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y CatablUhed 1850. I VOL. XLlXKo.S). | Oldest Newsoaper in the Wvomine Vallev PITTSTON LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1899. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. C•100* TMf ; laldTUN. CQpymNT.1899. By /r/zjYAxsy/ #my ly be must know something of these— er—people who were your accusers." to win none of his own ".He never went into a fight that he didn't get licked," declared the exultant Moreland, "and now he'a bowled over by his youngest lieutenant." Loring curbed with long practiced nana both tongae aud temper It would have been warrantable to say that tbe manner of both the general aud his chief of staff had been too repellant to invite oalls, but be knew that whatever tbe merits of tbe case, superior offioers, like inferior papers, always have tbe last word. He might be only -inviting reprimand. Without a word, therefore, he faoed about, went straight to the telegraph office down tbe avenue and wired to Washington: A good Catholio was Dennis, and many a job had been given to him and bis lnsty helpmate at the gray sisters, and a warm friend had tbey in the lady superior, to whom he presently bore tbe note and tbe tale of bis hero's unjustifiable treatment. Then went he on bis way, and came in upon Loring just in time to bear tbe closing words of what bad been probably a brief and frigid conversation between tbe engineer and the general's assiduous aid-de-camp, Captain Petty. Frigid as it sounded, tbe captain looked bot enough as he took bis leave and oollided witb Dennis at tbe door, cursed bim for being there, then whirled about for a parting shot. upset bis digestive powers. The aid had been sent forthwith to notify Mr. Loring of the new story at bis expense and to demand bis version thereof. Petty was at no time a diplomatic man, and at this time did not mean to be. Both in language and manner be ooutrived to make bia mission as offensive as be dared, for Loring bad braved bim so exasperatingly on every previous occasion that, now that be bad him safe in arrest, be meant to taunt and did it, but his sneering slings broke harmless on tbe polished armor of tbe engineer's placid disdain. Tbe madder Petty got tbe cooler was Loring, and when Dennis dropped in just at the close of the interview a worse whipped man was never seen than the aid, wbo rattled back to his general, thinking of what he ought to have said, his wits, like his brevet to the double bar, ooming to him long after the war was over. other, and those youngsters will neltner be able to sleep nor study till they've fought i t o at. A1 wayg prevent a quarrel when yon can, bat onoe they get going never stop a square fight, never see or hear it—until yon know it'a over." weeks, how little he had thought for her, of her who must be so lonely and homesiok in her new sphere. He was almost shocked now at the pallor of her faoe, the drdfep and languor of the slender figure that was so buoyant and elastic those bright days aboard ship jnst preceding the catastrophe. What friends and ohums they bad become) How famously be was getting on with his Spanish! What a obarming teacher aha was with her lovely shining eyes, her laughing lips, her glistening white teeth) She seemed happy as a queen then, and now what had oome over the child? The general was seated at his big desk. He was flanked by tbe adjutant general and backed by a brace of aids. Moreland, the mariner, was standing at the table and started forward as Loring entered as tbongh to grasp bis band. The general still oonsidered it essential to observe a certain air of formality in speaking. It was aa tbongh be bad begnn to believe Loring an injured man, and therefore be himself must bean aggrieved one, for snrely the lieutenant should have spared tba general tbe ■f mortification of being placed In tbe i wrong. The story of that interview went over tbe bay like wildfire and stirred up tbe fellows at the Presidio and Angel island, while tbe islanders of Alcatraz came bustling to town to learn tbe faots as retailed at the Occidental and to hear something more about that queer, silent fellow Loring. Among tbe junior subalterns in tbe artillery were one or two wbo knew him at tbe Point, and tbey scouted tbe story of his having ever stolen a cent's worth, or the idea of extracting anything about the matter from his lips. Tbe latest yarn in oircnlation was that after the now famous interview Loring had "laid for" Captain Petty, tbe aid-de-carap referred to, a young Gotham ite of good family wbo had got into tbe regulars in tbe war aud out of company duty from that tin e to this, and, having met tbe aid-de-ca. ip, Loring Ifad thereupon o*lm!v nulled tbe eentleman's aauiline nose for him. In like manner a wiser head than that which diotated the telegraphio instructions to the department commander that night would have seen that It was far better for all parties in the mix at San Francisoo if Mr. Loring had been detained there long enough to have the matter investigated from start to finish, and so to "fix the responsibility." It was not of vital importance that he should sail by first steamer, but there had been friction between this particular general and the engineers, between him and the adjutant general, between him and the secretary of war, between him and the division oommander, then temporarily absent, and a general who differs with so many eminent and astute authorities as these enumerated most occasionally err in judgment Had Loring staid and bean aooorded a complete investigation the ehanoes are that he and the general would have shaken hands and parted friends, for both had sterling qualities. But orders Steamer nails noon Saturday; not yet relieved. What instructions? By that hour there would be no one in the office of tbe obief of engineers at Washington, but Loring addressed it direct to tbe home of the assistant, upon whose interest in tbe case he had reason to rely, and then returned at onoe to bis desk. Were be not to be there it would place it in tbe power of a would be oppressor to say tbe officer deaignated to receive the property bad oalled during offioe hours and oould not find Mr. Loring. And then, with such patience as be could command, Loring reoeived tbe visitors wbo kept dropping in, among them" tbe boisterous Moreland, whose bay of Bisoay voice had become almost aa trying to bis boat aa to tbe other oocupants of tbe building, and during tbe long afternoon awaited tbe aotion of tbe general upon bismorniug's letter and that of the war department upon bis telegram. obief of engineers requesting to be relieved from further duty at San Fransisco. He was neither cleared nor oonvicted of tbe allegations at bis expense. There seemed no way of bringing about sitber result in tbe absence or silence of witnesaea But meantime be bad bitterly resented the apparent readiness of certain of tbe officials to look upon him with suspicion and bad withdrawn from all except most formal and distant association. No wonder he desired to be relieved from further service witb or near tbem. But to this tentative remark Mr. Loring made no reply. He stood calmly before tbe department commander, looking straight into bia. face, but did not open bis lips. "I'll report your exact language to the general, sir," said be, witb anger in bia tone. "They are going to let me write to you. Pancba," he had told her, "and I shall write every month, but yon will write to me long letters, won't yon?" "Si." And the dusky little head bowed lower and Pancha was withdrawing her hand. CHAPTER XV. April bad gone and May, and June was well nigh half over. Tbe old semaphore of Telegraph bill would have worn itaelf ont signaling side wheel j steamers bad it still been in operation. Tbe transcontinental railway was j «tretching out up tbe valley of tbe Platte toward tbe center of tbe continent, but Welle, Fargo and tbe pony ax press charging a dollar a letter were tbe only transcontinental rapifji transit jf tbe day. People still went to and from tbe distant east by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and tbe big boats of tbe Pacific Mail were crowded, going or ooming, tnd one bright June day two women in mourning were esoorted aboard tbe Souoni and shown to their little stateroom, one a- decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, 10 or 13 years, apparently, the senior. They sailed with only one friend to ; see them off—an aid-de-camp of tbe - sommanding general—yet not without* much curiosity on the part of the younger woman as to tbe composition of the passenger list Even before tbey were beyond tbe rocky scarp of Alcatraa—for few tbingB are impossible to a pretty woman—she bad been able to se- "Try to, at least," aaid Loring pointedly. - "1 say," repeated tbe general in louder tone, "tbe captain appears to know and may be able to tell us something about the people who were your accusers." "I didn't come here to be insulted, air!" said Petty fiercely. "He treated me and the general's orders witb perfect contempt," said Petty finally, and the general looked into tbe face of bis senior staff officer, hopeful that Strain would seem properly impressed. But Strain did not It was one thing for Loring to ignore him, bnt quite different when that offioer failed to stand and deliver at tbe demand of Petty. Strain treated him with scant respect bimeelf when the general wasn't around and bad been beard to say that generals who allowed their wealthy relatives to dictate who should be their aids were foisting heavy loads upon the service. It was nearly 10 o'olook; bis evening was spoiled. He was crabbed, therefore, and be spoke accordingly. "Mr. Petty—I—mean Captain Petty (Strain, who didn't get one, aaid a March, 1807, brevet was of no earthly aOcount, and he for one proposed to ignore tbem), may I ask what were yonr words when you—yon have given us Mr. Loring's—were oommnnicating tbe general's message to him? War* tbey, for example, carefully ohosen? Did you observe courtesy of manner, avoiding all that oould irritate, or"— "No, sir. Yon came here to insult," was tbe cool reply. Tbe aid went down tbe stairs witb thundering heels and raging heart. Snob contemptuous sang froid on part of an officer four years his junior in service was something unheard of, something not to be tolerated, and as Loring refused to budge from his position of oalm superiority tbe only thing left for Petty was to leave. So far from going to Yuma, he had progressed only to Monterey, and there spent two or three days poking about the resorts around tbe plaza in search of gossip that was rnmored to be in circulation at Loring's expense. He found tbe goesipers easily enough, but had great difficulty in reaching their authorities. It proved disheartening work, for tbe farther he went tbe less be learned, eaoh talebearer having apparently added to the pile of his informant, as Petty should have had sense enough to know would be tbe case. "You know I have no little aister," be went on. ... She did. She bad learned ail this and much laort aboard ship and remembered every word be bad told ber, very mnoh more than he remembered She knew far more about him than be did about ber, but be looked far more interested now. The good gray sister was more than good. She was ve*|r busy at something away across the room, and Loring bad drawn bis little friend to the window."Possibly, sir," said Loring, finding that he was expected to say something, bnt witb an indifference of manner most oulpable in one ao far inferior in rank. Petty could cot be found. He bad gone to Fort Yuma on important business for "the department commander, was the explanation. Tbe general properly refused to be iuterviewd by reporters of tbe papers, and couldn't be approached by anybody else on the subjeot. Only two things were positively known. Lieutenant Loring bad reoeived telegrapbio notification from the obief of engineers of bis relief from duty in tbe department and bis assignment to similar work in tbe department of tbe Platte, and it was rumored, though it iconld not beoonfirmed, that the general bad been directed by telegraph to designate a staff officer to receipt to Lieutenant Loring at once for the public property for wbiob be was accountable in order that the latter offioer might take an early steamer for tbe isthmus, as his services were urgently needed at bis new station. It was an open seoret that the general oonsidered himself aggrieved by tbe aotion of tbe authorities at Washington, and said so. ' He bad made no charge against Lieuteuaut Loring. He bad merely oalled that gentleman's attention to tbe very serious allegations laid at bis door, and this was true. On the other band, people wbo bad been permitted to know anything about tbe matter, notably oertuin senior offioers of tbe engineer corps not under tbe general 'a orders, and one or two staff department officers wbo, unhappily for themselves, were nnder bis orders and subjeot to his semiocoaslonal rebuke, now openly said that not one allegation against Loring came from a reliable or respectable source, and that it was anootrage to have beld bim even to inferential aoconnt on tbe statement of auoh a oad as Eecalante's agent, wbo hadn't been near tbe office since tbe reoovery of Captain Moreland. tbe insinuations of Mr. Purser Traynor, now totally vanished, and tbe rumored aspersions of a fair incognita, known only to Captain Petty, a man who bad few associates in tbe "line" or outside the limited circle of tbe general's personal staff, and wbo was not too we)} liked even there. Mrs. Nevins had insisted on removing to a cheap lodging in Sacramento aa «oon as able to move at all, and had taken her dependent sister witb her, sorely against tha t young woman's wish, as she bad made an impression, a decided impression upon an unmarried aid de camp who was reported to be wealthy, but whose attentions fell abort of tbe matrimonial point as tbe poverty of tbe sisters became revealed to him. There was, therefore, no longer to Loring tbe possible embarrassment of meeting or seeing tbe girl wbo bad so wronged bim, yet there was constant evidence of tbe seeds that she had sown. Some man, he felt sure, must have kept alive the rumors to his discredit, and tbe extreme constraint of manner, tbe avoidanoe shown by this very gentleman, stamped him in all probability as tbe person at fault Loring was only waiting now for proofs. "I was in hopes, Mr. Loring," said the general, evidently nettled, "that you would appreciate the evident desire of myself and confidential officers to see you relieved of these—er—aspersions. For that reason I urged Captain Moreland to make his statement publio."given in compliance with orders from superiors are aometimes given only grudgingly. The general bad beard in that brief interview with hia late at night callers enough to convince *»C■» that the harabest charges laid at Loring'a door belonged elsewhere. But there were things Loring bad been too proud to explain—there was bis insubordinate—so the general regarded Itappeal over his commander's bead to the bureau in Waabington; there waa hia defiance of his envoy and rapraaentative. Captain Petty; there were lota of little thinga that ruffled the dignity of the veteran autocrat, especially the eomewhat peremptory tone of the dispatch from the war department, and the general felt himself wronged by hia superiors.Four o'clock came at last Office hours were over. Neither relief nor reply bad reached bim. He beard the halls resounding to tbe footsteps of offioers and clerks, as tbey oiosed their doors and left tbe building. Bidding his assistant remain a moment, be strode to the farther end of the long passage. Tbe general was at tbe moment issuing from his private offioe, conversing witb two of bis staff. Tbe adjutant general, a bundle of papers in his hand, was hastily crossing tbe hall toward hiB own offioe. Loring raised his hat in grave salutation to his commander, wbo bowed with dignified reserve in return, and a moment later the engineer was facing the oolonel at his desk. "How I wiata I bad known yon then ■t—at the Oils, Pancbal" be managed to cay in alow, etambling Spanish. "Do yon know we made a great mi* Blake and If" uof -' And still looking straight at tbe department commander, whose florid faoe was turning purple, Loring was silent Perhaps after a month of accusation,' real or implied, on tbe part of tbe general and tbe "confidential offioers" be found it diffloult to aoconnt for tbe sudden manifestation of desire to aoqnit. He was thinking, too, «f a tear stained little letter that had oome to bim only a few days earlier—tbe last from Panoba before tbe obild was formally entered at tbe school of tbe good gray siftera He was wondering if she at 16 were really more alone in her little world than be in the broad and liberal spbere of soldier life. Then tbe sight of Moreland's weatber beaten faoe, perturbed and aggrieved, gave bim a sense of sympathy that through all the weeks of his virtual ostracism bad been lacking. He bad other letters, too, worth more than a dollar apieoe, which was wbat their oarriage cost bim, bidding bim have no fear; documents of weight were coming that would teach tbe authorities of the Paoiflo ooast the error of their rlews and ways, bnt of these be did not jare to speak. He choose to wait tbe soming of tbe documents themselves. Ibe silence, bowevsr, was oppressive, ind tbe sailor spoke. ake, Mr She die. - wish to know. little sands went op imploringly, dark bead drooped lower still, the slender, girlish form was sorely trembling. What ailed the child? It was time to |0, yet he lingered. Be felt a longing to take her hands again, clasped in eaoh other now and hanging listless as she Isaaed against the window oasing. He meant to bend and kiss bergoodby, just as he would have kissed a younger sister, he said to himself, not as he bad hissed Geraldine Allynl Bat somehow he faltered, and that waa something on* usual to Walter Loring. Even at risk of being abnpt he felt' it time to go, but after the manner of weaker.men took out hia watch.. " Yea, I most go, Panaha. Wo won't aay goodby, will wef It la until tomorrow—baata la manana. Yon know we always oone again to California. You'll be quite a woman then, though." He who was ao brief and reticent with men found himself prattling with this child, unable to break off. At last, with sodden effort, be seized both her hands in his, where they lay limp and passive. "Adios, little one I Dear little friend I" he said, bant swiftly, and his curling brown mustache was orushed one instant against the top of her dusky head. Then he hurried to the lady superior and took his leave, Panaba standing silent at the window until the door had olosed behind him. iea' Another day and he waa looking baok Dennis needed ev- along the sparkling wake of the crowdlongings aboard ad ataamar, thinking how beautiful the called upon ocean anemed to 1dm only a few woaka iireot«d «Qd «tood in re- earlier. Another week and he waa at lie the choleric war- the isthmus, homeward bound, yet lown the room and olinging with strange interest to the on. He wished Mr. soanaa of ao me»h trial. AMtbvmonth •d Mw* wtiftw be inr Kt'vts along old, hmilin officer had behaved tfaarea, an route for the distant Held of with disregard row and stirring duty. Without a day's eral, the latter delay he waa hurried on the trail of a to stand in his party of to select therefore determined the the site for the new post far up in the release him from heart of the Sioux hunting grounds. For T duty that ho aaaociataa bo found a veteran quarter" Joining" hia master, with a keen eye for business, — far ae to say and an aid-de-camp of hia now general very much, to oom- »„«! j«nmt expertenoea gentleman and his with sooh oombined to render him saore Arizona, and, retieant than ever. Major Burleigh eon*nng laments flded to Captain 8tone that if that waa •D taken a specimen of Wert Point braina and ",°®- brilliancy it only oonflrmed hia previous notiona The aite for the new poat was decided upon after brief but pointed argument, id a vote of two to one, the engineer sing accorded the privilege of a minority report if he aaw lit to make it Commanding their eeoort waa a young ifficer, whom Loring had known when is oadets they had together warn tbe (ray, and though there had been np intimacy there waa respect, and the two rabnlterns, engineer and dragoon, agreed that the board might better have staid at home and left the aeleoticn to the Indiana, bnt Lieutenant Dean had no vot% and Loring no further reaponaibility. He could make hia remonstrance when begot to Omaha, which would probably be too late. On that homeward way ho aaw enough of Burleigh to oonvince - onward, for the major Two tor But at last be "lit" on something tangible. Tbe hardy giant who led tbe rush the nigbt of tbe wreck was now well enough to be hobbling about town and breathing his tale of woe and wrong to all listening ears, and, tbe officers being gone and no one present to contradict, be had so frequently repeated his version of the wreok of the Idabo as to make a sinner of his memory and "credit his own lie." The burden of his latest song was that Lori&g had been to see bim at hospital and bad promised him, on condition of being guaranteed against aotion or proseoution because of tbe shooting of a wronged and inoffensive man, that he (Loring) would pay bim handsomely—would send bim 910 a week, and gave bim 92S then and there. But now, for more than a month, said he, not a cent bad oome, and be beard that Mr. Loring was trying to get away east. The man told his story reluctantly and with some palpable "breaks" when he found be was being questioned by an officer, but Pet- aure a copy and to say, witb bated breath, to tbe languid invalid: "At least, he's not going on this ship. It "Of course I did. Yon never saw a man so contemptuously, insultingly oool in your life. He just"— Strain, too, Buffered in hia own estimate, and Fatty waa faming with pent np wrath and bate againat that oool, raperoiliona, oootemptnooa npatart of an engineer. Who in biases was he, anyhow? What waa hia family? What hia aocial atatna? demanded Petty to himaelf, even tbongh be knew that theae were mattera whereof oar democratic military ayatem took no thooght whatever. It la the proud boast of the Amartoan army that neither wealth nor name nor ancestry can count in the long race (or the atara. In theae glad day* of peace and national prosperity the offloer la speedily taught that promotion is the reanlt of only one of two things—patient waiting or politioal influence. And eo it reaulted that when Walter Loring at earned away aonthward on the ; might be better if be were"—for Miss i? Qeraldine AUyn bad not lost faith in ber pover to charm. And one reason why the "be" referred to was not going on this ship was that the sisters Nevins and Allyn had "booked" tbeir passage nearly two weeks before, it being useless to remain longer on the Paeiho coast in bopes of finding the fugitive husband, for the oonanl at Quaymas was authorized to report the death, at Hermosillo, "through wounds and exposure, of the gallant but unfortunate oaptain, whose mind must have given way under his accumulation of troubles." A seal ring that Nevins used to wear and some letters were all be had to leave, and these bad been duly forwarded to the address of his wife, whose pathetio inquiries for further particulars elicited nothing j "Ton tent for me, HrT" mom reliable than that Nevins wss building in quest of bis friend tbat the dead and buried and that was the end of general with two aids and otbura of hia The qnartermaster got "transpor- bad assembled in tbe office of Colotation for them to New Orleans. A nel Strain. Several of them had known sum sufficient for their immediate and sailed with the Idaho's master and nth«r iif^.hnrt^ennt ,ikeC* her °*PtaDD despite his freotner sum, which aid not receive un- .-. . ,j, nmediate acknowledgment, was also »» His appearance sent to tbe disconsolate widow, and now at door*"y' th"ef1OTC' lWM the ,l„ _„i__ j , ' ... i cal for quite a oordial welcome. The i himself came forward to take Going too, wa. Loring, though not *lm bj tfae h-ud wjd My faow mny be on that trip—shaking, so to speak, the waa at ,ba j0la 0f bte mip aod bow h« dust or California from his feet, • si- hoped soon to see him on tbe decks of a lent but much disgusted man. For bigger and better one. But tbe bluff nearly five weeks he bad lived a life oaptain thought as little of land gentbat would have tried the enduranoe of as of lubbers of lower grade, and | »be Patriarch of Holy Writ and wrecked not as grateful as be should perthe sunny nature of a Tapley. Hounded baps have been, and was evidently &W *"®r day by the so called agent of looking for something beyond tbe symthe hscalantes, with insolent demands pathetic group, and presently said so. for property that was never in Loring's "iDTe come to see Mr. Loring, by with arreat if be George! I haven't laid «yea on him did not nake restitution or propose an gince the night be backed me up in re| equivalent; sent practically to Coventry rtcring mder and discipline on my by officials at headquarters, to whom be Bbjp. That man oogbt to have been a was too proud or too sensitive to dilate Where'll I find him?" be oon- m0re tban eluded, abruptly, faring round at tfae °irole oi to™"*** embarrass fsces. " J " We beard some rumor about this, stalwart letter written by the Yuma MptainDM tbe ral ..8npp0(ie surgeon, in response to fa.s urgent ap- * , * d ,, PP°£ peals; comforted measurably by Blake's ' T' J™!" ' JFtEnZl'L i?™bord|" " Why not right here, where they ment headnnnrtpra■ to can all hear?" was the instant answer, ment headquarters; unablo to bring to ... ... ... L -r s. na j n ti,n * 1 in told tuft• more o one mio osi bear for nearJy At© weeks tbe mate of w # been at work trying to rob iilm of the testimony as to character forthcoming oredit d f Mr. Jennings, who from the superintendent and officers at " ' . . -mining-, West Pofnt, and the letter, of class- was our first officer I gave tbe company mates and comrades who knew him and ?,p,ec® n,,tod m°ment I heard felt that tbe charges must be false, our * engineer passed through an ordeal the f r him. Tain tbe first I ve had like of which few men have had to en- u ' ' f, 7 * V" last if be ever runs foul of me again. ihftn toe unexpected happenea. xne rbey tell me. wbat'a more, that Eeoasaptain of tbe Idabo slowly recovered (ante's agent has bad tbe impudenoe to bia mind and strength, and, with con- come here a dczen times threatening valescence, came keen recollection of Mr. Loring. Next time be oomes you ] all that had oocurred. He, too, made have him kicked out and obarge it to full report to tbe owners of Loring's me. Tbat man's a thief, and ao is one soolness and determination the night of of the Escalantea—if not more than . the wreck, and was amazed to be told 3ne. As for Loring, he'a bead and of tbe charges against tbat officer. ih on Id era above any of tfae young fel" Who says so? Who makes suoh ao- lows tbat have sailed with me, and j rotations?'' be demanded angrily, and when I was flattened out by tbe rush of was informed that bis friend and ship- tbat aowardly gang be stood up to 'em mate, Purser Traynor, was tbe persoo, like a man. Tbat one shot of bis whereat the big skipper gave a long, brought 'em up with a jerk and put an long whistle, looked dazed again, smote and to tbe trouble." his thigh with a heavy fist, and pres- He broke off short and glanced about sntly said, "Just you wait a little," bim to note tbe effect oT his words. It } wherewith be took himself off. Traynor was an awkward moment. Three of tbe ■; tnd the first officer had been very group bad had their doubts as to tbe jf "thick" for a fortnight or so, though possibility of Loring's being culpable, tbat dinner had never come off. Tray- but so disturbed and partially oonvinoed nor and tbe first offioer bad both been bad been tbe general and hisobief of promised exoellent berths tbe moment itaff, so active had been tbeaid-de-oamp tbe new steamer arrived tbat waa to referred to in bis collection and dissent - take the place of tbe Idabo. But the ination of scandal at Loring's expense, saptain went erasing out beyond Sacra- tbat no outi felt able to say anything mento, where the purser had a little until tbe general himself bad spoken. sest and brood, and came back later Tfae chief evidently felt his dignity aswith a tale he ponred into tbe ears of sailed and bisoommanding attitude 1mthe company, the result of wbiob waa periled. No further revelationa ought tbat Traynor was informed be would be to be allowed except sucb as should be wise to seek other employment, there filtered through bim or faia aocredited would be no place for bim on tbe new staff officer. Montana, and Traynor took first boat "Odne into my den, captain." he extor tbe Columbia and got far away from claimed, therefore. "You interest me Ban Francisoo. greatly, and I want to hear all about No specifio charges bad been laid at it" bis door, said the owners, when ques- ««i»h oome quick enough," said the tioned. Nothing bad been proved, noth- captain briefly, "after I've seen Loring. Ing probably would be, tbat tbey knew i want toahake hands with him, I say, of, but tbe oaptain bad sailed witb before I do anything else. Where'll I Traynor several years and bad views of fi„d bim?" And witb most depressing bis own as to tbat gentleman's integ- disregard of tbe general's greatness, the rity, wbiob, when oommunicated to nilor WOuld have turned his back on Mr. Traynor, did not seem to surprise the entire party In order to find bis inbim and remained uncontradicted. jnred friend, but the obief waa a strate- Then came tbe captain to department g|at headquarters. The British sailor has .CAh, go to Mr. Loring. captain," scant reverence for soldiers of bis own Hid be to a ready staff offioer, "and say land and less for those of any other, no bim tbat I desire be should come to matter what the rank, and this particu- my room a m0IneDt |" And tbe aid-detar sen of tbe sea was more Briton than wa8 off ,ike a so the seaman Yankee, despite the fact that he had could only wait The general led tbe /au1181.Sbe trade L°"B yearS w«y into bis comfortable room and sigf. of bin life and had taken out his papers naled 0Be or two to fo]low prM. J 'D th'9 ®°rly statehood of that wonder- lentlyback came bis messenger and a fulh nd Ever since the days of Stock- , mome0t after bim-grave, composed, ton and Kearney be bad fed fat the ani bnt freezjng)y formal-there at tbe door l oient grudge he bore the army and gtood tbe engineer. His eyes brightened f steered as clear of soldier association as op tbe instant be laid tbem on the waa possible for a man whose ship Idaho's sturdy commander, but etiqueite . Wat dependent in great measure on demanded that be shoul I first address armj patronage. Days before bis un- lbe K«Deral. bera ded coming to general headquar- «You gent for me, sir?" tars the rumors of Loring'. bravery and did Mr 0nr good frJendD coolness the night of the wreck bad Captain Moreland, baa been telling us of bean floating about tbe building. But, yoor moBt—er—praiseworthy conduct j the engineer had drawn into his shell. nigbt ot the disaster. We all, I wish He same and went to and from the to assure you, are-er-gratifieCf to hear officii assigned to him, working appar- 0j tbta And now it bas occurred to me tatly over field reporta and mapa, and tbat Captain Moreland might be able to \nlT ,rra throW 8011,8 on 'he very unpleaaaoit Itag «nlaaa sent for: Ik was believed uit matter which we had to bring to 1ft wntMn uifiuuy to site —.y ft fany wttiit Sure- It so happened thi very day thestanoh old salt came searching through tbe "Colonel Strain." said be, "I have much to do. Will you name the hour at which I am to meet my relief?" But Strain beld up his hand. "I should like to know Ant what you said. The general has told me the message you were to give. Now-w, bow did you give it?" 5 % "Mr. Loring," said tbe offioial tartly, "when we are ready to relieve yon, the order will be issued—and not before."But that was something Oolonel Strain was destined not to know tor many a year, if indeed he ever heard. There came a knock at the door. A servant entered with a card. "The lady, sir, begs to see the general at onoe, if only for five minutes." "Colonel Strain," answered Loring, "I shall be at my desk all evening, ready to receive that order." And wheeling about be met tbe general at the door. An open telegram was in tbe lstter's band, a queer look on his flushed and angry faoe. Relieving bis impatient clerk. Loring seated himself to answer a letter, and there fell from the paokage he drew from bis pocket a little note, and with a sudden pang of shame and sorrow be stooped and picked it up. It was only a tiny missive, only a few sad, almost pleading worda Did be mean to go without a word of goodby to Pancba? His heart reproaobed bim as he remembered that this had reached him two days before. Tbe general frowned as he took the oard. What lady could be oalling at 10 o'olook at night and demanding interviews when he was so much occupied? But bis faoe changed aa be read, then glanced up at his obief of staff. long ran for tbe States be left behind an unsettled figbt, three or four aggrieved officials—aggrieved becanee of him or bis affairs and their miamanagen ent of both—and one inveterate enemy. He had plenty of time to think it all over after ha was fairly at bnl none before. He and —*" "If tbe only accusers this gentlemsn baa are Esoalantea, or associates of. tbe Escalantes, you'd better beg bis pardon ind have done with it," said be, and thereby pnt tbe matter in its most luokless way. Angrily tbe general turned to the iid-de-oamp fidgeting on his left "This is remarkable. Strain. Tbe lady superior of tbe gray sisters' convent Alone?" he asked, turning to the servant i "No, sir. Young lady with her, sir." "You'll have to excuse meamoment, gentlemen," said ha "I'll rejoin yon here." "Do yon know whether the Eecal antes are the sole accusers, captain?" mid be deliberately. ery moment to get hia and bia business closed. He wbb writing a note to tbe lady superior, telling her of bis expectation of sailing on tbe morrow and aaking if be migbt be permitted to oall to aay adieu to bia little friend of tbe abipwreck wben an orderly ento«d. Strain waa about to retnrn to tbe subject wben tbe butler spoke. "A messenger from headquarters ia at tbe door, sir. Says be bas a dispatob to deliver in peraon. Shall I send him op?" It was the general's library, and Strain waa wondering what was going on in tbe general'a parlor. He knew of tbe lady superior. He knew tbe story of little Panoba, ber brave, uncomplaining conduct tbe night of the wreak, and of her being placed In tbe convent of the gray sisters. He decided to go to tbe ball door bimself, and waa aatonished to bear the sound of sobbing as he passed the parlor. Mechanically be took and receipted for tbe dispatob. Slowly, absently he retraced hia steps, listening to the strange aounda, a pleading, oboking, girlish voice, soothing worda in tbe gentle, loring woman'a aweet tones, tbe occasional gruff monosyllables from tbe general bimaelf. Strain reached tbe library again in something like a dream, finding Petty stalking up and down, tugging at his slim mustache and nervoualy e .peotant «pectfol lileuoe while • - « . • * the general aa "I regret to say that they are sot," wag the answer. "And Mr. Loring baa ihown strange relnotanoe. to pat it mildly, to meet the others." And, as the revulsion of feeling set in, Petty set out for Yuma. "Where there is so dashed mucb smoke," said b* as it later transpired, "tbere mast be some fire," and the general bad bidden bim go to Ynma, to Gila Bend, to Gnaymas, to the devil, if need be, and find ont all the facts. Bat the linesmen at Presidio and the Jovial blades at Moreland'a elbow were load in their laaghing statement that if Petty were looking for fire be oonld have found it here in abundance. Loring could have given bim more than be wanted. tior paoed op and explained bis poait . "I have answered, onoe and for all, avery obarge brought to my ears," said Loring, turning on the speaker, with eyes tbat blazed, and Moreland, who bad seen bim cool and oom posed in the (ace of panio, marveled now to note the intensity of bis emotion, for Loring was white and trembling, though bis gaxe was steady as tbe band tbat held back the terror stricken crew tbat wild nigbt on tbe waters. '.'Colonel Strain'a oomplimenta, and he desires to see tbe lieutenant at onoe." It waa not customary for offioers to ttf so summarily summoned after offloe boura, but Loring went. With a hand that trembled visibly, but with every effort to control bis voice, tbe chief of staff held forth a telegram and said, "Tbe general desires to know, sir, whether, you have sent any telegram to Washington which aan aooount for this?" felt that the yonng with disrespect, at least of his oommanding g» was too magoaaimoaa way, and bad evening previous to arrest aod from fort might lose do time Dew station, even weoi be bad foood much, mead in the yonng performsooe of duty is bat for the nafortoDate that bad resulted, wool pleasure in making pub meat of the fact. : i Then came the order in the case of Oaptain Nevins, dismissing that worthy from the service on charges of oonduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and awarding a year's imprisonment at snob penitentiary, eta, as the reviewing authority should direct, and by the same post the official order transferring Lieutenant Loring of the engineers to dnty in (be department of the Platte, and then what did the steamship company do but issue invitations for a dinner to be given in honor of that distinguished young officer, and great was the noise thereof until it was known that the gentleman had graoefully, but firmly, declined. "Perhaps you are unaware of tbe more recent developments—and tbe •ouroe of information," said tbe aid uneasily. Loring took it and slowly read it. Divested of address and signatures, it read as follows: But at last he "lit" on something tangible. ty posted back to Frisco without delay, convinced that here was something with which to confront and oonfonnd that oool, supercilious snob. Then be oonld take a fresh start for Ynma and get more. One oan always get something when the object of the story is away, and, like the seaman's story of bis interview with Loring, Petty's version of the seaman's interview with him waxed as he hastened to his general, and bad assumed tne proportions of a magnificent scandal by the time he told it to that much ruffled brigadier. "I am, and I demand tbe right to know or to meet both without delay. The secretary at war is informed that Lieutenant Loring has not been relieved as' directed. Report reason by telegraph. He could not but deprecate the conduct of Mr. Loring'a friends in Wub* ington, and might find it noonanarj to appeal to the president for justice. Meantime, however, be desired Mr. Loring to know that no persooal consideration had actuated his condnot. Ha bad done what be believed to be bis duty, and then, like the orator, the genera! pansed for reply. Mr. Loring stood in civilian dress and soldier attitude, bat in hand, an attentive listener, never interposing a word or hazarding a remark. When the general stopped, tbe lieutenant remained silent and standing. The general looked perturbed, halted and glared, aa much as to say, "Wby tbe devil don't yon speak?" a thing Loring never did when he had nothing to say. The chief found it necessary to begin anew, but broke off presently. "Ton understand, do you not?" Loring deliberately finished reading, and then deliberately looked up. *'I have, sir." and "Then it is the general's order, sir," said the chief of staff, "that yon go at one* to yonr quarters in close arrest" CHAPTER XVII. There was the mischief to pay in and about department headquarters for something like 24 hours. Colonel Strain, as chief of staff, had a sleepless night of it Mr. Loring, reticent as ever, bad gone straight to bis rooms, which were far from tbe office and not very far from the convent of tbe good gray sisters. He had no tbongbt of insubordination in wiring as he did to Washington. He considered it was his paramount duty to make every effort in bis power to sail by tbe first steamer. Letters of instruction that had reached him bad informed him that a new post was to be built along tbe Big Horn range in Wyoming, and that tbe moment be arrived a board of offioers, of wbioh be would serve as junior, would be sent ont to seleot tbe site. There was urgent need of his services therefore and no time to be lost He felt that this sudden and summary arrest was a wrong to him personally and professionally, but tbe lessons of obedience and discipline taught in tbe four long years at West Point were fresh in bis mind, and whatever should be tbe result of bis detention the responsibility now lay with the department commander. Even Strain, bad be heard tbe aooount would have riddled it—Captain Moreland'a evidence was conclusive on that point—and while Loring, in pity and compassion, might have left money with the man for oomfort in his oonvalesoence, it was incredible that he ahould have tendered payment as a bribe for silence. Strain's exaggerated self esteem was deeply wounded by tbe engineer's evident laok of appreciation of bis greatness, and be would be glad indeed to bring him to heel and convince him he would be wise in future to do homage instead of slight and what made Loring's indifferenoe so exasperating was that Strain himself was forced to see that Loring was not only no fool, as be admitted, bnt a man of brains, courage and ability, which be would not ooncede aloud. Strain, sent for at 8 o'clock by tbe department commander to listen to tbe aid's wrathful account of tbe interview with Loring, fumed and fidgeted and strove to ask some questions to make matters clear, but Petty was already on tbe defensive and did not mean to be questioned, and the general kept interposing. ' Then the papers said "it was rumored" that the general bad forbidden his aooeptance, despite the faot that the general bad expressed publicly bis gratification tbat the oompany bad at last dona something in recognition of its indebtedness to tbe army, whiob was most adroit and equally impersonal. And all tbe while Loring himself was having anything bnt an enviable time of it. A man ao reticent and retiring could not but be annoyed by the persistent calls and cross questions of all manner of people in whom be bad bnt small personsi interest. He wished to have nothing whatever to say upon tbe subject, denied himself to reporters and relapsed into impenetrable reserve when importuned by brother officers whom be bnt slightly knew. j him be m a collapsed under (be aeet at the amba lanoe at the first sign of the Sioux. Then there came an episode that filled iioring with aadden interest In thii W niuMnhU MBMlntinis Men 8«t to know e*oh other better in a week in the Indian oountry than in a decade in town. They had reached the little cantonment and supply station an the dry fork of the Powder, stiff and weary with their long journey by ambulance, and glad of a chance to stretch their lega and rest. The camp oommander was doing his best to be hospitable Burleigh had been shown into the major's hut, where a lot of mail' was awaiting him. A bronsed subaltern bad taken charge of Mr. Aid-de-camp Stone and another of Lacing. The lat- - tar had juat emerged from a tub, dripping and refreshed, and was robbing feMVfta*3bffie mw mander bailing hia boat "Mr. Poet Quartermaster," aaid he, "I wiah every other kind of quartermaster but you waa in . That old rip Burleigh is utterly upeet by aome "Yea, sir," aaid Loring. "Then I suppose—you're very bosy— have many things to do?" "Only one, sir." "Now come Cvi with your story." Captain Moreland"—and here be turned an tbe wondering sailor—'"can you be here tomorrow?" "Well, I won't detain yon. I—I wish yon well, Mr. Loring, and—and— bon voyage 1" And the general •trove to ■mile. "Certainly I can and will," was tbe prompt answer. ••It's the order from those dashed fellow at Washington," said Strain. "That wouldn't help," aaid tbe aid* de-camp, on whom all eyea were fixed sgain. "My informant oouldn't be here." One or two with whom he would gladly have held oounsel were far removed, one at least forever, from bis oircle. Tbe stalwart old inspector, Tnrnbull, lay sleeping bis last sleep in tbe oemetery at Monterey. Tbe veteran who served as president of tbe Nevins court was in far Arizona, and Blake, sound of beart, if not of beHd, was under a oloud at Yuma. His foroeful expressions concerning the imbecility of department officials led to bis being oonflued very closely to company work and minor, yet exaoting, duties at tbe post, alt because of bis abandonment of Lieutenant Loring at a critical moment, said tbe few defenders of tbe department's letter to the poet commander on tbat subject. "All because of bis too vehement defense of Loring," said everybody else. "Thank you, general. Anything elae, rirf" of further questions, but none oame. They were startled by the quiok, hurried footsteps of the general as be waddled back to join tbem and burst in, red faced, ruffled, apoplectic. The general stood and oould think of nothing. "I believe not," be replied, "unless—however, never mind; I won't detain yon." "Very good; we'll go to your informant, then," answered Loring. Another silence. It wae not Loring now who seemed hesitant or reluctant, it was tbe aid. Tbere came a knook at tbe door. An orderly appeared with several telegraphic dispatches. Colonel Strain stepped forward, took them, shut the door in tbe orderly's face, banded tbem to the general and resumed his seat. Glad of a diversion, tbe commander glanced at tbe superscription. "Here is one for you, sir," said he to tbe engineer, who received it, bat did not open it. He was again facing the embarrassed aid, who finally found words. "Strain, Petty, this thing has got to be settled somehow at once. That young woman—ugb, dash the gout I Here, Strain—don't you go, Petty! You won't da Hold on—yes, you'll have to, by Jove! There's no time to be lost Qo and say to Mr. Loring, with my oompliments, I desire to see him a moment in the morning before be sails, and he's—he's released from arrest—it's all —it's all—well, not all of it, but— damnation! I can't explain now. Go! Petty, go! Tell him he's released—relieved, and, Strain, you issue tbe order relieving him at once and directing him to proceed without delay to his new station. I want to get tbe order out before those dashed fellows at Washington oan order it themselves. What's that you've got?" "Good day, air," aaid Loring, and marched qniokly away to the room at the aid-de-camp. Petty waa not there. An embarrassed lieutenant arose and ■milad vavuelv. "Let him tell his tale his own way, oolonel. Let bim give you tbe wbole story, Monterey and all." And Strain, wbo had hoped to spend tbe evening with bis cronies at tbe club and whist, was compelled to sit till long after 9 and hear the details of Petty's asininity.Arrived at bis quarters, Loring calmly wrote a dispatch to tbe assistant in tbe office of tbe chief of engineers at Washington, saying in so maiiy words: "Petty isn't about anywhere this morning. He waa out late laat night I expect him every moment." "You needn't. He won't oome. Tell him I waited until 11:30." "Placed in close arrest because of previous telegrams. Cannot sail tomorrow. " Then Loring abut the door and left He bad many an boor later in whioh to think over bia final interview with tbe aid. A moat unwelcome duty waa that aeoond call to Petty. He would rather be kicked than go to Loring and aay waa released from a treat and Perbapa be thought tbe kioL ing if he went But Loring him with tbe aame oontemptuoi neea aa be bad earlier in the night, did Loring aeem either elated or prised. letter he'■ got. He's limp m a wet rag, This and a note to tbe lady superior at tbe convent, saying he would be unable to oome to Bay good by to Pancba, and would probably be detained, he sent by bis servant, bidding tbe man go fir«t tn tha tp1«i/ninb offlna and than stop at headquarters for certain books, and then to deliver tbe note at the oon▼eut on hia homeward way. Stripped of unnecessary C#planation, it seems that tbe general and Strain had decided that their dignity and prerogative had been invaded by tbe summary orders from Washington, which were at once a critioism of their aotion in not relieving Loring, and a demand for an immediate explanation as well as an implied threat that unless that report was entirely satisfactory Loriog must be allowed to proceed. Tbey had spent an hour or more in the preparation of tbe telegram, which Anally oaugbt the wires at 6o'clock; presented their view of tbe case, represented that if Loring left it would be under a cloud, and that he should not now be allowed to leave because of tbe fact that his having resorted to forbidden and Insubordinate means to procure bis release was in itself a virtual admission that be feared to stay and faoe tbe constantly recurring accusations. (J." finned on rase iw. free to bcl ofthsGtofcefor *"£Z | rheumatism! ptnoaa oool- I """**•*** wlihrilii flMifhliij. 1 Nor A *nd prepared under the stringent M •ord ■». RICHTCR^jifl *"-• u ANCHOR " D9 .J3 fPAIN EXPELLERI .*dv"- ljKsrwKBes%ttl HlCfiMMk,mil^9HrM.| I II HaREH AWARDS. I . 6 ■ UPnaohHsusa, Ow Glassworks. M tUt- ■ "«»*. hMXMMttl wng A '"«« * raCK, SS I mm Armm, A ... S- U Sue*, WlttttUlUlMt, ■naI I.LMVIX, thrttUilh 1ST- j rim to*, fa. | DUc RICH llllJ9 I «AItCHOKD» MffttCEM, bast fori ACTIVE SOLICITORS WANTED EVKHY*■ where for "The Story of tte Philippines," by Karat Halstead, commissioned by the Government m Official Historian to the War Department The book wee written In army campeat San Francisco, on the Pacific with Gen. Merritt, in the hospitals at Honolnla, in Hong Kong, in the American trenches at Manila, in tne Insurant camps with Affnln&ldo, on ihe Seek of tire Olympia with Dewey, and in the roar of battliatthe fall of Manila. Bonanza ror agents. Brinfnl of original pictures men oj goTernn.eat photographers on the rot. L*roe book. )/ow prices. Big profits. Freight Sg!®Sfei2P on page fo'i "Mr. Loring, my informant was here a whole month and said you refused to appear. Now—they are beyond recall, unless-r-it should come to trial." With feverish eagerness Loring •waited tbe railing of tbe nest steamer. Every item for which he stood accountable was tben at bis office, invoices and receipts made oat in fall. Notbiug was nnAdfld hot tbe officer designated to relieve him. Tbe Colombia was to leave on Saturday, and op to Thursday evening do reUef bad appeared. Friday morning tbe adjutant general received a written communication most respectful, yet argent in terias, requesting that the officer might be designated without farther delay, and as no answer was received op to noon Loring followed it with a personal call upon the chief of staff, who said tbe general bad tbe matter under advisement. | Tbe answer came like a flash. "Your informant, air—-and tbere was but ooe—would never appear in the event of trial. That informant aailed three daya ago on tbe Sonora, and you iknow it" Then, aa a sudden thought struck bim, be tore open bis dispatch and read, then turned again to bis faltering opponent. "So long as tbat informant oonld be confronted yon kept me ignorani of any new allegations, if j tbere were any. Now come out with i your story, and by tbe next steamer I'll | run it down." naWio T&8 officers on duty in San FranciBOO for several years past, and was endowed with the Irishman's almost pathetio sense of fealty to bis "commander," as be insisted on speaking of bis employer. Master was a word be oould not tolerate because of its implication of servitude. £ut even while rebelling at tbe term be yielded to the faot a degree of devotion to Loring's interests far exceeding that usually accorded by tbe body servant of tradition, and this calm, deliberate, methodical, silent young soldier was, in spite of himself and the proverb, "a hero in tbe eyes of bis valet de cbambre." "It's tbe order from those dashed fallows at Washington," said Strain. CHAPTER XVIII. Once upon a time a very level beaded old soldier was oommandant of cadets at West Point, and one day one of bia assistants, an energetio young officer, oame hastily in to say that he bad just happened upon a cadet duel at Fort Olinton, had oaptured one of tbe participants and placed bim under arrest, but tbe principals, seoonds and most of those present bad managed to escape. Tbe veteran listened grimly a moment and then said: "Dash the man!" Mid Petty. "I give a month'* pay to tell him thing that would stir him I" Petty ooold easily bare done thai be seen fit to mentioo that the bad received a visit from tbe lady perior with a young girl from tbe ▼eat of the good gray sisters. Buf was a mysterious affair that even general bad seen fit to say nothing ther about, even to Loring, who most concerned. It was a matte: gentle and gracioas woman hersek er referred to when tbe engineer at lC tbe next morning presented hia card anc was ushered into her presence. She wai most courteous. There were peace and loving kindness ineffable in her placid faoe. There was infinite sympathy in ber manner when she presently met and led in to bim a pallid little maid, wbo put a long, slim band in Loring's as he smiled upon ber downoaat, red rimmed eyes. CHAPTER XVL The worst of having a man of Moreland's views present on suoh an occasion is that tbe whole thing is sure to be noised abroad with scant reference to military propriety. Moreland told tbe owners of tbe steamer line, tbe Chamber of Commerce, tbe easily gathered audience on Rush and Montgomery streets, tbe usual customers at Barry & Pat ton's, tbe loungers in tbe lobbies of tbe hotels—everybody who would listen, and who would not—bow that brave fellow Loring, who ought to have been a sailor, faced down that quartet of "blue bellied lobsters" at headquarters. The general was not a popular character. His pripoipal claim to distinction during tbe great war seamed to be that of being able to critiC-i«a Man otha* Moaral'a battlaa and "My luggage goes aboard tbe Columbia tonight, sir, and I should be aboard by 10 o'clock tomorrow," said Loring. Colonel Strain coughed dubiouHly. It was very adroitly and impressively worded, but still tbe general and obief of staff felt nervous and ill at ease. Down in their hearts both realized that nothing had been proved against Loring, and tbat tbe chances were ten to one tbat nothing ever could or would be. Wbat was more, both were beginning to realize tbat Loring bad been badly and shabbily treated. Yet this conviction only made them the more ready to listen to auy story—grasp at any straw—that lent an atom of weight to the case against him. Dinner had brought no comfort to either, and Petty's preposterous story, swallowed whole by tbe chief while still bristling with tbe nervous strain of tbe conooction of that telegram of explanation, bad further "Were they actually fighting when yon got wind of it?" "It might be impracticable to relieve you from duty so soon. Tbe general is in communication with tbe war department upon tbe subject, and possibly if -•—you—bad bad tbe oourtesy to oall upon tbe general or upon me, his chief of staff, and to explain your wishes tbe thing might have been arranged." Dennis had packed bis boxes with blinkiug oven and a saddened heart He had "worrked," be said, "for twinty gintlemip, most av tbim foine men. bot tbe iooteto'nt was the best av all." Dennis had bis wife and brood in a little shanty near tbe sand lots and could not follow Loring to tbe east. He would have bowled with delight to hear tbe order countermanded that was to take tbe lieutenant away, but when he heard at headquarters, from bis fellow countrymen, tbe janitor and tbe guard, tbat sncb a countermand bad been issued in tbe shape of an ureal be swore with wrath "Yes, sir," was tbe earnest reply. "Anybody could bave heard them." "Uml" s8id the colonel reflectively. "Then I think yon erred in interfering. Oouldn't yon bave got there just a little later?" "But tbe regulations prohibit fighting, sir 1" said tbe junior, aggrieved. "Certainly, and your course promotes it. You see, they were already at it. Five minutes more would bave settled tbe thing one way or another, and tbat would bave been tbe end of it. Tbey wonld bave shaken bands and been good friends. Now neither of them baa bad enough. Eaob believes he eta whip the Loring flushed. He saw through tbe motive at a glance, and oould have found it easy to express his opinion in vary few words. There are times when • man is so goaded that an outburst is tbe nnlv natural relief, but it is none «t» Imb. fetal. Thar* might even, b» method in the colonel'* manner, and Straggle as she might for oomporare and strength, Panoba had evidently been sorely disturbed over something through the long watches of the night Loring's heart reproached him aa 1m reaiiaed how selfishly he hftd been tngro—ed (or
Object Description
Title | Pittston Gazette |
Masthead | Pittston Gazette, Volume 49 Number 27, March 10, 1899 |
Volume | 49 |
Issue | 27 |
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 | 1899-03-10 |
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 49 Number 27, March 10, 1899 |
Volume | 49 |
Issue | 27 |
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 | 1899-03-10 |
Location Covered | United States; Pennsylvania; Luzerne County; Pittston |
Type | Text |
Original Format | newspaper |
Digital Format | image/tiff |
Identifier | PGZ_18990310_001.tif |
Language | English |
Rights | http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/ |
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Full Text | y CatablUhed 1850. I VOL. XLlXKo.S). | Oldest Newsoaper in the Wvomine Vallev PITTSTON LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1899. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. C•100* TMf ; laldTUN. CQpymNT.1899. By /r/zjYAxsy/ #my ly be must know something of these— er—people who were your accusers." to win none of his own ".He never went into a fight that he didn't get licked," declared the exultant Moreland, "and now he'a bowled over by his youngest lieutenant." Loring curbed with long practiced nana both tongae aud temper It would have been warrantable to say that tbe manner of both the general aud his chief of staff had been too repellant to invite oalls, but be knew that whatever tbe merits of tbe case, superior offioers, like inferior papers, always have tbe last word. He might be only -inviting reprimand. Without a word, therefore, he faoed about, went straight to the telegraph office down tbe avenue and wired to Washington: A good Catholio was Dennis, and many a job had been given to him and bis lnsty helpmate at the gray sisters, and a warm friend had tbey in the lady superior, to whom he presently bore tbe note and tbe tale of bis hero's unjustifiable treatment. Then went he on bis way, and came in upon Loring just in time to bear tbe closing words of what bad been probably a brief and frigid conversation between tbe engineer and the general's assiduous aid-de-camp, Captain Petty. Frigid as it sounded, tbe captain looked bot enough as he took bis leave and oollided witb Dennis at tbe door, cursed bim for being there, then whirled about for a parting shot. upset bis digestive powers. The aid had been sent forthwith to notify Mr. Loring of the new story at bis expense and to demand bis version thereof. Petty was at no time a diplomatic man, and at this time did not mean to be. Both in language and manner be ooutrived to make bia mission as offensive as be dared, for Loring bad braved bim so exasperatingly on every previous occasion that, now that be bad him safe in arrest, be meant to taunt and did it, but his sneering slings broke harmless on tbe polished armor of tbe engineer's placid disdain. Tbe madder Petty got tbe cooler was Loring, and when Dennis dropped in just at the close of the interview a worse whipped man was never seen than the aid, wbo rattled back to his general, thinking of what he ought to have said, his wits, like his brevet to the double bar, ooming to him long after the war was over. other, and those youngsters will neltner be able to sleep nor study till they've fought i t o at. A1 wayg prevent a quarrel when yon can, bat onoe they get going never stop a square fight, never see or hear it—until yon know it'a over." weeks, how little he had thought for her, of her who must be so lonely and homesiok in her new sphere. He was almost shocked now at the pallor of her faoe, the drdfep and languor of the slender figure that was so buoyant and elastic those bright days aboard ship jnst preceding the catastrophe. What friends and ohums they bad become) How famously be was getting on with his Spanish! What a obarming teacher aha was with her lovely shining eyes, her laughing lips, her glistening white teeth) She seemed happy as a queen then, and now what had oome over the child? The general was seated at his big desk. He was flanked by tbe adjutant general and backed by a brace of aids. Moreland, the mariner, was standing at the table and started forward as Loring entered as tbongh to grasp bis band. The general still oonsidered it essential to observe a certain air of formality in speaking. It was aa tbongh be bad begnn to believe Loring an injured man, and therefore be himself must bean aggrieved one, for snrely the lieutenant should have spared tba general tbe ■f mortification of being placed In tbe i wrong. The story of that interview went over tbe bay like wildfire and stirred up tbe fellows at the Presidio and Angel island, while tbe islanders of Alcatraz came bustling to town to learn tbe faots as retailed at the Occidental and to hear something more about that queer, silent fellow Loring. Among tbe junior subalterns in tbe artillery were one or two wbo knew him at tbe Point, and tbey scouted tbe story of his having ever stolen a cent's worth, or the idea of extracting anything about the matter from his lips. Tbe latest yarn in oircnlation was that after the now famous interview Loring had "laid for" Captain Petty, tbe aid-de-carap referred to, a young Gotham ite of good family wbo had got into tbe regulars in tbe war aud out of company duty from that tin e to this, and, having met tbe aid-de-ca. ip, Loring Ifad thereupon o*lm!v nulled tbe eentleman's aauiline nose for him. In like manner a wiser head than that which diotated the telegraphio instructions to the department commander that night would have seen that It was far better for all parties in the mix at San Francisoo if Mr. Loring had been detained there long enough to have the matter investigated from start to finish, and so to "fix the responsibility." It was not of vital importance that he should sail by first steamer, but there had been friction between this particular general and the engineers, between him and the adjutant general, between him and the secretary of war, between him and the division oommander, then temporarily absent, and a general who differs with so many eminent and astute authorities as these enumerated most occasionally err in judgment Had Loring staid and bean aooorded a complete investigation the ehanoes are that he and the general would have shaken hands and parted friends, for both had sterling qualities. But orders Steamer nails noon Saturday; not yet relieved. What instructions? By that hour there would be no one in the office of tbe obief of engineers at Washington, but Loring addressed it direct to tbe home of the assistant, upon whose interest in tbe case he had reason to rely, and then returned at onoe to bis desk. Were be not to be there it would place it in tbe power of a would be oppressor to say tbe officer deaignated to receive the property bad oalled during offioe hours and oould not find Mr. Loring. And then, with such patience as be could command, Loring reoeived tbe visitors wbo kept dropping in, among them" tbe boisterous Moreland, whose bay of Bisoay voice had become almost aa trying to bis boat aa to tbe other oocupants of tbe building, and during tbe long afternoon awaited tbe aotion of tbe general upon bismorniug's letter and that of the war department upon bis telegram. obief of engineers requesting to be relieved from further duty at San Fransisco. He was neither cleared nor oonvicted of tbe allegations at bis expense. There seemed no way of bringing about sitber result in tbe absence or silence of witnesaea But meantime be bad bitterly resented the apparent readiness of certain of tbe officials to look upon him with suspicion and bad withdrawn from all except most formal and distant association. No wonder he desired to be relieved from further service witb or near tbem. But to this tentative remark Mr. Loring made no reply. He stood calmly before tbe department commander, looking straight into bia. face, but did not open bis lips. "I'll report your exact language to the general, sir," said be, witb anger in bia tone. "They are going to let me write to you. Pancba," he had told her, "and I shall write every month, but yon will write to me long letters, won't yon?" "Si." And the dusky little head bowed lower and Pancha was withdrawing her hand. CHAPTER XV. April bad gone and May, and June was well nigh half over. Tbe old semaphore of Telegraph bill would have worn itaelf ont signaling side wheel j steamers bad it still been in operation. Tbe transcontinental railway was j «tretching out up tbe valley of tbe Platte toward tbe center of tbe continent, but Welle, Fargo and tbe pony ax press charging a dollar a letter were tbe only transcontinental rapifji transit jf tbe day. People still went to and from tbe distant east by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and tbe big boats of tbe Pacific Mail were crowded, going or ooming, tnd one bright June day two women in mourning were esoorted aboard tbe Souoni and shown to their little stateroom, one a- decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, 10 or 13 years, apparently, the senior. They sailed with only one friend to ; see them off—an aid-de-camp of tbe - sommanding general—yet not without* much curiosity on the part of the younger woman as to tbe composition of the passenger list Even before tbey were beyond tbe rocky scarp of Alcatraa—for few tbingB are impossible to a pretty woman—she bad been able to se- "Try to, at least," aaid Loring pointedly. - "1 say," repeated tbe general in louder tone, "tbe captain appears to know and may be able to tell us something about the people who were your accusers." "I didn't come here to be insulted, air!" said Petty fiercely. "He treated me and the general's orders witb perfect contempt," said Petty finally, and the general looked into tbe face of bis senior staff officer, hopeful that Strain would seem properly impressed. But Strain did not It was one thing for Loring to ignore him, bnt quite different when that offioer failed to stand and deliver at tbe demand of Petty. Strain treated him with scant respect bimeelf when the general wasn't around and bad been beard to say that generals who allowed their wealthy relatives to dictate who should be their aids were foisting heavy loads upon the service. It was nearly 10 o'olook; bis evening was spoiled. He was crabbed, therefore, and be spoke accordingly. "Mr. Petty—I—mean Captain Petty (Strain, who didn't get one, aaid a March, 1807, brevet was of no earthly aOcount, and he for one proposed to ignore tbem), may I ask what were yonr words when you—yon have given us Mr. Loring's—were oommnnicating tbe general's message to him? War* tbey, for example, carefully ohosen? Did you observe courtesy of manner, avoiding all that oould irritate, or"— "No, sir. Yon came here to insult," was tbe cool reply. Tbe aid went down tbe stairs witb thundering heels and raging heart. Snob contemptuous sang froid on part of an officer four years his junior in service was something unheard of, something not to be tolerated, and as Loring refused to budge from his position of oalm superiority tbe only thing left for Petty was to leave. So far from going to Yuma, he had progressed only to Monterey, and there spent two or three days poking about the resorts around tbe plaza in search of gossip that was rnmored to be in circulation at Loring's expense. He found tbe goesipers easily enough, but had great difficulty in reaching their authorities. It proved disheartening work, for tbe farther he went tbe less be learned, eaoh talebearer having apparently added to the pile of his informant, as Petty should have had sense enough to know would be tbe case. "You know I have no little aister," be went on. ... She did. She bad learned ail this and much laort aboard ship and remembered every word be bad told ber, very mnoh more than he remembered She knew far more about him than be did about ber, but be looked far more interested now. The good gray sister was more than good. She was ve*|r busy at something away across the room, and Loring bad drawn bis little friend to the window."Possibly, sir," said Loring, finding that he was expected to say something, bnt witb an indifference of manner most oulpable in one ao far inferior in rank. Petty could cot be found. He bad gone to Fort Yuma on important business for "the department commander, was the explanation. Tbe general properly refused to be iuterviewd by reporters of tbe papers, and couldn't be approached by anybody else on the subjeot. Only two things were positively known. Lieutenant Loring bad reoeived telegrapbio notification from the obief of engineers of bis relief from duty in tbe department and bis assignment to similar work in tbe department of tbe Platte, and it was rumored, though it iconld not beoonfirmed, that the general bad been directed by telegraph to designate a staff officer to receipt to Lieutenant Loring at once for the public property for wbiob be was accountable in order that the latter offioer might take an early steamer for tbe isthmus, as his services were urgently needed at bis new station. It was an open seoret that the general oonsidered himself aggrieved by tbe aotion of tbe authorities at Washington, and said so. ' He bad made no charge against Lieuteuaut Loring. He bad merely oalled that gentleman's attention to tbe very serious allegations laid at bis door, and this was true. On the other band, people wbo bad been permitted to know anything about tbe matter, notably oertuin senior offioers of tbe engineer corps not under tbe general 'a orders, and one or two staff department officers wbo, unhappily for themselves, were nnder bis orders and subjeot to his semiocoaslonal rebuke, now openly said that not one allegation against Loring came from a reliable or respectable source, and that it was anootrage to have beld bim even to inferential aoconnt on tbe statement of auoh a oad as Eecalante's agent, wbo hadn't been near tbe office since tbe reoovery of Captain Moreland. tbe insinuations of Mr. Purser Traynor, now totally vanished, and tbe rumored aspersions of a fair incognita, known only to Captain Petty, a man who bad few associates in tbe "line" or outside the limited circle of tbe general's personal staff, and wbo was not too we)} liked even there. Mrs. Nevins had insisted on removing to a cheap lodging in Sacramento aa «oon as able to move at all, and had taken her dependent sister witb her, sorely against tha t young woman's wish, as she bad made an impression, a decided impression upon an unmarried aid de camp who was reported to be wealthy, but whose attentions fell abort of tbe matrimonial point as tbe poverty of tbe sisters became revealed to him. There was, therefore, no longer to Loring tbe possible embarrassment of meeting or seeing tbe girl wbo bad so wronged bim, yet there was constant evidence of tbe seeds that she had sown. Some man, he felt sure, must have kept alive the rumors to his discredit, and tbe extreme constraint of manner, tbe avoidanoe shown by this very gentleman, stamped him in all probability as tbe person at fault Loring was only waiting now for proofs. "I was in hopes, Mr. Loring," said the general, evidently nettled, "that you would appreciate the evident desire of myself and confidential officers to see you relieved of these—er—aspersions. For that reason I urged Captain Moreland to make his statement publio."given in compliance with orders from superiors are aometimes given only grudgingly. The general bad beard in that brief interview with hia late at night callers enough to convince *»C■» that the harabest charges laid at Loring'a door belonged elsewhere. But there were things Loring bad been too proud to explain—there was bis insubordinate—so the general regarded Itappeal over his commander's bead to the bureau in Waabington; there waa hia defiance of his envoy and rapraaentative. Captain Petty; there were lota of little thinga that ruffled the dignity of the veteran autocrat, especially the eomewhat peremptory tone of the dispatch from the war department, and the general felt himself wronged by hia superiors.Four o'clock came at last Office hours were over. Neither relief nor reply bad reached bim. He beard the halls resounding to tbe footsteps of offioers and clerks, as tbey oiosed their doors and left tbe building. Bidding his assistant remain a moment, be strode to the farther end of the long passage. Tbe general was at tbe moment issuing from his private offioe, conversing witb two of bis staff. Tbe adjutant general, a bundle of papers in his hand, was hastily crossing tbe hall toward hiB own offioe. Loring raised his hat in grave salutation to his commander, wbo bowed with dignified reserve in return, and a moment later the engineer was facing the oolonel at his desk. "How I wiata I bad known yon then ■t—at the Oils, Pancbal" be managed to cay in alow, etambling Spanish. "Do yon know we made a great mi* Blake and If" uof -' And still looking straight at tbe department commander, whose florid faoe was turning purple, Loring was silent Perhaps after a month of accusation,' real or implied, on tbe part of tbe general and tbe "confidential offioers" be found it diffloult to aoconnt for tbe sudden manifestation of desire to aoqnit. He was thinking, too, «f a tear stained little letter that had oome to bim only a few days earlier—tbe last from Panoba before tbe obild was formally entered at tbe school of tbe good gray siftera He was wondering if she at 16 were really more alone in her little world than be in the broad and liberal spbere of soldier life. Then tbe sight of Moreland's weatber beaten faoe, perturbed and aggrieved, gave bim a sense of sympathy that through all the weeks of his virtual ostracism bad been lacking. He bad other letters, too, worth more than a dollar apieoe, which was wbat their oarriage cost bim, bidding bim have no fear; documents of weight were coming that would teach tbe authorities of the Paoiflo ooast the error of their rlews and ways, bnt of these be did not jare to speak. He choose to wait tbe soming of tbe documents themselves. Ibe silence, bowevsr, was oppressive, ind tbe sailor spoke. ake, Mr She die. - wish to know. little sands went op imploringly, dark bead drooped lower still, the slender, girlish form was sorely trembling. What ailed the child? It was time to |0, yet he lingered. Be felt a longing to take her hands again, clasped in eaoh other now and hanging listless as she Isaaed against the window oasing. He meant to bend and kiss bergoodby, just as he would have kissed a younger sister, he said to himself, not as he bad hissed Geraldine Allynl Bat somehow he faltered, and that waa something on* usual to Walter Loring. Even at risk of being abnpt he felt' it time to go, but after the manner of weaker.men took out hia watch.. " Yea, I most go, Panaha. Wo won't aay goodby, will wef It la until tomorrow—baata la manana. Yon know we always oone again to California. You'll be quite a woman then, though." He who was ao brief and reticent with men found himself prattling with this child, unable to break off. At last, with sodden effort, be seized both her hands in his, where they lay limp and passive. "Adios, little one I Dear little friend I" he said, bant swiftly, and his curling brown mustache was orushed one instant against the top of her dusky head. Then he hurried to the lady superior and took his leave, Panaba standing silent at the window until the door had olosed behind him. iea' Another day and he waa looking baok Dennis needed ev- along the sparkling wake of the crowdlongings aboard ad ataamar, thinking how beautiful the called upon ocean anemed to 1dm only a few woaka iireot«d «Qd «tood in re- earlier. Another week and he waa at lie the choleric war- the isthmus, homeward bound, yet lown the room and olinging with strange interest to the on. He wished Mr. soanaa of ao me»h trial. AMtbvmonth •d Mw* wtiftw be inr Kt'vts along old, hmilin officer had behaved tfaarea, an route for the distant Held of with disregard row and stirring duty. Without a day's eral, the latter delay he waa hurried on the trail of a to stand in his party of to select therefore determined the the site for the new post far up in the release him from heart of the Sioux hunting grounds. For T duty that ho aaaociataa bo found a veteran quarter" Joining" hia master, with a keen eye for business, — far ae to say and an aid-de-camp of hia now general very much, to oom- »„«! j«nmt expertenoea gentleman and his with sooh oombined to render him saore Arizona, and, retieant than ever. Major Burleigh eon*nng laments flded to Captain 8tone that if that waa •D taken a specimen of Wert Point braina and ",°®- brilliancy it only oonflrmed hia previous notiona The aite for the new poat was decided upon after brief but pointed argument, id a vote of two to one, the engineer sing accorded the privilege of a minority report if he aaw lit to make it Commanding their eeoort waa a young ifficer, whom Loring had known when is oadets they had together warn tbe (ray, and though there had been np intimacy there waa respect, and the two rabnlterns, engineer and dragoon, agreed that the board might better have staid at home and left the aeleoticn to the Indiana, bnt Lieutenant Dean had no vot% and Loring no further reaponaibility. He could make hia remonstrance when begot to Omaha, which would probably be too late. On that homeward way ho aaw enough of Burleigh to oonvince - onward, for the major Two tor But at last be "lit" on something tangible. Tbe hardy giant who led tbe rush the nigbt of tbe wreck was now well enough to be hobbling about town and breathing his tale of woe and wrong to all listening ears, and, tbe officers being gone and no one present to contradict, be had so frequently repeated his version of the wreok of the Idabo as to make a sinner of his memory and "credit his own lie." The burden of his latest song was that Lori&g had been to see bim at hospital and bad promised him, on condition of being guaranteed against aotion or proseoution because of tbe shooting of a wronged and inoffensive man, that he (Loring) would pay bim handsomely—would send bim 910 a week, and gave bim 92S then and there. But now, for more than a month, said he, not a cent bad oome, and be beard that Mr. Loring was trying to get away east. The man told his story reluctantly and with some palpable "breaks" when he found be was being questioned by an officer, but Pet- aure a copy and to say, witb bated breath, to tbe languid invalid: "At least, he's not going on this ship. It "Of course I did. Yon never saw a man so contemptuously, insultingly oool in your life. He just"— Strain, too, Buffered in hia own estimate, and Fatty waa faming with pent np wrath and bate againat that oool, raperoiliona, oootemptnooa npatart of an engineer. Who in biases was he, anyhow? What waa hia family? What hia aocial atatna? demanded Petty to himaelf, even tbongh be knew that theae were mattera whereof oar democratic military ayatem took no thooght whatever. It la the proud boast of the Amartoan army that neither wealth nor name nor ancestry can count in the long race (or the atara. In theae glad day* of peace and national prosperity the offloer la speedily taught that promotion is the reanlt of only one of two things—patient waiting or politioal influence. And eo it reaulted that when Walter Loring at earned away aonthward on the ; might be better if be were"—for Miss i? Qeraldine AUyn bad not lost faith in ber pover to charm. And one reason why the "be" referred to was not going on this ship was that the sisters Nevins and Allyn had "booked" tbeir passage nearly two weeks before, it being useless to remain longer on the Paeiho coast in bopes of finding the fugitive husband, for the oonanl at Quaymas was authorized to report the death, at Hermosillo, "through wounds and exposure, of the gallant but unfortunate oaptain, whose mind must have given way under his accumulation of troubles." A seal ring that Nevins used to wear and some letters were all be had to leave, and these bad been duly forwarded to the address of his wife, whose pathetio inquiries for further particulars elicited nothing j "Ton tent for me, HrT" mom reliable than that Nevins wss building in quest of bis friend tbat the dead and buried and that was the end of general with two aids and otbura of hia The qnartermaster got "transpor- bad assembled in tbe office of Colotation for them to New Orleans. A nel Strain. Several of them had known sum sufficient for their immediate and sailed with the Idaho's master and nth«r iif^.hnrt^ennt ,ikeC* her °*PtaDD despite his freotner sum, which aid not receive un- .-. . ,j, nmediate acknowledgment, was also »» His appearance sent to tbe disconsolate widow, and now at door*"y' th"ef1OTC' lWM the ,l„ _„i__ j , ' ... i cal for quite a oordial welcome. The i himself came forward to take Going too, wa. Loring, though not *lm bj tfae h-ud wjd My faow mny be on that trip—shaking, so to speak, the waa at ,ba j0la 0f bte mip aod bow h« dust or California from his feet, • si- hoped soon to see him on tbe decks of a lent but much disgusted man. For bigger and better one. But tbe bluff nearly five weeks he bad lived a life oaptain thought as little of land gentbat would have tried the enduranoe of as of lubbers of lower grade, and | »be Patriarch of Holy Writ and wrecked not as grateful as be should perthe sunny nature of a Tapley. Hounded baps have been, and was evidently &W *"®r day by the so called agent of looking for something beyond tbe symthe hscalantes, with insolent demands pathetic group, and presently said so. for property that was never in Loring's "iDTe come to see Mr. Loring, by with arreat if be George! I haven't laid «yea on him did not nake restitution or propose an gince the night be backed me up in re| equivalent; sent practically to Coventry rtcring mder and discipline on my by officials at headquarters, to whom be Bbjp. That man oogbt to have been a was too proud or too sensitive to dilate Where'll I find him?" be oon- m0re tban eluded, abruptly, faring round at tfae °irole oi to™"*** embarrass fsces. " J " We beard some rumor about this, stalwart letter written by the Yuma MptainDM tbe ral ..8npp0(ie surgeon, in response to fa.s urgent ap- * , * d ,, PP°£ peals; comforted measurably by Blake's ' T' J™!" ' JFtEnZl'L i?™bord|" " Why not right here, where they ment headnnnrtpra■ to can all hear?" was the instant answer, ment headquarters; unablo to bring to ... ... ... L -r s. na j n ti,n * 1 in told tuft• more o one mio osi bear for nearJy At© weeks tbe mate of w # been at work trying to rob iilm of the testimony as to character forthcoming oredit d f Mr. Jennings, who from the superintendent and officers at " ' . . -mining-, West Pofnt, and the letter, of class- was our first officer I gave tbe company mates and comrades who knew him and ?,p,ec® n,,tod m°ment I heard felt that tbe charges must be false, our * engineer passed through an ordeal the f r him. Tain tbe first I ve had like of which few men have had to en- u ' ' f, 7 * V" last if be ever runs foul of me again. ihftn toe unexpected happenea. xne rbey tell me. wbat'a more, that Eeoasaptain of tbe Idabo slowly recovered (ante's agent has bad tbe impudenoe to bia mind and strength, and, with con- come here a dczen times threatening valescence, came keen recollection of Mr. Loring. Next time be oomes you ] all that had oocurred. He, too, made have him kicked out and obarge it to full report to tbe owners of Loring's me. Tbat man's a thief, and ao is one soolness and determination the night of of the Escalantea—if not more than . the wreck, and was amazed to be told 3ne. As for Loring, he'a bead and of tbe charges against tbat officer. ih on Id era above any of tfae young fel" Who says so? Who makes suoh ao- lows tbat have sailed with me, and j rotations?'' be demanded angrily, and when I was flattened out by tbe rush of was informed that bis friend and ship- tbat aowardly gang be stood up to 'em mate, Purser Traynor, was tbe persoo, like a man. Tbat one shot of bis whereat the big skipper gave a long, brought 'em up with a jerk and put an long whistle, looked dazed again, smote and to tbe trouble." his thigh with a heavy fist, and pres- He broke off short and glanced about sntly said, "Just you wait a little," bim to note tbe effect oT his words. It } wherewith be took himself off. Traynor was an awkward moment. Three of tbe ■; tnd the first officer had been very group bad had their doubts as to tbe jf "thick" for a fortnight or so, though possibility of Loring's being culpable, tbat dinner had never come off. Tray- but so disturbed and partially oonvinoed nor and tbe first offioer bad both been bad been tbe general and hisobief of promised exoellent berths tbe moment itaff, so active had been tbeaid-de-oamp tbe new steamer arrived tbat waa to referred to in bis collection and dissent - take the place of tbe Idabo. But the ination of scandal at Loring's expense, saptain went erasing out beyond Sacra- tbat no outi felt able to say anything mento, where the purser had a little until tbe general himself bad spoken. sest and brood, and came back later Tfae chief evidently felt his dignity aswith a tale he ponred into tbe ears of sailed and bisoommanding attitude 1mthe company, the result of wbiob waa periled. No further revelationa ought tbat Traynor was informed be would be to be allowed except sucb as should be wise to seek other employment, there filtered through bim or faia aocredited would be no place for bim on tbe new staff officer. Montana, and Traynor took first boat "Odne into my den, captain." he extor tbe Columbia and got far away from claimed, therefore. "You interest me Ban Francisoo. greatly, and I want to hear all about No specifio charges bad been laid at it" bis door, said the owners, when ques- ««i»h oome quick enough," said the tioned. Nothing bad been proved, noth- captain briefly, "after I've seen Loring. Ing probably would be, tbat tbey knew i want toahake hands with him, I say, of, but tbe oaptain bad sailed witb before I do anything else. Where'll I Traynor several years and bad views of fi„d bim?" And witb most depressing bis own as to tbat gentleman's integ- disregard of tbe general's greatness, the rity, wbiob, when oommunicated to nilor WOuld have turned his back on Mr. Traynor, did not seem to surprise the entire party In order to find bis inbim and remained uncontradicted. jnred friend, but the obief waa a strate- Then came tbe captain to department g|at headquarters. The British sailor has .CAh, go to Mr. Loring. captain," scant reverence for soldiers of bis own Hid be to a ready staff offioer, "and say land and less for those of any other, no bim tbat I desire be should come to matter what the rank, and this particu- my room a m0IneDt |" And tbe aid-detar sen of tbe sea was more Briton than wa8 off ,ike a so the seaman Yankee, despite the fact that he had could only wait The general led tbe /au1181.Sbe trade L°"B yearS w«y into bis comfortable room and sigf. of bin life and had taken out his papers naled 0Be or two to fo]low prM. J 'D th'9 ®°rly statehood of that wonder- lentlyback came bis messenger and a fulh nd Ever since the days of Stock- , mome0t after bim-grave, composed, ton and Kearney be bad fed fat the ani bnt freezjng)y formal-there at tbe door l oient grudge he bore the army and gtood tbe engineer. His eyes brightened f steered as clear of soldier association as op tbe instant be laid tbem on the waa possible for a man whose ship Idaho's sturdy commander, but etiqueite . Wat dependent in great measure on demanded that be shoul I first address armj patronage. Days before bis un- lbe K«Deral. bera ded coming to general headquar- «You gent for me, sir?" tars the rumors of Loring'. bravery and did Mr 0nr good frJendD coolness the night of the wreck bad Captain Moreland, baa been telling us of bean floating about tbe building. But, yoor moBt—er—praiseworthy conduct j the engineer had drawn into his shell. nigbt ot the disaster. We all, I wish He same and went to and from the to assure you, are-er-gratifieCf to hear officii assigned to him, working appar- 0j tbta And now it bas occurred to me tatly over field reporta and mapa, and tbat Captain Moreland might be able to \nlT ,rra throW 8011,8 on 'he very unpleaaaoit Itag «nlaaa sent for: Ik was believed uit matter which we had to bring to 1ft wntMn uifiuuy to site —.y ft fany wttiit Sure- It so happened thi very day thestanoh old salt came searching through tbe "Colonel Strain." said be, "I have much to do. Will you name the hour at which I am to meet my relief?" But Strain beld up his hand. "I should like to know Ant what you said. The general has told me the message you were to give. Now-w, bow did you give it?" 5 % "Mr. Loring," said tbe offioial tartly, "when we are ready to relieve yon, the order will be issued—and not before."But that was something Oolonel Strain was destined not to know tor many a year, if indeed he ever heard. There came a knock at the door. A servant entered with a card. "The lady, sir, begs to see the general at onoe, if only for five minutes." "Colonel Strain," answered Loring, "I shall be at my desk all evening, ready to receive that order." And wheeling about be met tbe general at the door. An open telegram was in tbe lstter's band, a queer look on his flushed and angry faoe. Relieving bis impatient clerk. Loring seated himself to answer a letter, and there fell from the paokage he drew from bis pocket a little note, and with a sudden pang of shame and sorrow be stooped and picked it up. It was only a tiny missive, only a few sad, almost pleading worda Did be mean to go without a word of goodby to Pancba? His heart reproaobed bim as he remembered that this had reached him two days before. Tbe general frowned as he took the oard. What lady could be oalling at 10 o'olook at night and demanding interviews when he was so much occupied? But bis faoe changed aa be read, then glanced up at his obief of staff. long ran for tbe States be left behind an unsettled figbt, three or four aggrieved officials—aggrieved becanee of him or bis affairs and their miamanagen ent of both—and one inveterate enemy. He had plenty of time to think it all over after ha was fairly at bnl none before. He and —*" "If tbe only accusers this gentlemsn baa are Esoalantea, or associates of. tbe Escalantes, you'd better beg bis pardon ind have done with it," said be, and thereby pnt tbe matter in its most luokless way. Angrily tbe general turned to the iid-de-oamp fidgeting on his left "This is remarkable. Strain. Tbe lady superior of tbe gray sisters' convent Alone?" he asked, turning to the servant i "No, sir. Young lady with her, sir." "You'll have to excuse meamoment, gentlemen," said ha "I'll rejoin yon here." "Do yon know whether the Eecal antes are the sole accusers, captain?" mid be deliberately. ery moment to get hia and bia business closed. He wbb writing a note to tbe lady superior, telling her of bis expectation of sailing on tbe morrow and aaking if be migbt be permitted to oall to aay adieu to bia little friend of tbe abipwreck wben an orderly ento«d. Strain waa about to retnrn to tbe subject wben tbe butler spoke. "A messenger from headquarters ia at tbe door, sir. Says be bas a dispatob to deliver in peraon. Shall I send him op?" It was the general's library, and Strain waa wondering what was going on in tbe general'a parlor. He knew of tbe lady superior. He knew tbe story of little Panoba, ber brave, uncomplaining conduct tbe night of the wreak, and of her being placed In tbe convent of the gray sisters. He decided to go to tbe ball door bimself, and waa aatonished to bear the sound of sobbing as he passed the parlor. Mechanically be took and receipted for tbe dispatob. Slowly, absently he retraced hia steps, listening to the strange aounda, a pleading, oboking, girlish voice, soothing worda in tbe gentle, loring woman'a aweet tones, tbe occasional gruff monosyllables from tbe general bimaelf. Strain reached tbe library again in something like a dream, finding Petty stalking up and down, tugging at his slim mustache and nervoualy e .peotant «pectfol lileuoe while • - « . • * the general aa "I regret to say that they are sot," wag the answer. "And Mr. Loring baa ihown strange relnotanoe. to pat it mildly, to meet the others." And, as the revulsion of feeling set in, Petty set out for Yuma. "Where there is so dashed mucb smoke," said b* as it later transpired, "tbere mast be some fire," and the general bad bidden bim go to Ynma, to Gila Bend, to Gnaymas, to the devil, if need be, and find ont all the facts. Bat the linesmen at Presidio and the Jovial blades at Moreland'a elbow were load in their laaghing statement that if Petty were looking for fire be oonld have found it here in abundance. Loring could have given bim more than be wanted. tior paoed op and explained bis poait . "I have answered, onoe and for all, avery obarge brought to my ears," said Loring, turning on the speaker, with eyes tbat blazed, and Moreland, who bad seen bim cool and oom posed in the (ace of panio, marveled now to note the intensity of bis emotion, for Loring was white and trembling, though bis gaxe was steady as tbe band tbat held back the terror stricken crew tbat wild nigbt on tbe waters. '.'Colonel Strain'a oomplimenta, and he desires to see tbe lieutenant at onoe." It waa not customary for offioers to ttf so summarily summoned after offloe boura, but Loring went. With a hand that trembled visibly, but with every effort to control bis voice, tbe chief of staff held forth a telegram and said, "Tbe general desires to know, sir, whether, you have sent any telegram to Washington which aan aooount for this?" felt that the yonng with disrespect, at least of his oommanding g» was too magoaaimoaa way, and bad evening previous to arrest aod from fort might lose do time Dew station, even weoi be bad foood much, mead in the yonng performsooe of duty is bat for the nafortoDate that bad resulted, wool pleasure in making pub meat of the fact. : i Then came the order in the case of Oaptain Nevins, dismissing that worthy from the service on charges of oonduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman, and awarding a year's imprisonment at snob penitentiary, eta, as the reviewing authority should direct, and by the same post the official order transferring Lieutenant Loring of the engineers to dnty in (be department of the Platte, and then what did the steamship company do but issue invitations for a dinner to be given in honor of that distinguished young officer, and great was the noise thereof until it was known that the gentleman had graoefully, but firmly, declined. "Perhaps you are unaware of tbe more recent developments—and tbe •ouroe of information," said tbe aid uneasily. Loring took it and slowly read it. Divested of address and signatures, it read as follows: But at last he "lit" on something tangible. ty posted back to Frisco without delay, convinced that here was something with which to confront and oonfonnd that oool, supercilious snob. Then be oonld take a fresh start for Ynma and get more. One oan always get something when the object of the story is away, and, like the seaman's story of bis interview with Loring, Petty's version of the seaman's interview with him waxed as he hastened to his general, and bad assumed tne proportions of a magnificent scandal by the time he told it to that much ruffled brigadier. "I am, and I demand tbe right to know or to meet both without delay. The secretary at war is informed that Lieutenant Loring has not been relieved as' directed. Report reason by telegraph. He could not but deprecate the conduct of Mr. Loring'a friends in Wub* ington, and might find it noonanarj to appeal to the president for justice. Meantime, however, be desired Mr. Loring to know that no persooal consideration had actuated his condnot. Ha bad done what be believed to be bis duty, and then, like the orator, the genera! pansed for reply. Mr. Loring stood in civilian dress and soldier attitude, bat in hand, an attentive listener, never interposing a word or hazarding a remark. When the general stopped, tbe lieutenant remained silent and standing. The general looked perturbed, halted and glared, aa much as to say, "Wby tbe devil don't yon speak?" a thing Loring never did when he had nothing to say. The chief found it necessary to begin anew, but broke off presently. "Ton understand, do you not?" Loring deliberately finished reading, and then deliberately looked up. *'I have, sir." and "Then it is the general's order, sir," said the chief of staff, "that yon go at one* to yonr quarters in close arrest" CHAPTER XVII. There was the mischief to pay in and about department headquarters for something like 24 hours. Colonel Strain, as chief of staff, had a sleepless night of it Mr. Loring, reticent as ever, bad gone straight to bis rooms, which were far from tbe office and not very far from the convent of tbe good gray sisters. He had no tbongbt of insubordination in wiring as he did to Washington. He considered it was his paramount duty to make every effort in bis power to sail by tbe first steamer. Letters of instruction that had reached him bad informed him that a new post was to be built along tbe Big Horn range in Wyoming, and that tbe moment be arrived a board of offioers, of wbioh be would serve as junior, would be sent ont to seleot tbe site. There was urgent need of his services therefore and no time to be lost He felt that this sudden and summary arrest was a wrong to him personally and professionally, but tbe lessons of obedience and discipline taught in tbe four long years at West Point were fresh in bis mind, and whatever should be tbe result of bis detention the responsibility now lay with the department commander. Even Strain, bad be heard tbe aooount would have riddled it—Captain Moreland'a evidence was conclusive on that point—and while Loring, in pity and compassion, might have left money with the man for oomfort in his oonvalesoence, it was incredible that he ahould have tendered payment as a bribe for silence. Strain's exaggerated self esteem was deeply wounded by tbe engineer's evident laok of appreciation of bis greatness, and be would be glad indeed to bring him to heel and convince him he would be wise in future to do homage instead of slight and what made Loring's indifferenoe so exasperating was that Strain himself was forced to see that Loring was not only no fool, as be admitted, bnt a man of brains, courage and ability, which be would not ooncede aloud. Strain, sent for at 8 o'clock by tbe department commander to listen to tbe aid's wrathful account of tbe interview with Loring, fumed and fidgeted and strove to ask some questions to make matters clear, but Petty was already on tbe defensive and did not mean to be questioned, and the general kept interposing. ' Then the papers said "it was rumored" that the general bad forbidden his aooeptance, despite the faot that the general bad expressed publicly bis gratification tbat the oompany bad at last dona something in recognition of its indebtedness to tbe army, whiob was most adroit and equally impersonal. And all tbe while Loring himself was having anything bnt an enviable time of it. A man ao reticent and retiring could not but be annoyed by the persistent calls and cross questions of all manner of people in whom be bad bnt small personsi interest. He wished to have nothing whatever to say upon tbe subject, denied himself to reporters and relapsed into impenetrable reserve when importuned by brother officers whom be bnt slightly knew. j him be m a collapsed under (be aeet at the amba lanoe at the first sign of the Sioux. Then there came an episode that filled iioring with aadden interest In thii W niuMnhU MBMlntinis Men 8«t to know e*oh other better in a week in the Indian oountry than in a decade in town. They had reached the little cantonment and supply station an the dry fork of the Powder, stiff and weary with their long journey by ambulance, and glad of a chance to stretch their lega and rest. The camp oommander was doing his best to be hospitable Burleigh had been shown into the major's hut, where a lot of mail' was awaiting him. A bronsed subaltern bad taken charge of Mr. Aid-de-camp Stone and another of Lacing. The lat- - tar had juat emerged from a tub, dripping and refreshed, and was robbing feMVfta*3bffie mw mander bailing hia boat "Mr. Poet Quartermaster," aaid he, "I wiah every other kind of quartermaster but you waa in . That old rip Burleigh is utterly upeet by aome "Yea, sir," aaid Loring. "Then I suppose—you're very bosy— have many things to do?" "Only one, sir." "Now come Cvi with your story." Captain Moreland"—and here be turned an tbe wondering sailor—'"can you be here tomorrow?" "Well, I won't detain yon. I—I wish yon well, Mr. Loring, and—and— bon voyage 1" And the general •trove to ■mile. "Certainly I can and will," was tbe prompt answer. ••It's the order from those dashed fellow at Washington," said Strain. "That wouldn't help," aaid tbe aid* de-camp, on whom all eyea were fixed sgain. "My informant oouldn't be here." One or two with whom he would gladly have held oounsel were far removed, one at least forever, from bis oircle. Tbe stalwart old inspector, Tnrnbull, lay sleeping bis last sleep in tbe oemetery at Monterey. Tbe veteran who served as president of tbe Nevins court was in far Arizona, and Blake, sound of beart, if not of beHd, was under a oloud at Yuma. His foroeful expressions concerning the imbecility of department officials led to bis being oonflued very closely to company work and minor, yet exaoting, duties at tbe post, alt because of bis abandonment of Lieutenant Loring at a critical moment, said tbe few defenders of tbe department's letter to the poet commander on tbat subject. "All because of bis too vehement defense of Loring," said everybody else. "Thank you, general. Anything elae, rirf" of further questions, but none oame. They were startled by the quiok, hurried footsteps of the general as be waddled back to join tbem and burst in, red faced, ruffled, apoplectic. The general stood and oould think of nothing. "I believe not," be replied, "unless—however, never mind; I won't detain yon." "Very good; we'll go to your informant, then," answered Loring. Another silence. It wae not Loring now who seemed hesitant or reluctant, it was tbe aid. Tbere came a knook at tbe door. An orderly appeared with several telegraphic dispatches. Colonel Strain stepped forward, took them, shut the door in tbe orderly's face, banded tbem to the general and resumed his seat. Glad of a diversion, tbe commander glanced at tbe superscription. "Here is one for you, sir," said he to tbe engineer, who received it, bat did not open it. He was again facing the embarrassed aid, who finally found words. "Strain, Petty, this thing has got to be settled somehow at once. That young woman—ugb, dash the gout I Here, Strain—don't you go, Petty! You won't da Hold on—yes, you'll have to, by Jove! There's no time to be lost Qo and say to Mr. Loring, with my oompliments, I desire to see him a moment in the morning before be sails, and he's—he's released from arrest—it's all —it's all—well, not all of it, but— damnation! I can't explain now. Go! Petty, go! Tell him he's released—relieved, and, Strain, you issue tbe order relieving him at once and directing him to proceed without delay to his new station. I want to get tbe order out before those dashed fellows at Washington oan order it themselves. What's that you've got?" "Good day, air," aaid Loring, and marched qniokly away to the room at the aid-de-camp. Petty waa not there. An embarrassed lieutenant arose and ■milad vavuelv. "Let him tell his tale his own way, oolonel. Let bim give you tbe wbole story, Monterey and all." And Strain, wbo had hoped to spend tbe evening with bis cronies at tbe club and whist, was compelled to sit till long after 9 and hear the details of Petty's asininity.Arrived at bis quarters, Loring calmly wrote a dispatch to tbe assistant in tbe office of tbe chief of engineers at Washington, saying in so maiiy words: "Petty isn't about anywhere this morning. He waa out late laat night I expect him every moment." "You needn't. He won't oome. Tell him I waited until 11:30." "Placed in close arrest because of previous telegrams. Cannot sail tomorrow. " Then Loring abut the door and left He bad many an boor later in whioh to think over bia final interview with tbe aid. A moat unwelcome duty waa that aeoond call to Petty. He would rather be kicked than go to Loring and aay waa released from a treat and Perbapa be thought tbe kioL ing if he went But Loring him with tbe aame oontemptuoi neea aa be bad earlier in the night, did Loring aeem either elated or prised. letter he'■ got. He's limp m a wet rag, This and a note to tbe lady superior at tbe convent, saying he would be unable to oome to Bay good by to Pancba, and would probably be detained, he sent by bis servant, bidding tbe man go fir«t tn tha tp1«i/ninb offlna and than stop at headquarters for certain books, and then to deliver tbe note at the oon▼eut on hia homeward way. Stripped of unnecessary C#planation, it seems that tbe general and Strain had decided that their dignity and prerogative had been invaded by tbe summary orders from Washington, which were at once a critioism of their aotion in not relieving Loring, and a demand for an immediate explanation as well as an implied threat that unless that report was entirely satisfactory Loriog must be allowed to proceed. Tbey had spent an hour or more in the preparation of tbe telegram, which Anally oaugbt the wires at 6o'clock; presented their view of tbe case, represented that if Loring left it would be under a cloud, and that he should not now be allowed to leave because of tbe fact that his having resorted to forbidden and Insubordinate means to procure bis release was in itself a virtual admission that be feared to stay and faoe tbe constantly recurring accusations. (J." finned on rase iw. free to bcl ofthsGtofcefor *"£Z | rheumatism! ptnoaa oool- I """**•*** wlihrilii flMifhliij. 1 Nor A *nd prepared under the stringent M •ord ■». RICHTCR^jifl *"-• u ANCHOR " D9 .J3 fPAIN EXPELLERI .*dv"- ljKsrwKBes%ttl HlCfiMMk,mil^9HrM.| I II HaREH AWARDS. I . 6 ■ UPnaohHsusa, Ow Glassworks. M tUt- ■ "«»*. hMXMMttl wng A '"«« * raCK, SS I mm Armm, A ... S- U Sue*, WlttttUlUlMt, ■naI I.LMVIX, thrttUilh 1ST- j rim to*, fa. | DUc RICH llllJ9 I «AItCHOKD» MffttCEM, bast fori ACTIVE SOLICITORS WANTED EVKHY*■ where for "The Story of tte Philippines," by Karat Halstead, commissioned by the Government m Official Historian to the War Department The book wee written In army campeat San Francisco, on the Pacific with Gen. Merritt, in the hospitals at Honolnla, in Hong Kong, in the American trenches at Manila, in tne Insurant camps with Affnln&ldo, on ihe Seek of tire Olympia with Dewey, and in the roar of battliatthe fall of Manila. Bonanza ror agents. Brinfnl of original pictures men oj goTernn.eat photographers on the rot. L*roe book. )/ow prices. Big profits. Freight Sg!®Sfei2P on page fo'i "Mr. Loring, my informant was here a whole month and said you refused to appear. Now—they are beyond recall, unless-r-it should come to trial." With feverish eagerness Loring •waited tbe railing of tbe nest steamer. Every item for which he stood accountable was tben at bis office, invoices and receipts made oat in fall. Notbiug was nnAdfld hot tbe officer designated to relieve him. Tbe Colombia was to leave on Saturday, and op to Thursday evening do reUef bad appeared. Friday morning tbe adjutant general received a written communication most respectful, yet argent in terias, requesting that the officer might be designated without farther delay, and as no answer was received op to noon Loring followed it with a personal call upon the chief of staff, who said tbe general bad tbe matter under advisement. | Tbe answer came like a flash. "Your informant, air—-and tbere was but ooe—would never appear in the event of trial. That informant aailed three daya ago on tbe Sonora, and you iknow it" Then, aa a sudden thought struck bim, be tore open bis dispatch and read, then turned again to bis faltering opponent. "So long as tbat informant oonld be confronted yon kept me ignorani of any new allegations, if j tbere were any. Now come out with i your story, and by tbe next steamer I'll | run it down." naWio T&8 officers on duty in San FranciBOO for several years past, and was endowed with the Irishman's almost pathetio sense of fealty to bis "commander," as be insisted on speaking of bis employer. Master was a word be oould not tolerate because of its implication of servitude. £ut even while rebelling at tbe term be yielded to the faot a degree of devotion to Loring's interests far exceeding that usually accorded by tbe body servant of tradition, and this calm, deliberate, methodical, silent young soldier was, in spite of himself and the proverb, "a hero in tbe eyes of bis valet de cbambre." "It's tbe order from those dashed fallows at Washington," said Strain. CHAPTER XVIII. Once upon a time a very level beaded old soldier was oommandant of cadets at West Point, and one day one of bia assistants, an energetio young officer, oame hastily in to say that he bad just happened upon a cadet duel at Fort Olinton, had oaptured one of tbe participants and placed bim under arrest, but tbe principals, seoonds and most of those present bad managed to escape. Tbe veteran listened grimly a moment and then said: "Dash the man!" Mid Petty. "I give a month'* pay to tell him thing that would stir him I" Petty ooold easily bare done thai be seen fit to mentioo that the bad received a visit from tbe lady perior with a young girl from tbe ▼eat of the good gray sisters. Buf was a mysterious affair that even general bad seen fit to say nothing ther about, even to Loring, who most concerned. It was a matte: gentle and gracioas woman hersek er referred to when tbe engineer at lC tbe next morning presented hia card anc was ushered into her presence. She wai most courteous. There were peace and loving kindness ineffable in her placid faoe. There was infinite sympathy in ber manner when she presently met and led in to bim a pallid little maid, wbo put a long, slim band in Loring's as he smiled upon ber downoaat, red rimmed eyes. CHAPTER XVL The worst of having a man of Moreland's views present on suoh an occasion is that tbe whole thing is sure to be noised abroad with scant reference to military propriety. Moreland told tbe owners of tbe steamer line, tbe Chamber of Commerce, tbe easily gathered audience on Rush and Montgomery streets, tbe usual customers at Barry & Pat ton's, tbe loungers in tbe lobbies of tbe hotels—everybody who would listen, and who would not—bow that brave fellow Loring, who ought to have been a sailor, faced down that quartet of "blue bellied lobsters" at headquarters. The general was not a popular character. His pripoipal claim to distinction during tbe great war seamed to be that of being able to critiC-i«a Man otha* Moaral'a battlaa and "My luggage goes aboard tbe Columbia tonight, sir, and I should be aboard by 10 o'clock tomorrow," said Loring. Colonel Strain coughed dubiouHly. It was very adroitly and impressively worded, but still tbe general and obief of staff felt nervous and ill at ease. Down in their hearts both realized that nothing had been proved against Loring, and tbat tbe chances were ten to one tbat nothing ever could or would be. Wbat was more, both were beginning to realize tbat Loring bad been badly and shabbily treated. Yet this conviction only made them the more ready to listen to auy story—grasp at any straw—that lent an atom of weight to the case against him. Dinner had brought no comfort to either, and Petty's preposterous story, swallowed whole by tbe chief while still bristling with tbe nervous strain of tbe conooction of that telegram of explanation, bad further "Were they actually fighting when yon got wind of it?" "It might be impracticable to relieve you from duty so soon. Tbe general is in communication with tbe war department upon tbe subject, and possibly if -•—you—bad bad tbe oourtesy to oall upon tbe general or upon me, his chief of staff, and to explain your wishes tbe thing might have been arranged." Dennis had packed bis boxes with blinkiug oven and a saddened heart He had "worrked," be said, "for twinty gintlemip, most av tbim foine men. bot tbe iooteto'nt was the best av all." Dennis had bis wife and brood in a little shanty near tbe sand lots and could not follow Loring to tbe east. He would have bowled with delight to hear tbe order countermanded that was to take tbe lieutenant away, but when he heard at headquarters, from bis fellow countrymen, tbe janitor and tbe guard, tbat sncb a countermand bad been issued in tbe shape of an ureal be swore with wrath "Yes, sir," was tbe earnest reply. "Anybody could bave heard them." "Uml" s8id the colonel reflectively. "Then I think yon erred in interfering. Oouldn't yon bave got there just a little later?" "But tbe regulations prohibit fighting, sir 1" said tbe junior, aggrieved. "Certainly, and your course promotes it. You see, they were already at it. Five minutes more would bave settled tbe thing one way or another, and tbat would bave been tbe end of it. Tbey wonld bave shaken bands and been good friends. Now neither of them baa bad enough. Eaob believes he eta whip the Loring flushed. He saw through tbe motive at a glance, and oould have found it easy to express his opinion in vary few words. There are times when • man is so goaded that an outburst is tbe nnlv natural relief, but it is none «t» Imb. fetal. Thar* might even, b» method in the colonel'* manner, and Straggle as she might for oomporare and strength, Panoba had evidently been sorely disturbed over something through the long watches of the night Loring's heart reproached him aa 1m reaiiaed how selfishly he hftd been tngro—ed (or |
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