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Established 1850. I rOL. XLVIIINo. 4 7 I" Oldest Newspaper-in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1898. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. t«1.00 a YC in Ad van IjRAYlS ffP*^ AUTHOR OF RECRUIT ] ten ner 1 ve just reoeivea 111 nuings from home. I've got to go to Geneva by the 10 o'clock train. I wan paired off with Miss Langdon. Tell inadauie I'm awfully sorry, but I can't go. She'll ask you in niy place—see if she doesn't. So long." "I've had plenty ot time today. Everything's staled. Tell Rokeby I'm sorry I shan't be able to take him bear and elk bunting, as I promised." shaken and smoothly spread, were tbe major's blankets when, fresh from his dip in the stream, that sturdy, keen eyed, compactly built soldier came back for his rest. little reason, tor tsiaKe was incorrigible. "Some day you'll cut Mainwaring to the quick, and he comes of a stock that bits hard and doesn't forgive easy or forget at all. Better hold off, Legs." battalion, perhaps 260 In ail, were being slowly driven in four distinct herds well out upon the northward slopes, where, after a preliminary roll, each horse set contentedly to grazing. Those pre-empted patches close at hand were reserved for their further use at night. first thing yon know. Do your beet now. We've got an extra Pullman and a oarload of greenhorns to haul np to Butte this night of all others, and I'm betting it's snowing in the mountains now." riving train were eagerly pushing. "Only three minutes, gents," rang out the conductor. " We've got to maki up time before we reaoh the Rookies-? can't do it there." And he darted into the train dispatcher's offioe to register and receive bis orders. "Do you mean you're going soon— tomorrow?" And tbeie he lay, the picture of trooper content, begui'ing the moments until dinne* should be ready and trying hard not to go to sleep meantime, with a copy of "Les Miserables," hauled from the depth of his capacious saddlebags. Having had little schooling to speak of, Mainwaring was an assiduous reader of fiction, and prided himself on the fact. And "hold off" Legs had to for several days of a dreary homeward march, dreary because the colonel meant to rest tbe horses thoroughly after a fierce and furious chase and campaign, and so made short marches where the officers and men would gladly have made two a day. The road was dusty, the October sunshine was hot and dry, tbe nights were snapping cold, but here at last they were only one day out from their uew station, Fort Ransom, and Blake bad broken bonds again. Raising himself ou elbow and peering across the blue shirted shoulder of bis friend, Ray aould see that Mainwaring waa still glowering at him and evidently pondering over that reference to his having time enough to learn anything. As yet its full significance was not apparent, but it was the policy of wisdom to distract his attention and set his wits to work on something else. Like the horse, which noble animal Mainwaring almost worshiped, he could consider only one point at a time. So up rose Ray and strolled over to him. "If you've no objections, major, I'd like to ask the colonel to let my quartermaster sergeant ride into Ransom tonigbt He tells me bis wife is quite ill. The ambulance is going and will give him a lift. We'll lead bia horse with the troop tomorrow. " "No," said Gray, rising. "I'm going tonight." So saying, the engineer turned and gazed anxiously westward, where even the stars seemed Plotted from sight, then quickly whirled about and bent his ear. And in another minute be was breasting the heights to Lausanne, while Sniytbe was speeding to Beau Kivage. And then the little cook fires began to hlaze along tbe bank, and tbe pack trains shambled in and were unloaded in the twinkling of an eye. Tbe mules went blinking off to water, and tbe major, never quitting bis saddle until biB last trooper dismounted, slowly lowered himself to earth and went off in search of tbe colonel. One instant the beautiful face beside him wore an expression of utter woe, of genuiue sympathy and sorrow, then decked itself with winning and conventional smiles, for the salon door, opening at tbe moment, revealed young hopeful, tbe brother, tugging at the hand of the other hopeful, mouocled. Knickers and evening dress confronted each other at the threshold. Rejected Yank, acceptod Briton, met as do modern mortal rivals without sigu of rancor. Meautime Scut, still olinging to th£ bellcord with one hand, was scooping up cigars with the right. "That fellow's a prince," said he. "Jast look all that for a seegar." And be held it admiringly up to Long to see and wai amazed at the gloom in his oompanion'i face. "Why, %hat's up?" he usked. •THE COLONEL'S DAUGHTER; 'FROM THE RANKS," ETC. It was late that evening when be returned from a solemn day with the bankers, tbe consul and oeitain tradesfolk whose prospects, temporal and eternal, be was given to understand were shattered by bis cancellation of certain orders for furs and bijouterie. Heavy levy was made on bis checkbook to solace tbeir suffering, but there is a certain recklessness of oost when one's financial tether is nearly at an. end. Dinner was over at Beau Rivage. Tbe band was playing delightfully ib tbe south portico. Men in evening dress were sauntering and smoking and sipping coffee about the oorridor. A few American and English girls with their escorts were dancing in tbe salon. Gray was still in "knickers" and bad dined solus at tbe Hotel Termiuus. He paused at tbe portico and gazed in at the scene of mirth, luxury and enjoyment wherein he bad been ao thoroughly at home and contrasted unflinchingly the scene with that which be bad planned for his future. Now it was necessary for him to get to his room to write, and he hoped to roach it. unobserved, but the Hon. Rokeby had reoeived bis instructions and nabbed bim. "Coming at last," he muttered. "That's old Coyote's yelp for the crossroads. D d little wind for whistling has she left either. No wonder No. 8's late, with nothing better than that limping carcass to drag -it She ought to be in :he boneyard—ought to 'a' been there a year ago. But here's the beauty," said he to himself, as he turned and laid a loving band on the massive driving rod of the huge machine. "Lively, Scut," he added. "Three's coming." ! copyright. /Gva.ey sa l/pp//vcottco. j Presently, without lifting his eye from the page or glancing toward tbe party interrogated, who was sprawling in similar fashion under au adjacent tree, tbe major popped the following qunfit ion: "What's up?" repeated the engineer, as he slowed down on nearing the forward end of the mail ear. "A hold unless I'm mistaken, and the fewer at them cigars you stick in your mouth the more brains you'll have left in the morning." With a sharp click th« heavy ooupling pin was driven home, and Long sent the reversing lever over to the front, then poked bis head out of the side of the cab and shouted to jt train hand he saw hurrying by, "Where you gut them recruits, Billy?" "If you've no objections, sir, I'd like to send a sergeant in ahead tonight." PRELIMINARY. largely upon mm as n«t raiaeu mn «i«« bat and bade him pause, bat prevailed uot. Two younger women, in trim walking attire, nodded coquettiahly and said it was the very day for the trip. Then, too, he answered only vaguely, and with a faraway look in bia deep blue eyea be passed on to the telegraph office, and tbe group of smoking men broke up. "Why, Stannard," said the colonel, looking up from under his hat brim in some surprise, "that's just what Ray'B been asking. Anything amiss?" "To Mr. Darcy Hunter Gray "My Dkar Bot—As foreshadowed in my last, tbe oonceru bas gone to smash, and your prospects with it When its affairs are settled, tbe firm of Hunter, Bloom & Co. will have enough to pay its funeral expenses, and that's about all. What I have left is my wife's, who will, I trust, be able to support me until certain life insurance policies become due, out of wbiob she can reimburse berself, through my dying, for tbe cost of my living. I'm too old to try again, too sad to care much, except for you. "Your father was my dear friend, roar mother my beloved sister. When "Nothing. I'm down." "Er—ah—what's up, Gray?" "Blake, what's savvy ke pew?" By the midnight express he left via Bern for Basel. lie could not face tbe throng of inquisitive sympathizers on the morrow. He meant to skip away uunotiocd, but he had been too genuinely popular, and there are meu and many of them, Briton or Boston, who will go out of tbeir way to say good words to a fellow in distress. Tbree of them trailed Gray to the station and ran him to earth on the train, and said impetuous things about being his banker, and made other offers impossible to take seriously. Tbe only thiug he could take was a drink with all three, until they tumbled off at tbe conductor's shrill summons, and through the night, under the glitter of the lamps, something came gleaming and spinning, and he caught Rokeby's handsome flask and Rokeby's parting And Blake, without lifting his eyes from the written pages of the missive in his lean brown hand, responded, after tbe manner of soldier folk, "Damfino." "Well, his time expires tomorrow, sir. It's old Bannon of B troop, and he'd like to catch the east bound train so's to have all the time possible to go and visit his children in Illinois. He'll re-enlist at once." Scut was descending from the cab as a cat comes down a tree backward. "What'n 'ell they takin recruits to Ransom for now?" he asked. "The The major's brows contracted in a scowl. Suspiciously he glanoed at his long legged comrade. "Thought you ►poke French," said he. "Something's amiss with Gray," said one of the party, a New Yorker. "I'll go Bee." war's over." "Is Sergeant Merriweather, sir. He says his wife's at Ransom quite sick, and he's anxious and troubled about her." "And your man, Ray?" "It's to fill the gaps made when the war wasn't over, young man, and mighty bard they'll find it to fill some of 'em too. Jim Strang, that was killed at Cave Springs, was oorporal with me in Bate's troop eight years ago, and there wasn't a better sergeant in all the cavalry. Lo loves a shining mark, or I'd never got hit twice in one day." "Would you go back to soldierin if you could, Mr. Long?" asked the fireman, tilting up his long necked can as he thrust the nozzle deep in between the spokes of a massive driver. "First coach behind the baggage," was the answer as the man glanoed over bis sboalder. "There's some of 'em now." And as he spoke, bounding, laughing and dodging through the knot of hungry passengers, half a dozen young fellows in fatigoe uniform or bright blue overcoats went hastening by sbouta "I don't see what there was in the size of the letter to upset him," Mid the Englishman, unoonsoious ot show that was not Britannia ware.' "Gray'a a good sort though. Could a fellow do anything, d'you suppose?" To which Blake blandly responded, with modest and not inexcusable hesitancy : "Well—er—hot always. Isn't it— possihly sauve qui pent?" "Isn't he the man chat we bad tf reprimand for letting certain horses stray up on the Belle Fourche?" he died, I promised biro I would be a father to you. When she died, her last words were a plea that I should be good to her boy. I accepted both trusts, Darcy, and betrayed both. "Well, sove ke puh, then," responded Mainwaring. with disdainful emphasis 011 the convenient monosyllable. "What's that?" But tbe pnTsuer was slow. Seeing him coming and divining his object, Mr. Gray slipped out of the side door, dived through tbe shrubbery that bordered a winding driveway to the west and took himself off through the crowded place. He bad need to be alone—to face bis changed fortunes fair and square. "The very man, sir. He is careless at times and not altogether reliable, but he's one of the smartest, nattiest men I've got, and"— to the lunchroom, followed by from somewhere back along the train "That," said Blake, "is what the girls say when Brady tries to danoe— jump for your lives and—Brady take the hindmost. It's polite French for 'the jig is up.' " "Why not ride him in tonight?" asked Mainwaring, who bad served but little under Atherton since tbe war and knew not bow strict were his rules regarding horses. "Eoh, I say, Gray—Miss Langdon, y'know, wished to speak with you directly you came in." "Didn't he marry that pretty maidservant of the Freemans' after we got back from the Ute campaign?" "Tbey died poor. I was rich. They ■wcruld have had 700 learn to carve your own career, and I loved yon so that from yoor bright, brave boyhood yon were spoiled and indulged as my own ■on. I gave yon the best I bad. I balked yon in only one desire, that of going to West Point. Harvard, London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Rome and the Riviera were yoor educators. I planned to make yon a railway magnate when you hadn't learned the first principles of the business. I've accustomed you to every luxury—to a life of careless ease, to be a dawdler and a dilettante—isn't that what you oall it? 1 oounted on leaving you rich, and I leave you ruined. The •elf reproach, the misery which overcomes me aa I write these words no words can tell you. words "I? Give me back the legs I had before the Sioux made a sieve of my skin, aud it isn't the rail I'd be riding, bat the best sorrel in Billy Bay'B troop, and with the best office in it, and that's first sergeant." "Yes," was tbe languid answer. "And where is she now?" "Take a drink for me once in awhile, will you, old boy? Au revoir." Captain Ray, stretobed at ease upon a costly Navajo blanket of wbiob be was inordinately proud, reached out with bis moccasined foot and indented tbe canvas re-enforcement of bia comrade's lield riding breeches. "Quit it, Bl.tUe," be muttered. "Because tbe colonel wishes every horse to share and share alike. Tbe sergeant's borse would bave an extra 20 miles if ridden in tonight. Yonder cornea Stannard's battalion now," be said, pointing to tbe dost cloud sailing slowly toward them from tbe north. "He'll bivouao above us, I reckon." "Yes, sir, and Freeman hasn't forgiven me yet," answered Captain Bay, his white teeth gleaming. "I'm very sure I should be glad to bave him take ber back. She's turned tbe heads of some of my best men and is running Merriweather heels over head in debt" "In their salon, I fancy. She said she was too tired to dress for dinner. Had a beastly day, y'know." Twenty-five years old and up to the midweek mail from America he had never known a care since boyish days, unless it was some momentary heart paug wbe* Amy Langdon proved unkind. In a dawdling, amateurish way he bad read the dally papers and signed some letters and reports laid before him by an attentive clerk in the office of the eastern traffic manager of a great road of which bis uncle wa9 a beavy stockbolder and prominent director. The most serious thing he bad ever undertaken was his membership in a crack olty regiment, wherein be bad served through the ranks and really earned a commission. But both these avocations he had quitted during the previous winter, and all because Amy Langdon was reported flirting dangerously at Nice and Mentone, and if she were not actually engaged to Darcy Gray be at least felt so far engaged to bur that flirtation was denied bim. CHAPTER L The major was sprawled on tbe broad of his baD.k th« shade of a spreading cottunwtHid, n slouch bat. battered and \vwither stained, pulled well down over his fine, dark hrown eyes, their heavy brews concealed by its janged brim, tbeir loug, thick, curling lasbes don award sweeping toward the bronzed, sun tanned c'hreks. The bristling beard aud curling black mustache concealed the lines of tbe mouth and jaws, rendering speculation as to tbe major's characteristic's mere guesswork, which wouldn't be the case, said Captain Trotter. a phy siognomist of the first order in bis own estimation, if tbe major's face were, as usual with him 'in garrison, freshly and cleanly shaved exoept as to tbe upper Up. Open at the throat, tbe major's dark blue flannel shirt rolled easily back, revealing a black waste of hairy stubble down to the protuberant "Aduiu's apple," below which the fair skin showed almost as white as a child's and well nigh as soft. A devotee to cold water was the major, ev«n in bis cups, and that, too, in days when the traditions of tbe great war still held sway in the cavalry and the cocktail was the rule, not tbe exception, at inorniug stable call. Not that he preached the doctrine of total abstinence or looked upon himself as a model of virtue in any way. " Wbiskv never did me any good," was bis modest explanation. "1 never seemed to need it or to care for it. I never saw any fun in getting full, and tbe only time 1 ever did, it made me sick for a week—a thing tbat never happened to me before or since. If you like it, Kay, or if it agrees with you, Blake, why, go ahead. So long as you dou't get full nndntglect your business, it's nono rit mine." Time was in the regimental past, as tbe major very well knew and the minors sometimes said, when Kay occasionally "got full" and when Blake seemed to think it agreed with him—until the day afterward at least. But Blake and Ray had found reason to part company with tbeir old familiar friend, that iutimacy having led, as often do others, to later estrangement; that familiarity having bred contempt; that warmth, as Tom Hood would have said, having produced a coldness. Gray nodded, slowly ascended the winding stairway and tapped at the door in the west corridor. "It's takin chances to be in the cavalry these days," said be of the oil can, listening to the low, faraway ramble of the coming train. "Do yon see her headlight yet?" "'Trez," answered a boyish voice, and Darcy was exuberantly welocuied But the major needed no man to protect bis interests. He might not know French, but he knew Blake and liked him—ordinarily Tbe colonel pondered a moment. "I greatly dislike to refuse you anything," he said, "but every time we oome in from scout or campaign, sinoe I joined tbe regiment, no sooner are we within a day's march or so of the home station —or any station, for that matter—than several men ask to ride in ahead. At first even the officers did, and there were as many as a dozen men? Now we've reduced it to two. When did Merriweather hear from bis wife?" "Yes, and spoil our water, like »b not," growled Main waring. "But we've got the grass and shade." "She isn't through the cut," was Long's answer. "As to taking ohances, they've done nothing but take chances in that regiment ever sinoe the war, yet there isn't a day of our lives we don't take chances, and bigger chances, right here on thia mountain division." "I more tbauhalf thought you didn't know, Legs," be said, with a yawn. "Legs" was a regimental pet name for the longest and lankiest of the commissioned list. "You West Pointers have nearly all bad two years'schooling in that tongue, aud another year in Spanish, and I'm blessed if ever a one of you could speak either. I'd bave a heap more respect for you if you'd oome out like a man and say you didn't know, like Ray. for instance. There's no nonsense about bim." "Devil donbt you," muttered Blake, "and you've got the best of both." Tben aloud: "Ask the old man, with my compliments, if I may do him the honor of dining with him tomorrow, Billy. Mrs. Atberton has everything ready for bis coming, I'll be bound, while your better half and mine and tbe major's here can't come till we get there and choose quarters.'' "I know what you would write and say. You were always generous; but, Darcy, don't write, don't come, just yet Wait until you get—the next news. Wait until— A tall young fellow in traveling cap and ulster had come out from the lunchroom and was strolling over toward the hissing engine. He stopped and listened as Long spoke, then seemed to be pondering over the words and looking to the engine man for explanation. "Tbe mail rider, sir, going up to the Sioux agency, met us this morning early and gavu him a letter. He brought it to me to read. It was written by tbe post trader's wife. She says Mrs. Merriweather is really seriously ill." "However, let us get down to business. Of course you and Mrs. Hunter will not be apt to see much of each other. She will mourn me less than you, and yon more than I deserve. The very little nest egg your mother set aside for you is intact. With accrued interest it amounts to some $11,790. You have no debts to speak of, have you? I've paid all you ever told me about—twice, I think—and you were always frank and truthful. That little sum, with what you bave to your credit in the Chemioal and over there with you, represents the sum total of your fortune. You never needed it before, and so I never happened to mention it to you. "Mrs. Mainwaring will be there quicker than I will," said the major promptly. Here Blake kicked backward, in delighted return of bis oomrade's broad bint. "Well, major," be hastened to say, "my translation was a trifle free perhaps, but the phrase is a clumsy one to turn iuto English. Ray will agree with me as to the translation. Tbe main trouble witb his Frenoh is tbe aocent. It's a combination of bine grass aud Apache." "That's all easily explained. Mrs Mainwaring knows tbe major's quarters oan go to nobody but tbe major, aud ■he oan move in at once. We poor devils of troop leaders must wait till our seniors bave obosen. What's more, Mrs. Mainwaring has no nurse and babies to look after." "How do you mean?" asked Sout, pausing in his woik and looking up. "We haven't had a'hold op'on the road for over a year." As pretty a girl as ever rode in Central park was Amy, aud as dashing a horsewoman, and it was Gray's admirable riding and universally acknowledged pros poo ts that made bim for the time so acceptable a parti. He oould manage a horse far better than he oould a woman, however, and Miss Langdou kept him at ber side when in saddle and subject to call at all other times. But she bad, not unkindly, laughed off his protestations and dissected bis offers. "It'6 absurd, Darcy. You haven't a oent in the world that doesn't oome from your unole, and who knows what his wife will do with bis fortune, or be himself, for that matter? As for me, I'm a beggar with social aspirations. Come, be sensible, and I'll like you better. Be a soldier, Darcy, and face the facts. That's the (me thing you're cut out far." "Very good Tben he can go by tbe atnbulanoe. So can your man, major. Tell them both to report here at 8 o'clock. Isn't Merriweatber's time nearlv out, Ray?" Long wcu tying him closely and llsHntna for amy word. Presently a middle aged man in tb« garb of a sergeant of cavalry mm* stalking after them, a man who seemed just aroused from sound sleep, and not too well pleased as a oonsequenoe. "Neither have we had a head on collision, nor spreading rails, nor a plunge from a trestle, but they are only three of the things likely to occur any minute, especially when trains are running behind as we are tonight—all on account of that one eyed coyote that's peeping at you down yonder." "Only two months to serve, sir, and be says he's going into business witb a brother in Chicago. I lose three noncommissioned officers this fall in that way, and one of them I couldn't take on again. He's all broken down witb wounds and rheumatism. You'll have to favor me a bit in the matter of recruits, colonel. I need six, or shall before we're a month older." by a 10-year-old Langdon. "The matoi and sis are having a row in the gallery," said be radiantly. "Old Smythe's been postering ber. Go out there. They don't mind you, you know, and I can't get away from here until they've finished.""Loofc here, old man." "No, but she's bringing a companion with ber in tbe shape of her niece that she's often talked to me about. I think 1 told you about her—Miss Leroy. She's been abroad for a year and wants to oome and see something of her own oountry. Tbey ought to reaoh Butte tonight or early in the morning." "Get back to that oar, yon men," he ordered authoritatively. "Didn't I tell you not a soul of yon coo Id leave it without my permission?" " Well, be has tbe good sense to keep it to himself tben," answered Mainwaring, still a trifle sulky. "I'd pattern after him if I were yon." It was the headlight of No. 8, just dawning on the view at Mile End Crossing, to which the engineer referred. But the recruits were lined np at the lunch counter by this time, and gleefully shooting for ooffee and reaching for doughnuts, pie, anything edible within reach. The waiter looked perturbed and hesitated. The proprietor oame harrying over from his desk. The little throng of passengers seemed sympathetic But further confidences were ended by the sudden entrance of Miss Langdon herself. She had evidently been watching for Gray's return. Outstretched to him in eager greeting were Amy's long, •lender white hands; uplifted to his in anxious inquiry were a pair of the softest, loveliest eyea. The voioe in which she spoke was soft, almoat tremulous. "What is it. Darcy?" "Faith and so I would, major mine, did not my innocent associates so often take me for a lexicon. But now you ought to speak French like a native. Mrs. Mainwaring does. Yon couldn't bave a better teacher, and Stannard says all a man needs to learn anything in this world ure brains and time. You've got lots of—time." . "But despite your defects in bringing up, for which I am responsible, you're not much worse off than if you'd gone into the army (I hope you've* outlived that lunacy, as you did the other one for—you know) and oau now make a strike for yourself. You have the best of health, the best of looks—for you strongly resemble your unole aa be waa at your age—the best of education for any purpose that isn't absolutely useful, and there is nothing that I know of to prevent your marrying a fortune, as I did, and living happy ever after—as I didn't "You shall bave the first good man that eulists at Ransom, Ray. I'm told we may pick up some first rate material there, the mines bave broken so many." "Watch how slowly she oomeo," he added. "The old maid is about worn out. Here's the girl that can shake that train up grade as though 'twas made of bandboxes. I'll bet you we make Butte by 7 o'clock." " Will she?" exclaimed Blake. "Then like as not she'll have an escort Rawson's coming out with a batch of rear uits. " "All right, colonel, and I'll remind you if I see any likely civilian hanging around headquarters. Good day, sir, and thank yon very much." So saying Captain Ray wheeled about and trudged away down stream to make report to his battalion commander. "Bah!" growled Mainwaring, who had little use for Raw son or any other officer who was away on leave when bis regiment was in tbe field. "Mrs. Mainwaring's never met him, and if Bbe had would feel mighty small security in hia escort—a fellow that'll be held np witb a whole carload of passengers by only two robbers." "I'll bet yon don't, if you'll let me in," was the cool interjection of the young man ulster olad; "for Butte's my objeotive point" and interested. "Who's to pay for this?" demanded the owner, as the sergeant oame fuming and almost fighting his way into the crowded room. "Have your men got any money?" "You're hard hearted, Amy,"he had answered. "What's that aboat Stannard?" interrupted tbe major sharply, and Blake's dirersiou bad told, as he meant that it should. If there was one man in tbe army of whom Mainwaring was jealous, it was Staunard. He, like Stannard, bad been a capital troop commander for years. He bad attained at last the rank of major, vice Barry, promoted, only a year or so after Stannard; bad served just as well as had Stannard; had as fine a war record, and an honored and honorable name; bad a charming wife, health and competence, yet mourned in secret—even at times made audible moan—over tbe fact that among tbe officers and men of tbe regiment what Stannard said, thongbt, did, was never to be questioned. Stannard was authority on all points of soldiering; Stannard was the expert engineer, builder, draftsman, topographer and all round military "sharp;" while he, Mainwaring, whose troop bad been a model, whose battalion was now really in finer shape than Stannard's, and who had abundant means aud spent where Stannard saved, was looked upon In tbe cavalry as a good soldier, • fine officer, despite bis surly mannerisms, and yet because he hadn't enjoyed Stannard's advantages and a college or even high school training be must submit to perenuial playing of second fiddle. It set him against Stannard, and it led eventually to trouble. The band sidled into his, and Miss Langdon walked to a sofa whither she would have drawn him, bat despite the hand, whlob, notwithstanding, he released, he remained on his feet and concisely answered: "No; only hard headed. I'm soft hearted enough to like you too well to spoil both our lives." "What do yon know about it, or aboat railroading?" asked Long suspioiously."Did he say Merriweather could go?" asked tbe major, glancing up at Ray's sunshiny faca "I wouldn't, if I were in bis place." "Course we have," rang ont a jovial Pht, "and the credit of a benevolent and paternal government to bask it, and there's my last oint to prove what I say," he added, whaoking down* silver dollar on the oounter. Gray believed himself muob in love when she went abroad in November, and took it mnch to hoart that she should be so oonstantly attended by Fred Smytbe, who had no atom of sense in his bead, but no end of dollars in his pocket. But when a lordling, a younger son of an older house than ever dwelt in Gotham, an honorable, between whom and the title and estates was a lord with only one lung and that fast going, had opposed his sighs to those of Smytbe, aud there oame rumors that Locksiey Hall was to be enacted over again with an American Amy in the foreground, Maroy Gray believed it time to rush for the Biviera, and a worried old uncle most unwillingly let him go. Hunter loved that boy, bis sister's sou, as tbe apple of his eye. There wasn't anything be wouldn't have given him but the means of earning his own living. All that be proposed to settle magnificently. But tbe bottom began to drop out of tbe market in mid-January and left bim stranded high and dry by the middle of May. Two million dollars, said Wall street, bad "gone whers the woodbine twineth." "As much as yon did when yon quit soldiering, and no more, where iA we have much in common, Mr. Long, bnt here's where the difference comes in. You quit soldiering to take to the railroad; I quit the road to take to soldiering.""Don't underrate the extent of my collapse—Bloom got away with what Wall street left—or of my love. Thank God, 1 have no son of my own! Thank God, I've only you to kneel to and say, 'Forgive the blind, miscalculating, but utterly bumbled old fellow that' "— But here tbe eyes of the man seated there by tbe dancing waters in tbe glad April sunshine grew so blind with tears that be oould read no more. "What you expected." Mainwaring alluded to a matter tbat was a sore spot in tbe —tb and that never yet had been fully explained. But Mr. Rawson, three months earlier tbat summer, had unquestionably been relieved of his few valuables at the point of the pistol on tbe K. P. road. Tbe regiment meant to worry tbe life ont of bim wben he rejoined, but didn't like it tbat Mainwaring, a newcomer, should be tbe first to crack the whip. Blake almost wanted to blaze up, but thought it best perhaps to wait for Ray, and so subsided. "From Mr. Hunter? Gerald, go down and play with Ralph until mother sends for you." "Ho wasn't overwilling at first," was the answer. "However, my fellows will all be wishing themselves back in the field before they've been borne a fortnight—small blame to them." "That ain't enongh by the mate to it," said the proprietor gruffly. "Come, clear out, yon boys. Train's going, no time for ooffee. This will pay for the things you're eating," said he, and ha made a grab for the dollar, bat Pat waa too quick for him. "Kalpb isn't there, "was the petulant answer. "Oh, I see. Then, you're an offloer?" queried Long, his aocustomed lips framing the little word "sir" and almost resenting his enforced omission of the once familiar monosyllable. Long said "sir" to no one under the division superintendent now. "Singed outs" was what tbe unreconciled of the subalterns called these erstwhile jovial blades, but never where "What's the reason you're so down on garrison life, Ray?" "Then go and play. Go any how." Then she turned for answer. "From Mr. Hunter?" "I'm not down on it exactly, major, but if it weren't for the wife and boyB I'd be glad if we were forever in tbe field," answered Ray. "Men get killed in this Indian business, but they—keep out of trouble. There's Merriweather, now. He was a tiptop sergeant in tbe Sioux campaign. He was one of the best all round troopers and nonoommissioned officers in tbe regiment all through tbe campaigns that followed in the next three years, and he's been running down steadily ever since be fell in love with tbat flibbertigibbet of Freeman's. Garrison life and girls spoil many a good cavalryman," he concluded oracularly. "Yes." " 'Board!" shouted a hoarse voice on the platform without. Out on tbe blue, translucent waves tbe white swans were paddling to and fro, dipping for bread tossed by tbe lavish hands of laughing children and their white capped bonnes. The flashing oars of many a skiff drove throngh the sparkling waters, sending snowy little surges breaking from the sharp, white prows. Fairy yachts and swift paddle wheel steamers clove tbe mirror surface farther from the shore and tossed the creamy foam along their billowing wake. Half way over to tbe Savoy shore, deep in tbe shadow of the mountains, two white winged barks seemed wooing tbe faltering breeae, for not a leaf was stirring in the deep green foliage that shaded tbe path along tbe sea wall. Towering high aloft, dazzling in tbe sunshine, tbe snow seamed, snow capped crags blinded tbe eye with their radiance as they peered down into tbeir own reflections in tbe somber depths at tbeir shadowy base. Away to the eastward, lovely little towns and villages lay at the foot of the vine clad slopes of the northern sbor* while here and there a venerable ruin—castle, convent or fortress—stood sentineled in bold relief on some projecting height or nestled under the shoulder of some rocky cliff close to tbe water's edge. Near at hand in the public place the carrousels, thronged with children, old and young, were spinning madly to the reedy melodies of some donkey driven organ. Waits, galop and military marob rioted in loud rivalry and a group of Italian singers, smiling indomitably, caroled "Funiouli Fanioula" in nimble opposition to a Tyrolean band quacking like noisy ducks in the pavilion at tbe water's edge. The bell buttoned page of the Beau Bivage was still darting about, distributing letters just brought in by tbe grinning facteur, ever a-scent for tips, and, boring still three or four undelivered missives, halted in front of the American. "And it's true?" D( Hi . , ®w lul jjC CTt| I i. ftr . iqJ D.*# "Yes, every oent" "1? Devil a bit," was the langhing answer. ."I'm not even a lance—not even a recruit. Man, 1 haven't signed my papers yet." "Baok to your oar, you men," ordered the sergeant. Then the hands would be no longer denied. Both went impulsively out, seized bis with no timid grasp auii drew bim impetuously down beside her. Then to his amaze he saw the fair face quivering piteously, the lovely eyes brimming with tears, the soft red lips twitohing with uncontrollable emotion. "Oh, you poor, dear boy—oh, Darcy, Darcy, I never—I never knew how much I oared for you till now," she almost sobbed. "Gerald, if you don't leave this room instantly, I'll"— .iV? || Ray, however, bad sauntered out to the edge of the scanty patch of timber, and, shading his eyes with his brown hand, was scanning with professional interest the long column of dusty troopers, two abreast, that came tiling into ▼lew around a little point 600 yards away. Well out in their front, short, iquare and stocky, rode their major, bis adjutant, trumpeter and orderly jog ging along behind. To him rode the ooloael's messenger, the regimental ad jutants and pointed out a line some distance up stream. Thither the bead of oolumn veered, moving at steady walk The guidon bearer, at a signal from the battalion adjutant, spurred out to the front, and, with the old silken swallowtail streaming in the wind, loped across the level to a point ten yards or so from the bank, was baited there by the young efiioer in person, and then, lance at rest, be and his horse stood motionless. Never quickening the pace, the captain at the head of Staunard's foremost troop directed bis march on this living guidepost. The guidon of the second troop, followed speedily by those of the third and fourth in like manuor. darted out across the prairie, each in succession being baited and established at half distanoo in rear of his predecessor on the line oi guinea, r.acn troop airectea itself upon its own color; each in 6ucces sion formed line to the left as its leading two came opposite the guidon ; earb was aligned to the right; then, without loss of time, the trumpets sounded, "Prepare to dismount;" the brown carbines were jerked from their sockets and tossed over the right shoulder as the odd numbered troopers rode clear of the tank. "Dismount," clamored the trumpet, and down out of sight sank some fifty odd blue flannel shirts and rusty old bats in each line. "Form rank." And out from among the chargers popped the vanished riders, each laying hold of the reins close to the bit as the line reformed and the captain said his brief speech:" Water as soon as you like, men, and graze well out to the north until nightfall. No 6ide lines necessary today. Dismiss the troop, sergeant." "Oive me that dollar," demanded the boss. "Then take a fool's advice and don't sign them," interposed Long. "You've got no call to go soldiering. Such as you come in only when it's whisky or women or cards." "Give us the ooffee," replied the recruits, and for onoe the populace seemed to side with the soldier. The tall young man in the ulster and traveling oap lounged up to the oounter and tossed a $3 bill at the angry manager. "Give them what they want," said he, "and be quick about it. Have some ooffee yourself, sergeant. There'll be no other chanoe till you get to Butte." Then, with swift, significant, downward glance at the flap of a pocket, be lifted into view the silver top of a sizable flask, and the sergeant grinned and nodded appreciatively. The steaming onpa were slid along the board, the embryo soldiers langhing and hustling good naturedly, pouring the hot liquid into tha thick stone sauoers and blowing industriously at the yellow brown flood. The conductor oame to the door and D stormed; the passengers began to edge away for their oars. Na 788 gave a warning whoop or two, and the fireman pulled at the belloord, bnt the blueooata wouldn't budge. "Say it's all three if you like," was the half laughing answer. "I heard of you as one of the old oavalrymen at the barracksyouder," and the stranger nodded carelwu-ly over his shoulder in the direction of the post, established long years before when the road was being built. "They Rent me there by mistake. It's the cavalry I want, not infantry." But the boy bolted, and then Darcy saw that she was gazing up at him through a briny depth of tears. Even in his surprise, even in the thrill of joy with which he heard this fond oonfessiou, he recaptured himself, as it were, in tbe nick of time. "Don't dare me to tell tbat to Mrs. Ray as your sentiments," grinned tbe major. Over beyond the hurly burly of the public place, crowded with townsfolk aud children, the roadway wound along the water's edge. Gray strode rapidly westward, bis bead bowed, his bands thrnst deep in his trousers pockets. He missed his usual companions, a heavy stick and a nimble fox terrier, but both had been left with the portier as inappropriate to a voyage to Ohillon. They were to have started, a merry party it promised to be, by the early boat from Geneva, and he oonld see her now oleaving tbe limpid waters around tbe beadland of Morges. It was time to warn his companions that he could not go. One girl, at least, might miss him, and she should be accorded opportunity to name some other escort, Amy—"Amy, shallow hearted." She had disappeared with that brainless ass half an hour ago, possibly to oonsole him for the tact that be was not one of the dozen bidden by Mme. la Comtesse to be of the party to voyage with her to tbe famous castle, breakfast with her aboard La France and dina en fete at Montreux. Vane, tbe Briton, was one, and small oomfort did be afford Smytbe by bidding him jolly up and perhaps madame would let him in for postprandial ooffee at Montroo. "Ob, every thing depends on the girls, of course," said Ray, growing instantly grave. "Blakey and I—well, I, at least, owe everything to my wife," he finished almost reverently. Then presently he spoke again. "But what chance has the average trooper? What manner of woman lias he to mate with, if be mate at all? Next batch of recruits,I get should be anchorites, so far as women are concerned." "If you'd only be wise, Leonard," his brighter better balf bad said to him, "you wouldn't ask questions of Blake. Look it up in the encyclopedia, or even ask me.'' The engineer looked the speaker over in surprise. Away down the traok the headlight of the incoming train was growing bigger every moment and the rumble of the bulky approach could be plainly heard. "Under the circumstances, that's something I didn't expect to hear," said Darcy. There he lnu, With n copy of "Leu Mir.*- ruble*. either "cat" could hear, as each was knowu to be unpleasantly ready to back his views. Both officers had so far mended their ways in this respect that neither would sip from the seductive bowl, yet earb was entirely willing that the rest. Df the commissioned list should be free in the matter, with the possible exceptions of Brady, who never 'irauk that he didn't make an ass of himself, and Rawson, who never drank tbut he didn't make trouble for somebody else. "Why, bang it, Laura," interrupted the major, "half my years are spent in saddle out in the field. You and the encyclopedia are a month's march away. I can't help wanting to know what things mean." "Under other circumstances, you wouldn't have heard it," said Amy. "You don't look like a man who had to take to soldiering," he said. "It's a bit rough on Smytbe, isn't it?" "Sailors are just as bad as soldiers," said Mainwaring sagely, whereat Blake ducked his head under his blanket in convulsions of delight. "Oh, I'm not!" was the prompt, good natured reply. "I do it simply because I've a hankering that way—and no other," he added under bis breath. "Perhaps you can tell me something of the regiment at Ransom?" "It in nowise concerns him. As for Bokeby, be must take me just as I am." "Then ask Captain Truscott or Captain Freeman." She knew too much to wound him by suggesting Stannard. "Blake's propensity to burlesque everything is irresistible unless you happen to be alone with him." And Mainwaring would promise, and despite bis promise would fall, for, as he frankly admitted, be couldn't help wanting to know, you know, and, as it never oocurred to him that he could mispronounce any word, foreign or domestic, poor Mainwaring was eternally putting his foot in it. He and Tommy Iiollis were Blake's entire delight, and neither man could re.seut his wittioisms, even when they verged on the personal, for Blake, like Ray, was a regimental idol because of deeds that won a tribute outvying the Victoria cross or congressional medal of honor. Msinwariug swore by both as soldiers, and Hollis fairly worshiped Blake. But Tommy was away on other duty just now, and the shafts of tbe long legged captain's ridicule fell most improperly on bis sluggish witted chief. "Go ahead, Long. D d if I'll hold this train another second," shouted tha oonduotor, with energetic wave of hie lantern. Hiss went the stopoooka. The big engine quivered and trembled in response, and witfr oonvulsive cough a volume of inky smoke was belohed from the stack. Scut's bell clanged furiously, but only very slowly the long, ponderous train began to move. The crockery rattled and the windows shook as the massive engine came boiling and rumbling and panting by. The conductor heard his name called by the engineer and hurried alongside. "Look out for that kid in the big ulster. Tell you why at Willow Springs," was the hoarse warning, as, With slowly quickening Bpeed, old 783 went ponderously on. The conductor looked dazed. The joyone band of bluecoats oame tumbling forth as the foremost oar rolled smoothly past, and, agile as monkeys, leaped to the platform of the baggage and "smoker," "Oh," said Gray, looking fairly at her at last, and beginning to tug at the hand she still held in her two, "it's to b« an international affair, is it? And I am addressing the future Countess of Lancaster?" "I know, sir," said Ray, glancing veugefully at the contortions of the worn gray slumber robe and biting his own lip bard to repress tbe bubbling fun. "What I mean is that I'd like to get the troop full of fellows that couldn't be twisted around a woman's finger." "Enough about it to talk from here to Frisco, but there's no time now. We've got to pull out with that train the moment their engine gets out of our way. But you're the first man I ever met out here who would openly say he was going to enlist. They all come up shamefaced like, as though it was the last thing they wanted people to know." "Listen to reason, Darcy," said Miss Langdon, regaining dignity and self possession at sight of the hunger in his eyes. "I have no money. I have every ambition, every longing, every desire that only position and money can gratify. I like you better than any man I ever knew, yet I wouldn't marry you, because you hadn't enough to offer, and I never so fully felt that I oould and would marry you as now—when I can't. Even Mr. Smythe, with $500,000, could not buy. I am going to a higher bidder —the highest I oould find. So far as I'm conoerned, that settles my fate, but It's yours I care about, Darcy. You've been a dawdler and a do nothing all your life. What will you do now.'" And aUmt these five men—the major, whose name is spelled M-a-i-n-w-a-r-i-n-g aud always pronounced "Mannering"and Ray aud Blake, who have often appeured in these chronicles of bygone frontier days, aud Brady aud Rawson, who have never yet so appeared and who ntver will again so far as this chronicler is concerned—about these five men and one other yet to appear hangs most of this story—these six men and just two women. "You never will, Ray," said Mainwaring, thereby proving that he knew human nature, if not books. "You can take your pick of this gang that Rawson's bringiug out with him or of any of the men that offer themselves at Ransom, aud I'm willing to bet that the next man you enlist will be woman driven from the word go." "Ob, I never found it paid to sail under false colors," was the answer in a tone of gay good humor, not unmixed with a dash of reckless disdain. "I've nothing to lose. But I would like to ask you something about the troop commanders there at Ransom. Can't you give me a lift in the cab? I've a pocketful of better weeds than you get out this way if that's any inducement" And, so saying, he reached down into the deep pocket of bis ulster and brought out a handful of cigars. Gray bud never been able to stomaoh 8 my the. He called him an insupportable cad, but when at a torn in the path be came suddenly op on the combination of brainless ass and insupportable oad squatted on a stone, elbows on knees, his fuzzy jowls deep snnken in bis bands, his eyes on the faraway line of tbe Savoy sbore, the intruder relented. Here was woe perhaps as deep as his own. Place aux dailies", though this bivouac on tbe Boxeldt-r was no place for tbem whatever, ami neither woman was there at the time, and only one of them was known to any one of the men referred to. One of tbe women was Mrs. Mainwaring, and the other, a spinster, was Kate Lcroy. "Pardon, m'aieu', but—ees Mees Langdon''— ' CHAPTER II. "Up at the billiard rooms, probably," was tbe brusque answer, as Mr. Gray turned hastily away to hide the suspicious moisture in his eyes. The night express was oOminntes late already, and engine ?83, waiting at the Junction with her snowplow set, was hissing and rumbling impatiently. Tbe big brown building, embracing hotel and waiting rooms, ticket and station master's office, loomed up against the star dotted sky. The switch lights gleamed in crimson, green and dazzling white here, there and everywhere along the pHnting rails. Bleary lamps were burning in frost covered windows, and tiny ppoiks flattered from tbe pipe of the solitary biped on the platform, a burly man in the toil stained garb of a locomotive engineer, a sturdy fellow who limped as he stamped up ind down the creaking plunks of the platform, bis hands in his pockets, bis eyes everywhere. To him came forth bis lireman, splitting his mouth with a wedge of bilious looking pound cake. He strove to speak, lint, iinding articulation impossible, jerked backward his head and pantomimed the process of serving himself with a cup of comforting drink— coffee, presumably — for be was fresh lrom the lunch counter. "But no. I 'ave been there. I 'ave letters for her, and for M'sieu' 8m— ft Wvi "Be true to my friends—and their estimateof me, probably. You wouldn't bave me to disappoint them would you?" • Mr. Long's maimer changed in an instant. " 'Gainst orders," said be briefly, gazing suspiciously into the stranger"* lace us bespoke. "Better ' your ticket if you're going to B And, swinging himself up to bit, he grasped the reversing lever wi hand and the throttle with the Scut laid hold of tbe cord and se big bell to swinging warning of coming. The huge machine began ly to move rearward as the mui ligncd and belated ooyote came 1 by on the llremau's side, and thi grimed young man availed himse the chance to chaff his fellow % in the flitting cab. He took nc therefore, of the stranger's parting but Long was eying him oloselyan tening for any word. Continued on Pt|C 4. It was a hot day, a dusty day, and the command could prove it without the use of a word us it unsaddled in the grove and men and horses made for tbe nearest water, l'be.r had marched since early mora aud covered 20 miles when the trumpets rang tbe signal fur the llnal halt. They had been winding for hours in long column of twos down the sandy bottom of a vanished creek, and the sight of this onsis in the desert, the clump of cottonwoods with its outlying stragglers farther down stream, was indeed a grateful one. It told of the presence of living water, and the regiment, said Trooper Kelly, "was as dhry as the chaplain'& temperance sermon tbe nigbt before Patrick's day in the morning."Blake did not thoroughly like bim. He thought Maiuwaring selfish, opinionated aud conceited. He admitted him to be a first rate soldier, a tine drillmaster and tacticiau, a truthful, honest and pure minded man, a devuted husband and father—in fact, one of the representative nien of the oavalry. It wasn't that he was narrow (his tolerance on the whisky question was an evidence that he was not), yet he was "buttheaded, " said Blake. "He's perpetually referring to Hay and to me as I be exponents of the liquor habit, when both of us quit long ago. We all like Btaunard, and be doesn't; at least he is alwuys ready to disparage anything Btaunard says or does, and if he were Stanuard's senior instead of junior be'd overrule any decision or order of Standard's just because it was Stannard's. Ho when be oomes out witb his bulls I tan't help goading him a bit. Somebody's got to keep him in check or we'll be getting tbe laugh from those fellows of the Eleventh and Twelfth." And the next thing a dozen men were scampering like mad, lariats and picket pins swinging, heading for the most promising patches of grass. Deroh, *LL NAT|0**^®1 (j oue of toe Globe for fsr; f RHEUMATISM,! their I NBUSALCHA anil «C»»«D I slow- *nd prepared under the »trln*ent A hn,a HL BERMAR MEDICAL UWS,^ ssing ■»^Dw,MorIbad by amine-1 phyiiaUnii^W ,Le, iw OR. RICHTER'S iWA JLS B?" ANCHOR fS fPAIN EXPELLER1 I lis- ■ World renowned I Remarkably aucoesaful 1 ■ ■Only genoine wlt*\ Trade Mark " Anchor,"■ , . If. id. Blefctar Av t., 815PearlSt., Hew Talk, ■ :;t i d 1 31 HIGHEST AWARDS. in _ ) 13 Bamok Honiai. Own Qlauwork*. ■ KadoraedA TOotnmnnded by Have o. c. OHck, 50N. Mvn St-; J- H- iavish St.; iiwra^B ju eh- Tbe gloom in tbe tall American's face deepened perceptibly. But in this oase misery loved not company, and Smythe was surly. No, there wasn't anything Gray could do for bim, thanks. He was feeling seedy, that was all. It was plain to see that tbe interview with Miss Langdon bad left bim sore at heart. Gray stood another moment irresolute There was absolutely no reason why be should do the fellow a good turn. SmytbQ hated bim and plainly showerT it, but Gray had ignored his spleen, and ev«fr good humoredly tolerated bim. It is easy for a man to forgive another's jealousy, but Gray had suffered too much from Miss Langdon's caprioe not to know tbe symptoms when so patent as they were in Smytbe. Ill fortune makes some natures magnanimous—rare natures— and Gray turned again. "What on earth do you mean? Speak sensibly, Darcy. I've never been worth your trust when you gave it Now I'm honest with you. What will you do?" "What tbey all prophesied—i.oth- "Over yonder, possibly," be answered, with a sidewise nod of tbe bead toward a little arbor "far from tbe madding crowd" at the eastward edge of tbe pretty grounds, then turned away, impatient of further inquiry. Some men were ohatting eagerly at the fountain as he passed. One of tbem, English unmistakably, bailed him jovially. Each picket pin was stamped home, the lariats uncurled to their full length, ing." "Darcy, you have brains and energy. You bave—persistence enough to win anything—that's worth having," sue ooncluded, lamely. There was a sulidued sound of sniffling on tbe balcony without. Over the moonlit Alpine sea the mater was gazing toward the shores of France and. wondering if many mothers bad such trials as daughters at whose farthingales dangled half the eligibles in society. Smythe's mother, it seems, bad taken up tbe pen to second tbe plaintive baa of her golden calf and was dealing trenchant blows at her old crony, tbe mother of tbe b*He of the season. f ii 'C* ■i-«. "Time you were ready, Gray. You're going to Cbillon, of course." And with a true Briton's deep disdain of foreign names he spoke it as it was spelled. "No," was the answer, "I'm going to cool off." "Been getting a redbot letter, as you Yankees say, I suppose," the islander went on, impervious to satire. Maiuwaring's four troops, being first on the ground, pre-empted grass there was before hreaking for the spring. Trooper law reserved to tbe horses of the owner all space within lariat length of the firmly driven picket pin, and woe to the man that "jumped the claim." In like manner had the major's "striker" pre-empted the biggest oottonwood for his master'* roof tree, and there, dusted. "I've got tickets all right," m lonely mail ou the platform, "t rather sit up in a cab than sleep Pullman. It's all right, though, a smoke anyhow." And with hand he tossfd half a dozen cigars the cab as he walked beside the m engine. Then, with a cordial v his hand, he turned aside to the i room, into the doorway of which HHS9 St JanoKir naisensrera (ram the "That's about tbe size of it," answered Gray, without halting. Two of tbe men looked after him with no little conoern in their eyes. Others hailed him as he passed tbem by. Gray was evidently popular. A woman in billow-1k JpM* a»d a pa*wl chair roiled "Look here, old man" ("oldchap" bad not then oome into vogue), "if I can't do anything /or you, you oan for me. I was to have gone' wfffi that party, you know, to Gbillon this morning. "Come, swallow the rest of that grub, now, and be lively with your oil can. We can't wait two minutes after she once gets in. No," he continued as the younger repeated his persuasive pantomime, "1 had niy tea at home, and that's euousli. You'll die of QYere»tiii8. "Mother will be in here in a moment, Darcy. You must be frank with me, and Bokeby may be up any moment. You will stay here t\ntil. you've bad time to look about you?" Each picket ptn wns ttamped home. and then back ran the troopers to unsaddle and lead to water. Ten minutes more and the ohwg«s pf gttuiuard's "They wouldn't see the blunders, Blake, only you show 'em up," said Kay, in remonstrance, and with apt « Yonder oomea the boat now. Go to
Object Description
Title | Pittston Gazette |
Masthead | Pittston Gazette, Volume 48 Number 47, July 08, 1898 |
Volume | 48 |
Issue | 47 |
Subject | Pittston Gazette newspaper |
Description | The collection contains the archive of the Pittston Gazette, a northeastern Pennsylvania newspaper published from 1850 through 1965. This archive spans 1850-1907 and is significant to genealogists and historians focused on northeastern Pennsylvania. |
Publisher | Pittston Gazette |
Physical Description | microfilm |
Date | 1898-07-08 |
Location Covered | United States; Pennsylvania; Luzerne County; Pittston |
Type | Text |
Original Format | newspaper |
Digital Format | image/tiff |
Language | English |
Rights | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/ |
Contact | For information on source and images, contact the West Pittston Public Library, 200 Exeter Ave, West Pittston, PA 18643. Phone: (570) 654-9847. Email: wplibrary@luzernelibraries.org |
Contributing Institution | West Pittston Public Library |
Sponsorship | This Digital Object is provided in a collection that is included in POWER Library: Pennsylvania Photos and Documents, which is funded by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries of Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania Department of Education. |
Description
Title | Pittston Gazette |
Masthead | Pittston Gazette, Volume 48 Number 47, July 08, 1898 |
Volume | 48 |
Issue | 47 |
Subject | Pittston Gazette newspaper |
Description | The collection contains the archive of the Pittston Gazette, a northeastern Pennsylvania newspaper published from 1850 through 1965. This archive spans 1850-1907 and is significant to genealogists and historians focused on northeastern Pennsylvania. |
Publisher | Pittston Gazette |
Physical Description | microfilm |
Date | 1898-07-08 |
Location Covered | United States; Pennsylvania; Luzerne County; Pittston |
Type | Text |
Original Format | newspaper |
Digital Format | image/tiff |
Identifier | PGZ_18980708_001.tif |
Language | English |
Rights | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/ |
Contact | For information on source and images, contact the West Pittston Public Library, 200 Exeter Ave, West Pittston, PA 18643. Phone: (570) 654-9847. Email: wplibrary@luzernelibraries.org |
Contributing Institution | West Pittston Public Library |
Sponsorship | This Digital Object is provided in a collection that is included in POWER Library: Pennsylvania Photos and Documents, which is funded by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries of Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania Department of Education. |
Full Text | Established 1850. I rOL. XLVIIINo. 4 7 I" Oldest Newspaper-in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1898. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. t«1.00 a YC in Ad van IjRAYlS ffP*^ AUTHOR OF RECRUIT ] ten ner 1 ve just reoeivea 111 nuings from home. I've got to go to Geneva by the 10 o'clock train. I wan paired off with Miss Langdon. Tell inadauie I'm awfully sorry, but I can't go. She'll ask you in niy place—see if she doesn't. So long." "I've had plenty ot time today. Everything's staled. Tell Rokeby I'm sorry I shan't be able to take him bear and elk bunting, as I promised." shaken and smoothly spread, were tbe major's blankets when, fresh from his dip in the stream, that sturdy, keen eyed, compactly built soldier came back for his rest. little reason, tor tsiaKe was incorrigible. "Some day you'll cut Mainwaring to the quick, and he comes of a stock that bits hard and doesn't forgive easy or forget at all. Better hold off, Legs." battalion, perhaps 260 In ail, were being slowly driven in four distinct herds well out upon the northward slopes, where, after a preliminary roll, each horse set contentedly to grazing. Those pre-empted patches close at hand were reserved for their further use at night. first thing yon know. Do your beet now. We've got an extra Pullman and a oarload of greenhorns to haul np to Butte this night of all others, and I'm betting it's snowing in the mountains now." riving train were eagerly pushing. "Only three minutes, gents," rang out the conductor. " We've got to maki up time before we reaoh the Rookies-? can't do it there." And he darted into the train dispatcher's offioe to register and receive bis orders. "Do you mean you're going soon— tomorrow?" And tbeie he lay, the picture of trooper content, begui'ing the moments until dinne* should be ready and trying hard not to go to sleep meantime, with a copy of "Les Miserables," hauled from the depth of his capacious saddlebags. Having had little schooling to speak of, Mainwaring was an assiduous reader of fiction, and prided himself on the fact. And "hold off" Legs had to for several days of a dreary homeward march, dreary because the colonel meant to rest tbe horses thoroughly after a fierce and furious chase and campaign, and so made short marches where the officers and men would gladly have made two a day. The road was dusty, the October sunshine was hot and dry, tbe nights were snapping cold, but here at last they were only one day out from their uew station, Fort Ransom, and Blake bad broken bonds again. Raising himself ou elbow and peering across the blue shirted shoulder of bis friend, Ray aould see that Mainwaring waa still glowering at him and evidently pondering over that reference to his having time enough to learn anything. As yet its full significance was not apparent, but it was the policy of wisdom to distract his attention and set his wits to work on something else. Like the horse, which noble animal Mainwaring almost worshiped, he could consider only one point at a time. So up rose Ray and strolled over to him. "If you've no objections, major, I'd like to ask the colonel to let my quartermaster sergeant ride into Ransom tonigbt He tells me bis wife is quite ill. The ambulance is going and will give him a lift. We'll lead bia horse with the troop tomorrow. " "No," said Gray, rising. "I'm going tonight." So saying, the engineer turned and gazed anxiously westward, where even the stars seemed Plotted from sight, then quickly whirled about and bent his ear. And in another minute be was breasting the heights to Lausanne, while Sniytbe was speeding to Beau Kivage. And then the little cook fires began to hlaze along tbe bank, and tbe pack trains shambled in and were unloaded in the twinkling of an eye. Tbe mules went blinking off to water, and tbe major, never quitting bis saddle until biB last trooper dismounted, slowly lowered himself to earth and went off in search of tbe colonel. One instant the beautiful face beside him wore an expression of utter woe, of genuiue sympathy and sorrow, then decked itself with winning and conventional smiles, for the salon door, opening at tbe moment, revealed young hopeful, tbe brother, tugging at the hand of the other hopeful, mouocled. Knickers and evening dress confronted each other at the threshold. Rejected Yank, acceptod Briton, met as do modern mortal rivals without sigu of rancor. Meautime Scut, still olinging to th£ bellcord with one hand, was scooping up cigars with the right. "That fellow's a prince," said he. "Jast look all that for a seegar." And be held it admiringly up to Long to see and wai amazed at the gloom in his oompanion'i face. "Why, %hat's up?" he usked. •THE COLONEL'S DAUGHTER; 'FROM THE RANKS," ETC. It was late that evening when be returned from a solemn day with the bankers, tbe consul and oeitain tradesfolk whose prospects, temporal and eternal, be was given to understand were shattered by bis cancellation of certain orders for furs and bijouterie. Heavy levy was made on bis checkbook to solace tbeir suffering, but there is a certain recklessness of oost when one's financial tether is nearly at an. end. Dinner was over at Beau Rivage. Tbe band was playing delightfully ib tbe south portico. Men in evening dress were sauntering and smoking and sipping coffee about the oorridor. A few American and English girls with their escorts were dancing in tbe salon. Gray was still in "knickers" and bad dined solus at tbe Hotel Termiuus. He paused at tbe portico and gazed in at the scene of mirth, luxury and enjoyment wherein he bad been ao thoroughly at home and contrasted unflinchingly the scene with that which be bad planned for his future. Now it was necessary for him to get to his room to write, and he hoped to roach it. unobserved, but the Hon. Rokeby had reoeived bis instructions and nabbed bim. "Coming at last," he muttered. "That's old Coyote's yelp for the crossroads. D d little wind for whistling has she left either. No wonder No. 8's late, with nothing better than that limping carcass to drag -it She ought to be in :he boneyard—ought to 'a' been there a year ago. But here's the beauty," said he to himself, as he turned and laid a loving band on the massive driving rod of the huge machine. "Lively, Scut," he added. "Three's coming." ! copyright. /Gva.ey sa l/pp//vcottco. j Presently, without lifting his eye from the page or glancing toward tbe party interrogated, who was sprawling in similar fashion under au adjacent tree, tbe major popped the following qunfit ion: "What's up?" repeated the engineer, as he slowed down on nearing the forward end of the mail ear. "A hold unless I'm mistaken, and the fewer at them cigars you stick in your mouth the more brains you'll have left in the morning." With a sharp click th« heavy ooupling pin was driven home, and Long sent the reversing lever over to the front, then poked bis head out of the side of the cab and shouted to jt train hand he saw hurrying by, "Where you gut them recruits, Billy?" "If you've no objections, sir, I'd like to send a sergeant in ahead tonight." PRELIMINARY. largely upon mm as n«t raiaeu mn «i«« bat and bade him pause, bat prevailed uot. Two younger women, in trim walking attire, nodded coquettiahly and said it was the very day for the trip. Then, too, he answered only vaguely, and with a faraway look in bia deep blue eyea be passed on to the telegraph office, and tbe group of smoking men broke up. "Why, Stannard," said the colonel, looking up from under his hat brim in some surprise, "that's just what Ray'B been asking. Anything amiss?" "To Mr. Darcy Hunter Gray "My Dkar Bot—As foreshadowed in my last, tbe oonceru bas gone to smash, and your prospects with it When its affairs are settled, tbe firm of Hunter, Bloom & Co. will have enough to pay its funeral expenses, and that's about all. What I have left is my wife's, who will, I trust, be able to support me until certain life insurance policies become due, out of wbiob she can reimburse berself, through my dying, for tbe cost of my living. I'm too old to try again, too sad to care much, except for you. "Your father was my dear friend, roar mother my beloved sister. When "Nothing. I'm down." "Er—ah—what's up, Gray?" "Blake, what's savvy ke pew?" By the midnight express he left via Bern for Basel. lie could not face tbe throng of inquisitive sympathizers on the morrow. He meant to skip away uunotiocd, but he had been too genuinely popular, and there are meu and many of them, Briton or Boston, who will go out of tbeir way to say good words to a fellow in distress. Tbree of them trailed Gray to the station and ran him to earth on the train, and said impetuous things about being his banker, and made other offers impossible to take seriously. Tbe only thiug he could take was a drink with all three, until they tumbled off at tbe conductor's shrill summons, and through the night, under the glitter of the lamps, something came gleaming and spinning, and he caught Rokeby's handsome flask and Rokeby's parting And Blake, without lifting his eyes from the written pages of the missive in his lean brown hand, responded, after tbe manner of soldier folk, "Damfino." "Well, his time expires tomorrow, sir. It's old Bannon of B troop, and he'd like to catch the east bound train so's to have all the time possible to go and visit his children in Illinois. He'll re-enlist at once." Scut was descending from the cab as a cat comes down a tree backward. "What'n 'ell they takin recruits to Ransom for now?" he asked. "The The major's brows contracted in a scowl. Suspiciously he glanoed at his long legged comrade. "Thought you ►poke French," said he. "Something's amiss with Gray," said one of the party, a New Yorker. "I'll go Bee." war's over." "Is Sergeant Merriweather, sir. He says his wife's at Ransom quite sick, and he's anxious and troubled about her." "And your man, Ray?" "It's to fill the gaps made when the war wasn't over, young man, and mighty bard they'll find it to fill some of 'em too. Jim Strang, that was killed at Cave Springs, was oorporal with me in Bate's troop eight years ago, and there wasn't a better sergeant in all the cavalry. Lo loves a shining mark, or I'd never got hit twice in one day." "Would you go back to soldierin if you could, Mr. Long?" asked the fireman, tilting up his long necked can as he thrust the nozzle deep in between the spokes of a massive driver. "First coach behind the baggage," was the answer as the man glanoed over bis sboalder. "There's some of 'em now." And as he spoke, bounding, laughing and dodging through the knot of hungry passengers, half a dozen young fellows in fatigoe uniform or bright blue overcoats went hastening by sbouta "I don't see what there was in the size of the letter to upset him," Mid the Englishman, unoonsoious ot show that was not Britannia ware.' "Gray'a a good sort though. Could a fellow do anything, d'you suppose?" To which Blake blandly responded, with modest and not inexcusable hesitancy : "Well—er—hot always. Isn't it— possihly sauve qui pent?" "Isn't he the man chat we bad tf reprimand for letting certain horses stray up on the Belle Fourche?" he died, I promised biro I would be a father to you. When she died, her last words were a plea that I should be good to her boy. I accepted both trusts, Darcy, and betrayed both. "Well, sove ke puh, then," responded Mainwaring. with disdainful emphasis 011 the convenient monosyllable. "What's that?" But tbe pnTsuer was slow. Seeing him coming and divining his object, Mr. Gray slipped out of the side door, dived through tbe shrubbery that bordered a winding driveway to the west and took himself off through the crowded place. He bad need to be alone—to face bis changed fortunes fair and square. "The very man, sir. He is careless at times and not altogether reliable, but he's one of the smartest, nattiest men I've got, and"— to the lunchroom, followed by from somewhere back along the train "That," said Blake, "is what the girls say when Brady tries to danoe— jump for your lives and—Brady take the hindmost. It's polite French for 'the jig is up.' " "Why not ride him in tonight?" asked Mainwaring, who bad served but little under Atherton since tbe war and knew not bow strict were his rules regarding horses. "Eoh, I say, Gray—Miss Langdon, y'know, wished to speak with you directly you came in." "Didn't he marry that pretty maidservant of the Freemans' after we got back from the Ute campaign?" "Tbey died poor. I was rich. They ■wcruld have had 700 learn to carve your own career, and I loved yon so that from yoor bright, brave boyhood yon were spoiled and indulged as my own ■on. I gave yon the best I bad. I balked yon in only one desire, that of going to West Point. Harvard, London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Rome and the Riviera were yoor educators. I planned to make yon a railway magnate when you hadn't learned the first principles of the business. I've accustomed you to every luxury—to a life of careless ease, to be a dawdler and a dilettante—isn't that what you oall it? 1 oounted on leaving you rich, and I leave you ruined. The •elf reproach, the misery which overcomes me aa I write these words no words can tell you. words "I? Give me back the legs I had before the Sioux made a sieve of my skin, aud it isn't the rail I'd be riding, bat the best sorrel in Billy Bay'B troop, and with the best office in it, and that's first sergeant." "Yes," was tbe languid answer. "And where is she now?" "Take a drink for me once in awhile, will you, old boy? Au revoir." Captain Ray, stretobed at ease upon a costly Navajo blanket of wbiob be was inordinately proud, reached out with bis moccasined foot and indented tbe canvas re-enforcement of bia comrade's lield riding breeches. "Quit it, Bl.tUe," be muttered. "Because tbe colonel wishes every horse to share and share alike. Tbe sergeant's borse would bave an extra 20 miles if ridden in tonight. Yonder cornea Stannard's battalion now," be said, pointing to tbe dost cloud sailing slowly toward them from tbe north. "He'll bivouao above us, I reckon." "Yes, sir, and Freeman hasn't forgiven me yet," answered Captain Bay, his white teeth gleaming. "I'm very sure I should be glad to bave him take ber back. She's turned tbe heads of some of my best men and is running Merriweather heels over head in debt" "In their salon, I fancy. She said she was too tired to dress for dinner. Had a beastly day, y'know." Twenty-five years old and up to the midweek mail from America he had never known a care since boyish days, unless it was some momentary heart paug wbe* Amy Langdon proved unkind. In a dawdling, amateurish way he bad read the dally papers and signed some letters and reports laid before him by an attentive clerk in the office of the eastern traffic manager of a great road of which bis uncle wa9 a beavy stockbolder and prominent director. The most serious thing he bad ever undertaken was his membership in a crack olty regiment, wherein be bad served through the ranks and really earned a commission. But both these avocations he had quitted during the previous winter, and all because Amy Langdon was reported flirting dangerously at Nice and Mentone, and if she were not actually engaged to Darcy Gray be at least felt so far engaged to bur that flirtation was denied bim. CHAPTER L The major was sprawled on tbe broad of his baD.k th« shade of a spreading cottunwtHid, n slouch bat. battered and \vwither stained, pulled well down over his fine, dark hrown eyes, their heavy brews concealed by its janged brim, tbeir loug, thick, curling lasbes don award sweeping toward the bronzed, sun tanned c'hreks. The bristling beard aud curling black mustache concealed the lines of tbe mouth and jaws, rendering speculation as to tbe major's characteristic's mere guesswork, which wouldn't be the case, said Captain Trotter. a phy siognomist of the first order in bis own estimation, if tbe major's face were, as usual with him 'in garrison, freshly and cleanly shaved exoept as to tbe upper Up. Open at the throat, tbe major's dark blue flannel shirt rolled easily back, revealing a black waste of hairy stubble down to the protuberant "Aduiu's apple," below which the fair skin showed almost as white as a child's and well nigh as soft. A devotee to cold water was the major, ev«n in bis cups, and that, too, in days when the traditions of tbe great war still held sway in the cavalry and the cocktail was the rule, not tbe exception, at inorniug stable call. Not that he preached the doctrine of total abstinence or looked upon himself as a model of virtue in any way. " Wbiskv never did me any good," was bis modest explanation. "1 never seemed to need it or to care for it. I never saw any fun in getting full, and tbe only time 1 ever did, it made me sick for a week—a thing tbat never happened to me before or since. If you like it, Kay, or if it agrees with you, Blake, why, go ahead. So long as you dou't get full nndntglect your business, it's nono rit mine." Time was in the regimental past, as tbe major very well knew and the minors sometimes said, when Kay occasionally "got full" and when Blake seemed to think it agreed with him—until the day afterward at least. But Blake and Ray had found reason to part company with tbeir old familiar friend, that iutimacy having led, as often do others, to later estrangement; that familiarity having bred contempt; that warmth, as Tom Hood would have said, having produced a coldness. Gray nodded, slowly ascended the winding stairway and tapped at the door in the west corridor. "It's takin chances to be in the cavalry these days," said be of the oil can, listening to the low, faraway ramble of the coming train. "Do yon see her headlight yet?" "'Trez," answered a boyish voice, and Darcy was exuberantly welocuied But the major needed no man to protect bis interests. He might not know French, but he knew Blake and liked him—ordinarily Tbe colonel pondered a moment. "I greatly dislike to refuse you anything," he said, "but every time we oome in from scout or campaign, sinoe I joined tbe regiment, no sooner are we within a day's march or so of the home station —or any station, for that matter—than several men ask to ride in ahead. At first even the officers did, and there were as many as a dozen men? Now we've reduced it to two. When did Merriweather hear from bis wife?" "Yes, and spoil our water, like »b not," growled Main waring. "But we've got the grass and shade." "She isn't through the cut," was Long's answer. "As to taking ohances, they've done nothing but take chances in that regiment ever sinoe the war, yet there isn't a day of our lives we don't take chances, and bigger chances, right here on thia mountain division." "I more tbauhalf thought you didn't know, Legs," be said, with a yawn. "Legs" was a regimental pet name for the longest and lankiest of the commissioned list. "You West Pointers have nearly all bad two years'schooling in that tongue, aud another year in Spanish, and I'm blessed if ever a one of you could speak either. I'd bave a heap more respect for you if you'd oome out like a man and say you didn't know, like Ray. for instance. There's no nonsense about bim." "Devil donbt you," muttered Blake, "and you've got the best of both." Tben aloud: "Ask the old man, with my compliments, if I may do him the honor of dining with him tomorrow, Billy. Mrs. Atberton has everything ready for bis coming, I'll be bound, while your better half and mine and tbe major's here can't come till we get there and choose quarters.'' "I know what you would write and say. You were always generous; but, Darcy, don't write, don't come, just yet Wait until you get—the next news. Wait until— A tall young fellow in traveling cap and ulster had come out from the lunchroom and was strolling over toward the hissing engine. He stopped and listened as Long spoke, then seemed to be pondering over the words and looking to the engine man for explanation. "Tbe mail rider, sir, going up to the Sioux agency, met us this morning early and gavu him a letter. He brought it to me to read. It was written by tbe post trader's wife. She says Mrs. Merriweather is really seriously ill." "However, let us get down to business. Of course you and Mrs. Hunter will not be apt to see much of each other. She will mourn me less than you, and yon more than I deserve. The very little nest egg your mother set aside for you is intact. With accrued interest it amounts to some $11,790. You have no debts to speak of, have you? I've paid all you ever told me about—twice, I think—and you were always frank and truthful. That little sum, with what you bave to your credit in the Chemioal and over there with you, represents the sum total of your fortune. You never needed it before, and so I never happened to mention it to you. "Mrs. Mainwaring will be there quicker than I will," said the major promptly. Here Blake kicked backward, in delighted return of bis oomrade's broad bint. "Well, major," be hastened to say, "my translation was a trifle free perhaps, but the phrase is a clumsy one to turn iuto English. Ray will agree with me as to the translation. Tbe main trouble witb his Frenoh is tbe aocent. It's a combination of bine grass aud Apache." "That's all easily explained. Mrs Mainwaring knows tbe major's quarters oan go to nobody but tbe major, aud ■he oan move in at once. We poor devils of troop leaders must wait till our seniors bave obosen. What's more, Mrs. Mainwaring has no nurse and babies to look after." "How do you mean?" asked Sout, pausing in his woik and looking up. "We haven't had a'hold op'on the road for over a year." As pretty a girl as ever rode in Central park was Amy, aud as dashing a horsewoman, and it was Gray's admirable riding and universally acknowledged pros poo ts that made bim for the time so acceptable a parti. He oould manage a horse far better than he oould a woman, however, and Miss Langdou kept him at ber side when in saddle and subject to call at all other times. But she bad, not unkindly, laughed off his protestations and dissected bis offers. "It'6 absurd, Darcy. You haven't a oent in the world that doesn't oome from your unole, and who knows what his wife will do with bis fortune, or be himself, for that matter? As for me, I'm a beggar with social aspirations. Come, be sensible, and I'll like you better. Be a soldier, Darcy, and face the facts. That's the (me thing you're cut out far." "Very good Tben he can go by tbe atnbulanoe. So can your man, major. Tell them both to report here at 8 o'clock. Isn't Merriweatber's time nearlv out, Ray?" Long wcu tying him closely and llsHntna for amy word. Presently a middle aged man in tb« garb of a sergeant of cavalry mm* stalking after them, a man who seemed just aroused from sound sleep, and not too well pleased as a oonsequenoe. "Neither have we had a head on collision, nor spreading rails, nor a plunge from a trestle, but they are only three of the things likely to occur any minute, especially when trains are running behind as we are tonight—all on account of that one eyed coyote that's peeping at you down yonder." "Only two months to serve, sir, and be says he's going into business witb a brother in Chicago. I lose three noncommissioned officers this fall in that way, and one of them I couldn't take on again. He's all broken down witb wounds and rheumatism. You'll have to favor me a bit in the matter of recruits, colonel. I need six, or shall before we're a month older." by a 10-year-old Langdon. "The matoi and sis are having a row in the gallery," said be radiantly. "Old Smythe's been postering ber. Go out there. They don't mind you, you know, and I can't get away from here until they've finished.""Loofc here, old man." "No, but she's bringing a companion with ber in tbe shape of her niece that she's often talked to me about. I think 1 told you about her—Miss Leroy. She's been abroad for a year and wants to oome and see something of her own oountry. Tbey ought to reaoh Butte tonight or early in the morning." "Get back to that oar, yon men," he ordered authoritatively. "Didn't I tell you not a soul of yon coo Id leave it without my permission?" " Well, be has tbe good sense to keep it to himself tben," answered Mainwaring, still a trifle sulky. "I'd pattern after him if I were yon." It was the headlight of No. 8, just dawning on the view at Mile End Crossing, to which the engineer referred. But the recruits were lined np at the lunch counter by this time, and gleefully shooting for ooffee and reaching for doughnuts, pie, anything edible within reach. The waiter looked perturbed and hesitated. The proprietor oame harrying over from his desk. The little throng of passengers seemed sympathetic But further confidences were ended by the sudden entrance of Miss Langdon herself. She had evidently been watching for Gray's return. Outstretched to him in eager greeting were Amy's long, •lender white hands; uplifted to his in anxious inquiry were a pair of the softest, loveliest eyea. The voioe in which she spoke was soft, almoat tremulous. "What is it. Darcy?" "Faith and so I would, major mine, did not my innocent associates so often take me for a lexicon. But now you ought to speak French like a native. Mrs. Mainwaring does. Yon couldn't bave a better teacher, and Stannard says all a man needs to learn anything in this world ure brains and time. You've got lots of—time." . "But despite your defects in bringing up, for which I am responsible, you're not much worse off than if you'd gone into the army (I hope you've* outlived that lunacy, as you did the other one for—you know) and oau now make a strike for yourself. You have the best of health, the best of looks—for you strongly resemble your unole aa be waa at your age—the best of education for any purpose that isn't absolutely useful, and there is nothing that I know of to prevent your marrying a fortune, as I did, and living happy ever after—as I didn't "You shall bave the first good man that eulists at Ransom, Ray. I'm told we may pick up some first rate material there, the mines bave broken so many." "Watch how slowly she oomeo," he added. "The old maid is about worn out. Here's the girl that can shake that train up grade as though 'twas made of bandboxes. I'll bet you we make Butte by 7 o'clock." " Will she?" exclaimed Blake. "Then like as not she'll have an escort Rawson's coming out with a batch of rear uits. " "All right, colonel, and I'll remind you if I see any likely civilian hanging around headquarters. Good day, sir, and thank yon very much." So saying Captain Ray wheeled about and trudged away down stream to make report to his battalion commander. "Bah!" growled Mainwaring, who had little use for Raw son or any other officer who was away on leave when bis regiment was in tbe field. "Mrs. Mainwaring's never met him, and if Bbe had would feel mighty small security in hia escort—a fellow that'll be held np witb a whole carload of passengers by only two robbers." "I'll bet yon don't, if you'll let me in," was the cool interjection of the young man ulster olad; "for Butte's my objeotive point" and interested. "Who's to pay for this?" demanded the owner, as the sergeant oame fuming and almost fighting his way into the crowded room. "Have your men got any money?" "You're hard hearted, Amy,"he had answered. "What's that aboat Stannard?" interrupted tbe major sharply, and Blake's dirersiou bad told, as he meant that it should. If there was one man in tbe army of whom Mainwaring was jealous, it was Staunard. He, like Stannard, bad been a capital troop commander for years. He bad attained at last the rank of major, vice Barry, promoted, only a year or so after Stannard; bad served just as well as had Stannard; had as fine a war record, and an honored and honorable name; bad a charming wife, health and competence, yet mourned in secret—even at times made audible moan—over tbe fact that among tbe officers and men of tbe regiment what Stannard said, thongbt, did, was never to be questioned. Stannard was authority on all points of soldiering; Stannard was the expert engineer, builder, draftsman, topographer and all round military "sharp;" while he, Mainwaring, whose troop bad been a model, whose battalion was now really in finer shape than Stannard's, and who had abundant means aud spent where Stannard saved, was looked upon In tbe cavalry as a good soldier, • fine officer, despite bis surly mannerisms, and yet because he hadn't enjoyed Stannard's advantages and a college or even high school training be must submit to perenuial playing of second fiddle. It set him against Stannard, and it led eventually to trouble. The band sidled into his, and Miss Langdon walked to a sofa whither she would have drawn him, bat despite the hand, whlob, notwithstanding, he released, he remained on his feet and concisely answered: "No; only hard headed. I'm soft hearted enough to like you too well to spoil both our lives." "What do yon know about it, or aboat railroading?" asked Long suspioiously."Did he say Merriweather could go?" asked tbe major, glancing up at Ray's sunshiny faca "I wouldn't, if I were in bis place." "Course we have," rang ont a jovial Pht, "and the credit of a benevolent and paternal government to bask it, and there's my last oint to prove what I say," he added, whaoking down* silver dollar on the oounter. Gray believed himself muob in love when she went abroad in November, and took it mnch to hoart that she should be so oonstantly attended by Fred Smytbe, who had no atom of sense in his bead, but no end of dollars in his pocket. But when a lordling, a younger son of an older house than ever dwelt in Gotham, an honorable, between whom and the title and estates was a lord with only one lung and that fast going, had opposed his sighs to those of Smytbe, aud there oame rumors that Locksiey Hall was to be enacted over again with an American Amy in the foreground, Maroy Gray believed it time to rush for the Biviera, and a worried old uncle most unwillingly let him go. Hunter loved that boy, bis sister's sou, as tbe apple of his eye. There wasn't anything be wouldn't have given him but the means of earning his own living. All that be proposed to settle magnificently. But tbe bottom began to drop out of tbe market in mid-January and left bim stranded high and dry by the middle of May. Two million dollars, said Wall street, bad "gone whers the woodbine twineth." "As much as yon did when yon quit soldiering, and no more, where iA we have much in common, Mr. Long, bnt here's where the difference comes in. You quit soldiering to take to the railroad; I quit the road to take to soldiering.""Don't underrate the extent of my collapse—Bloom got away with what Wall street left—or of my love. Thank God, 1 have no son of my own! Thank God, I've only you to kneel to and say, 'Forgive the blind, miscalculating, but utterly bumbled old fellow that' "— But here tbe eyes of the man seated there by tbe dancing waters in tbe glad April sunshine grew so blind with tears that be oould read no more. "What you expected." Mainwaring alluded to a matter tbat was a sore spot in tbe —tb and that never yet had been fully explained. But Mr. Rawson, three months earlier tbat summer, had unquestionably been relieved of his few valuables at the point of the pistol on tbe K. P. road. Tbe regiment meant to worry tbe life ont of bim wben he rejoined, but didn't like it tbat Mainwaring, a newcomer, should be tbe first to crack the whip. Blake almost wanted to blaze up, but thought it best perhaps to wait for Ray, and so subsided. "From Mr. Hunter? Gerald, go down and play with Ralph until mother sends for you." "Ho wasn't overwilling at first," was the answer. "However, my fellows will all be wishing themselves back in the field before they've been borne a fortnight—small blame to them." "That ain't enongh by the mate to it," said the proprietor gruffly. "Come, clear out, yon boys. Train's going, no time for ooffee. This will pay for the things you're eating," said he, and ha made a grab for the dollar, bat Pat waa too quick for him. "Kalpb isn't there, "was the petulant answer. "Oh, I see. Then, you're an offloer?" queried Long, his aocustomed lips framing the little word "sir" and almost resenting his enforced omission of the once familiar monosyllable. Long said "sir" to no one under the division superintendent now. "Singed outs" was what tbe unreconciled of the subalterns called these erstwhile jovial blades, but never where "What's the reason you're so down on garrison life, Ray?" "Then go and play. Go any how." Then she turned for answer. "From Mr. Hunter?" "I'm not down on it exactly, major, but if it weren't for the wife and boyB I'd be glad if we were forever in tbe field," answered Ray. "Men get killed in this Indian business, but they—keep out of trouble. There's Merriweather, now. He was a tiptop sergeant in tbe Sioux campaign. He was one of the best all round troopers and nonoommissioned officers in tbe regiment all through tbe campaigns that followed in the next three years, and he's been running down steadily ever since be fell in love with tbat flibbertigibbet of Freeman's. Garrison life and girls spoil many a good cavalryman," he concluded oracularly. "Yes." " 'Board!" shouted a hoarse voice on the platform without. Out on tbe blue, translucent waves tbe white swans were paddling to and fro, dipping for bread tossed by tbe lavish hands of laughing children and their white capped bonnes. The flashing oars of many a skiff drove throngh the sparkling waters, sending snowy little surges breaking from the sharp, white prows. Fairy yachts and swift paddle wheel steamers clove tbe mirror surface farther from the shore and tossed the creamy foam along their billowing wake. Half way over to tbe Savoy shore, deep in tbe shadow of the mountains, two white winged barks seemed wooing tbe faltering breeae, for not a leaf was stirring in the deep green foliage that shaded tbe path along tbe sea wall. Towering high aloft, dazzling in tbe sunshine, tbe snow seamed, snow capped crags blinded tbe eye with their radiance as they peered down into tbeir own reflections in tbe somber depths at tbeir shadowy base. Away to the eastward, lovely little towns and villages lay at the foot of the vine clad slopes of the northern sbor* while here and there a venerable ruin—castle, convent or fortress—stood sentineled in bold relief on some projecting height or nestled under the shoulder of some rocky cliff close to tbe water's edge. Near at hand in the public place the carrousels, thronged with children, old and young, were spinning madly to the reedy melodies of some donkey driven organ. Waits, galop and military marob rioted in loud rivalry and a group of Italian singers, smiling indomitably, caroled "Funiouli Fanioula" in nimble opposition to a Tyrolean band quacking like noisy ducks in the pavilion at tbe water's edge. The bell buttoned page of the Beau Bivage was still darting about, distributing letters just brought in by tbe grinning facteur, ever a-scent for tips, and, boring still three or four undelivered missives, halted in front of the American. "And it's true?" D( Hi . , ®w lul jjC CTt| I i. ftr . iqJ D.*# "Yes, every oent" "1? Devil a bit," was the langhing answer. ."I'm not even a lance—not even a recruit. Man, 1 haven't signed my papers yet." "Baok to your oar, you men," ordered the sergeant. Then the hands would be no longer denied. Both went impulsively out, seized bis with no timid grasp auii drew bim impetuously down beside her. Then to his amaze he saw the fair face quivering piteously, the lovely eyes brimming with tears, the soft red lips twitohing with uncontrollable emotion. "Oh, you poor, dear boy—oh, Darcy, Darcy, I never—I never knew how much I oared for you till now," she almost sobbed. "Gerald, if you don't leave this room instantly, I'll"— .iV? || Ray, however, bad sauntered out to the edge of the scanty patch of timber, and, shading his eyes with his brown hand, was scanning with professional interest the long column of dusty troopers, two abreast, that came tiling into ▼lew around a little point 600 yards away. Well out in their front, short, iquare and stocky, rode their major, bis adjutant, trumpeter and orderly jog ging along behind. To him rode the ooloael's messenger, the regimental ad jutants and pointed out a line some distance up stream. Thither the bead of oolumn veered, moving at steady walk The guidon bearer, at a signal from the battalion adjutant, spurred out to the front, and, with the old silken swallowtail streaming in the wind, loped across the level to a point ten yards or so from the bank, was baited there by the young efiioer in person, and then, lance at rest, be and his horse stood motionless. Never quickening the pace, the captain at the head of Staunard's foremost troop directed bis march on this living guidepost. The guidon of the second troop, followed speedily by those of the third and fourth in like manuor. darted out across the prairie, each in succession being baited and established at half distanoo in rear of his predecessor on the line oi guinea, r.acn troop airectea itself upon its own color; each in 6ucces sion formed line to the left as its leading two came opposite the guidon ; earb was aligned to the right; then, without loss of time, the trumpets sounded, "Prepare to dismount;" the brown carbines were jerked from their sockets and tossed over the right shoulder as the odd numbered troopers rode clear of the tank. "Dismount," clamored the trumpet, and down out of sight sank some fifty odd blue flannel shirts and rusty old bats in each line. "Form rank." And out from among the chargers popped the vanished riders, each laying hold of the reins close to the bit as the line reformed and the captain said his brief speech:" Water as soon as you like, men, and graze well out to the north until nightfall. No 6ide lines necessary today. Dismiss the troop, sergeant." "Oive me that dollar," demanded the boss. "Then take a fool's advice and don't sign them," interposed Long. "You've got no call to go soldiering. Such as you come in only when it's whisky or women or cards." "Give us the ooffee," replied the recruits, and for onoe the populace seemed to side with the soldier. The tall young man in the ulster and traveling oap lounged up to the oounter and tossed a $3 bill at the angry manager. "Give them what they want," said he, "and be quick about it. Have some ooffee yourself, sergeant. There'll be no other chanoe till you get to Butte." Then, with swift, significant, downward glance at the flap of a pocket, be lifted into view the silver top of a sizable flask, and the sergeant grinned and nodded appreciatively. The steaming onpa were slid along the board, the embryo soldiers langhing and hustling good naturedly, pouring the hot liquid into tha thick stone sauoers and blowing industriously at the yellow brown flood. The conductor oame to the door and D stormed; the passengers began to edge away for their oars. Na 788 gave a warning whoop or two, and the fireman pulled at the belloord, bnt the blueooata wouldn't budge. "Say it's all three if you like," was the half laughing answer. "I heard of you as one of the old oavalrymen at the barracksyouder," and the stranger nodded carelwu-ly over his shoulder in the direction of the post, established long years before when the road was being built. "They Rent me there by mistake. It's the cavalry I want, not infantry." But the boy bolted, and then Darcy saw that she was gazing up at him through a briny depth of tears. Even in his surprise, even in the thrill of joy with which he heard this fond oonfessiou, he recaptured himself, as it were, in tbe nick of time. "Don't dare me to tell tbat to Mrs. Ray as your sentiments," grinned tbe major. Over beyond the hurly burly of the public place, crowded with townsfolk aud children, the roadway wound along the water's edge. Gray strode rapidly westward, bis bead bowed, his bands thrnst deep in his trousers pockets. He missed his usual companions, a heavy stick and a nimble fox terrier, but both had been left with the portier as inappropriate to a voyage to Ohillon. They were to have started, a merry party it promised to be, by the early boat from Geneva, and he oonld see her now oleaving tbe limpid waters around tbe beadland of Morges. It was time to warn his companions that he could not go. One girl, at least, might miss him, and she should be accorded opportunity to name some other escort, Amy—"Amy, shallow hearted." She had disappeared with that brainless ass half an hour ago, possibly to oonsole him for the tact that be was not one of the dozen bidden by Mme. la Comtesse to be of the party to voyage with her to tbe famous castle, breakfast with her aboard La France and dina en fete at Montreux. Vane, tbe Briton, was one, and small oomfort did be afford Smytbe by bidding him jolly up and perhaps madame would let him in for postprandial ooffee at Montroo. "Ob, every thing depends on the girls, of course," said Ray, growing instantly grave. "Blakey and I—well, I, at least, owe everything to my wife," he finished almost reverently. Then presently he spoke again. "But what chance has the average trooper? What manner of woman lias he to mate with, if be mate at all? Next batch of recruits,I get should be anchorites, so far as women are concerned." "If you'd only be wise, Leonard," his brighter better balf bad said to him, "you wouldn't ask questions of Blake. Look it up in the encyclopedia, or even ask me.'' The engineer looked the speaker over in surprise. Away down the traok the headlight of the incoming train was growing bigger every moment and the rumble of the bulky approach could be plainly heard. "Under the circumstances, that's something I didn't expect to hear," said Darcy. There he lnu, With n copy of "Leu Mir.*- ruble*. either "cat" could hear, as each was knowu to be unpleasantly ready to back his views. Both officers had so far mended their ways in this respect that neither would sip from the seductive bowl, yet earb was entirely willing that the rest. Df the commissioned list should be free in the matter, with the possible exceptions of Brady, who never 'irauk that he didn't make an ass of himself, and Rawson, who never drank tbut he didn't make trouble for somebody else. "Why, bang it, Laura," interrupted the major, "half my years are spent in saddle out in the field. You and the encyclopedia are a month's march away. I can't help wanting to know what things mean." "Under other circumstances, you wouldn't have heard it," said Amy. "You don't look like a man who had to take to soldiering," he said. "It's a bit rough on Smytbe, isn't it?" "Sailors are just as bad as soldiers," said Mainwaring sagely, whereat Blake ducked his head under his blanket in convulsions of delight. "Oh, I'm not!" was the prompt, good natured reply. "I do it simply because I've a hankering that way—and no other," he added under bis breath. "Perhaps you can tell me something of the regiment at Ransom?" "It in nowise concerns him. As for Bokeby, be must take me just as I am." "Then ask Captain Truscott or Captain Freeman." She knew too much to wound him by suggesting Stannard. "Blake's propensity to burlesque everything is irresistible unless you happen to be alone with him." And Mainwaring would promise, and despite bis promise would fall, for, as he frankly admitted, be couldn't help wanting to know, you know, and, as it never oocurred to him that he could mispronounce any word, foreign or domestic, poor Mainwaring was eternally putting his foot in it. He and Tommy Iiollis were Blake's entire delight, and neither man could re.seut his wittioisms, even when they verged on the personal, for Blake, like Ray, was a regimental idol because of deeds that won a tribute outvying the Victoria cross or congressional medal of honor. Msinwariug swore by both as soldiers, and Hollis fairly worshiped Blake. But Tommy was away on other duty just now, and the shafts of tbe long legged captain's ridicule fell most improperly on bis sluggish witted chief. "Go ahead, Long. D d if I'll hold this train another second," shouted tha oonduotor, with energetic wave of hie lantern. Hiss went the stopoooka. The big engine quivered and trembled in response, and witfr oonvulsive cough a volume of inky smoke was belohed from the stack. Scut's bell clanged furiously, but only very slowly the long, ponderous train began to move. The crockery rattled and the windows shook as the massive engine came boiling and rumbling and panting by. The conductor heard his name called by the engineer and hurried alongside. "Look out for that kid in the big ulster. Tell you why at Willow Springs," was the hoarse warning, as, With slowly quickening Bpeed, old 783 went ponderously on. The conductor looked dazed. The joyone band of bluecoats oame tumbling forth as the foremost oar rolled smoothly past, and, agile as monkeys, leaped to the platform of the baggage and "smoker," "Oh," said Gray, looking fairly at her at last, and beginning to tug at the hand she still held in her two, "it's to b« an international affair, is it? And I am addressing the future Countess of Lancaster?" "I know, sir," said Ray, glancing veugefully at the contortions of the worn gray slumber robe and biting his own lip bard to repress tbe bubbling fun. "What I mean is that I'd like to get the troop full of fellows that couldn't be twisted around a woman's finger." "Enough about it to talk from here to Frisco, but there's no time now. We've got to pull out with that train the moment their engine gets out of our way. But you're the first man I ever met out here who would openly say he was going to enlist. They all come up shamefaced like, as though it was the last thing they wanted people to know." "Listen to reason, Darcy," said Miss Langdon, regaining dignity and self possession at sight of the hunger in his eyes. "I have no money. I have every ambition, every longing, every desire that only position and money can gratify. I like you better than any man I ever knew, yet I wouldn't marry you, because you hadn't enough to offer, and I never so fully felt that I oould and would marry you as now—when I can't. Even Mr. Smythe, with $500,000, could not buy. I am going to a higher bidder —the highest I oould find. So far as I'm conoerned, that settles my fate, but It's yours I care about, Darcy. You've been a dawdler and a do nothing all your life. What will you do now.'" And aUmt these five men—the major, whose name is spelled M-a-i-n-w-a-r-i-n-g aud always pronounced "Mannering"and Ray aud Blake, who have often appeured in these chronicles of bygone frontier days, aud Brady aud Rawson, who have never yet so appeared and who ntver will again so far as this chronicler is concerned—about these five men and one other yet to appear hangs most of this story—these six men and just two women. "You never will, Ray," said Mainwaring, thereby proving that he knew human nature, if not books. "You can take your pick of this gang that Rawson's bringiug out with him or of any of the men that offer themselves at Ransom, aud I'm willing to bet that the next man you enlist will be woman driven from the word go." "Ob, I never found it paid to sail under false colors," was the answer in a tone of gay good humor, not unmixed with a dash of reckless disdain. "I've nothing to lose. But I would like to ask you something about the troop commanders there at Ransom. Can't you give me a lift in the cab? I've a pocketful of better weeds than you get out this way if that's any inducement" And, so saying, he reached down into the deep pocket of bis ulster and brought out a handful of cigars. Gray bud never been able to stomaoh 8 my the. He called him an insupportable cad, but when at a torn in the path be came suddenly op on the combination of brainless ass and insupportable oad squatted on a stone, elbows on knees, his fuzzy jowls deep snnken in bis bands, his eyes on the faraway line of tbe Savoy sbore, the intruder relented. Here was woe perhaps as deep as his own. Place aux dailies", though this bivouac on tbe Boxeldt-r was no place for tbem whatever, ami neither woman was there at the time, and only one of them was known to any one of the men referred to. One of tbe women was Mrs. Mainwaring, and the other, a spinster, was Kate Lcroy. "Pardon, m'aieu', but—ees Mees Langdon''— ' CHAPTER II. "Up at the billiard rooms, probably," was tbe brusque answer, as Mr. Gray turned hastily away to hide the suspicious moisture in his eyes. The night express was oOminntes late already, and engine ?83, waiting at the Junction with her snowplow set, was hissing and rumbling impatiently. Tbe big brown building, embracing hotel and waiting rooms, ticket and station master's office, loomed up against the star dotted sky. The switch lights gleamed in crimson, green and dazzling white here, there and everywhere along the pHnting rails. Bleary lamps were burning in frost covered windows, and tiny ppoiks flattered from tbe pipe of the solitary biped on the platform, a burly man in the toil stained garb of a locomotive engineer, a sturdy fellow who limped as he stamped up ind down the creaking plunks of the platform, bis hands in his pockets, bis eyes everywhere. To him came forth bis lireman, splitting his mouth with a wedge of bilious looking pound cake. He strove to speak, lint, iinding articulation impossible, jerked backward his head and pantomimed the process of serving himself with a cup of comforting drink— coffee, presumably — for be was fresh lrom the lunch counter. "But no. I 'ave been there. I 'ave letters for her, and for M'sieu' 8m— ft Wvi "Be true to my friends—and their estimateof me, probably. You wouldn't bave me to disappoint them would you?" • Mr. Long's maimer changed in an instant. " 'Gainst orders," said be briefly, gazing suspiciously into the stranger"* lace us bespoke. "Better ' your ticket if you're going to B And, swinging himself up to bit, he grasped the reversing lever wi hand and the throttle with the Scut laid hold of tbe cord and se big bell to swinging warning of coming. The huge machine began ly to move rearward as the mui ligncd and belated ooyote came 1 by on the llremau's side, and thi grimed young man availed himse the chance to chaff his fellow % in the flitting cab. He took nc therefore, of the stranger's parting but Long was eying him oloselyan tening for any word. Continued on Pt|C 4. It was a hot day, a dusty day, and the command could prove it without the use of a word us it unsaddled in the grove and men and horses made for tbe nearest water, l'be.r had marched since early mora aud covered 20 miles when the trumpets rang tbe signal fur the llnal halt. They had been winding for hours in long column of twos down the sandy bottom of a vanished creek, and the sight of this onsis in the desert, the clump of cottonwoods with its outlying stragglers farther down stream, was indeed a grateful one. It told of the presence of living water, and the regiment, said Trooper Kelly, "was as dhry as the chaplain'& temperance sermon tbe nigbt before Patrick's day in the morning."Blake did not thoroughly like bim. He thought Maiuwaring selfish, opinionated aud conceited. He admitted him to be a first rate soldier, a tine drillmaster and tacticiau, a truthful, honest and pure minded man, a devuted husband and father—in fact, one of the representative nien of the oavalry. It wasn't that he was narrow (his tolerance on the whisky question was an evidence that he was not), yet he was "buttheaded, " said Blake. "He's perpetually referring to Hay and to me as I be exponents of the liquor habit, when both of us quit long ago. We all like Btaunard, and be doesn't; at least he is alwuys ready to disparage anything Btaunard says or does, and if he were Stanuard's senior instead of junior be'd overrule any decision or order of Standard's just because it was Stannard's. Ho when be oomes out witb his bulls I tan't help goading him a bit. Somebody's got to keep him in check or we'll be getting tbe laugh from those fellows of the Eleventh and Twelfth." And the next thing a dozen men were scampering like mad, lariats and picket pins swinging, heading for the most promising patches of grass. Deroh, *LL NAT|0**^®1 (j oue of toe Globe for fsr; f RHEUMATISM,! their I NBUSALCHA anil «C»»«D I slow- *nd prepared under the »trln*ent A hn,a HL BERMAR MEDICAL UWS,^ ssing ■»^Dw,MorIbad by amine-1 phyiiaUnii^W ,Le, iw OR. RICHTER'S iWA JLS B?" ANCHOR fS fPAIN EXPELLER1 I lis- ■ World renowned I Remarkably aucoesaful 1 ■ ■Only genoine wlt*\ Trade Mark " Anchor,"■ , . If. id. Blefctar Av t., 815PearlSt., Hew Talk, ■ :;t i d 1 31 HIGHEST AWARDS. in _ ) 13 Bamok Honiai. Own Qlauwork*. ■ KadoraedA TOotnmnnded by Have o. c. OHck, 50N. Mvn St-; J- H- iavish St.; iiwra^B ju eh- Tbe gloom in tbe tall American's face deepened perceptibly. But in this oase misery loved not company, and Smythe was surly. No, there wasn't anything Gray could do for bim, thanks. He was feeling seedy, that was all. It was plain to see that tbe interview with Miss Langdon bad left bim sore at heart. Gray stood another moment irresolute There was absolutely no reason why be should do the fellow a good turn. SmytbQ hated bim and plainly showerT it, but Gray had ignored his spleen, and ev«fr good humoredly tolerated bim. It is easy for a man to forgive another's jealousy, but Gray had suffered too much from Miss Langdon's caprioe not to know tbe symptoms when so patent as they were in Smytbe. Ill fortune makes some natures magnanimous—rare natures— and Gray turned again. "What on earth do you mean? Speak sensibly, Darcy. I've never been worth your trust when you gave it Now I'm honest with you. What will you do?" "What tbey all prophesied—i.oth- "Over yonder, possibly," be answered, with a sidewise nod of tbe bead toward a little arbor "far from tbe madding crowd" at the eastward edge of tbe pretty grounds, then turned away, impatient of further inquiry. Some men were ohatting eagerly at the fountain as he passed. One of tbem, English unmistakably, bailed him jovially. Each picket pin was stamped home, the lariats uncurled to their full length, ing." "Darcy, you have brains and energy. You bave—persistence enough to win anything—that's worth having," sue ooncluded, lamely. There was a sulidued sound of sniffling on tbe balcony without. Over the moonlit Alpine sea the mater was gazing toward the shores of France and. wondering if many mothers bad such trials as daughters at whose farthingales dangled half the eligibles in society. Smythe's mother, it seems, bad taken up tbe pen to second tbe plaintive baa of her golden calf and was dealing trenchant blows at her old crony, tbe mother of tbe b*He of the season. f ii 'C* ■i-«. "Time you were ready, Gray. You're going to Cbillon, of course." And with a true Briton's deep disdain of foreign names he spoke it as it was spelled. "No," was the answer, "I'm going to cool off." "Been getting a redbot letter, as you Yankees say, I suppose," the islander went on, impervious to satire. Maiuwaring's four troops, being first on the ground, pre-empted grass there was before hreaking for the spring. Trooper law reserved to tbe horses of the owner all space within lariat length of the firmly driven picket pin, and woe to the man that "jumped the claim." In like manner had the major's "striker" pre-empted the biggest oottonwood for his master'* roof tree, and there, dusted. "I've got tickets all right," m lonely mail ou the platform, "t rather sit up in a cab than sleep Pullman. It's all right, though, a smoke anyhow." And with hand he tossfd half a dozen cigars the cab as he walked beside the m engine. Then, with a cordial v his hand, he turned aside to the i room, into the doorway of which HHS9 St JanoKir naisensrera (ram the "That's about tbe size of it," answered Gray, without halting. Two of tbe men looked after him with no little conoern in their eyes. Others hailed him as he passed tbem by. Gray was evidently popular. A woman in billow-1k JpM* a»d a pa*wl chair roiled "Look here, old man" ("oldchap" bad not then oome into vogue), "if I can't do anything /or you, you oan for me. I was to have gone' wfffi that party, you know, to Gbillon this morning. "Come, swallow the rest of that grub, now, and be lively with your oil can. We can't wait two minutes after she once gets in. No," he continued as the younger repeated his persuasive pantomime, "1 had niy tea at home, and that's euousli. You'll die of QYere»tiii8. "Mother will be in here in a moment, Darcy. You must be frank with me, and Bokeby may be up any moment. You will stay here t\ntil. you've bad time to look about you?" Each picket ptn wns ttamped home. and then back ran the troopers to unsaddle and lead to water. Ten minutes more and the ohwg«s pf gttuiuard's "They wouldn't see the blunders, Blake, only you show 'em up," said Kay, in remonstrance, and with apt « Yonder oomea the boat now. Go to |
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