Pittston Gazette

              •established 1850. I rOL. XLVIII No. 40 | Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1898. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. JSl.OO a Imt iu Advance. fjWS JiffSfJWV ) AVTMOR OF TROH T. RECRUIT ] BV turn by. be moved qniokly away, 20 yards or more beyond the gate, where be still could have a good look at the returning soliderv, bat was himself beyond saluting distanoe. One after another the seven Separate compact little columns of fours marched steadily in and jogged on down the gentle slope toward the huge wooden stables. He was still gazing in some odd fascination after the last, the roan troop, when the sound of bounding hoofs, whirring wheels and gay laughter recalled his wandering thoughts, and, turning sharply to the prairie once more, his eyes fell upon the foremost of the rapidly nearing carriages.ana settled down to garrison duty again. Tbe first thing demanded of Sergeant Merriweather was an account of bis stewardship and tbe progress of tbe new trooper, and Merriweather looked solemn and mysterious and was finally understood to say that he had nothing tooomplain of in him, but he "reckoned other people might," whereupon Ray bade him speak out. The Kentuokian could not tolerate insinuation or innuendo in a soldier, and Merriweatber told the story of the mutual recognition of Hunter and the unknown captive. of bis troop already gathering in front of their quarters awaiting tbe signal to form ranks—the quick, stirring assem! bly. must have knifed him and got away." "Is Captain Ray there?" came a call from tbe darkness in the deep, well known voice of the oolonel, and Ray sprang to answer. Then the sergeant turned on Trooper Hunter. boarded tbe transcontinental trains far or near. Butte was a big, straggling frontier town, illimitable in its future possibilities, said the "promoters," and equally illimitable in present devices for concealing stolen property or stealing practitioners. Butte had a large floating population and small sinking fund, the latter devoted to rewards for capture of malefactors, and Conway had a widespread reputation for sleepless vigilanoe and luckless ventures. He made many arrosts, and nearly as many errors in the eyes of tbe law, since oonvlctlons were few and far between. He had gloried in his seven desperadoes just about 48 hours. Then as man after man looked them over and said he oouldn't testify against them, as they proved to be perfect strangers, Conway's face grew lined and anxious. It began to look as though failure were again about to stamp him, when some one suggested that Pat Healy at the post could tell him all be wanted to know, and somebody else whispered that the sooner he got every man even remotely connected with the robbery the better would it be for his chanoe of re-election. Then be came to Ransom trebly armed, but bis very first viotim proved far too olever, adroit and dangerous. The knife was driven furiously, and it was Qod's mercy the sheriff was not killed outright ly set and girthed the saddle, and men, at a nod from his captain, vaulted on her back, Ray letting go the moment the reins were gathered. tbe impatient words seemed to reaotk' bim, and tbe flustered face of bia comrade at tbe opposite post recalled bim to himself. "The captain saya set it at 8 feet C. Quick! She's coming." "Did you see Doyle? He was looking for you, Hunter," chirruped a little Patlander. "You're blowing, man. Where you running frpm?" And then did Stella danoe nimbly, daintily about, playfnl and spirited, but not in the least vicious, Hunter giving her head abundant room to toss and maintaining only light and efcjy pressure on the bit. Mainwaring sniffed disdainfully at the nncavalrylike pose, tbe long, flat seat, tbe knees far to tbe front, tbe feet set home in tbe stirrups and away forward. He sniffed still more when Stella began to bound and curvet, and Hunter rose slightly in bis stirrups, riding ligbtly, springingly and never thinking of sitting fast. Ray called to Merriweather to bring one or two men and come over to the hurdles, and, without an audible word, the order was obeyed, thougb it was remarked at tbe time that the sergeant hesitated a bit, possibly because of his disfigured face. "Look here, young feller," said he. "They tell me you're the chap Conway wanted." Coming she was, with a rush, Hooter's hands held low oo her withers, hia legs dangling on tbe near side aa she bounded over tbe springy turf. Merriweatber jerked oot tbe iroo peg and thrust it into the three-six bole, lifting tbe bar as be did so, but turning the book of tbe pin npward instead of down. It was no leap at all. There waa no But Hunter made no reply. Hooking the collar of bis overcoat and buttoning it throughout, he stepped quietly to the point where the center of bis troop usually formed for roll call, for bis place in ranks was close behind a tall corporal wbo marked the left of tbe first platoon. Tbe first sergeant, silent and solitary, his swinging lantern in bis band, stood a few yards away, gazing out across the dim parade at the bright lights in the distant quarters of tbe officers. Tbe soldierly form of tbe second lieutenant could be dimly discerned a few yards beyond the sergeant. To the right and left, in front of the other barrack buildings, big black groups of men were gathered and sergeants' lights were gleaming, all awaiting tbe next signal. Suddenly it came, quick, rippling, merry. "Fall in," were the hoarse words growled from half a dozen soldier throats. The groups quickly resolved themselves into two long columns of files that faoed to their left the instant tbe mnslo ceased and stood motionless while, with the ease and rapidity of daily practice, tbe sergeant called tbe roll. CHAPTER VIII. ME COLONEL'S DAUGHTER; ME RANKS,"ETC. A general court martial had convened at Ransom for the trial of suoh enlisted men as should be brought before it, and the president thereof looked out from behind bis newspaper during a lull in the proceedings, and. with tbe characteristic expression which seemed to say, "Don't you dare lie to me now," popped tbe following question: i COPyR/GMT. /f)90.3y SB. L/PP/A/COTTCO., j It was tbe evening of his return to Ransom and just before tattoo, which in those days was always aocompanied by a roll oall. - It was a light, open ph' ?ton, drawn by two spirited bays, whose flue action and well made harness won his instaut approval. Beside the carriage trotted tbe stocky, burly major wbo' ■ be so well remembered tbe day of his first interview with Dana in the office. On tbe otber side rode Dana himself, a handsome young soldier, and, far more interested in tbem than in tbe possible occupants of tbe vehicle, Hunter was looking upon them with a soldier's eye, keenly appreciative of Dana's graceful, easy seat and of Main waring's good, if bulky, horsemanship when he suddenly became aware of tbe fact that instead of turning in at tbe gate the driver was beading straight southward, evidently intending to drive around to tbe main gate instead of passing, as Hunter had come, through that portion of tbe post best known as "Sudstown." CHAPTER VI. "Catch I" tossed tbem carelessly to tbe vigilant wearer of the chevrons, hastened to barracks, deposited his bundles on tbe bed assigned him and looked up and down tbe now silent and almost deserted building in search of some one to ttell bim what had taken place. . Two men, one laid up from the kiok of a horse, tbe otber with an arm in a sling, came down to investigate tbe contents of his bundles, but were disarmed of hostile intent by bis easy good nature and prompt offer of cigars. Whisky be had none. Asking for Merriweatber, he was told to look for bim at bis quarters. "See if Hunter is in quarters," said tbe oaptain, "and Bend him to me." And Merriweatber hastened on his errand.A territorial governor is not an awe inspiring official ordinarily, but tbe governor of Wyoming, relieved of bis valuables at Ue point of the pistol, was not slow in seeking redress. From Butte be wired full particulars of tbe robbery to tbe department commander, who was at Pawnee just back from an inspection of tbe Sioux agencies, 60 miles to tbe nortb. Tbe general was waiting for tbe east bound train at tbe depot hotel, was aroused in an instant, and lost no time in wiring authority to Colonel Atberton to use any means in his power to bead off and bapture tbe robbers without waiting for civil process. Tbe news of tbe bold up witb its attendant casualties went buzzing over tbe post at reveille, and barely had tbe story reached Atberton as be stood under the flagstaff receiving tbe reports of tbe troop commanders when out came tbe telegraph operator, racing, and tbe oolonel read tbe hurriedly penned lines and turned to Ray. Somehow or other whenever any swift, bard riding bad to be dona, Ray and Ray's troop were tbe first fellows thought of. "Blake, what's the name of tbe Three Guardsman?" No. The men in barracks said the swell recruit was out somewhere. "Mabbe he's gone down to pay bis respects to Mrs. Merriweatber, sergeant," sneered an ill conditioned fellow, a man no otber liked, yet who had served with tbe old troop over half a dozen years. Merriweatber knew it would never do to notice tbe remark, but it stung bim all tbe same. "Find bim, you, and tell bim tbe captain wants him at once," ■aid be to the would be sneerer, then slammed tbe door behind bim and sprang out into tbe night. He bad not been home for nearly an hour, and be needed, be told himself, a drink, so thitber be went And Blake, never laying down bis paper or changing a muscle of his long, sallow t countenance, placidly and promptly responded, "Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos." "Try her over the bar first, Ray," said Mainwaring. And, with a man stationed at each post and the bar set easily nearly three feet from tbegroond, Hunter guided bia pretty moont to tbe spot, let ber sniff at and examine the strange affair, then as qoietly rode her a dozen yards away, tnrned her bead to tbe bar, and relaxing tbe reins gave ber the bint to go, hia long sinewy legs close pressed to tbe saddle. Stella oame at it delightedly, but changed her mind with tbe second stride and would have flown the track but for the firm band and olosed leg. Finding she couldn't dodge and had to do it, she rose high, and, half affrighted, cleared tbe bar and came bounding ligbtly to tbe turf, then bolted away with blood in ber eye and tbe bit in her teeth. Only a few roda, however. Hunter, sitting her like wax now, reined her round in broad circle, beaded her back for tbe gronp, gradually cheokibg her speed aa be neared tbe party. Captain Gregg, Bitting at the right of the presiding officer, after reflecting profoundly a moment, slowly nodded, as though to say, "Right, though I didn't think you knew." CaptainTrusoott, sitting opposite Gregg and busily occupied witb a letter, glanced qtrtckly from under bis heavy lashes and compressed bis lips. Some of tbe youngsters farther down tbe long table looked a bit mystified, but Blake's balance wheel, Captain Ray, was not a member of tbe court and probably would have accepted tbe reply as authoritative had be been there, for Ray was no reader. It was tbe questioner wbo looked dissatisfied, and tbe questioner, as usual, was Mainwaring.Hurling Hunter, blanket and hertelj in a confused and, rolling heap. reasop why she should strike, no reason why, if abe did strike, any barm would occur. Bot it waa all done in a second of time. Sittiog sideways, instead of astride, Hooter waa at a. disadvantage. He could oot "lift ber" aa be waa accustomed. The excited creature daahed "Catch bim out of watching $gtance of the little woman!" said one oftmtaC with a grin. "Mind yonr eye, Hunter. She'll be making up to you next," said tbe otber, "and we don't want you to be found with your head in tbe horse pond, like Pat Shea." And then it transpired that Trooper Shea bad been a devoted admirer of pretty Mrs. Merriweatber while she was still housemaid at tbe Freemans and that Pat's devotions were equally divided between her and Muldoon's saloon until one winter's morning he was dragged by tbe legs from his icy winding sheet witb a dreadful gash in bis throat and the neck of a bottle still grasped in his frozen hand. Hunter obeyed his orders and went, and Mrs. Merriweatber saw bim coming and ran to her glas* before she answered the sharp knook at the door. And then Miss Leroy, the Mainwarings' guest, had developed an odd fad for an eastern girl. A more independent young woman had never been seen at Ransom. Site was always unlike other girls, said Mra Mainwaring. She had always visited the poor and needy at home, bad headed all manner of charitable schemes as a yonng girl and had a mania for reading aload to the sick. Few of the ladies of the —th, deeply imbned tbongh some of th£m were with religions faith, had ever thought it their duty to visit the patients in the big post hospital. The snrgeon and the steward did all that. The young assistant surgeon was a bachelor and susceptible. Miss Leroy's plea to be allowed to visit the hospital was eagerly granted, and he himself was there to escort ber. Tbe noncommissioned bead of tbe sorrel troop twice repeated one name in a questioning, surprised tone, then faoed hiB lieutenant and reported, "Sergeant Merriweatber absent, sir." Tbe officer acknowledged tbe salute, said, "Dismiss tbe troop," and, facing about found himself confronting the unexpected apparation of Captain Ray and beard in tbe soft dialect of tbe Blae Grass his captain's words: Another minute, and they must flash past him, not ten yards away, with ouly that low pioket fence between them. Already the sentry bad baited and presented arms, both officers touching their caps in acknowledgment. Already the swift team was darting past the gate. The lady oocu pants of the stylish vehicle were whisking into view, and, yielding to sodden and uncontrollable impulse, Hnnter whirled abont, jnmped the shallow ditch and Bprang behind the nearest of the little booses devoted to the use of the married soldiers. In that one swift glanoe at the fair oocupanta he had seen a face at sight of which the blood went rushing to bis own. Tbeae, side by side, were Mrs. Mainwaring aid the young lady whom he had pioked np in his arms the nigbt of that "head on" collision at Alkali Flats. Bright lights were burning in some of tbe quarters, dim ones in others, but in his own the light seemed lowered to tbe verge of darkness. Not two yards from bis door tbe tall figure of a man in soldier overcoat loomed into view, and, peering closely at bim, Merriweather discovered tbe recruit. at the bar as thougb reokleaa of ita added height; tbe off fore foot strack tbe tough, ooyieldiog wood, tripped her, threw ber beadloog oo tbe torf, borliog Hooter, blanket and herself in a confused and rolling heap. A woman'a abriek went op at tbe ioatant, bot it came not from tbe lips of tbe women on tbe field. For a moment be pondered, scowling at Blake tbe while, then outspoke: "Where you been, Hunter?" was tbe sharp, stern demand. "Well, that's all right, probably, but what I want to get at is the name of that otber fellow witb em—Dee—something—bow do you pronounoe it?" It seemed but another instant before Hunter was cm his feet, reins in band, while Stella was straggling to rite. Forgetful of himself, he songht to see it the mare were harmed. Ray and Hogaa sprang to his side. "Are you hart, man?" they eagerly asked, bat he laughed it off. •C "Not at all, sir. I'm only troubled about her." Panting, wide eyed and startled. Stella stood, with heaving flanks, wondering what it all meant. Bay hastened to reassure his wife. Atherton rode op to satisfy himself the soldier was uninjured. Over beyond the roadway and fenoe two of the laundresses were leading Mrs. Merriweather, shocked and actually weeping, away. At them the sergeant stood gazing fixedly, his discolored faoe working with and Captain Blake had twice to bid Mm pick up the bar before he answered and obeyed. "Let your men finish breakfast," said tbeoolouel, "then—do your best" And be banded the dark eyed Kentuckian the dispatch. "Looking for you, sergeant," was the quiet reply. "Send Trooper Hunter to me, sergeant, directly you dismiss." "Try it fibm that side," said Bay, and over she popped, light as a bird. A third and a fourth time was the leap repeated, Stella enjoying being the center of attraction and improving on her efforts. Then came the attempt at the wider hurdle, a man being stationed at eaob end to give her the idea of posts between whioh she must jump. This, too, proved a bagatelle. And all this time Hunter had never opened hia lips to speak. Now, in obedience t« the captain'a signal, the trooper reined up close to him. "Wbo sent you?" And there were both anger an4 suspicion in the tone. And while Lieutenant Scott went away to report the result of roll call to the adjutant and the sergeant again faced his company Hunter felt his heart sink within him. Already Merriweather, theu, had managed to get word to bis captain, and the captain was there to wreak vengeanoe on him, the luckless offender. In violation of the strictest articles of war be. Hunter Gray, had struck down his superior officer and was now to suffer the penalty of the law. "Depends on whether you're in a salon or a saloon, major," answered Blake. "Dartanyan in one case and Dee A r tag nan in t'other. What have you stumbled on now?" In an boor from that time Mrs. Ray, holding her baby hoy in her arms, was gazing from the north window of ber army home at some black specks on the far borison, and little Sandy, tugging at the skirts of ber pretty morning wrapper, was ooaxing for mother to bold him np too. The sorrel troop were up and away, beading for Wheelan Springs, on the Laramie trail, and bets were even between Stannard and Mainwaring that "Ray would nab the outfit before sundown. " "Why, it's Mr. Hunter I" she said. "Sore, I knew the step before I saw yon! Gome in, Mr. Hunter! The sergeant's gone to the commissary, and I expect him back every minute." "Oh, no one. I wished to speak with you a moment. I want some advioe." "There is no need of your coming here, then. You've seen me a dozen times in the last two days. Why didn't yon ask it then?" "Nothing much. Reading abont a fellow that named his horse that and thinks he's going to sweep the raoe tracks from Jerome park to Jerusalem. Dee—what d'you call him? I wouldn't ride one of their steeplechases on an English saddle if you'd give me fl,- 000." One of the first patients to interest her was Sheriff Oonway, to whom she was now reading aloud an hour every morning. Mild raillery bad no effect upon her. Expostulation was not resorted to, for it speedily developed that, with all her slender, dainty physique, Miss Leroy had a vigorous, if placid, will of ber own. The poet surgeon had said there was no harm whatever, in fact it was a blessing to more patients than one, therefore by all means let Miss Leroy keep it up. Thereafter there was no one to say ber nay. Secretly Mrs. Mainwaring bad hoped the oolonel and her husband would express disapproval, but, with the perversity of their sex, they persisted in saying to Miss Leroy that she was an angel of goodness and it was a wonder that other women had not done likewise long before. By the time she had been three weeks at Ransom Kate Leroy was better known and infinitely better loved ii}tbe quarters of the married soldiers whose little ones were ailing and in the wards of the big hospital than all but two or three of the ladies of the regiment It was a new departure at the post But the trooper's blue eyes glanced only indifferently into the coquettish and smiling fltce. For a moment the younger man was silent; surprise and disappointment clouded his face. So, too, there crept into it a shade of indignation, and it showed plainly in the tone of his reply. CHAPTER VII. "1 was directed here," he said, "to report to Sergeant Merriweather, but I'll go on down to the stables and stop on my return. Thank you, no!" he continued, with oold courtesy, as sbe again nrged that be should enter, and strode away stableward with more than one pair of eyes from the laundresses' quarters gazing after him, those of Mrs. Merriweather being clouded and perplexed.Major Stannard had won bis bet, and Mainwaring was more than usually "grumpy" in consequence. Ray and his men, riding like the wind, bad ran down the train robbers before tbey reached the Dry Fork, and in a long stern ohase bad overhauled first one man, then another, until darkness set in and hid the leading fugitives from sight. Seven lively specimens of the border ruffian were the captives of the sorrel troop by nightfall, and, olosely guarded, these were the men turned over next morning to Mr. Sheriff Conway when that much fatigued offloiai and his posse reached the spot where Ray and bis men bad made camp the nigbt before. Ray himself, with a dozen troopers, had pushed on at daybreak, following the trail of the fugitives in hopes of capturing the more prominent members of the party, who, as it turned out, bad most of tbe ill gotten booty, while bis lieutenant, Mr. Soott, remained in charge of tbe main body and of the prisoners until tbe arrival of the civil authorities, who promptly demanded and obtained possession. Conway and his posse, rejoicing, turned homeward at onoe with their disheveled prizes, hoping to reaob Butte and reoeive a triumph by evening of the next day. Seven train robbers were more than had ever been caught before in tbe history of the territory, and great wonld be the rejoicings. Securely bound, tbe luckless captives, each man laabed to tbe stirrup of some one of tbe numerons posse, trudged painfully along tbe homeward trail. Silent, resolute, almost defiant, no one of their number would give tbe whisper of a hint as to the identity of tbe leaders or of one another. All were strangers to Butte. Neither Conway nor his deputies bad ever seen one of their faoes before. Lieutenant Soott had lost no time in saddling and pushing on after his oaptain, two of the posse riding with him so as to give tbe possibly necessary civil sanction to tbe arrest of tbe robbers and to take tbe customary civil credit for the same, naively explaining, "You fellows iu the regular army don't need it; we do, or there's no obanoe for Conway's crowd next election." "You bear. Hunter, the captain wants you." Then "Break ranks! MarobI" was tbo order, and the troop, oobesive and compact but the moment before, dissolved at the word and fell to pieces, leaving the new member standing all alone. For one moment be remained tbero to pull himself together; then, uervrd to face tbo worst, strode out to met t his fate, his heart thumping in his breast "What do you think of her jumping?" asked Bay. "I had no need of it then," was the answer, aa the younger soldier looked squarely into the eyea of the senior. Then, just aa when angered by the overbearing ways of Major Mainwaring, Hunter's high spirit overmastered his resolution to take men and matters as he found them, and his eyes, too, flashed angrily. "Whatever thought I bad of it ten minutes ago," be said, "is gone now. I won't trouble you." "I wouldn't oare to ride one on any other kind—certainly not on one of our service saddles," said Blake, whose long legs could wrap around any horse in the regiment. "Those high, sharp pommels are the worst kind of thing to use oross oountry." But who could that "outfit" be? Jim Long said all were masked, and be recognized none. Scut, bis fireman, died without a sign. Parks, the expressman, declared every form unfamiliar. Jarvia, the conductor, and Ryan, a brakeman, alone oould furnish anything like a olew. Two of tbe desperadoes were dressed like two oowboys tbey had had aboard the nigbt of tbe collision, a fortnight back, and the leader, who was tall, aleoder, well dressed, with the voice and intonation of a man of education and social position, closely resembled in build a passenger who boarded tbe sleeper that nigbt at tbe Junction and left it after tbe accident and went to Pawnee. Tbe division superintendent wired to Omaba snob particulars as be could give. Tbe legal representative and certain detectives of tbe road were ordered to leave for tbe soeoe by first train. Tbe sheriff at Bntte had a good sized posse in readiness by breakfast time and then started valiantly on the trail of Ray's troop, passing through Fort Ransom about tbe time that Mr. Dana was mounting guard. "She has been well taught, sir," was the answer, in low, quiet tone. "I think she will give Mrs. Bay little trouble, bat she has never been ridden with the sidesaddle and skirt, I understand. " "Not if yon know how to ride," said the major, who loyally stood by everything that was regulation. "I'll bet you any real cavalryman will tell you that he'd rather use a McOlellan for any kind of riding than any other kind 3f saddle." No, she had not. Hogan produced the sidesaddle aud a cavalry blanket. In two minutes the mare was housed in the one and Hunter rolled, as to his legs, in the other. This time mounting was not so easy. Stella despised that blanket and wonld not suffer it to come near her, and that blanket was to be tried in lieu of a riding skirt. Mainwaring sat on his horse, shouting all manner of suggestions, sorely trying Bay's sense of subordination. At last, impatiently, be hazarded the remark, "Phoo, Bay, that man oan't ride. There's a dozen men in my old troop would have had her over the hurdle, blanket and all, by this time." "That's what you call a stand off, I suppose," muttered the man at the opposite post as Merriweather brushed him by. "Don't tell me I don't know who floored yon." Bat the sergeant never heard. He was hastening after his wife. It had been a perfect morning, keen and frosty at guard mount, but warmer as the sun wheeled high toward tbe zenith, and Atberton bad bad tbe regiment out for drill. Tbe broad prairie northeast of tbe post was alive with prancing, high mettled steeds, with dashing riders, and not a few oarriages and Concord wagons, filled with ladies of tbe post, all rejoicing at having tbe regiment onoe more at home. For nearly two hours Atberton bad bad the seven troops in rapid movement here and there and everywhere over tbe plain, and now, the drill over, troop after troop came marching sedately and quietly homeward to cool and calm the horses before reaching stables. In full ranks, 60 men at least to each oompany, in their trim fitting fatigue dress and with tbe silken swallowtail waving at tbe head of each little column, tbey looked wonderfully businesslike and serviceable. Tbe easy, practiced seat of every man, tbe nonchalant grace of every pose, tbe resolute, dust covered, sometimes devil may oare faces, all seemed thoroughly in keeping with tbe scene and surroundings, thoroughly in accord with the buoyant action of tbe mettlesome monnts. Accustomed from boyhood to the best of horseflesh, a born rider and judge, Trooper Hunter could not but see that though these frontier steeds might laok tbe dainty trappings and satin ooats of the park and avenues of Qotham, there were life and spirit, fire and enduranoe, in almost every one in each of tbe seven columns. Standing by the northward gate, he keenly studied each troop as it came jogging briskly in. Tbe oolonel and tbe major, the adjutant and certain other officers seemed to have grouped about tbe oarriages of the ladies at the edge of the drill ground, bnt at least one officer rode witb every troop, the best opportunity the newoomer yet had enjoyed of studying these future comrades with whom he. might never expect to exchange a word or meet witb more than tbe formal and panotilious touch of the hand to cap. Tbey were moving at ease now until each troop in suooession might cross the sentry post and be called to attention in recognition of tbe salute of its solitary oocupant "Hunter," said the captain, "did I not understand you to say that you were a total stranger west of the Missouri and that you bad neither friends nor enemies out here?" And with that he would have gone his way, but Merriweatber, smarting with jealousy and suspicion, threw himself across his path. "You go no farther, young man, till you hear what I've got to say. This is the third time in less than a week you've beau prowling here around my door. Keep your distance In future. D'ye understand? No man enters that bouse exoept on my invitation. Now yon go to Captain Ray and tell him I sent yon." "Yes, sir, "was the trooper's reply, his baud still at the cap visor. "Done," said Blake, "and leave it to 3tannard or Ray." And here he kioked across under the table to rouae bis opposite fellow member to full rejoicing in the oolloqny, for Mainwaring oouldn't bear to hear Stannard quoted as authority on any subject and was sure that Ray waa a vastly overrated officer. "Bay," said the oolonel as they were riding into the garrison a few minutes later, "that was a piece of gross carelessness on the part of your sergeant That man has been getting less reliable every month for the last two years. You'd better tbink twioe should he apply for re-enlistment." "Thou how did you come to know that prisoner in the lot brought in by tbe sheriff?" H«nt» w«D rilmjt "You admit having seen him before?" "I do, sir." "Where and when?" "What does Stannard know about it anyhow?" bristled Mainwaring. "He never rode anything but a McOlellan. And aa for Ray, I know a dozen better riders and cavalrymen who agree with me." Day after day, then, was she to be seen, each morning about 10 o'clock, on ber way to ber patients, and with them she would stay until orderly oall aounded at noon. There were four men in hospital when she began; there were seven men at tbe end of the week, and the doctor said she was making it too attractive a place after all. "Before I joined the regiment, sir. I net bim with another man at Pawnee." "Gerald," said clear sighted Mrs. Blake, as she clung to the arm of the oaptain, alter leaving Mrs. Bay at her gate, "I'm glad that didn't happen in your troop Are you sure Sergeant Merriweather set that pin properly? Wasn't it his wife that shrieked?" For a moment the tall young soldier stood there, too astonished to make reply. He had heard the men talk of Merriweatber as "tough on recruits." He had understood that new men must take a great deal of bullying from the elders—that it was purposely done to try their temper and teat their sense of subordination. Hitherto he had looked upon Merriweather's asperities as having no personal signiflaanoe. Now, for tbe first time, it flashed upon him that he was singled out for harsh, overbearing and abusive language from a man coarse by nature, mentally, physically and sooially his inferior. All on a sudden the aot blood boiled in bis veins, and, forgetful of his new obligations, reckless of anything bnt his wrath, Trooper Hunter hit out straight hard and well, taking Merriweatber squarely between tbe eyes and knooking him flat. Tbe resounding thwaok of tbe blow, tbe heavy crash of tbe fall, were eoboed from tbe doorway by a woman's startled ory, and tbe next thing Hunter knew aa he stood there still quivering, bis flst clinched and ready to dash again at bis floored victim, now feebly struggling to bis knees, the slender form of the sergeant's wife was bending ovai the beaten man. Then she threw herself rpon her knees beside her prostrate husland.The blood rushed to Hunter's face, and he bit his lip hard. Thus far Ray had been holding the mare's head by the bit—ahnb, ao to speak, about which she circled, first one way, then the other, to dodge the blanket swathed form. Now the trooper was beard to speak. Captain Ray was silent a moment He stood scrutinizing in deep concern tbe pale, clear cut faoe before bim. " When I vouched for you in the adjutant's office the day of your enlistment, I felt somehow that you were a truthful man and not a runagate, and I don't wish to be disappointed in yon. I don't want to find a man with a clouded reoord in my troop. What do you know about that robbery?" "All right. You oome out to tbe bnrdles after oourt adjourns, major, and we'll give you a chance to see the difference. That pretty mare of Mrs. Ray's is to have a jumping lesson this afternoon, and you can try both saddles and systems if you like." Other sheriff's official* went oat to Minden with tbe division superintendent, and others still poshed on to Pawnee, up on tbe broad plateau, to inquire for two oowboys, a tramp and a swell, all of whom bad appeared there in company just after the smash np at Alkali Flats, none of whom were there now, bat one of whom, the tramp, so called, looking so entirely a different man— with trimmed hair and beard and good clothes—as to have been unrecognizable bad be not rashly given himself away to everybody by bragging about his exploits tbe night of the smash np. That tramp bad boarded No. 8 at 8:80 a. m. at Pawnee with a ticket for Sweetwater, bat, so it transpired, bad checked his troak only as far as Butte. All this by rapid telegraphing to and fro was developed before tbe posse started on its way, bat not antil after tbe despoiled train bad changed engines at Butte, and then, according to tbe inexorable rales of tbe railway, bad gone on again. Jarvis remembered that a very deoent, quiet fellow boarded the forward passenger coach at Pawnee with a ticket for Sweetwater, bat be did not oonnect bim with tbe tramp so lavishly provided for by tbe "swell" tbe night of the collision. Bat, now tbey spoke of it, they were about tbe same size and bnild, and, what made it significant, that fellow seemed to have disappeared when tbe robbers jumped aboard and went through tbe passengers, nor did be appear again until just as the train palled oat for Butte after tbe robbers were gone. Wiring west after the rushing train speedily brought this answer: "No party with ticket from Pawnee to Sweetwater aboard." And as be bad been seen and talked with and listened to np to tbe moment of tbe arrival of No. 8 at Butte Jarvis declared tbe man mast be somewhere about tbe town at this moment, and Botte's few policemen were pat in searob. "Next thing," Baid Wilkins, "she'll be after beatifying tbe gyardhonse." "Pet," said Mrs. Mainwaring to her niece just as the yoang doctor lifted his cap and looked for an invitation to enter as be met the two ladies returning from a call at the Bays' an hoar later, "you and Dr. Jayne came near getting another patient thia afternoon, and a most interesting one, they say, a mysterious swell in the sorrels. He might serve to make yon forget the handsome unknown who played doctor for you the " night of the collision. She hasn't told you about that, I suppose, has she, doctor?""Pardon me, captain, but may I take her myself?" Mrs Mainwaring found that telling ber niece what people said about this fad of hers had no effect whatever. So she went a bit further and told her things people really had not said, but might say. This, too, fell harmless. Afternoons and evenings Miss Leroy was ready to devote to social duties and Mrs. Mainwaring, but the morning readings to the men in the oonvalesoent ward went on without interruption or noteworthy incident an entire week. Than came a change in the arrangement Instantly the two ladies exchanged a glanoe. "I told you he looked like a gentleman," said Mrs. Ray, in low tone. But the re-entrance of the judge advocate with the prisoner put a stop to the chat, and Mainwaring called the oourt to order. "Nothing more than everybody else, sir—that it took plaoe and that"— Bnt here again hu hesitated. Then began a very pretty piece of ooaxing. With one firm hand at the bit, the blanket still strapped about bis waist, Trooper Hunter had managed to reach Stella's neck with his right hand, and, patting her softly, was murmuring gently. "Makin love to her in Irish," Hog an muttered to Duffy. Several additions had been made to the gronp by this time. The colonel, Dana by his side and followed by his orderly, came riding around from the direction of the stables and, doffing his cap to the ladies, sat in saddle, an interested spectator. Several wives and children of the soldiers had been attracted from their quarters to the fence, while a little farther back, aloof from the geberal run of Sudstown people, with a pale blue shawl, one of Mrs. Freenian'e disoarded evening wraps over her head, pretty Mrs. Merriweather stood to gaze. "Well, that what, Hunter?" said Captain Ray, noting the soldier's significant pause. A week bad rolled by since the night of the assault on Sergeant Merriweatber and the stabbing of Sb«t4ff Conway. The first episode seemed to have died out of tbe interest of even the few who knew of it, for Merriweather's lips were sealed, but the seoond was still the topio of excited talk. "Nothing more, sir. I met one of the prisoners at Pawnee in a restaurant some few weeks ago. I never saw bim before, and I've never seen him siuoe— exoept that day.' * " 'M—ah, no, no, indeed," said Dr. Jayne in evident dismay. "What was he like, pray?" True to bis colors, Mainwaring was out at tbe hurdles ten minutes before anybody else that afternoon, and loudly calling for Blake to come and make good his word. He came soon enough, Mrs. Ray and Mrs. Blake, two oharming women, with him. Presently out rode Captain Billy on his old favorite Kay stood calmly studying his mail. "I told yon it was taking chances to enlist an applicant who looked as though he might have been a man of high social standing," said he presently, "and yon looked me in the eye and said I shouldn't regret taking you in my troop. You're been with me barely a week, and already you are the object of suspicion. How long will it be before I hear you direotly accused of something to make me deeply regret my overoonfidenoe?" And well it might be. Armed with a warrant, so he claimed, for the arrest of certain soldiers of the garrison, Conway had come to the post about tattoo that evening, had stopped at the guardhouse and asked to see Prisoner Healy, a soldier under charges of assault and robbery of a fellow trooper ouly a few weeks before. Healy and a companion confined as an accomplice had sawed their way out and escaped, as has been told, but the former was recaptured and brought back. He was a merry little Irishman, an almost universal favorite before the trouble occurred. The garrison declared to a man he couldn't have had a band in the robbery, though it was probable he oouldn't have kept out of the assault. But evidence of a serious character was piled up against him when be made the suspicions attempt to get away. Conway was possessed with the idea that Healy knew something about the train robbery. No one could surely identify any of the seven languishing in Butte's stronghold, and the sheriff was at his wits' end. The officer of the guard had gone over to get his heavy ooat and to change into rough rig for the night when Conway appeared, and an overconfident sergeant, detailing a sentry to stand close by, permitted Healy to come out of the prison room and be questioned. At first the young Irishman was stubborn and would tell nothing, but gradually he made admissions and kept glancing fearfully over his sbouldei as though he thought the sentry might hear. So Conway drew him around behind the portico of the heavy log structure and told the sentry to oome no nearer; be would be responsible. The very next miuute the sentry heard a stifled cry, a scuffle. Healy darted away like a shot into the darkness. The sentry and the guard pursued in vain, and Conway lay stabbed to the hilt of a ghastly looking knife. He had bled almost to death before the surgeon reached him or unskilled hands could check the flow. Now he was lying at the post hospital, slowly convalescing, but very weak and dazed. "Ob, divinely tall and most divinely fair," said Mrs. Mainwaring, laughing. "Kate has his flask and handkerchief yet, waiting for him to return and claim them—and her." And that evening Miss Leroy wondered whether aunts were always so disagreeable or whether this was merely her own fault, and entirely her fault, because she had admitted that, though there were agreeable men in the regiment, they were all married. ■Dandy, now a sedate steed over 10 years of age, after him strode his Irish groom Hogan, leading a beautiful little bay mare, all points and elasticity, a spirited, dancing creature, with dainty bead and legs, brilliant eyes, pretty pointed ears and a satin coat that fairly glistened. The hurdles were at the edge of the drill ground on the northeast side of the post, and no sooner was the party sighted from the barracks than a number of troopers made tbeir way to the fenoe, and with appreciative eyes stood watching at respectful distance the preparation for Stella's first lesson with sidesaddle and skirt. And on bis triumphant Homeward way what was more natural than that Conway should march tbrougb Ransom tbe following evening just as the ghostlike column in white stable frooks came swinging up to barracks tbrougb tbe gloaming? As tbe shortest road ran close to the men'B quarters, it happened that the burly sheriff, with bis captive train, went clattering by tbe long wooden porches, and such troopers as happened to be excused from stables—precious few in Atherton'sregiment—came rushing oat of quarters to see them. All tbe companies had had to "stand to heel" and have their stalls inspected before they started up the slope, but in Kay's stable were only a few horses, and the few men under oharge of Sergeant Merriweather had already gone to barracks and were there when Conway came through, and of thiB few was tbe new trooper, Hunter, " You've struck him cruel bard," she moaned. "Oh, you shouldn't have minded what be said, Mr. Hunter. He's awful jealous. There, Danny, sit still—sit still,"she pleaded soothingly. "Run for a little water, Mr. Hunter. He's bleeding (earful. Do be still, Danny. Sore the gentleman never set foot inside your door nor spoke a word to uie. You're foolish, Danny." She strove to stanch the blood with her handkerchief, but he was slowly regaining his faculties and thrust her rudely away, and then she saw be was fumbling inside the breast of his ooat, and fear gave her strength. Hunter had taken a dipperful of water from the barrel at the side qt the little hut and was bringing it, dripping, wondering as he came what wgnld be the outcome of this mad impulse, but she met him half way, seized the dipper and bade him go. "Quick," she panted. "Don't stop an instant now. Get away before be comes to himself -or he'll shoot. $o instantly, please, Mr. Hunter, or maybe he'll kill me too." Hunter slowly lifted an edge of the blanket and let Stella nose it, which she did, feigned to be uiuch frightened and attempted again to pull away. But at last, wearying of fruitless efforts, she consented to smell of it and then nudged it disdainfully aside. The next thing she knew Hunter had slipped both hands back, one to the pommel, the other to her mane, and with agile spring alighted on the saddle, threw the right leg over the horn, and, despit« ber plunging, Stella found herself onoe more under his weight, firmly held ac ever. Five minutes' petting made hex forget her bnrden, even when shows tbe shadow of the skirt. In less than ten she had leaped the hurdle to and fro half a dozen times and was realizing she had made a fool of herself. And then some unhallowed inspiration seized the major. Hunter started as though to speak, but the words died on his lips. From the direction of the barracks a soldierly step was swiftly approaching. The turf beneath their feet began to light up with the gleam of a nearing lantern. It was the first sergeant again, and Hunter heard him abruptly halt, true to the formal etiquette of the old oavalrydays, and await bis captain's signal to approach.[TO B£ CONTINUED. J . ' The discovery of the last ten years which has most occupied tbe attention of the Reoent is that of tbe va- riation of latitudes everywhere on the surface of the earth, the law of which has been worked out by Chandler. Tbe variation does not Involve any change in tbe actual distance of points on the surface of our globe from each other, but only in tbe position of the axis of rotation. If an observer conld station himself at the north pole and ereet a stick at the precise point around which tbe earth was at any moment rotating, be would find this point to remain nearly In the same position all day or perhaps for a few days. But In the course of weeks he would find it to change its position, and by continuing bis observations through a period of several years be would find It to move round a central point In a somewhat varying and irregular ourve, making a complete revolution in about 14 months. Hunter watched tbe man as he halted, faced outward as the nearest troop drew nigh, then snapped bis carbine to tbe preseut as tbe head of the column turned to enter tbe gate, and Captain Gregg whipped qut bis saber, gave voice over bis shoulder to the prolonged " Tensh-o-o-on" whioh brought every man's head and eyee np and to the front, and then, looking square at tbe sentry, lowered tbe glittering blade in acknowledgment of tbe honor paid to himself and bis command. Hunter's eyes kindled at tbe sigbt. No matter how hnmble tbe private soldier, there at least, on post as sentry, be oould expect the recognition of the president himself, than "Remain here a moMtt," said Ray to his anxious recruit "What is it, sergeant?" Among the men was Sergeant Merriweatber, still discolored as to bis face, but an interested spectator for all that. Mainwaring, Ray and Blake were in riding dress, Mainwaring and Ray in saddle, and Mainwaring's first bellow was, "Now, wbere's your English saddle?""I found Sergeant Msrriweather, who was absent from roll call, at his quarters, sir." Ray frowned. Another instance of Merriweather's falling off since bis marriage. "Coming," said Blake coolly, and pointed toward the stables, whence, at easy gait, a tall, slender soldier came riding a troop horse, carrying something over his arm. Blake recognized at onoe Ray's recent acquisition, Hunter. Mainwaring stopped glaring at Blake, turned and gazed at the newcomer with all his eyes, and then whirled in saddle toward Ray and ejaculated, "Well, I'll be d d!" There were times when even the presence of ladies couldn't restrain Mainwaring's impulse to verbal outbreaks. All tbey discovered by noon was that each a party bad been seen talking excitedly with a tall stranger in heavy overcoat and cap near tbe baggage room just after tbe train came in. The haggage man said that tbe man who presented check for tbe trunk from Pawnee was tall, slender and dressed in rough, heavy ooat and traveling cap. Tbe trunk was sole leather. It had a lot of foreign stamps, hotel posters and railway lnggage slips all over it, bnt the baggage master had no time to examine it. Two men had carried the trunk away between them, declining tbe offers of tbe baggage man. Somebody remembered such a trunk being wheeled in a barrow op Hoyt street just after Nol 8 oame in, two men with it, a tall and a short, and that was all. Still wearing bis white stable frook and looking a trifle tired and somber, tbe recruit had stopped at tbe corner of the porch and was gazing with but languid interest at Conway's motley cavalcade when Merriweather joined him. "A precious lot of jailbirds," said tbe sergeant, as the party oame jogging by, sheriff and deputies grinning affably, and many of tbe latter shooting words of oondolenoe to the stay at homes, who hadn't h«en nartaknrs with them in the glories of the onase ana capture. Foar prisoners bad trudged wearily by, while Trooper Honter replied briefly but without especial civility to the sergeant's remark. Then oame tbe fifth, whose eyes, haggard aud hunted looking, glanoed up just one second at the man in stable frook at tbe edge of tbe porob aud instantly there was a flash of reoognition. Sergeant Merriweather, turning to bin companion in surprise, saw bim gazing after No. 6 with an expression of amazement and dismay upon his handsome faoe. "What excuse had he for his absence?" was the brief question. "What I want is to see bow she'll behave under a cavalry saddle. You've ridden one often enough, I suppose?" le said, scowling at Hunter. "Well, sir, bis wife says that he had met with a mishap—had a fall in the dark. But it looked to me more like a blow, and he couldn't deny it, sir." The greatest distance from the central point might be 26 to 80 feet, but the radius of the circle in which the pole moves ranges between this distanoe and almost nothing. An observer in 1883-4, or seven years later, in 1891-2, would have found the distance about 80 feet. But during the following revolution, the pole, while keeping up its rotation, would have approached very near the central point, ao that during the years 1887-8 and 1894-6 the amount of change was very small. If Chandler's prediction be verified, the variation is now again approaching its largest value, and during 1898 will be as large as It ever was. The probable cause of the deviation is found In the annual changea undergone by the motion of the great masses o( air on the earth's surfaoe, oomblned with the deviation of the earth Itself from a perfect sphere.—Professor Kewoomb in Forum. "Never nntil I came here, sir." "Mean to tell me you've never been in the cavalry?" "I can't go if I've hurt him. I must help him up, "he began, but she clutched his arm with trembling bands and whirled him about toward the barracks. "A blow? Assaulted? When, and by whom?" "I told the major as much a fortnight ago," was the firm yet respectful reply. "Just a few minutes ago, sir. to his own door, I think." Close "No, no; leave everything to me. Don't come here till I tell you. Don't Ray's head went back with a jerk, an odd old triuk of bis when mentally aroused. "He must know who did it, unless bo was struck from behind. Did you ask him?" "Well, wbere'd you learn to ride, then?" asked Main waring, who had a fixed idea that no one not of the cavalry could be at home in the saddle—this, too, despite long years among vaqueros, Comancbes and cowboys. "Thought you had a whole troop of rough riders, Ray,'' said he, after again glowering at the newcomer until he grew tired of the calm indifferenoe which rewarded his gaze. "This ain't one of your lot, is it? I've seen him before. '' "Certainly, sir, and he declares he didn't see, and Mrs. Merriweatber declares it was two men, and they ran away toward barracks the moment they downed him." "I learned to ride as a boy, sir." "Well, dismount and put ou that McClellan saddle," said Mainwaring curtly. Recruit Hooter's pass wh up at noon, and at 11:80 be jumped from a light wagon at the south gate and was bailed by the corporal of the guard as be was striding briskly toward his troop quarters: For a few seconds the sergeant stood looking at his captain's perplexed faoe. Then the recruit suddenly and impulsively stepped forward. Before be oould speak Captain Ray threw up his hand in warning gesture, as though commanding silenoe. The first sergeant whirled abruptly and stood facing toward the distant south gate. Borne on the night wind oame a oonf used medley of hoarse murmurs, of distant shonts, of rapid running feet, then from far out across the townward stretch of prairie the muffled report of firearms, one, two, three, and from the direction of the guardhouse a soldier oame rushing like • Wyoming gale. "Yes, the day you persuaded him not to enlist," laughed Kay good naturedly. "I roped him in afterward." Then, lowering his voice, "He's got a hand on a horse's mouth as light as a child's." Atberton heard the order, saw the quick glance of the soldier toward his captain and the half vexed expression in Ray's face, and, glancing at Mrs. Ray, hesitated no longer. The question was, what had become of Healy? Where was be in hiding, for of the Globe for I rheumatism! I MEUkALQIA and Oomplainta, J and prepared under the stringent MEDICAL LIVS.^I prescribed by eminent phyiioUns In) DR. RICHTER'S dU ANCHOR [PAIN EXPELLERl I World renowned! Remarkably aacceaaful! ■ ■ Only genuine with Trade Mark " Anchor, *'■ ■f. id. Blrhtor -Co., SlSPeeriSt., New Tack. ■ 31 HI8HEST AWARDS. ■ 13 Branch Honaaa. Own Oluswoka. ■ & fiflc. Endorsed ft recommended H Farrer A Peck, SO Luzerne Avenue, a. C. Ollck. SO North Main 8t H Honrk, 4 North Mala Pitttaton, Pa FiJf I wANCHOR" STOMACHAL bart fori ■ Crtte. C—fl.!— "Then you've met one of these fellows before, have you?" said Merriwtuttber, with instant suspicion. "Say, young feller, come back here." Beyond aalutiruj distance The tall recruit had dismounted from his own troop horse, and, having thrown the ruius over a picket of the fence, was now quietly approaching Stella, wi*b a light English saddle in bis h&a!. Hogan, dismounted, was petting her glossy neck and speaking soothingly, but the pretty creature, with ears erect, was switching about, apparently hunting for something at which to shy, and the ladies' furs gave ber ready excuse. The moment Mrs. Ray stepped forward to put ber, Stella backed vigorously, dragging Hogan with her, and, respite Ray's practiced band extended to aid, baok she persisted in going until the bumped into the hurdle post. This furnished excuse for a kick and a plunge. Ray sprang from bis saddle, and, telling Hugan to look after Dandy, himself took Stella's bit and began Blue Grass Expostulation, which seemed more intelligible than Irish. At all events, the mettlesome creature quieted down long enough to admit of Hnnter'a approach, jind that tall, silent yoan£ soldier quiek- "No, no, major, don't change the saddle. Let us see bow she'll take the bar again. Set it loosely, you men, so that it will slide off the pegs if she strikes." Tbe. tall recruit baited, turned and looked around, irresolute. It might be authoritative, it might be mere practical joke. At all events tbe corporal was responsible, and the aoldier walked straight to where tbe noncommissioned offioer was seated on a bench, near tbe ball door of the guardhouse. whom in the eyes of the —th there lived no grander potentate on earth. Theu. the next thing Hunter knew, the troop oame tripping by the line of picket feuce on which he leaned, gazing out upon the spirited scene beyond, and now it was bis turn. Tbe teachings of tbe old days in the famous regiment, wherein every man might be said to have worn kid gloves when not on military duty, were fresh in bis mind, as he had been well schooled iu tbe first principles of soldier duty. Yet Hunter felt the blood was mounting to his temples and his heart was beating quioker as he faced the comiug column, braoed his heels together and raised his hand to tbe cap visor as Captain Gregg came ambling by. The big troop leader glanced curiously at the lonely figure in the cheap fatigue dress and again, but with far less precision, returned tbe salute, and Hunter ooald not bot note tbe differeiiou. Before another troop could pass But Hunter auswered never a word, and, turning short, plunged into the shadows of tbe great, gloomy barrack. Not for 4H hours longer did Captain Bay return, and with him came the two deputies and one more prisoner. The others, so said the hoof tracks, had scattered during that first night over tbe face of tbe earth, and even the trail soou became indistinct on the hard prairie beyond tbe Ska, but enough was known to warrant the statement that two of the number had gone toward tbe agencies away to the northeast and that their mounts were evidently blooded stook, far swifter than Bay's, for never onoe had their leaders been in view, and there was no use in further pursuit. Huddled iu the county jail, the eight malefactors were awaiting tbe actiou of tbe oivil authorities and their identification by tbe railway people, while Bay and bia returned men shook off tba dost of travel "No, no; leave everything to me." yon speak of tbia to a soul, unless yon want to kill me. He'll never barm me now nnless be sees yon still here, but not a word of it. I can keep him quiet." Then she pnsbed him violently from her, just as the sergeant, staggering to his feet, beld forth a feeble band as though seeking support. Sergeant Merriweather was busily setting the peg at three feet again, when, glancing up to see that the opposite end was at the same notch, he caught sight of the slender figure of his wife standing well back of the group at the fence, her eyes fixed, not on him or on the ladies, but with deep, intense interest in her gaze, upon the tall, ereot young soldier ou the spirited mare. Up to this moment Merriweather had been silently carrying out his instructions, all his attention given to them or to Stella. Of the man in saddle he took apparently no notioe whatever. Now, forgetting everything else in hand, he stood there, half bent over, gazing, with heaven only knows what thoughts surging through bia braiu, straight and steadfast at his unconscious wife. 4 1 "Sergeant, don't you hear?" M Uft "Where yon been?" "To town on pass," was tbe calm answer." What did yon hear about that hold np?" " What is it, Kid?" saug out the sergeant to the sprinter. And at that moment, op along the line of barracks, the trumpets began the spirited music of the tattoo. The doors of neighboring oottages began to open and soldier forms, enveloped in the long caped overooats, hastened forth. Irresolute, bewildered, hardly knowing what be did and far from knowing what he ought to do, Trooper Hunter hurried from the spot, breasted the slope to the "bench" ou wbich was spread the gar risen w««w. and found (all two-thirds "Sheriff Conway—stabbed, and bis prisoners loose. Tbey want the doctor." "Well, your troop's gone thief catch«jg, and you're to report to Sergeant Merriweatber as soon as you oome in. Mow yon've oome in, yon haven't any olgars or drinkables about you, have «on? This is tbe oustom bouse if you Wave." "Nothing of oonsequenoe." "Why,"said Ray in surprise, "what business conld be have out here? What does it mean?" "They were telling me jnst before tattoo, captain, that Conway came out with a warrant for some one here at the fort, but asked to see Prisoner Healy, one of the two that escaped the night of tbe train robbery—the one of the two that was leuacanraa I'he Hunter looked neither annoyed nor diaooMerted. Taking two or three cigars frm. hi# ovareoat pooket. ha said. Heal]/ darted away like a shot into the darhtieas. no man anawering bis description bad