden radiant Joy, then quivered all over with pent-up emotion. Then the pretty mouth began to twitch and the lipa to tremble, and then, despite every effort, aha turned back to her pillow and burat into a passion of tears, great aobs shaking her •lender frame from head to foot. "Why, Mr. Merriaml" she exclaimed. Starting back in apparent confusion snd astonishment. Fall half an hour they labored over her. Tbe messenger bad da»bed for the doctor and brought him to tbe scene. Grafton had rescued the paper just as It seemed about to flutter into the fireplace. folding and stowing it away In his coat pocket, and not until after ten did she seem to recover consciousness, not nntil near the sounding of taps could they bear her home, and then the messenger came back. The operator at tbe Junction said they must have report of the receipt of the message, and some answer; this was Imperative. Grafton appealed to the doctor. The doctor said Mrs. McLane wss only semi-conscious, sod could answer nothing. MSbe is your guest, man. Bead the dispateh and reply as best you can. Whatever its contents, they have shocked her seriously." He was wondering as he walked away who could have told his wife he bad called at Grafton's and asked for Mrs. McLane. He was too proud to inquire. He had kissed her gently, forgivingly, as he said to himself, before coming away, and promised that he would be with her again if only for a few minutes before the signal for lights out. He found Henry swearing with impa- "Do not be disconcerted," said he. with placid smile. "I've always understood that a man should share his wife's joys as well as ber sorrow*." but tbe rest was lost because everybody began to laugh, and to believe as Mrs. Hayneand "Then I reckon I'll start ana make the round* and get out of the way," ■aid Randy. "By the way, captain, I hope your private stable is well secured. We have only one sentry on that whole front now, and that matched team of yours is a powerful temptation to Bravo horse fanciers. I mean to make two or three trips around the row to-night." Tbe men, especially Minturn snd Whittsker, had early become devoted to ber, and there could be no doubt of her powers of fascination. The gunner and the trooper grew cold and constrained in their manner toward each other, and Whittaker quit going, as go he used to day and night, to Hsyne's or Merriam'a. The colonel's wife, dying to be hospitable, hsd urged a little, quiet home dinner. "Just yourself, your friends, the Graftons and Merriam s, and. say, Mr. Minturn." Mrs. Grafton assured the kind srmy womsn that Mrs. McLane would not think of accepting. Mrs. McLane amazed her hostess by eventuslly saying yes. The colonel was In no wise eager to re on any such mission. He kept at tne metapnoncai rront, out tne actual rear, of hla men, aecure in the precaution feat cool-headed Capt. Hayne was forward on the pilot of the engine. If the treatle work were sawed away or bridgea burned at inconvenient points. Hayne would not be apt to let the train atumble into the pitfoli. It was nearly dawn before tba apecial reached 8anta Fe Junction, but the riflera marched thither soon after midnight, leaving many weeping wives at home. They had not the atoicism of thoae women long achooled in auch calamities—the ladlea of the cavalry. The midnight call of the sentries had started as the riflers marched away,bat, between the music and the cheers, seemed to get nofurthertbao the postof No. 2, and Corporal Mafconey bad gone to see if three and four were all right. Silence was gradually settling down upon the moonlit garrison, although voicw of women and children cam* floating faintly across the dim parade, "Florence 1 Florence!" he cried, la utter dismay and trouble. "Whettail, sweetheart? What is it, my pet, my precious? Ah. don't turn from me lika that. You are not well, my own. or yon would not break my heart by shrinking from me. What can I have aaid to ao distress you ?" A nd nojv he would take nDo denial, but had clasped hla arms about her and drawn her to hia breast again, and began kissing away her tears and striving to check her sobbing. It was uselees. "Well, then 1 can save you several hundred yards, Merriam," said Graf- Urn, fumbling in his pocket. "Take the short out through my yard. There are no private horses between me and the east end of the line, you know. Here's the key to Che rear gate." and out under the spectral white flagstaff tiny sparks as of cigars could be seen, and low, gruff voices were heard in consultation. A moment or two more and the sentry on No. 1 wss bidden to call off half-past 12. and barely had he done so, and Merriam was straining hi* ears for the answering cry of the outlying posts, than a second time the sentry let loose his voice and challenged afaarply: "Who comes there 7" Merriam took it and thanked him heartily. Since tbc Tuesday evening of their call, not once bad the Merrikms held conversation with the widow. She called, aa haa been aeen. and Mrs. Merriam bad to be excused. Mra. Merriam used to lore tennis, but qnft tk«|uu as soon as Mra. McLane began coming to the court. Mra. Merriam, who used to love to ride with Randy, had discontinued it a day or two after that alleged illness, aa though to carry out tbe illusion, but by the Thursday aha again appeared in the aaddle and galloped out upon the mess by her hueband's side. Returning, they met Mra. McLane just starting out with her gunner friend, and the ice had to be broken. Tbe stylishly habited widow beamed on both, begged Floy to let her know at what hour they would ride next day, as she adored it of all things, and next day Floy'a horae waa reported "dead lame," and ahe would ride no other. When Mrs. Colonel's invitation came for that utterly mlooked-for dinner, the Merriams were cornered, for Floy, though looking sallow and heavy-eyed now.was not really ill and could urge no excuse. Garrison dinner "bids" must be answered aa promptly aa tihose in city life. "We've got to go dear." said Merriam calmly, "ao send our acceptance." "TO go to the corrals first," said he, "and then come over your way. Good And so Anally Grsfton read the message and could fathom only a portion of its meaning. "Oh. let me cry—let me cry!" she pleaded—"It's what I need." Buxton succeeded to the command of the poet end it* garrison, now made up of one big squadron of the —th, four troops, and Capt. Blinker's battery of mounted artillery, and what fairly pestered Buxton was why the colonel should have sent for Mr. Merriam within ten minutes after the dispatches began coming In just after retreat, and Merriam wouldn't tell. night" The lights were still burning dimly tn the parlor a* Grafton reached his quarters, but the slender form of a woman stood between him and the door. It was Mrs. McLane, and she began at once. "▲treated, Chloago. Tour socle stricken—paralrsla. Tou wfll be summoned. Secure papers, otherwise loss everrtfctng. c. m." And so in pain and bewilderment he yielded to her wish and strove to content himself with murmuring soft, soothing words and holding her close to hie heart, and at last the storm of tears seemed drifting away and she could speak In answer to his pleading, and presently she looked one instant into his eyes and began: "A sum sfaould ibtn fail wife'* joys m wall u * faer •arrows." •'Commanding officer and Mends," was the answer in Buxton's growl. Mrs. Grafton did not, that the relations between the McLanes and Merriams on that idyllic wedding journey must indeed have been delightful. There were two men, however, who laughed not—Hayne and Whittaker. Grafton waa away on diuty. and there was one woman who felt a stinging sense of defeat—Fanny }icLane herself. In fhat one action of Merriam there vva» manifest utter indifference to her former fasclnstions, utter defiance to ber powera.CHAPTER IX "Halt! Corpril the Guard—command- commanding officer and friends,'* answered No. 1, and Men-iam sprang to his feet, while the corporal went bounding out to examine and receive the part jr. Three days after the colonel's dinner. Mrs. McLane waa pronounced sufficiently well to teks the open air, but did not not look sufficiently well, in her own opinion, to take the hist. Nor did Mrs. Grafton too eagerly urge. By this time the hostess was fully convinced that Fanny m far from being the frank, confiding creature shs had pictured herself to bs; that shs hsd come to Sedgwick with other purposes In view than that of aeeldng tbe sympathy and counsel of ber erstwhile schoolmate; that she was concealing from her, to whom ahe once longed to unbosom her every thought, some vital and thrilling clrcumsUnoe, and, worst of all. that Capt. Grafton now knew what Tt waa, and wouldn't toil. This perhaps, was almost un pardons ble. In vain had Mra. Grafton insinuated. Inquired, insisted, and finally Implored Her husband was gentle, but obdurate.**I have been waiting anxiously for you, captain. Dear Harriet has gone to her room tired out, and I thought Mr. Whittaker would never go—I fairly had to send him. Mr. Merriam is officer of the guard. Could I see him—could you take me to him for jpst a minute? If I can talk with him three minutes it will be ample, and I cannot rest now until I do." The first dispatch was from department headquarters, and bade the colonel hold his entire regiment ready for instant duty and a Journey by rail. Bux waa with him when it came, and together they had gone to the office. Then was handed in another, which the colonel read but did not pass over to his second in command. On the contrary he thought a bit and sent for Mr. Merriam, and took him to one side and had a conversation with him of Ave minutes' duration that was inaudible to everybody else. Bux did catch a word or two, but could make of it nothing that did not stimulate his curiosity. "Killed," "Mescalero moun tains," "written statement"—"McLane —only 83," were some of them, and when he took the commanding officer's desk the next day he ransacked it to And that dispatch, supposing It to be something official. It was only semiofficial, said the operator. It came from department headquarters, but was addressed to the colonel personally, not in his capacity as post commander, consequently it was not filed, and Bux couldn't find it. " ChlldP I in DO child r tience, as the youngster had a "raft" of preparations to make, and it was very late, nearly 11 o'clock, before he had reestablished the sentry posts as ordered by the new officer of the day. The trumpets sounded "taps" to heedless ears, and the lights burned brightly in all the barracks, and the troopers who were not to go were chaffing the "dough-boys'.' who were, and so mixing up not a little in the work of preparation. He had seen fiayne a moment and bad been toKJ that Mrs. Hayne would run back to Florence again as soon as she had seen to the packing of his mess chest and field kit. The children were to be allowed to sit up and see the regiment oft. Merriam supposed when taps came that by this time Mrs. Hayne was with Florence, but all the same he left the guard In chargf of the sergeant a few minutes and hurried away over the parade and up to her room, and there he found her lying almost as he had left her—face downward upon the sofa, and all alone." "1 want the officer of the guard," said Buxton, impatient of etiquette or formality as be bulged ahead. "Oh, Mr. Merriam, there must be at least a hundred of our men gone tagging along with the 'doughboys' in hopes of ■ round of drinks at the Junction, probably. I want a mounted patrol to go in at once and heed 'em all back, otherwise some of theim will be carried away on the train, sure as shooting. Just give your stable sentry orders to let a dozen horses out. I'll send Mr. Whittaker in command; he wanted to turn outand go as escort. Lots of your men are in there, I suppose. Capt. Grafton." hecoocluded. as he turned to the silent officer at his side. "Do you think—could we—go back to the—cantonment for—just a little while?" "Why, Floy, darling, we've only Just come from there." "Ijknow. And yrt—and yet—oh. It seems months — years alnee —sines Grafton was on the point of bidding her remember that she bad refused a chance of talking with him earlier that night, but refrained. He looked back serosa the sallow, moonlit surface of the parade to where the oil lamps were burning blearily in the guardroom. "He is not there," said he. "He has gone down to the corrals. But"—a happy thought striking him—'in less than ten minutes he will becomingthrougb here on his rounds. I gave him the key of our rear gate. It'a warm and pleasant out here. You might hail and halt him as be enters." A dozen people, altogether, must have bfen gathered in the room at the moment, and some officers were seated on the veranda without. There were not chairs enough, so the men gossiped ■bout the piano, while the women grouped about tbe guest, and Mrs. Mc- Lane had no opportunity of singling ont and renewing her advance upon Mra. Merriam. Presently those who had been there longest arose to go, and their place wa« speedily taken by other arrivals; that soon let the Ilaynesand Merriams out, and as they triced away homeward eadh seemed to draw a long breath. then!" And now the sobs again became uncontrollable, and in dread and distress he sprang up to call the servant and bid him go for Mrs. Hayne and the doctor. Florence protested, even implored, but to no purpose. The message was sent, and before many minutee both were there. hfe* ruaSMl Mil after bin the call, because be wished to have his interview over and done with. The men of his troop were already leading out aa he came In sight of the long row of yellow-washed rookeries tbat passed for stables, and it annoyed him to be hailed on fihe way, one after another, by these two admirers of so much that he couldn't admire stall. Then,as luck would have it, the lieutenant-colonel was the next to accost him and to remark that be was five minutes late, which wwsn't so. but couldn't be contradicted. and Grafton was gritting hit teeth wbeu be reached Chis troop. He was in no mood to talk diplomatically with Merriam just then, and knew It. ' and waa thankful that the lieutenant waa atlll another stable beyond, wher who should appear, walking rapidly back from the bank where the horse* were watering, than Merriam himself. Seeing inquiry In tfhe captain's eye, he stepped quickly toward him. The medico looked perturbed when he came downstairs, talked about lew nervous condition; said that air, sunshine, cheerful companionship were what she really needed, etc.. etc. She'A been housing herself too much of late. He would send over some sedatives from the hospital; and then be bustled out, and was glad to gel away. Then came an orderly with the colonel's compliments. and would Mr. Merriam step over to the office a minute; and. glancing across the parade. Randy was surprised to see that bright lights were shining from the windows at headquarters, and there were signs of unusual life and stir about the infantry barracks. Quickly he mounted the staira and again knelt by the side of his young wife. She was quieter now, but evidently weak from the violence of her emotion, if from no other cause. Smiling sympathetically, Mrs. Hayne arose from her place near the head of the sofa, that he might come closer snd fold Florence In his arms, as she felt sure Florence wished to be folded, and Randy did come nearer, and took the slender hand in his and spoke tenderly and fondly, and bent again and kissed the pale forehead, lingerlngly, and all this Florence seemed to accept without other notice than silence and submission. Mrs. Hayne gazed with swiftly changeful expression. This was something utterly new, utterly unlooked for. What could have occurred to turn Florence Merriam. fondest, happiest of wives, into this limp, unresponsive creature? Surely, it could not be that there lingered one remaining doubt of Randy now. He had Ignored so utterly, so successfully, the wiles of the eoqtiette to whom he owed allegiance a year gone by. She heard him murmur: "I'll be back very soon, dearest," saw the sudden upward sweep of the white eyelids, and the miserable, questioning look In the dark brown eyes. "The colonel liad sent for me to attend him at the office."he explained,and the eyelids drooped again. Then he pressed his lips to hers, and they answered not st all. Then he rose, and, with deep concern In his manly face, turned to go. "It is so good of you to come to us," he said- to Mrs. nayne. "I should be at a loss without you. I'll hurry back." "Half a dozen, possibly. sir, though I doubt it. Do you wish horses and men from my troop? If not* sir, I'll retire." "I won't go," said Floy to heraelf, as she penned and signed the little note, and when Saturday came abe was too ill to leave her bed. Mra. Hsyne csms to minister to snd sit with her. The Freemana were bidden instead, and Mrs. Freeman could have stomped her pretty foot in vexstlon, for neither she nor her lord thought It the proper thing for Mrs. McLane to be going to dinners so earTy in her widowhood; besides, there were other reasons. "I know nothing, Harriet," he simply said. "I do, perhaps, conjecture, but all 1 conjecture ia derived from that diapatch, the eontenta of which should be seen snd known only by your friend the—your friend and once-upona-time bridesmsid. If she choose to tell you. well snd good, but 1 cannot." "Yes. sir. I do. I want three men and horses from each troop—good men, too. if 1 send a s*juad from just one troop, those runagates will be down on just that one company and we'll be is hot water for a whole year." Meantime there had been a sore, sorehearted young wife farther up the row. As wrath snd passion sobbed themselves away and the devil of jealousy wore Itself out, and the thought of Itandy's patience and gentleness and of all that Mrs. Hayne had said of his unflagging tenderness and love, poor .Florence besran to wonder if she had not sngered him beyond repair. His last act had been one of fond, thoughtful cars. He had spread the shawl over her and lingered over it as though be loved to touch her, mad, miserable, ugly, hateful as she hsd been, and she had spitefully thrown it oft. She picked it up now and strove to arrange it as he had done, but could not. She arose and bathed her face and eyes, and gazed out over the now deserted parade. She had not even stirred when the Riflers marched away. • She paced the floor again and felt that she was weak, and became conscious that she wns most unromantlcally hungry, and theCn—Oh, heavens! how could she!—how could she have forgotten? Here was Randy oa guard, up all night, and never before since they came back from their wedding tour had she failed when he was officer of the guard to have a delightful little chafing dish supper all ready for him at 13 o'clock, and he used to come over from his duties for half an hour and eat with such an appetite and praise lie* Welsh rarebit, or her oysters, and then take her in his arms with such love "Won't you come and sit s little while?" begged Mrs. Hsyne, ss they Beared the captain's gate. Throwing aside his belt and saber, Randy knelt by her side and strove gently to turn her toward him. "Not to-night, thanks," waa Merrism's reply, as he. felt Fioy's prompt twitch at his sleeve. She was still nervous. She wished to get away and to bear him with her. Grafton silemtdy touched his cap and turned away. Far off to the southeast there was the sound of cheering, and the band had struck up some rollicking quickstep, whereat old Buz gritted his teeth and swore anew. "Damn those inferual idiots' Do you know what'll be the result of this? The regiment will get away on the train, aud then that band instead of coming back will go te Miguel's saloon, and there they'll start x Utile aud have -that whole greaser population in there drinking mescal and 'guardiente, and ripping and flgfctr ug until everybody's beastly drunk, i won't have it, sir!" and he glared at the officer of the guard as though be considered 'hat silent official a cocon«pir» tor. "I won't have it, 1 say. 1 wish Mr. Whittaker to start at ODce and round up the whole gang." But he told Mrs. McLane whst be hsd read without telling what be conjeotured, and then furthermore told ber whst he had done—wired to Aunt Charlotte that her niece waa proatrated by the receipt of ber dispatch, and might not be able to reply for aeveral daya, so Aunt Charlotte waa existing without further knowledge of the condition of her niece as placidly, let us hope, aa waa her niece without further knowledge of the condition of ber uncle. The guard bad to be reduced, and iiuxton gave orders accordingly—a sergeant, three corporals, 12 sentries for four posts, snd the inevitable and indispensable orderly for the command Ing officer being all now authorized, since both battery and troop commanders had to keep up their stable guards. But Buxton insisted on a lieutenant as officer of the guard, and, as luck would have it, the man directed to relieve the infantry sub starting off with his regiment was Randolph Merriam. "Have you no welcome for me now my little girl?" he murmured. "Do you realize this is the first trouble that has ever come between us, and that I'm being very, very much abused for some thing that is no fault o/ mine?" His tone and manner were almost playful, despite a certain soreness at heart he could not quite ignore, but Floy resisted and was silent. "1 have only a moment or two, my wife," he presently continued, gravely and sadly. "You are soldier enough to know I should not be away from my guard even now, but my heart yearned over you, Florence, in your illness and distress, and 1 had to steal u moment. Won't you come into my arms a little while, and let me kiss uway the traces of those foolish tears?" The dinner came off, however, and was a dismal feast with s dramatic conclusion."Merriam," said Hayne, "I admire jour nerve, perhaps I should say your ebeekT As has been shown, only twice had Mrs. McLane had speech with Merriam during the aeven daya, and both timea it was in presence of his wife. The Graf tons, Haynes and Freemans were delighted with him ss a consequence, and rejoiced in secret over her. But not a wbit did the widow show disappointment or discomfiture. She waa amply entertained, apparently, with the increasing devotions of Minturn and Whittaker, and the latter spent two miserable hours this Saturday evening in jealoua contemplation of hia own outcast lot and Minturn'a presumable blisa. Yet the colonel could not have both to dinner, so Mrs. .Colonel was allowed to decide, and her preference was for tbe artilleryman. The Graftons went with rather bad grace, Mra. Grafton warning her guest thst the whole garrison would be talking of her inconstoncy, but, as Ned Parry remarked on a previous occasion. Fan bad had her own way ever since she cut ber first tooth, and did not propose to be ruled now. "Well, It wns rather a trying moment," said Merriam, gravely. "Florence would rather be struck than kissed by her, and I feared she could not avoid showing it." "My wife isn't feeling at all well." b» explained, "and I'm excused in order tr return to her." "Nothlng serious. I hope," said 'irafton. There, st least, waa a woman he approved of. "Well, you created a diversion, certainly," said Hayne. "Good-night, if you must go." But Mr*. Hayne did not speak until they were out of eight. She waa anxiously watching Florence, who, beyond a barely audible "Good night," had not uttersd a word. It wm on thia third day when the doctor left, after saying Mrs. McLane ought to go and take a drive or a ride, that Grafton wrote to her a few words reporting that he bad read Aunt Charlotte'a dispatch and replied to it aa above stated. Thia note he sent in by Annette. Mrs. Grafton was receiving sympathizing callers at the moment, and the captain bade Annette say that if be could be of any further service Mrs. McLane abould let him know. Presently Annette returned with a "Nothing that I can understand, or the doctor either," said Randy, anxiously. "She hasn't been like herself for several days, and gets worse instead of better. I don't like to be away from ber, although Mrs. Hayne is there a great deal, bless her!" He had hastened home to let Florence know it was the rlfiers, not the cavalry, that were summoned this time, and instead of finding her somewhat tranquillized was distressed to see traces of continued, if not greater, agitation. Mrs. Hayne, of course, had been hurried home. Florence bad left the sofa and waa nervously pacing the little room. He heard ber rapid footsteps aa he let himself in at the door below, but as he bounded up the stairs she hurried to the window and stood leaning against the sash, her back toward him as he entered. "Lawrence," said ahe, finally, "that may have been a stroke of finesse on Mr. Meiriam's part, and may have created a diversion, as you say, and distracted attention from Floy, but—she didn't like it" Ah, who knows how much her heart, too, may have been pleading with his pleading voice at the moment, yet the devil of her jealous love kept rigid guard between them. And with that he strode portentously a way in the direction of headquarters the orderly following with a grin. Cor poral Malioney came in from his round, reporting three, aud four all right and everything secure. "Fm sorry—I'm doubly sorry, Merriam," said Grafton, uncomfortably, "for I was on the. point of asking you to comr over and see Mrs. McLane about • matter which is giving her deep anxiety." Some of the fair widow's calls were returned almost immediately, the Merriams' among the first, although the Merriama were not among the first to welcome her arrival. As luck would here it, Merriam w as out on some troop duty. Mrs. Merriam saw her coming, accompanied by Mrs. Grafton, and fairly flew upstairs to her room instead of first giving instructions to her servant, as an older soldier of society would ham done. In con«equence the Chinaman admitted her caLler to Floy's pretty parlor, and went in search of the lady of the house. Mrs. firafton seated herself in an easy-chair, but Fanny flitted rapidly from point to point, scanning pictures, books ami bric-a-bra* "John" presently reappeared, smiling vacuously."I shall do very well," she answered, coldly. "Mrs. Hayne was here, and i told her not to stay"—pause—then, "neither need you." "I am so distracted." It said, "so friendleaa, I do not know what to do. You are the only man upon wboae counsel I ean depend, but even that la denied me, for Harriot baa turned oold and unkind. Because I cannot tell her tha secrete of others aha thinks me false to our old friendship, and ahe baa changed to me ao much that were 1 able to travel I ahould go at onee, only how could we explain ? Oh, I long to tell note. "But there's ore thing1, »!r: No. 2 can't begin to see the length of his po«t. and withsomany private horses! n thelitlie stables back of the row what'* to pre vent them beg-gurs from town running iff half a dozen head? Once acrom tbf mesa and into the Santa Clara country there'd be no catching them." Merriam's fae£ began to darken st once, but be said no word. Closing the door and hastening to her, Merriam took her in his arms and turned her face to his. it was hot and flushed. The eyes were still red with weeping, the lids swollen and disfigured.At first he could not believe his senses. The wild outburst of a few hours before was something easily accounted for in one so young and passionate, but this cold, repellant, remorseless refusal, this practical dismissal of his proffer of love, comfort and caresses, this, was something utterly unlike Florence. it not onlj amazed, it stung him, and, rising slowly to his feet, he stood one moment look* Ing down at her In deep bewilderment, and with no little effort curbing his tongue and temper. The pretty wrap per she wore had become disarranged, and one slender, slippered foot that projected from beneath its shelter was lapping nervously the foot of the sofa Stifling a sigh, he looked about him took from a neighboring chair a heavy shawl she had been using earlier in tbe day, and, carefully spreading it over her as to cover even the rebellious foot, he quietly picked up his saber and as quietly walked to the door.- There, turning about, he looked back £t her. Without changing her position, she had calmly stripped off the shawl with her right hand and dropped it to the floor. The slippered foot was still beating ita nervous, irreconcilable tattoo at be slowly descended the stalra. "Randy," continued Grafton, after a moment's embarrassed pause, "I know it's asking a great deal more than 1 should care to do were i in.your place, and I wouldn't ask It if I didn't think it might do good for all and do harm to none. You heard of her sudden prostration the oDher night?" Continued on page four. ■r of the Globe for [rheumatism! I HETOAKUA and similar Complaints, I Wd prepared ander the tU-fogent M MEDICAL LAWS.^ prescribed by eminent physicians HSu DR. RICHTER'S j%N ANCHOR  fPAIN EXPELLERl I World renowned! Remarkably successful I 1 ■Only genntne withTrade Mark" Anchor, ■r. id. Blckfef 'Cl, 116 Pearl 8k, Mew Tort. ■ 31 NlfiNEST AWARDS. I 13 Braaolt Hoasss. Own Glassworks. , Mc. Endorsed ftrecommended  e»rrer * Peck, 30 Luzerne A venue. Q. C. Ollck. SO North Main St. H Hones, 4 North Main  Pitttston, Pa. h§i|,»«t«i«tsl»«*CgH mcKrore I "Awgg°lt". BTOMACHAX bmi for I "Almost the last words Mr. McLane whispered," aaid ahe, indignantly, "were to implore me not to waste my youth in vain lamentation. 'Life la too short to be spent in teara,' were hie very words," and evidently the widow was here in full sympathy with the expressed or reported views of the dear departed. She went. . She looked uncommonly pretty in a gown of deepeat, most somber and most expensive crape. She sat at the colonei'a right, and made eyes at him all through dinner, leaving Minturn on ber right to sulk and scowl and seek comfort in the commandant'a champagne. Fanny herself partook not too sparingly of this scductive fluid, and was sparkling witb animation and good spirits when, just before coffee was aerved—just as the trumpets were sounding tattoo out on the moonlit parade, a servant came and wtit«n»reC1 to the master of the houae. "Why, Florence, dear," he began, in tones of mingled reproof and distress, "what can have happened to so disturb you? We do not go. It ia only ths rlfiers this time." "We must take the chance*." aald Vferriam briefly. "The ootmnan«Wn» omcer win not" permit any mcreaao «r sentries." "Yes—bulf-" "Do you know—have you any Idea of the cause?" you the whole atory, hut I eaanotl I must notl and 1 muat not do that which Yet the corporal's warning mad* him think of hie own favorite saddle horse and Ploy's pretty bay. She rode so well, so fearlessly, tirelessly, that one of his very first gift* to her had been this dainty little mare, swift and sure-footed as a greyhound, and about as wonderful a jumper, and Florence gloried In her and in the dashing rides they used to take. They didn't mind the lack of shaded bridle patha. They scoured the plain full gallop, riding recklessly after the bounding jack-rabbits, and coming home all athrill and aglow with the glorious exercise. But of late therldas bad become more sedate and slow and less frequent, a~nd then when Mrs. Mc- Lane proposed being of the party Florence discovered Mignon to be suddenly lame, and had a shoe removed and a hoof poulticed, and Randy Bmlled bat said nothing, was surprised, For one moment there was silence, then s sudden outburst: might increase har auapiclon—1* But "Not the faintest—No! 1 can't say that. She got a telegrajn, I heard." here Grafton began to frown angrily. I Ha read no further, though there were half a dozen linea on the following page, but toaaed the whole thing into tbe open fireplace, tramped right up- "She did. and an answer was demanded and I bad to read it and reply that aha wu prostrated and couldn't answer herself, perhaps for days. I have no right to tell you what was In the message, but she teems to need to see you. She aaya to-morrow—1 say tonight.""1 wish we did go. I wish to beaven I had never again seen this hateful, hateful post—or else that she had not." "She! Florence? Who?" "No can see. She sick, velly," be atnrdlly reported. "The woman you went to aee when 1 was out of the way after parade this evening—and dare not tell me." staira and tapped at tha gueet room Rut his Inst look as he left the room wan for Florence, whoee eyea followed him only until his turned again to her. Then they drooped again. Mrs. Grafton looked concerned; Mrs. McLane annoyed. door. | "Can you come to the door a moment. Mra. McLane?" he asked. | There waa tbe aound of andden ruah and rustle witbin, tben ber light footj fall, the clack of the doorknob, and "Florence! Florence!" he cried, in utter tmaie and diatreaa. "Listen to me, dear," be pleaded, for she was ■truggling to release herself—"listen to me, child." Ta sure I saw her on the tennis court not an hour since," she muttered to her hostess, as, after proper expressions of sympathy and regTet, they regained the roadway. For a moment no answer came. At last, with evident effort, Mcrriam spoke. "Floy, clear," said Mm. Haync, after a moment of thought, "I'm going to ask you something." "I bad promised myself never to see ber alone. It is due to my wife, if not to me. You know the relations that existed. Now Mrs. Merriam does not— like your guest." her voice, low and aweet. "You atartled me ao." ahe aaid. The girl held up her white hand, and, as though listening, said: "Wait." "Child?—I am no child! I was one. perhaps, when you came into my life— when I married you. But not now—not now, Randy—I'm a woman with a burning, bleeding heart. Why should you go there? Why should you hide it from aeT" "Well, she hasn't been looking well for some days," said Mrs. Grafton, "and tt'a quite possible she is ill." | through the inch-wide aperture that appeared, but left her inviaible. "1 ' dreaded that it waa another telegram. ' Oh, I'm not flt to be aeen, but—" I "1 don't w—1 don't need to see T9*, Thej- heard Randy in the hall below, as he threw his cape over bis shoulders and hastened out, heard him go boundlug down the steps, out through the gate-way, and then serosa th« Ijajd "Tell him I'm at dinner and can't set him now." The schoolmates had been housed to■rther etUjr a few days before Mrs. The servant vanished, then reap- Veered, bent and whispered again. "Neither do I," interrupted Grafton* stoutly, "and I've an idea she'll go after ■ aha'* got what—information you can