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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Lanier of the Cavalry, by Charles King,
+Illustrated by Frank McKernan
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Lanier of the Cavalry
+       or, A Week's Arrest
+
+
+Author: Charles King
+
+
+
+Release Date: October 9, 2006  [eBook #19507]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LANIER OF THE CAVALRY***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Martin Pettit and the Project Gutenberg Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/) from page images
+generously made available by Internet Archive/American Libraries
+(http://www.archive.org/details/americana)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 19507-h.htm or 19507-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/9/5/0/19507/19507-h/19507-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/9/5/0/19507/19507-h.zip)
+
+
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      Internet Archive/American Libraries. See
+      http://www.archive.org/details/laniercavalry00kingrich
+
+
+
+
+
+LANIER OF THE CAVALRY
+
+or
+
+A Week's Arrest
+
+by
+
+GENERAL CHARLES KING
+
+Author of "The Colonel's Daughter," "Marion's Faith,"
+"Captain Blake," "Foes in Ambush," "Under Fire," etc.
+
+With illustrations by Frank McKernan
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "TELL HIM THAT I'D LIKE AN EXTENSION OF ARREST."
+_Page 143_]
+
+
+[Illustration: logo]
+
+
+
+Philadelphia & London
+J. B. Lippincott Company
+1909
+Copyright, 1909 by
+J. B. Lippincott Company
+Published April, 1909
+Printed by J. B. Lippincott Company
+The Washington Square Press, Philadelphia, U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+                                                      PAGE
+"TELL HIM THAT I'D LIKE AN EXTENSION OF
+ARREST."                                    _Frontispiece_
+
+"MR. LANIER, GO TO YOUR ROOM IN ARREST"                 26
+
+"BUT DO YOU MEAN COLONEL BUTTON ACCUSED
+MR. LANIER OF THOSE LETTERS?"                          195
+
+
+LANIER OF THE CAVALRY
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+
+The sun was sinking low beyond the ford of the foaming Platte. The
+distant bluffs commanding the broad valley of the Sweetwater stood sharp
+and clear against the westward skies. The smoke from the camp-fires
+along the stream rose in misty columns straight aloft, for not so much
+as a breath of breeze had wafted down from the far snow fields of Cloud
+Peak, or the sun-sheltered rifts of the Big Horn. The flag at the old
+fort, on the neighboring height, clung to the staff with scarcely a
+flutter, awaiting the evening salute of the trumpets and the roar of the
+sunset gun.
+
+The long June day had seemed unusually unconscionably long to the young
+girl flitting restlessly about the vine-covered porch of the roadside
+cottage. She laid the big binocular aside, for perhaps the twentieth
+time within the hour, with a sigh of impatience, a piteous quiver about
+the pretty, rosebud mouth, a wistful, longing look in the dark and
+dreamy eyes. Ever since stable call, and her father's departure to his
+never-neglected duty, she had hovered about that shaded nook, again and
+again searching the northward slopes and ridges. The scouts had been in
+three hours ago, reporting the squadron only a mile or so behind. It
+should have dismounted, unsaddled, fed, watered, and groomed by this
+time, and Rawdon should have been here at her side--Rawdon, whom she had
+not seen for three mortal days--Rawdon, whom, for three mortal weeks
+before the march, she had not missed seeing sometimes several times a
+day, even when he was on guard--Rawdon, whom she had never set eyes on
+before the first of April, and whom now she looked upon as the foremost
+soldier of the regiment, when in point of fact he was but a private
+trooper, serving the first part of his first enlistment, in the eyes of
+his elders a mere recruit, and in those of Sergeant Fitzroy an
+unspeakable thing.
+
+Another long peep through the signal glasses, another sigh, and then she
+came, this girl of seventeen, in her dainty white frock, and plumped
+herself dejectedly down on the top step, with two very shapely, slender,
+slippered feet displayed on the second below, two dimpled elbows planted
+on her knees, two flushed, soft, rounded cheeks buried in two long and
+slender hands. Away over at the stables she could hear the tap, tap, of
+curry-comb on brush-back, as the First Squadron groomed its fidgety
+mounts. Away up the valley the voices of the children in the Arapahoe
+village rose gleefully on the air. Away up among the barracks and
+quarters at the fort, the band of the Infantry was playing sweet melody.
+Peace, content, and harmony were roundabout her, but the dark eyes,
+welling with unshed tears, told of a troubled heart.
+
+And then of a sudden the tears were dashed away and the girl sprang to
+her feet. A blithe voice hailed her from within.
+
+"Dey's comin', Miss Dora--two on 'em, at least--like enough to be twin
+brudders."
+
+The girl ran to the northward corner again and gazed out across the
+rushing, swollen river. Not so much as a sign of a dust-cloud to tell of
+marching cavalry, and she turned again, with rebuke ready on her tongue,
+but again the voice from within:
+
+"Comin' _t 'other_ way, chile. Must ha' took the lower fohd and rode
+roun' back o' de stables," and, with the words, a laughing "mammy" came
+bustling to the front door, a cool white pitcher in one hand, a tray
+with glasses in the other.
+
+"Ah know well 'nuff what brings de lieutenant round dis way. As for
+dat--_trash_--wid him"--and here came a chuckle of delight at her own
+wit--"he just cain't help hisself." But Dora was not listening. Light as
+a bird she had flown to the other end of the little porch and was gazing
+out through the honeysuckles with all her soul in her eyes.
+
+Coming up the slope at easy canter rode a young officer, with
+broad-brimmed hat and dusty field dress, alert, slender, sinewy, of only
+medium height and not more than twenty-five years, with a handsome,
+sun-tanned, smiling face, a picture of healthful, wholesome young
+manhood. And behind him, at the regulation distance, came what Aunt
+Chloe, in her "darky" dialect more than once had declared "the very spit
+of him"--a young trooper in similar slouch hat and dusty field dress,
+younger, probably, by three or four years, but to the full as alert and
+active, as healthful and wholesome to look at, his face now all aglow
+with a light that was sweet for girlish eyes to see.
+
+The leader swung his hat and blithely shouted as he curbed his eager
+horse. "Howdy, Miss Dora. Bless your heart, Aunt Chloe, I knew you'd
+have the buttermilk ready! No, Rawdon, I shan't dismount"--this to the
+young "orderly," who had sprung from saddle and, with his rein over his
+arm, stood ready to take that of his officer. "Merciful saints! but
+isn't that good after thirty miles of alkali!" He had swallowed a
+brimming goblet of the cool, refreshing drink, and Chloe was delightedly
+refilling. "Father home, Miss Dora?" he went on cheerily.
+
+"Over at the stables, Mr. Lanier," was the smiling answer. The face of
+the girl was sunshine and roses now, yet merely a glance or two had
+passed, for Trooper Rawdon had instantly swung once more into saddle and
+was reining back to his place.
+
+"Stables going _yet_? Why, I thought it must be supper time. Colonel
+sent me ahead to find him. Three of 'E' Troop horses act like they'd
+been eating loco-weed. That's what kept us."
+
+"Colonel Button's always findin' some way of sendin' you in ahaid, Marse
+Lanier," grinned Chloe. "Ah don't wonder dey says _you_ can do anything
+you like an' never get hauled up for it."
+
+"You're a gossip, Auntie," laughed Lanier. "The colonel would cinch me
+quick as the next man if I happened to rub his fur the wrong way. One
+more swig now and I'm off. Tastes almost like the South again, doesn't
+it?"
+
+"Lak de _Souf_!" Aunt Chloe bristled, indignant. "Sho! Dat's no more lak
+de buttermilk _we_ makes dan dat ar' hawse is lak de racers at Belle
+Mead. Cows got to have white clover, Marse Lanier, an' white clover
+don't grow in dis Gawd foh-saken country."
+
+"It's good all the same. Thank you, heartily, Miss Dora. You, too,
+Auntie. Er--Rawdon, you dismount and wait for Doctor Mayhew in case I
+miss him. Give him the colonel's message and say the squadron should be
+in by 7.30." And with that and a wave of his hand and a smiling
+good-night, he took the rein of the troop horse and away they sped to
+the stables.
+
+Then Chloe vanished opportunely. The young trooper stood one instant
+looking gratefully after his officer and those curvetting steeds, eager
+to reach their home and supper. Dora, with glistening eyes and glowing
+cheeks, retreated within the shelter of the bowered porch. Then,
+bounding up the steps and turning with outstretched arms, thither Rawdon
+followed.
+
+Ten minutes later, at swift trot, came a third horse and rider, the
+horse all that a cavalry horse should be in gait and build, the rider
+well nigh as marked in build and proportions. He, too, was well-made and
+muscular, though somewhat heavy and stocky; he was as soldierly, if not
+as young, as the two so recently there in saddle. It was the face that
+repelled, for it was black with wrath and suspicion. In front of the
+little cottage of the veterinary surgeon he hurriedly dismounted, threw
+the reins over the post at the horse-block, and strode, angering,
+through the gate. The murmur of blissful voices had ceased at first
+sight of him. Dora, her face paling, met him at the head of the steps.
+
+Hardly noticing her by look or word, he brushed by, turned sharp to his
+left, and in an instant the two men were face to face.
+
+"Rawdon," spoke the new-comer, his tone curt, domineering, insolent,
+"what do you mean by letting an officer lead your horse to stables? Go
+you to yours at once! Take my horse, too, and groom _him_."
+
+Rawdon flushed to his forehead, said not a word, came forth into the
+light, and then turned squarely.
+
+"My orders were from Lieutenant Lanier, sergeant, and they were
+distinctly to stop here."
+
+"Go you at once and do as I say," was the instant rejoinder, and the
+veins in the sergeant's face were swelled almost to bursting. His eyes
+were fiery, his lips were quivering in his wrath.
+
+"Indeed, Sergeant Fitzroy," began the girl rebukefully, "those were
+Lieutenant Lanier's orders."
+
+"Hang Lieutenant Lanier's orders! No stripling sub can give such orders
+in this regiment. How dare you delay there? Go, you townskip, or I'll
+kick you through the ----"
+
+But now with blazing eyes Dora Mayhew threw herself in front of him.
+Tall, lithe, and slender herself, she seemed just the height of the
+young trooper she defended. "If you raise hand or foot against Rawdon,
+Sergeant Fitzroy, it's the last time you come inside our gate. No, I'll
+_not_ stand aside! Before you strike him you'll have to strike me."
+
+And then and there Sergeant Fitzroy realized that the fears and
+forebodings of the past month were more than grounded. If angered
+before, he was maddened now. Brushing her light form aside with one
+sweep of his powerful arm, he sprang forward at the young soldier's
+throat just as a tall, lean man, with grizzled beard but athletic build,
+bounded up the steps and caught his wrist.
+
+"None of that in my house, Fitzroy!" came the order, stern and
+compelling. "In God's name, what does this mean?" And, still grasping
+the sergeant's arm, the speaker, with his face nearly as white as his
+stable frock, fairly backed the raging Englishman against the wooden
+pillar and held him there.
+
+"Let go, Mayhew!" raved the sergeant. "I've ordered that young rip to
+stables, and he refuses to go."
+
+"He was ordered to stay, papa, until you came," protested Dora, her eyes
+ablaze. "Lieutenant Lanier--_that_ man's superior officer--gave him the
+colonel's message to you."
+
+"He was ordered to go by Lieutenant Lanier's superior, the
+officer-of-the-day, whom I represent," was Fitzroy's answer; "and the
+longer he stays the worse 't will be for him."
+
+"No officer ever authorized you to come to my quarters and lay violent
+hands on a man behaving like a gentleman, which _you_ are not," was the
+cutting rejoinder of the older man, and it stung Fitzroy to fresh fury.
+Was he, the model rider of the regiment, to be braved like this, and in
+presence of the girl he loved?
+
+"Let go! You _must_, Mayhew!" he hissed through clenched teeth. "You
+have no authority. You are only a civilian. You can be broke and fired
+if I report this--outrage--and what I know. Let go!" he shouted, freeing
+himself by furious effort. "Now, you, Rawdon, come with me. No. Stop!
+Corporal Watts!" he shouted, to a non-commissioned officer, swinging up
+the pathway toward the guard-house on the bluff, four men of the guard
+at his back. "Come this way," he continued, for at first no attention
+was paid to his hail. "Come here and take charge of this man. It's the
+order of the officer-of-the-day."
+
+Doubtfully, reluctantly, leaving his patrol disgustedly waiting,
+Corporal Watts slowly descended the incline, crossed the broad,
+hard-beaten road, then, obviously embarrassed at the presence of Dora
+Mayhew, demanded further information before he obeyed.
+
+By this time, Rawdon, pale and silent, was standing at the foot of the
+steps, indignation, resentment, and trouble all mingling in his face.
+Too well he and other young soldiers had learned to know the weight of
+Sergeant Fitzroy's spite. But the trouble in his eyes gave way to sudden
+relief. Two officers were coming swiftly round the corner of the corral,
+Lanier foremost.
+
+"I say again, Corporal Watts, this man is to be taken in charge at once.
+It is Captain Curbit's order as officer-of-the-day. I came direct from
+him," was Fitzroy's final order. But it failed.
+
+"Do nothing of the kind, Corporal Watts," said a quiet voice, at sound
+of which Sergeant Fitzroy whirled about and turned, if a possible thing,
+a full shade redder. There at the gate stood Lieutenant Lanier. There, a
+dozen yards away, but trudging fast as dignity would permit, came the
+officer-of-the-day.
+
+A jerk of the head to the corporal, in response to his instant salute,
+and that young soldier, much relieved, strode away to join his men. Then
+Captain Curbit turned on Sergeant Fitzroy.
+
+"You told me nothing of the facts in this case, sir. Lieutenant Lanier
+says he _directed_ this man to wait here, with the colonel's message,
+while he rode to stables. Pardon me, Miss Dora. Come this way,
+sergeant."
+
+And there was nothing for it but to obey. Abashed, humiliated, rebuked
+and in _her_ presence, where he had looked but a moment before to
+humble and humiliate his rival, Fitzroy, could only lift his hand in
+salute, follow the captain out of earshot, and there make his plea as
+best he could, leaving Lanier and the silent young trooper, Dora and her
+grave-faced old father, in possession of the field.
+
+For a moment they watched Fitzroy, eagerly gesticulating as he stood at
+attention before his superior.
+
+"He'll give you no more trouble, I fancy," said Lanier, in low tone, to
+the veterinarian. "I'll say good-night again, Miss Dora;" and he walked
+cheerily away, but Mayhew looked after him long and anxiously, then upon
+the young people before him, then upon the still protesting sergeant
+across the way.
+
+"Maybe not--maybe not," he muttered, with sorrowing shake of the head;
+"but few men can give more trouble than--him, when he's minded, and I
+reckon he's minded now."
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+
+Nearly six long months went the regiment afield on the hardest campaign
+of its history. Then at last by way of reward it had been ordered in to
+big Fort Cushing for the winter. It was close to town, close to the
+railway--things that in those days, thirty years ago, seemed almost
+heavenly. The new station was blithe and merry with Christmas
+preparations and pretty girls. All the married officers' families had
+rejoined. Half a dozen fair visitors had come from the distant East. The
+band was good; the dancing men were many; the dancing floor was fine,
+and the dance they were having on Friday night, December 16, was all
+that even an army dance could be until just after eleven o'clock. Then
+something happened to cast a spell over everybody.
+
+Bob Lanier was officer-of-the-guard. Bob had asked the colonel to let
+him turn over his sword to a brother officer, who, being in mourning,
+could not dance, and the colonel had curtly said no. The colonel's wife
+was amazed; she did not dream he _could_ do such a thing. Six girls were
+sorrowful, three were incensed, and one was cruelly hurt. She was under
+parental orders to start for home on the morrow. It was to be her last
+dance at the fort. She liked Bob Lanier infinitely more than she liked
+her father's dictum that she must like him not at all. As for Bob
+Lanier, the garrison knew he loved her devotedly even before she knew it
+herself.
+
+Of course she came to the dance. As the guest of Captain and Mrs. Sumter
+she even had to go up and smile on the colonel and his wife, who were
+receiving. She and Kate Sumter had been classmates--roommates--at
+Vassar, and Kate, born and reared in the army, had never been quite
+content until her friend could come to visit the regiment--her father's
+home.
+
+A winsome pair they were, these two "sweet girl graduates" of the June
+gone by, while the regiment was stirring up the Sioux on the way to the
+Big Horn and Yellowstone. Everybody had lavish welcome for them, and to
+Miriam Arnold the month at Fort Cushing had been quite a dream of
+delight, until there came a strange and sudden missive from her father,
+bidding her break off a visit that was to have lasted until February,
+_and_ all relations with Lieutenant Robert Ray Lanier.
+
+Up to this moment these relations had been delightful, yet indefinite.
+For reasons of his own Mr. Lanier had made no avowal of his love to her,
+even though he had disclosed it to every one else. He was a frank,
+fearless, out-and-out young soldier, a prime favorite with most of his
+fellows. Bob had his enemies--frank men generally have. He could hardly
+believe the evidence of his ears when, just after sunset roll-call, he
+had confidently approached the colonel with his request and had received
+the colonel's curt reply. Time and again during the recent campaign the
+veteran soldier now in command had shown marked liking for this
+energetic young officer. Then came the march to the settlements, and
+sudden, unaccountable change. Twice or thrice within the past ten days
+he had shown singular coldness and disfavor; to-night strong and sudden
+dislike, and Lanier, amazed and stung, could only salute and turn away.
+
+Everybody by half past ten had heard of it, and most men marvelled.
+Nobody at eleven o'clock was very much surprised when, in the midst of
+the lovely Lorelei waltz of Keler Bela, a group of young maids, matrons,
+and officers near the doorway opened out, as it were, and Bob Lanier,
+officer-of-the-guard, came gracefully gliding and circling down the
+room, Miriam Arnold's radiant, happy face looking up into his. It was a
+joy to watch them dance together, but not to watch the colonel's face
+when he caught sight of them. Except Lanier, every officer present was
+in full uniform, without his sabre. Lanier was in the undress uniform of
+the guard, but with the sabre--not the long, curved, clumsy,
+steel-scabbarded weapon then used by the cavalry, but a light, Prussian
+hussar sword that he had evidently borrowed for the occasion, for it
+belonged to Barker, the adjutant, as everybody knew--as Barker realized
+to his cost when in less than ten seconds the commander summoned him.
+
+"Mr. Barker, you will at once place Mr. Lanier in arrest for quitting
+his guard and disobeying my orders."
+
+"I shall have to--get my sabre, sir," stammered the adjutant, meaning
+the regulation item over at his quarters.
+
+"There it is, sir, before your eyes. Mr. Lanier, at least, can have no
+further use for it until a court-martial acts on his case."
+
+"Good Lord!" thought Barker, "how can I go up to Bob and tell him to
+turn over that sword so that I can properly place him in arrest--and
+here, too--and of all times----"
+
+But the colonel would brook no delay. "Direct Mr. Lanier to report to me
+in the anteroom," said he, marching thither forthwith, and that message
+the luckless adjutant had to deliver at once.
+
+Bob saw it coming in Barker's sombre visage. The girl on his arm
+understood nothing (but noted the hush that had fallen, even though the
+music went on; saw Barker coming, and something told her it meant
+trouble, and turned her sweet face white).
+
+"Miss Arnold, may I offer myself as a substitute for the rest of this
+dance? Bob, the chief wants to see you a second," was the best that
+Barker could think of. They praised him later for his "mendacity," yet
+what he said was true to the letter. It took little more than a second
+for the colonel to say:
+
+"Mr. Lanier, go to your room in arrest," and Bob saluted, turned, and
+went, unslinging the sword on the way.
+
+[Illustration: "MR. LANIER, GO TO YOUR ROOM IN ARREST."]
+
+Now, that was the first touch to spoil that memorable December night,
+but it was only a feather to what followed. The waltz soon ceased, but
+the colonel called for an extra, and led out a lady from town, the wife
+of a future senator. "Keep this thing going," he cautioned his adjutant
+and certain of his personal following, which was large, and loyally they
+tried, but the piteous face of the girl he had left at the door of the
+ladies' dressing-room and in the hands of Mrs. Sumter was too much for
+Barker. Moreover, he much liked Lanier and bemoaned his fate.
+
+Colonel Button was "hopping mad," as the quartermaster put it, and as
+all men could see, yet at what? Lanier's offence, when fairly
+measured, had not been so grave. It had happened half a dozen times that
+the officer-of-the-guard, making his rounds and visiting sentries in the
+course of a dance evening, would casually drop in by one door and out by
+another, taking a turn or two on the floor, perhaps--"just waltzing in
+and waltzing out," as they said--and no one the worse for it, even when
+the colonel happened to be present. Nor could men now see what it was
+that so angered the commander against Lanier.
+
+"Disobeyed his orders flatly," suggested Captain Snaffle, who stood by
+the colonel on every occasion when not himself the object of that
+officer's satire or censure.
+
+"Disobeyed no order," said Sumter, as stoutly. "Simply did what many
+another has done, and nobody hurt. Nor would Lanier have been noted,
+perhaps, if he had not first asked to turn over his sword to Trotter."
+
+But even that could not fully account for the colonel's rancor, and,
+though the music and dance went on, men and women both, with clouded
+faces, found themselves asking the question: "What could have angered
+him so at Lanier?" And in a corner of the ladies' dressing-room two
+pretty girls, with difficulty soothed by Mrs. Sumter, were vainly
+striving not to cry their eyes out--Kate Sumter dismayed at the almost
+uncontrollable grief of her friend, who, strange to military measures,
+imagined that Bob's arrest was but the prelude to his being shot at
+sunrise, or something well nigh as terrible.
+
+Not ten minutes after Lanier went out, and went silent but in
+unspeakable wrath, Paymaster Scott came dawdling in, and though but a
+casual visitor at the post, just back that day from a tour of the
+northward camps and forts along the Indian border, he saw at a glance
+that something had gone amiss. The colonel was laboriously waltzing;
+three or four couples were mechanically following suit, but most of the
+men were gathered about the buffet, and most of the women huddled at the
+dressing-room door, and Scott, marching over to pay his respects to the
+colonel's wife, and explain his coming at so late an hour, noted
+instantly the trouble in her serious face. He had known her long and
+liked her well, as, despite occasional differences at whist, he did her
+husband. Captain Snaffle was speaking with her at the moment. Mrs.
+Snaffle was at her side. "Why did they tell her at all?" Mrs. Snaffle
+was asking, with much spirit and obvious effort to control a racial
+tendency to double the final monosyllables. "Sure they might have known
+'t would sc--frighten the life out of her."
+
+"Sc--frighten _who_?" asked Scott, who was friends with everybody and,
+for more reasons than his office, a welcome guest wherever he went.
+Snaffle shot a warning glance at his wife, which fell, as he said,
+"unaided."
+
+"It's Bobby Lanier, meejor, only you mustn't sp--refer--to it." Mrs.
+Snaffle, when self-controlled, discreetly shunned such vowels as
+betrayed her origin, a totally useless precaution, since all men knew it
+and liked her none the less.
+
+"Lanier? Oh, yes, I thought it was Bob I saw a while ago streaking it
+across the parade. It's bright as day in the moonlight with the snow.
+What's Bob got to do with frightening folk?" And now he was shaking
+hands with all three.
+
+"Something very unfortunate has happened, major," said Mrs. Button. "Mr.
+Lanier was officer-of-the-guard and asked to attend the dance, Mr.
+Trotter offering to take charge of the guard. Colonel Button felt
+compelled to decline, and--he came any way. You know, of course, _that_
+couldn't be overlooked."
+
+"H'm," said Scott gravely and reflectively. "And who is so frightened?"
+
+"Miriam Arnold; a very charming girl who is visiting the Sumters.
+Indeed, it looks as though she cared for him. It's no secret that he's
+in love with _her_."
+
+"Ah, yes. Well, then, it was she I saw getting into the Fosters' sleigh
+at the side door."
+
+"Oh, I think not! I _hope_ not!" cried Mrs. Button, a flush mounting to
+her face. "I wanted to say a reassuring word after a little----"
+
+But at the moment Mrs. Sumter was seen coming forth from the
+dressing-room. Half a dozen women were upon her at once with sympathetic
+inquiries. To these she spoke briefly, yet courteously, and, escaping on
+the arm of the regimental quartermaster, came straightway to Mrs.
+Button.
+
+"You will forgive my girls for not saying good-night," she cordially
+spoke. "Miriam has been quite upset by a letter from home; and this
+little--episode--this evening, which she cannot understand as we do, has
+so unstrung her that Mrs. Foster offered to send them over home in her
+sleigh. The side door had been barred, but Mr. Horton pried it open for
+them, so they had no need to come this way, and face everybody--and
+explain."
+
+"You know how sorry I am," said Mrs. Button. "Of course they are
+excusable for leaving as they did. Why, where are the others going?"
+
+The music had suddenly stopped. There was a scurry on the part of the
+men at the anteroom. Several had run to the entrance. Others were
+following. Some one among the women, with startled eyes and paling face,
+sprang up saying, "It's fire"--always a dread at wind-swept Cushing.
+Almost at the same instant the colonel and Scott reached the veranda
+without. A dozen officers were there, intent and listening. "I tell you
+I heard it plainly," said one of their number, "and the Foster sleigh
+isn't back."
+
+"Heard what, sir?" demanded the colonel. "What's the trouble?"
+
+"A cry for help--or something, over yonder. Barker and Blake are gone.
+There was a stir at the guard-house, too."
+
+And as though to confirm this much, at least, there presently appeared
+round the corner of the building the sergeant of the guard, in his fur
+cap and overcoat, and with him a burly soldier, bleeding at the nose and
+bristling with wrath. One hand covered a damaged eye; with the other he
+saluted Captain Snaffle, who had edged to the front of the group.
+
+"Sir, I have to report Trooper Rawdon assaulting a non-commissioned
+officer."
+
+For an instant there was silence. Then Major Scott gave tongue.
+
+"Trooper Rawdon!" cried he, "why he's been with me nearly a month, and
+now has a month's furlough from General Crook. He's the best man of the
+escort."
+
+"Refused to obey my orders to go to his quarters, sir, and assaulted me
+when I tried to enforce 'em. Sergeant Blunt says he won't confine him
+unless Captain Snaffle orders it."
+
+"One moment, sergeant," interposed Colonel Button. "Has any
+disturbance--any cry for help--been heard at the guard-house,--or was
+this the explanation?" And he looked with disfavor on the battered
+complainant.
+
+"Number Five, sir, hasn't called off half past 'leven. I've sent the
+corporal to see what's the matter."
+
+"Number Five!" cried two or three men at the instant, and without a word
+Captain Sumter hurried away, on a bee line across the snow-covered
+parade, following the tracks of the adjutant.
+
+"Number Five!" repeated the colonel. "That's just back of Sumter's
+quarters;" and he stepped out into the moonlight for clearer view.
+
+Afar over across the glistening level a few lights glimmered faintly in
+the row of officers' quarters, bounding the northward side of the
+garrison, but neither along their front nor that of the westward row was
+there sign of moving humanity. The moon at its full, in that rare,
+clear atmosphere, illuminated the post, the frozen slopes beyond, and
+the dazzling range of the Rockies, with a radiance that rendered objects
+visible almost as at midday. Only the hurrying form of Captain Sumter
+could be seen half way across the parade. The Fosters' sleigh, that by
+this time should have been back at the assembly room, was nowhere in
+sight. Sumter's quarters were about the middle of the row. Lanier's were
+at the eastward end. For the moment the complaint of the aggrieved
+sergeant was ignored. All men stood waiting, watching. Then, on a
+sudden, two or three black forms darted from the shadow of the middle
+quarters. One came running out across the parade, hardly slackened speed
+at the hail of Captain Sumter, pointed back with one hand, shouted
+something that doubled Sumter's pace, but hurried onward toward the
+group.
+
+It was Conroy, corporal-of-the-guard. "The adjutant orders me to report
+Number Five sick, sir," he panted to the colonel. "I found him all
+doubled up in the coal-shed back of the major's. 'T wasn't him hollered.
+'T was somebody at Captain Sumter's. They got the steward over from the
+hospital, but they want the sergeant and some of the guard to search the
+back buildings."
+
+"_Who_ wants them?" demanded the colonel.
+
+"The adjutant, sir. Lieutenant Blake's with him. There has been some
+prowlers--and the young ladies were frightened."
+
+"They are safely home?" asked the colonel. "Then where's the sleigh?"
+
+"They're home all right, sir, and the sleigh went on out of the east
+gate--to the store, I suppose. Number Six didn't stop it----"
+
+"One moment," interposed the colonel. "Sergeant-of-the-guard, take four
+of your men and report to Captain Sumter; or to the adjutant. Now,
+corporal, when was this cry heard?"
+
+"Just after the young ladies got home, sir--leastwise that's what I was
+told. We didn't hear it at the guard-house."
+
+"Was the officer-of-the-guard over there?"
+
+"Not the--new one, sir, but----" And then the corporal suddenly stopped,
+contrite and troubled.
+
+"But what?" demanded the colonel, instant suspicion in his eyes and
+tone. "Do you mean that Lieutenant Lanier was there--out of his
+quarters?"
+
+"Out of his head, if he was," growled the paymaster, who loved him well
+and was deeply concerned over his trouble.
+
+"I--I didn't see him, sir," answered the young soldier, but in manner so
+confused that it simply added to the commander's suspicion.
+
+"Come with me, Horton," said the colonel to his quartermaster, and
+turning back for his cap and overcoat. Then once again the voice of the
+aggrieved and importunate sergeant was heard, this time with convincing
+appeal.
+
+"I beg the colonel's pardon, but if he wants to get the truth as to this
+night's business, it would be well to arrest Trooper Rawdon, or he'll be
+off for good and all."
+
+"Find him, then, sergeant-of-the-guard, and have it done," said Button.
+"Report it to the officer-of-the-day as my order."
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+
+That ended the dance, but not the excitement. Women and girls were
+seeking their wraps even before the corporal came, and now went
+twittering homeward, each on the arm of her escort, except in the case
+of those allied forces, the wives of certain seniors, who long had
+lived, moved, and ruled in the regiment, and now in eager yet guarded
+tones were discussing the events of the hour gone by. With these went
+Mrs. Foster, her husband having joined the searching party, and her
+sleigh, instead of returning, being still missing and unaccounted for.
+
+Not yet midnight, and in the space of less than one hour all Fort
+Cushing had been stirred by the news. A most popular and prominent young
+officer had been placed in close arrest. A prominent, if not most
+popular, sergeant, had been pummelled. An alarming scene of some kind
+had occurred at the quarters of Captain Sumter. No one outside of the
+immediate family knew just what had happened, and those inside cared not
+to tell. Mrs. Sumter had hurried away the minute she learned that her
+husband had gone. The colonel, sternly silent, led his wife to their
+door, and there left her, saying he had summoned certain officers to
+join him at once, and she, who ruled him in all matters domestic almost
+as she managed the children, knew well that when roused he would brook
+no interference in matters professional, and Bob Lanier, a prime
+favorite of hers, had in some way managed to fall under the ban of his
+extreme displeasure.
+
+At the office were presently assembled the colonel, the adjutant, the
+quartermaster, the post surgeon, and to them came Paymaster Scott. At
+the "store," the only club-room they had in those days, were gathered
+half the commissioned officers of the post. At Sumter's there kept
+coming and going by twos and threes, from all along the officers' line,
+a succession of sympathetic callers, who left even more mystified than
+when they arrived. Mrs. Sumter was aloft with Kate and their guest, and,
+as the captain civilly but positively told all visitors, "had to be
+excused." One of the girls was "somewhat hysterical." Miriam had had a
+fright in the dark on their return home and screamed. Something foolish,
+probably, but none the less effective. No! Sumter thought Mrs. Sumter
+would need no help, yet he was _so_ much obliged to the several who
+suggested going up just to see if they couldn't "do something." Captain
+Sumter was a devoted husband and father, a capital officer, and a
+gentleman to the core, but the captain could be just a trifle distant at
+times, and this was one of them.
+
+Another house was virtually closed to question. To the disappointment of
+many and the disapprobation of a few, Bob Lanier had closeted himself
+with his classmate and most intimate friend "Dad" Ennis; then, after a
+brief colloquy with Barker, the adjutant, had caused a big card to be
+tacked on his door whereon was crayoned in bold black letters "BUSY."
+But at quarter past twelve the assistant surgeon, Doctor Schuchardt,
+called, as was known, for the second time, and entered without ceremony.
+When the officer-of-the-day came tramping along the boardwalk at 12.30,
+and turned in at the gate, he struck the panel with the hilt of his
+sabre, by way of hint that his call was official and not to be denied.
+Ennis, therefore, came to the door, but came with gloomy brow.
+
+"I am ordered by Colonel Button to ask certain questions of Lieutenant
+Lanier," said the official from the depths of his fur cap.
+
+"How's that, Doc?" called Ennis, over his massive shoulder. "Can your
+patient see the officer-of-the-day?"
+
+"Not yet, with my consent," came the stout answer.
+
+"Shout your questions, captain," sang out the patient, with much too
+little humility of manner, yet Lanier knew Curbit well and knew his
+mission to be unwelcome.
+
+Therefore, in Captain Curbit's most official tones, _ab imo pectore_,
+came question the first:
+
+"Is Trooper Rawdon in hiding anywhere about your quarters?"
+
+To which, truculently, came response in Lanier's unmistakable voice:
+
+"He is not, if _I_ know it."
+
+"Do you know or suspect where he is?"
+
+"Neither. And there is no reason why I should."
+
+"Have you seen him--to-night?"
+
+An instant's pause; then, "I don't know whether I have or not."
+
+"You don't _know_?" exclaimed Curbit, puzzled and beginning to bristle.
+
+"I don't _know_," repeated Lanier, positive and beginning to rejoice.
+
+"Suppose the colonel tells me to explain that," began Curbit, but Doctor
+Schuchardt set his foot down summarily.
+
+"Here," said he, "this thing's got to stop;" and he came to the door in
+his shirt sleeves, leaning half way out, with one hand behind him.
+"Lanier's in a highly nervous and excited state. He has had a fall--and
+I'm trying to get him to bed and asleep. He doesn't know--whom--he has
+seen since he got home in arrest, and you can say so for me."
+
+"All right Shoe," was the philosophical answer. "It's none o' my
+funeral, and personally I don't give a cuss if they _never_ find him,
+but there are just s-teen reasons why the Old Man wants to see that
+young man Rawdon forthwith, and as many for believing he's skipped."
+
+"Then skip after him. You can track anything but a ghost in this
+new-fallen snow."
+
+Curbit lowered his voice. "That's exactly the trouble, doctor. Go to the
+back of the quarters and see for yourself. His trail starts--and
+ends--_here_."
+
+
+In all its history Fort Cushing had never known such a day of
+bewilderment as that which followed. Guard mounting was held as usual at
+eight A.M., and Colonel Button, awaiting in his office the coming of the
+old and the new officers-of-the-day, directed his adjutant to drop his
+own work at their entrance and give attention to what took place. Half a
+dozen other officers, with little or no business to transact at that
+hour, made it their business to be present, drawn thither from sheer
+sympathy, as some declared, and downright curiosity, as owned by others.
+The office building was large and roomy; the colonel's desk was close to
+the door; beyond it were tables spread with maps, magazines, and
+papers; a big stove stood in the middle, and a dozen chairs were
+scattered about, for it was here the officers met one evening each week
+in the one "book-schooling" to which they were then subjected--a
+recitation in regulations or "Tactics." Across the hall was a smaller
+office--the adjutant's--and beyond that the room where sat the
+sergeant-major and his clerks. The windows, snow-battered and
+frost-bitten, gave abundant light from the skies, but none on the
+surroundings--the view being limited to scratch-hole surveys. There was
+nothing to distract attention from what might be going on within, and
+all eyes were on the two burly captains who entered at 8.30, fur-capped,
+fur-gloved, in huge overcoats and arctics. The wind had begun, even
+earlier than usual, to whine and stir as it swept down from the bleak
+northwest, and the mercury had dropped some ten degrees since the
+previous evening.
+
+"Blizzard coming," said Scott, as he glanced at the sullen skies, and
+Scott knew the Rockies as he did the Paymaster's Manual.
+
+"I report as old officer-of-the-day, sir," said Curbit, with brief
+salute, tendering the guard report book.
+
+The colonel went straight to business, as he glanced over the list of
+prisoners.
+
+"No sign of Trooper Rawdon?"
+
+"No, sir. The patrol sent to search in town got back at reveille."
+
+"His horse and kit all right?"
+
+"All right, sir. Nothing missing that he was supposed to have."
+
+"Police notified to watch all trains--and stages?"
+
+"Yes, sir, and Sergeant Stowell, who commanded the paymaster's escort,
+remains in town with a couple of men to help."
+
+There was impressive silence in the office. The colonel sat with
+troubled brow, looking grimly over the roster of the guard, the written
+"remarks" of the officer-of-the-day, and the hours of his inspections of
+sentries, etc. Barker, the adjutant, had dropped into a chair, a few
+feet back of the fur-capped officers, and, though listening as bidden,
+was gloomily contemplating the frost-covered panes of the nearest north
+window.
+
+Eight men had gone with Sergeant Stowell as escort to the paymaster
+when, nearly four weeks earlier, he had set forth on his trip. Then the
+little iron safe was full of money. Seven men had come back with him,
+when, as the safe was well nigh empty, the paymaster said he hardly
+needed an escort. Of the eight who started, four were "casuals" who
+belonged to companies stationed at Fort Frayne, well up in the Indian
+country, and there they remained when the duty was over. Of the seven
+who came with Stowell, three belonged at Fort Frayne, a corporal and two
+men of Captain Raymond's troop, and they came fortified with the orders
+of their post commander, a copy of which was now in Barker's hands.
+
+"What I don't understand," said the colonel, whirling his chair to the
+right about and addressing the paymaster, "is how or why those men
+should be down here."
+
+"It _seems_ simple," answered Scott, placidly, he being entirely
+independent of the post commander. "From Frayne I had to go to the
+cantonments up along the Big Horn, and we doubled the size of the escort
+accordingly. When we got back there these three were permitted to come
+all the way, whether to buy Christmas things for the Frayne folk, or for
+affairs of their own, I didn't inquire."
+
+"To whom did you assign them for rations and quarters?" demanded the
+colonel, of Barker.
+
+"Captain Snaffle, sir--'C' Troop."
+
+"Are they there?--the others, at least?"
+
+"Corporal Watts and Trooper Ames are there, sir. Trooper Rawdon, as you
+know, is not. He has not been seen about the quarters since some time
+last evening. Moreover, the few personal belongings he had are gone."
+
+Again a pause. Then presently: "You arrested Kelly, I see, the man who
+was on Number Five."
+
+"Yes, sir. Both Doctor Schuchardt and the steward said his sickness was
+due to drink. The sergeant and corporal-of-the-guard are willing to
+swear he was perfectly sober when they stationed him. The men say he
+hadn't touched a drop of liquor for a month. He must have drunk after he
+was posted as sentry, for he vomited whiskey at the hospital. I believe
+he was doped."
+
+"That he could get whiskey anywhere along back of the officers'
+quarters," said the colonel, reflectively as well as reflecting, "is not
+improbable. That it should have been doped, judging from the way one or
+two have misbehaved, is not impossible. Captain Snaffle's cook, it
+seems, was indulging some of her friends with a surreptitious supper, at
+his expense. That, very possibly, is how Kelley came to grief. The
+others seem to have hidden their tracks thus far." Then, as though with
+sudden resolution, he turned abruptly again.
+
+"The usual orders, for the present, captain," said he, to the new
+incumbent. "And you are relieved, Captain Curbit"--to the old. "But I
+shall need to see you later, so do not leave the post."
+
+"The man that leaves the post this day," said Major Scott, with a squint
+through the upper and unincumbered panes of the nearest window, "may
+need a seven days' leave."
+
+"And that, colonel," said a quiet voice at the commander's elbow, "is
+what I applied for earlier. Pardon me, sir, but I need to know your
+decision, for I should now be going to town."
+
+It was Captain Sumter who spoke, and the colonel flushed promptly at
+sound of his voice.
+
+"I had intended sending for you, Sumter," said he, "but these rather
+engrossing matters had to be taken up first. I--have your application,"
+he continued, fumbling among the papers on his desk. "It is an awkward
+time--and these are awkward circumstances. It will leave your troop
+without an officer."
+
+"Mr. Lanier will be here, colonel."
+
+"Here--but in close arrest," frowned the colonel, "and you haven't had a
+first lieutenant since I have been in command."
+
+"My misfortune, sir, but hardly my fault," answered Captain Sumter
+tersely yet respectfully. "General Sheridan selects his aides-de-camp
+where he will, and last month you thought it a compliment to the
+regiment and to my troop."
+
+"You feel that--you _ought_ to go?" asked the colonel, dropping the
+subject like a hot brick, and resuming the previous question.
+
+"Our guest, Miss Arnold, is in no condition to travel alone," said
+Captain Sumter gravely. "My wife decides to accompany her, at least to
+Chicago, and I desire to go with my wife."
+
+The colonel bit his lip, and bowed. "I see," said he. "Miss Arnold was
+very much shaken by what happened--after she got home?"
+
+"Rather by what happened _before_ she got home," was the calm yet
+suggestive reply, and it stung the commander to the quick.
+
+"Captain Sumter," said he, flushing angrily, for no one of his officers
+held he in higher esteem, "your attitude is that of opposition, if not
+of rebuke, to the official acts of the post commander."
+
+"Then let me disclaim at once the faintest disrespect, Colonel Button,
+but--as Mr. Lanier's troop commander and personal friend, I beg leave to
+say that so far as I know, his offense is one which his comrades have
+committed time and again, without rebuke."
+
+"Which simply goes to show, sir," responded the colonel, with glittering
+eyes, "that you do not know the twentieth part of his offense."
+
+For a moment the silence in the office was painful. Men looked at each
+other without speaking. Sumter stood before his commander, turning paler
+with the flitting seconds. At last he spoke:
+
+"If that be true, Colonel Button, of course I cannot think of going. I
+withdraw my application;" and, turning slowly, left the office.
+
+Between him and the adjutant flashed one quick glance. There was
+something to come yet. The officers-of-the-day had gone--Curbit to shed
+furs and sabre at his quarters and say "Thank God!" Snaffle, his junior
+in rank but senior in years, a veteran of the old dragoons, to plod
+wearily back towards the guard-house for a conference with Lieutenant
+Crane, commander-of-the-guard.
+
+In the office of the sergeant-major the clerks were busily at work
+consolidating the morning reports of the ten companies--six of cavalry,
+four of infantry--stationed at the post. A note on that of Captain
+Snaffle had already caught the eye of the sergeant-major, who had
+bustled in to impart the tidings to his immediate superior, the
+adjutant, and was disappointed to find them known already.
+
+Instead of carrying three enlisted men present as "casually at post,"
+the "return" of Troop "C" had but two. Trooper Rawdon, whose horse,
+horse equipments, and field kit were safely stored in the troop-stables
+since noon the previous day, was himself accounted for nowhere. In view
+of the fact that he had not been seen, and could not be found, there was
+nothing remarkable about that. With the morning report book, however,
+there was handed in a copy of an order duly submitted by Corporal Watts
+to Snaffle's first sergeant, and by him to his captain, which read as
+follows:
+
+
+                                           FORT FRAYNE, Wyoming,
+                                                  December 11, 1876.
+
+S. O.   }
+        }   (Extract)
+No. 81. }
+
+               *       *       *       *       *
+
+     3. On arriving with his detachment at Fort Cushing, and in
+     compliance with the telegraphic instructions from Department
+     Headquarters, Trooper G. P. Rawdon, Troop "L," --th Cavalry, is
+     granted thirty days' furlough, at the expiration of which he will
+     report to the commanding officer of Fort Cushing for transportation
+     to his proper station.
+
+           By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Kent,
+                                     DOUGLAS JERROLD,
+                          Second Lieut. --th Inf.,
+                                      Post Adjutant.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+
+Just as the paymaster predicted, the wintry storm broke with the early
+afternoon. A genuine blizzard came shrieking down from the mountain pass
+to the northwest, charging madly through the post, blinding the eyes and
+snatching the breath of the few hardy men who had to venture out of
+doors, driving before it a dense white snow-cloud, sweeping clean the
+westward roofs and prairie wastes, and banking up to the very eaves on
+the lee side of every building. Even the sentries had to be severally
+taken off post and lodged within. (Number Five, so it was reported, had
+been blown bodily into the Snaffles' kitchen.) Even the commanding
+officer's "orderly," who had barely managed to make his way back after
+dinner, was now relieved. Only by hauling himself hand over hand along
+the picket fence, and turning his back to the gale every ten seconds to
+catch his breath, had he succeeded in returning to his post. Even stable
+duty was abandoned, so far as grooming was concerned, for though the men
+could readily be blown from barracks to their steeds, no power could
+fetch them back for supper. Veteran first sergeants told off a stout
+squad in each troop, and sent them with a sack-load of rations to
+reinforce the stable sergeant and grooms, there to stay to feed, guard,
+and water the horses. Unless the roofs blew away, and all were buried in
+drifts, there was safety, if not comfort, in the sheltered flats below
+the bluffs.
+
+But the telegraph wires went with the first hour. The stage, of course,
+couldn't be hoped to return from town, and, so far as getting news from
+the surrounding universe was concerned, Fort Cushing might as well have
+been in Nova Zembla. And the Sumters, three, with Miriam Arnold, had
+set forth at noon, intending to intercept the east-bound express, and
+the colonel's spirit was raging in sympathy with the storm, and in spite
+of his wife, for some one had started a tale that Sumter and his
+household had ostentatiously called upon Robert Ray Lanier, in close
+arrest, in utter disfavor and inferential disgrace.
+
+Now, while an officer in arrest may not quit his quarters under seven
+days, and may not even thereafter visit his commanding officer unless
+ordered, or his brother officers unless authorized by that magnate,
+there is no regulation prohibiting other officers or their households
+visiting him. Nevertheless, they who publicly do so lay themselves
+liable to the imputation of sympathizing with the accused at the expense
+of the accuser, and some commanding officers are so sensitive that they
+look upon such demonstrations as utterly subversive of discipline, and
+aimed directly at them.
+
+And of such was Colonel Button, a brave soldier, a gentleman at heart, a
+kind, if crotchety, commander, and a lenient man rather than a
+disciplinarian. Much given, himself, to criticism of his own superiors
+or contemporaries, he could not abide it that he should lack the full
+and enthusiastic support, much less be made the object of the criticism,
+of his officers or men. A vain man, was Button, and dearly he loved the
+adulation of his comrades, high or low. Veteran Irish sergeants knew
+well how to reach the soft side of "The Old Man." Astute troop
+commanders, like Snaffle, saved themselves many a deserved wigging by
+judicious use of blarney. Sterling, straightforward men like Major
+Stannard, like Sumter, Raymond, and Truscott, of his captains--men who
+could not fawn and would not flatter--were never Button's intimates. He
+admired them; he respected them; but down in his heart he did not like
+them, because they were, in a word, independent.
+
+And during the long and trying campaign that began early in June and
+closed only late in November, Button had made more than one error that
+set men to saying things, and at least one blunder that had called for
+rebuke. It was supposed at the time that the rebuke would end it, but,
+to Button's wrath, and indeed that of most of his friends, the story
+appeared in exaggerated form in many an Eastern paper. What made it
+worse was that, as told in Boston, Philadelphia, and other far Eastern
+communities, where the Indian is little known and much considered,
+Button's interests were bound to suffer, for he was declared to have
+butchered defenseless women and children in a surrendered village--a
+most unjust accusation in spite of the fact that certain squaws and boys
+had died fighting with their braves by night, when bullets could not
+well discriminate. Button had but just got his promotion to regimental
+command, and friends at court were working hard for his further
+advancement to the grade of brigadier-general--a fact that hurt him in
+an army so benighted as then was ours, in believing that generalships
+should be bestowed only upon the seniors and service-tried among the
+colonels. We have broadened much since then, and, as it was once said
+that every French soldier carried the baton of a marshal in his
+knapsack, so now may the silver star be hidden in the pocket of the
+lieutenants of every staff department as well as those of the Fighting
+Force. There are none who may not aspire.
+
+So Button believed it of Sumter that he and his, on the way to the
+railway station, went in and condoled with Bob Lanier, and doubtless
+vituperated him, the commander, when in point of fact no one of their
+number had seen, or spoken with, Bob. Sumter merely left a big basket
+filled with fruit, and a little note with friendliness, from Mrs.
+Sumter, then sprang into the curtained escort wagon, and was whisked
+away.
+
+Then came the storm, and then a Sunday and Monday in which no man went
+either way between the fort and town. And then a third, in which the
+gale went down, and the garrison first dug itself out, and then
+tunnelled in to the colonel's, the adjutant's office, and other
+submerged quarters, and on the morning of that third day Captain Sumter,
+in snow-covered furs, reported his return in person to his post
+commander, and explained that he had been storm-bound at the station in
+the meantime.
+
+It was then barely nine o'clock. Guard mounting, the first held since
+Saturday, was just over. The morning reports, the first rendered since
+Saturday, were just in, and the staff and company officers for the first
+time since Saturday were beginning to gather at headquarters and to
+compare notes. All had much to tell. Stannard's wood-pile, Snaffle's
+storm-shed, and Barker's cow had blown away. Somebody had just reported
+Sumter's north dormer window "torn out by the roots," which moved
+Button to say:
+
+"I hope your quarters sustained no damage in your absence."
+
+"I do not know, sir, I came direct to the office to report."
+
+"Ah, true; your household started before the storm."
+
+"Only started, sir. They went no farther than the surgeon's quarters,
+where we learned the train was six hours late. I had--business--in town,
+and went on. They remained."
+
+"Then the ladies have not gone East?"
+
+"Neither they nor any one else, since early Saturday morning. The road
+is blocked."
+
+"The paymaster, too? He went in right after luncheon."
+
+"I cannot say, sir. I neither saw nor heard of him about the station. It
+is crowded with people. Three trains are stalled there, unable to go
+either way, and now--with your permission, colonel----"
+
+"Oh, certainly, certainly, Sumter. I didn't wish to detain you. I hope
+you'll find the ladies well." Whereat the captain withdrew, giving place
+to the quartermaster who had hurried in, an anxious look in his eyes.
+That he should have numerous losses and damages to report was to be
+expected; that he should appear in the least concerned was not. A
+faithful and loyal staff officer was Horton, but one of the most
+philosophic, if not phlegmatic, souls in the service. It took nothing
+short of a national disaster seriously to disturb his equanimity;
+therefore at sight of his face the colonel was almost instantly on his
+feet.
+
+"Can I have a sergeant and twenty men at once, sir, armed and mounted?
+The ambulance with the paymaster never reached town."
+
+"Order them out at once, Mr. Barker," was Button's instant answer,
+turning to his adjutant, who went out like a shot. "What time did they
+start?"
+
+"About two Saturday afternoon. It was blowing a gale then and the snow
+so thick we lost sight of them within a hundred yards. Major Scott
+declined an escort; said he and the clerk and the two men inside were
+more than enough. He had only three thousand dollars left and thought
+that too little to tempt anybody. Everybody knew he was just back from a
+long pay trip--not going--yet they have disappeared utterly. I had men
+ride the length of the creek valley 'twixt here and town, and there
+isn't a sign of them."
+
+The silence in the office was oppressive. Men looked at each other in
+dumb consternation.
+
+"How did you learn they hadn't reached town?" demanded Button.
+
+"Sergeant Fitzroy just came out. He'd been in there with Sergeant
+Stowell to help find Rawdon, he said. Major Scott had a section engaged
+in the Pullman for Omaha, and Fitzroy says he never claimed it--says he
+searched every stable for the ambulance, but there was no sign of it,
+and he says there was a gang of half a dozen toughs that had been
+hanging about town for a week, and they've cleared out. I'd like to go
+and get into riding rig, sir."
+
+"Go, and I'll have a troop out after you if need be." Then turning to
+his adjutant: "Barker, have Sergeant Fitzroy sent for at once."
+
+Another moment and a trig, well-groomed soldier, florid-faced, muscular,
+yet burly in build, stepped briskly in and "stood attention." His right
+eye and cheek were still heavily bruised and discolored. His nose was
+somewhat swollen. The colonel had looked upon him with sombre eyes the
+night of the dance. It annoyed him that a non-commissioned officer
+should have taken such a time and place to offer a complaint. He still
+disapproved. Moreover, he had given Sergeant Fitzroy no authority to go
+as volunteer aid to Sergeant Stowell.
+
+"How did you happen to be in town, sergeant?" was the abrupt demand.
+
+Fitzroy colored to the brows, but the answer was prompt:
+
+"I understood the colonel to say 'find him,' referring to Trooper
+Rawdon, Friday night, and I went in Saturday morning thinking to help.
+Then we couldn't get back, sir."
+
+"My order was to the sergeant-of-the-guard, not to you," interposed
+Button curtly. "Sergeant Stowell was sent and that was enough."
+
+"Sergeant Stowell was looking for a man in uniform, sir, and had never
+seen Rawdon except in trooper dress, and would never perhaps have known
+him."
+
+"Then how should you?" was the sharp query.
+
+Fitzroy started. "I--had known him longer, sir, and much better. I--had
+occasion to reprimand him once or twice, and knew him and his--pals, if
+the colonel will pardon me--as none of the others knew him. There was
+that young civilian, Lowndes, that went along with us and got into
+trouble, and--there were others. In fact, if the colonel will pardon me
+again, sir, I do not hold a high opinion of Trooper Rawdon, and if the
+colonel were to investigate, it's my belief he could trace many a
+disloyal trick--and tale--to that man. What's more," and now the
+speaker's tone betrayed undue and most unprofessional excitement, and it
+seemed as though he had quite forgotten himself and his official
+surroundings, for he finished with voice querulous and upraised, "if
+Paymaster Scott came to grief he has nobody to blame but his pet and
+himself----"
+
+"No more of that, sir," broke in the colonel angrily, "unless you are
+ready to prove your words."
+
+"Give me two days and half a chance, Colonel Button," was the confident
+answer, "and I'll do it."
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+
+As Captain Sumter said, the ladies had gone no further than the
+surgeon's quarters that memorable Saturday, and with Sumter's full
+consent they had not gone even that far. Friday afternoon he had wired
+his protest to the father of Miriam Arnold, and with startling emphasis
+the reply had come early Saturday morning: "I repeat that I desire my
+daughter to return at once." It angered this honest gentleman and
+soldier. The tone was abrupt, if telegrams can be said to have either
+tone or manner, but that "wire" settled the matter. Miriam said she must
+obey, and nothing short of Doctor Larrabee, senior surgeon of the post,
+had prevailed against her decision. He himself had met the covered
+vehicle at his gate, and with calm but forceful courtesy had insisted
+on their alighting. "Your train is half a day late," said he. "You'll be
+wiser waiting here than at the frowsy station. Besides, I wish to see
+this young woman again." So saying, he fairly lifted Miss Arnold from
+the fur-robed depths of the dark interior, and deposited her on the
+wind-swept path. "Run in," said he, then similarly aided Mrs. and Miss
+Sumter. Their hand luggage and wraps came next, and Sumter drove away,
+saying he'd be back to them in abundant time for the train--which he
+was, though not until Tuesday morning. It was Thursday before the road
+was open or the telegraph again at work.
+
+Less than half an hour the trio spent under the doctor's hospitable
+roof. Before two o'clock the wind had increased to a gale. The snow was
+driving swift and hard. "I checked you just in time," said he. "There'll
+be no train either way this night." And so by two o'clock, and just as
+the paymaster was driving away down the front of officers' row, Mrs.
+and Miss Sumter, with Miss Arnold, escorted by the two medical officers,
+were struggling across the open space between the surgeon's houses and
+the rear fence of the long line, and presently entering the back gate at
+Sumter's.
+
+It was an odd arrangement, somewhat peculiar to frontier stations of the
+day. The enclosure of Fort Cushing was diamond-shaped. The entrance gate
+was at the eastern apex. The hospital and surgeons' quarters stood on a
+line with this gate, their front perpendicular to the long axis of the
+diamond. Their "rear elevations," therefore, were not far from officers'
+row. From the front of Sumter's house, around by way of the main gate to
+the doctor's door--the first to the left (north) of the post
+traders's--was quite a walk. From back door to back door, however, it
+was less than two hundred paces. "We are near neighbors," Doctor
+Larrabee had been saying, "though my wife thinks it a long walk on a
+windy day. I could reach you day or night, almost in a minute. As for
+Schuchardt and Bob Lanier, they could talk to each other out of their
+back windows this morning, but you couldn't hear a bugle across there
+now."
+
+"Is he sitting up?" Mrs. Sumter inquired. "I thought, from what we
+heard, Doctor Schuchardt was trying to keep him in bed."
+
+"He won't stay," was the brief answer. "I doubt if he slept a wink last
+night."
+
+But Schuchardt was even less communicative. In answer to Mrs. Sumter's
+appeal, that young but gifted physician had looked perturbed, and
+finally answered: "Mr. Lanier's hurt is more mental than physical,
+therefore the more difficult for me to reach."
+
+"You've seen him this morning?"
+
+"Twice, Mrs. Sumter, and I'm going again as soon as we've seen you
+home."
+
+And the moment they reached the rear storm-door, and their fur-hooded,
+fur-mantled charges were safely within, Schuchardt excused himself,
+Miriam Arnold's eyes following with a mute message that he felt, if he
+did not hear.
+
+But Larrabee lingered. Stamping and shaking off the snow, he followed
+into the warm and cozy army quarters. Cook and housemaid both looked
+astonished at the unexpected procession through the kitchen. Mrs.
+Captain Snaffle's "chef"--like her mistress, of Hibernian
+extraction--sprang up in some confusion from her chair and the cup of
+"tay" over which the three had been chatting, as is the way of our
+domestics at such times and places,--she had reason to know the mistress
+of the house did not well approve of her, or of these frequent
+visitations. "We shall probably dine at home," said Mrs. Sumter,
+somewhat coldly, to her own retainers, and bestowing no notice upon
+their visitor. "There may be no train till to-morrow;" and with that led
+the way to the parlor.
+
+Almost immediately, without waiting for the coming of the attendants
+with their hand-bags, Miss Arnold fled up-stairs, followed, at a glance
+from her mother, by Kate.
+
+"You see how wretchedly nervous she continues," said Mrs. Sumter. "How
+could we have let her go alone?"
+
+"How should we let her go at all?" said Larrabee. "Indeed"--with a
+glance from the clouding window over the storm-swept parade--"I repeat,
+there will be no going anywhere for anybody just now. Has--has she--told
+you anything, as yet?"
+
+Mrs. Sumter was gradually emerging from her winter coat of furs. For a
+moment she hesitated, then closed the door leading back to the
+dining-room and returned to him as he stood there, warming his hands at
+the great parlor stove then indispensable in our frontier homes. His
+fine, intellectual face, in its silver-gray fringe of crisp curling
+hair, was full of sympathy and interest. It was a face to confide in,
+and all Fort Cushing swore by its senior surgeon. "Doctor," said she,
+calling him by the title he best loved, "Miriam says she believes it was
+all a mere delusion--a dream. She blames herself bitterly and--begs us
+to think no more of it--to forgive her, but----"
+
+"But?" and the kind dark eyes studied the gentle, matronly face.
+
+"But--oh, why should I attempt to conceal it? You know, and we have
+reason to know, she _did_ see some one--some one right there in her
+room. Some one who went out like a thief, through the window, and down
+the roof to the shed, and away in spite of sentries or--or anybody--some
+one who was in there when they so unexpectedly got home. _You_ saw----"
+
+"Yes, I saw the tracks in the fresh snow on the roof. I could see them
+when I came hurrying over," murmured the doctor.
+
+"Captain Sumter had the snow swept off before reveille. What was the use
+of advertising it further? Mr. Barker and Mr. Blake saw it, too. They
+hold it was some garrison sneak-thief, looking for jewelry. Yet not so
+much as a ring, or a pin, was touched--only her desk."
+
+"Did _she_ tell of that?"
+
+"No, Kate was the first to see it. She flew up-stairs when she heard the
+scream; found Miriam a senseless heap on the floor, the desk open on the
+little table by the window, the contents scattered, the window up, and
+somebody bounding and slipping away in the moonlight. Then she heard the
+challenge and scuffle outside and thought the guard had him, and gave
+her whole attention to Miriam, until Mr. Barker shouted from the lower
+hall. Oh, yes, cook and Maggie both declare they were in their room,
+but--I believe they were next door at the Snaffles'. I believe the back
+door was left open for--whoever it was."
+
+"And nothing is missing?"
+
+"Nothing. He was frightened off evidently. But Captain Sumter wished to
+have it all kept quiet until he could confer with the detectives in
+town. He has a theory of his own."
+
+She had lowered her voice, and now walked to the hall door, as though
+listening for sounds from aloft, whither Kate and Miriam had vanished.
+
+"Miss Kate has a level head," presently spoke Larrabee. "What does _she_
+say?"
+
+"Doctor, that is what troubles me! Kate won't say--anything. It's the
+first time she ever kept a secret from me." And now tears of genuine
+distress were welling in Mrs. Sumter's eyes.
+
+It was half after two, and the wind was shrieking through the open space
+back of the line, when Doctor Larrabee, bending almost double, managed
+to fight his way homeward. Schuchardt, occupant of the adjoining set to
+his own, had not yet returned. At Sumter's gate the senior surgeon
+encountered the corporal-of-the-guard, nearly blind and well nigh
+exhausted. He had been sent round to relieve the men on post and bid
+them make the best of their way to the guard-room. He was even then
+searching for Number Five, who had most justifiably, in fact,
+involuntarily, taken refuge as previously explained. Had he not been
+blown into the Snaffles' kitchen, he might, like Barker's cow, have been
+blown away.
+
+"You will probably find Doctor Schuchardt at Lieutenant Lanier's
+quarters," shouted Larrabee at the corporal, with kindly intent. "Take
+Number Five in there and get thawed out. Tell him I think a nip of
+whiskey advisable under the circumstances."
+
+And thus it happened that two storm-beaten soldiers presently shoved
+their way through Lanier's back gate and banged at the kitchen door.
+Nobody answering, they presently entered, passed through that deserted
+apartment, and, hearing voices further on, the corporal ventured into
+the dark hallway leading through the little frame house, now fairly
+quivering in the blast. Here he caught sight of two officers--big,
+powerful men, in fur caps and canvas overcoats, just pushing forth
+through the front door into the fierce blast without. One was Doctor
+Schuchardt, the other Lieutenant Ennis, joint occupant with Lanier of
+the tiny premises. As Corporal Cassidy later expressed it, he felt "like
+I'd lost a bulging pot on an ace full." He couldn't run after and beg
+them to come back, yet he and his comrades were stiff from cold and
+almost breathless from exhaustion. Suddenly Number Five's carbine
+slipped from his frozen glove and fell with a crash on the kitchen
+floor. The next instant the voice of Lieutenant Lanier was heard.
+
+"Who the devil's that?"
+
+"Corporal Cassidy, sir. The post surgeon told me to bring Number Five
+in here and thaw him out. We'd find Doctor Schuchardt. But the doctor's
+just gone, sir, and----"
+
+But by this time Mr. Lanier himself appeared in the hall, his feet in
+warm woollen slippers, his hands in bandages. "Well, I should say! Come
+right in here, you two. Pull off your gloves and get out of those caps
+and things. Man alive"--this to Number Five--"why didn't you come
+before? This is no time to stand on ceremony--or stay on post, either.
+My striker's stormbound somewhere. I'd help you if I could, but I can't.
+Help yourselves now, best you can; rub and kick all you want to; _dance_
+if it'll warm you." And all the time he was crowding them up about a
+roaring stove, where presently he made them sit while he bustled about
+at a buffet in the adjoining room. "You'll have to help me, corporal,"
+presently he cried. "One hand can't mix and pour and lift. There's
+sugar; there's hot water on the stove; there's glasses and here's
+whiskey. Mix it hot, and down with it!"
+
+And so hospitably and heartily, after the manner of old frontier days
+and men, the young officer administered to his humbler comrades;
+cheered, and warmed, and insisted on their eating with their second
+tumbler, and when in course of half an hour the two stood before him,
+glowing, grateful, and resuming their buffalo coats and fur caps and
+gloves, honest Cassidy tried to say his say:
+
+"'D' Troop's fellers never can brag enough about their lieutenant, sir,
+and though we don't belong to 'D' Troop, it hasn't taken this to tell us
+why. If ever the time comes when me or Quinlan here can do the
+lieutenant a good turn he'll--he'll know it."
+
+After which they were gone, rejoicing in their new-found strength, yet
+reaching the nearest barracks only after severe struggle, and, later
+still, the crowded, suffocating guard-room,--where now some thirty men
+were huddled in a space intended for twenty at most--where Cassidy and
+Number Five were speedily telling to eager, appreciative ears their
+unusual and rejoiceful experience.
+
+"Well, ain't he the dandy lieutenant, though?" queried Casey, of "F"
+Troop. "And did he give you yer new cap, too, Quinlan? Sure the wan you
+marched on wid had the mange!"
+
+Cassidy snatched it from his comrade's head. "Mother av Moses! If he
+hasn't lifted the lieutenant's----" But he broke off short. One glance
+he had given the band within. A sudden cloud swept over his face. There
+was an instant of indecision, then he whipped his own cap from his head
+and thrust it on Quinlan.
+
+"I'm a liar," said he; "it's me own he's had."
+
+"Then you wear two sizes, Jim Cassidy, an' both different." Quinlan had
+pulled the headpiece down, and was staring in at the soft lining.
+"What's this?" he began, when the corporal's fingers closed like a vise
+on his arm.
+
+"Shut up, Quinlan. The whiskey's gone to yer noddle. Come here!" And
+Cassidy led him, wondering, to the barred corridor without and slammed
+the door behind them. "Not a word do you whisper of this to any man, Pat
+Quinlan," said he, never relaxing his grasp. "You heard what that
+Cockney Fitzroy was swearin' to this morning? Sure--you'd never say the
+word to back that whelp--an' harm the lieutenant!"
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+
+"God helps those who help themselves," quoth Lieutenant Blake, on
+hearing of the incident at Lanier's quarters, "but God help those who
+help other fellows, unless 'the Old Man' likes it." Blake was but a
+"casual" at Fort Cushing at the moment, summoned thither as a witness
+before a general court-martial then in session, but there was nothing
+casual in his friendship for Bob Lanier. Two years' campaigning in
+Arizona and one in Wyoming had made these subalterns fast friends,
+despite the difference of ten years in their ages and nearly twenty
+"files" in rank, Blake being one of the senior and Lanier one of the
+junior lieutenants of the regiment. Blake was no pet of the post
+commander. Blake had a way of saying satirical things of seniors whom
+he did not fancy, and Button was one of these. Blake should have
+returned to his proper station the day after the dance, but, like
+everybody else, so far as heard from, he had been held by the storm, and
+therefore happened to be in the club-room at the store along toward
+eleven o'clock on Tuesday, watching the distant deployment over the
+southeastward slopes of the barren upland. Fully half the mounted force
+of the garrison was on search for the paymaster's "outfit," and with
+Blake stood half a dozen infantry officers and two or three of the --th.
+To them, on his way to rejoin his searching troop, had entered big Jim
+Ennis, Lanier's chum and classmate, and Ennis looked the picture of
+smothered wrath. Half an hour previous he had been seen trotting up from
+stables to the adjutant's office, summoned thither by the orderly of the
+commanding officer. A few minutes later that same hard-worked orderly
+had been seen sprinting to the surgeon's quarters, and Doctor Larrabee,
+wrapped in furs and meditation, obeyed the summons, stood in the
+presence of an irate commander not more than fifty seconds, came forth
+wrapped in gloom, and took the short cut back of the major's house to
+his own bailiwick at the hospital.
+
+About the only officer not to put in an appearance that morning out of
+doors, afoot, in saddle, or adrift in snow, was Lieutenant Lanier. About
+the first officer Button wished to see was Bob, and about the last was
+Blake. Yet such was the freakishness of Fate that the first man to hail
+him, with ill-timed jocularity, was Blake, and the last of his officers
+whom he was destined that day to set eyes on was Bob Lanier, whom
+Schuchardt, in answer to the commander's summons, had earlier declared
+unfit to leave his quarters.
+
+If it had not been for the startling announcement about the paymaster,
+Colonel Button would have fought that matter out with the doctor then
+and there. First, however, he had to send forth his mounted men by
+scores in search of the missing officer and party. This done, he had
+once more summoned Schuchardt. Then he sent for Ennis, and had what they
+termed a "red hot row."
+
+In his exasperated frame of mind, Button had been ready to believe
+almost any story at the expense of Lanier, and, such is the perversity
+of human nature, it added to rather than diminished his wrath that his
+revered senior surgeon should promptly corroborate the statements of
+both Schuchardt and Ennis, and further assume personal and entire
+responsibility for the episode of Saturday afternoon in Lanier's
+quarters. That episode had started many a tongue, and one of Button's
+henchmen, thinking to win favor at the fountain-head by mention of new
+iniquity on the part of the culprit, had deftly enlarged upon it.
+Snaffle, of course, was the fellow at fault, and he justified it on the
+plea that Lanier was demoralizing two men of his troop. The story he
+told was that Lanier had been carousing at his quarters with certain
+enlisted members of the guard. When told of it Button was furious, so
+much so that for the time he forgot about Sumter and the ladies of the
+Sumter household, and the north dormer window of Sumter's quarters,
+reported "stove in by the storm."
+
+Nor had Sumter himself much time for domestic duties before the order
+came for him and his troop to turn out to aid in the search. He found
+the family fairly tranquil under the circumstances. He had sent a
+messenger galloping out from town, to assure his wife of his safety,
+when Tuesday's dawn showed the storm sufficiently abated. A devious
+course the rider took, for the road was blocked in a dozen places, and
+every ravine and hollow was packed to the brim with snow. But he bore
+glad tidings and banished all anxiety on account of the husband and
+father. Their anxieties now were mainly for Miriam, their guest.
+
+Mrs. Sumter had not half finished what she had to say concerning Miriam
+when the summons came that called the captain forth to join the
+searching squadron, but he had heard enough to increase the anxiety in
+his fine, soldierly face. He went up with Mrs. Sumter and looked
+critically over the damage to the window, in what had been Miriam's
+room. She had moved, per force, to the front--to Katherine's--room
+Saturday night, for toward sunset the storm-sash was torn out of the
+north dormer, and the window blew in with a crash. By dark the room was
+bank full of snow that Sergeant Kennedy and a brace of loyal troopers
+had been shovelling out since seven that Tuesday morning, without making
+any great addition to the huge drifts at the back. Front, flank, and
+rear, most of the houses along the line were packed solidly to the
+attic windows. On several the boys and girls were already coasting from
+the peak of the roof down over the back yards, sheds, and fences and out
+toward Larrabee's half-submerged hospital.
+
+It was easy to see how and why the storm-sash had failed to withstand
+the buffeting. In his frantic haste and panicky flight the intruder of
+Friday night had wrenched a hinge from its fastening. The sash had
+sagged at the windward end, and the rest was easy for rude Boreas.
+
+"That sash is probably somewhere down in the back yard, sergeant,"
+Sumter quietly remarked to faithful Kennedy. "It's under fifteen feet of
+snow, but when it comes to tunnelling, look after it, see that it isn't
+injured, and call me as soon as you find it."
+
+Mrs. Sumter looked quickly at her lord. She well knew the reason of his
+instructions.
+
+"Did you show that scrap of lining?" she asked, a moment later, as they
+stood alone before the parlor fire.
+
+"They have it," was the answer. "I expect two of them out any moment."
+
+And then had come the sudden summons to turn out, and with only brief
+greeting to his daughter, and a hurried kiss and caress, Captain Sumter
+had mounted and spurred away.
+
+It must have been after twelve, for orderly call and mess had sounded in
+front of the adjutant's office, when one of the hospital attendants came
+floundering up the row from Lanier's, and made his way to Sumter's door,
+a little note in his hand. He would wait, he said, for an answer, and
+the maid bade him step inside while she ran up-stairs. Mrs. Sumter
+answered her knock at the door of Miss Kate's room, into which the
+damsels were now doubled. To the disappointment of that somewhat
+volatile domestic, Mrs. Sumter closed the portal before proceeding to
+open the missive, but her announcement, "From Mr. Lanier," caused Miriam
+Arnold to sit bolt upright.
+
+
+     DEAR MRS. SUMTER [it read]:
+
+     I've been living since Saturday mainly on your kindness and that
+     delicious fruit. It was more than good of you to take such care of
+     your incarcerated sub, and I'm ashamed to have sent no earlier
+     thanks, but we've been banked in until this morning, and that
+     rascal striker of ours is missing. He hasn't been about the house
+     since Friday night. Like Barker's cow, he may have blown away. I
+     reckon they'll find him, her, and the paymaster's outfit snowed
+     under somewhere down toward Nebraska, safe, but possibly starving.
+     Schuchardt has gone with the command, so has Ennis, and I'm all
+     alone with nothing to read. If you have anything moral,
+     instructive, and guaranteed to soften the unrepentant sinner's
+     heart--something I could read with profit as well as
+     pleasure--_don't_ send it, but tell me how you all stood the storm
+     and how you are. It is so hard to get anything but admonition out
+     of "Shoe," and "Dad" is now more unreliable than ever.
+
+     I hope Miss Arnold is entirely recovered.
+                    Yours most sincerely,
+                                    R. R. LANIER.
+
+
+"The last thing a man mentions in a note is the first thing he wants
+answered," said Mrs. Sumter sagely. "What shall I tell him for you,
+Miriam?"
+
+"Tell _me_ what is to be done to _him_," was the sole reply, as the girl
+settled back dejectedly upon the pillows.
+
+"I've tried to, child," answered her hostess kindly, patiently. "There
+isn't a court in the army that would sentence him to more than a brief
+confinement to limits, and reprimand." Yet Mrs. Sumter spoke with much
+less confidence than on Saturday. Had not her husband _had_ to tell her
+his application for leave was withdrawn, and why? Had not Doctor
+Larrabee admitted to her that the colonel spoke of misdeeds far more
+serious for which Lanier must suffer? Was there not, indeed, a story in
+circulation, mainly in the Snaffle set, of a two-days escapade when the
+regiment camped near Frayne, and then a financial transaction in which
+Lanier had been involved--something growing out of an affair up on the
+Yellowstone--something including that young civilian friend of his, the
+collegian turned cowboy--Mr. Watson Lowndes?
+
+Even as she strove to assure Miss Arnold, for the twentieth time, that a
+military arrest was far more portentious in sound than in effect,
+something in Kate's determined silence and Miriam's insistence added to
+the effect of these rumors. Could it be that the boy had confided to the
+daughter, hitherto his stanch friend and ally, that which he dare not
+confide to her, his captain's wife? Could this account for the fact
+that, though it was impossible to conceal his love for Miriam, he never
+yet had owned it to her--to her to whom it was now obvious that the
+avowal would mean so much--so very much?
+
+Then another thing weighed heavily upon the brave heart of this loving
+friend and mother. Never had she known her child to be so silent, so
+strange, as now. Ever since Friday night she seemed to avoid all mention
+of the affair, to shrink from the subject--she who had ever been
+frankness itself--she who had never had a thought the mother did not
+share. She had become fitful and nervous. She seemed oppressed with some
+secret. In the long hours of their enforced confinement, with the lamps
+burning on the ground-floor by day as well as by night, Mrs. Sumter had
+pondered much over the result of her husband's investigations. Although
+Miriam's desk was open and its contents lay scattered on the table,
+nothing was missing, even to the packet of ten-and twenty-dollar
+"greenbacks" in its secret drawer. If robbery had been the object of the
+intruder, he had neglected his opportunity, or else been frightened off
+in time. If robbery was not his object, then what could it have been?
+The house was deserted at the moment of his entrance, that was now
+settled, for first the cook and then "Maggie" had owned to having run
+over to Mrs. Snaffle's kitchen for a moment, and the probability was,
+they stayed the best part of the evening. The lights had been left
+turned low in the upper and lower halls, in the kitchen and the
+captain's den. Army doors were seldom locked or bolted. Any one could
+enter, front or rear. A marauder, if such he was in this instance, might
+have been there from tattoo at 9.30 until discovered some two hours
+later, and been there undisturbed.
+
+But why should the situation so strangely affect her daughter? Could it
+be that she, too, cared for Bob Lanier? The thought for the moment made
+the mother's heart stand still.
+
+She was writing her reply to his note, when Maggie again appeared. "Two
+gentlemen to see the captain, mum," and Mrs. Sumter hurriedly closed the
+note and went below-stairs to meet them. She knew well who they were and
+why they had come. A branch office of the Rocky Mountain Detective
+Agency had been maintained long months at the great and growing railway
+station. They had been summoned by her husband, and that was enough.
+
+Yet she shrank from meeting them, shrank from the thought of the
+questioning that must ensue. They might ask to speak with Kate, even
+with Miriam, but they did not. They asked to be shown the room, with the
+storm-battered dormer, by this time emptied of its load of snow. They
+asked to see Miriam's desk. Yes, the lock had been forced and by a big
+knife. They begged that Mrs. Sumter would not mention that to any one
+but the captain yet awhile. They were confident he would soon return.
+They smiled at the idea of the paymaster being held up and robbed in
+broad daylight by any gang in their neighborhood. They admitted that
+many questionable characters were in town--there always _were_ toward
+the holidays, and just now, of course, the town was overcrowded--three
+big trains still stranded there.
+
+While they were yet at their work, there came sounds of stamping feet at
+the front door, and in came Sumter, stiff from cold, but brimful of
+energy.
+
+"Found Scott and his clerk, at least," he cried. "'Most dead and half
+frozen! The driver's gone, I fear. He was blown or pitched off. The
+mules ran away before the gale. Those inside the ambulance were
+helpless. Two dropped off behind and are lost. The thing finally
+capsized and went to pieces, and they managed to reach a little cattle
+shack, two miles south of town. They've found Lanier's striker,
+too--what's left of him."
+
+By this time Kate had come down-stairs, and with pallid face was
+listening dumbly to her father's words. She seemed hardly to heed the
+presence of the strangers. Not until the captain had emerged from his
+furs and stood robust and ruddy, yet a little short of breath, did she
+lay her hand upon his arm and ask her question.
+
+"Have they found Rawdon?"
+
+"Rawdon? No, not a sign of him anywhere!"
+
+"Is that the young fellow that those sergeants have been hunting for?"
+asked one of the detectives. "We managed to find out about him. He was
+in town early as three o'clock Friday, and he left on Number Six that
+night."
+
+"Do you mean to tell me," said Sumter, gazing blankly at the speaker,
+"that he wasn't out here when--this--happened?"
+
+"Not unless he had wings! That train leaves at 11.40." Whereupon Kate
+Sumter slowly withdrew her hand, then turned away.
+
+
+
+
+VII
+
+
+Another day went by. Major Scott and his clerk, under Larrabee's skilful
+touch, were gradually regaining strength and beginning to answer
+questions. At first their senses seemed dulled, as though they could not
+shake off the frost that benumbed them. At first they could tell little
+of the cause of the mishap. The ambulance was curtained in, even at the
+rear, through which the two scared troopers had managed to slip to their
+doom. Not until the snows melted in the spring, and the contents of the
+ravines should be revealed, was it likely they would be heard of again.
+The railway was still blocked. The wires were still down. Fort Cushing
+stood isolated from the outer world, and no less than five of its
+garrison were absent and unaccounted for: the two men detailed to drive
+in with the paymaster, two bacchanalians who, being in town when the
+storm broke, had dared each other to face the gale and tramp out, and
+finally a young trooper named Cary, who had arrived with the same
+recruit squad that brought them Rawdon, and had been on terms of
+friendship, if not indeed of intimacy, with him. They had been together
+that very Friday afternoon. In addition, whereabouts unknown, was
+Sergeant Fitzroy, of Snaffle's Troop. "Absent with leave," said the
+morning report. "Acting under the verbal instructions of the commanding
+officer," said his captain.
+
+Along toward dusk on Tuesday, others of the searching squadron, sent
+afar down the valley, had come back, reporting that the ambulance mules
+were found, huddled together, half starved and still half harnessed, in
+a log shack or shelter to which their instinct had guided them after
+their heels had made chopsticks of the running gear. The ambulance body
+was snowed under somewhere and nowhere in sight. The driver, a civilian
+employed in the Quartermaster's Department, had totally disappeared.
+Scott, the paymaster; Thomas, his clerk; and Rafferty, Lanier's soldier
+servant, or "striker" as then called, were still half dazed--Rafferty,
+indeed, so much dazed that no coherent words had yet escaped him.
+
+One more unfortunate, the driver of Foster's sleigh, was in trouble. Not
+until two hours after the dance had he turned up with the missing
+equipage, a cock-and-bull story, and a case of what the corporal called
+"jag." He swore that, having got chilled through, waiting, he just
+thought to get one hot whiskey at the store. Sentry Number Six said he'd
+mind the team while the driver went in, and the next thing he knew
+"they'd run'd away, hell for leather," and he, their driver, had to
+follow two miles to Flint's Ranch, close to town, where he "might have
+taken a nip or two more." It was his first offense and Foster forgave.
+It should be remarked, however, that Number Six declared that it was not
+he with whom the driver left the sleigh, but two "fellers," _i.e._,
+troopers, who happened to be near the store. However, that did not seem
+much to matter at the time.
+
+And Fort Cushing was in unhappy frame of mind. Colonel Button was in
+most inhospitable mood, and chafing because he could not communicate
+with the general commanding the department. Mrs. Button was confined to
+the house and denied to all but one or two intimates. Bob Lanier was
+still in close arrest. No man could say what might be the result, for
+Barker, the adjutant, declared he knew no more than they. "The Old Man
+had something up his sleeve"--several somethings--against him, but was
+confiding in no one, for he and Stannard were at odds over the matter;
+he and Sumter were practically estranged because of it, and for the
+first time in regimental history Button seemed to be giving all his
+attention to Snaffle and men of his stamp and set. They were not more
+than three or four in number. They had been rather tolerated than sought
+in the past, but now the colonel seemed to have use for them alone.
+
+And there was sorrow and estrangement at Sumter's. Never before, as Mrs.
+Sumter declared, had Katherine ever had a secret from her mother. Now
+there was a matter upon which it seemed she could not talk. Moreover,
+Miriam Arnold was affected in precisely the same way. She shrank from
+all mention of that mysterious affair of Friday night. Not only were
+they unable to speak of it to Mrs. Sumter; they avoided it among
+themselves.
+
+It was now Wednesday, and there had been a procession of callers to
+inquire for Miss Arnold. The girls felt that they _must_ dress and come
+down and face them. "Are you sure you feel equal to it, Miriam?" was
+Mrs. Sumter's anxious question.
+
+"I am sure I do _not_," was the weary answer, "but all the same I must."
+
+And, being a girl of pluck, and much ashamed of the breakdown of Friday
+and Saturday, Miss Arnold made her effort, and did remarkably well so
+long as people refrained from prodding her about her "strange
+adventure," the alleged details of which, in exaggerated form, were
+garrison property by this time. There could be no doubt, said nine out
+of ten of the soldiery, it was the work of some sneak-thief in uniform,
+in all probability that young swell Rawdon, who was gone. But among a
+certain select few still another theory obtained, and Wednesday night
+when Sergeant Fitzroy returned to the post and asked to see the colonel,
+that officer, who was at dinner, sent answer that he would be at the
+office at eight o'clock, and further sent word to Captain Snaffle to be
+there at the same hour.
+
+A spell of sharp cold had followed the blizzard. The skies were dazzling
+at night with the radiance and sparkle of the stars. The young people of
+the garrison were out in force, rejoicing in the snow sports, the
+moonlight, the exhilarating air. The men had made some famous slides
+over at the bluffs, and the children along the officers' lines were
+playing hide and seek, about the drifts and tunnels at the northward end
+of the parade. They gathered in force about the office to cheer the
+colonel as he came forth from a long conference, which left him so
+absorbed he hardly noticed their gleeful salute. They pelted two prime
+favorites who followed, with drooping head and woebegone visage, and
+never once responded to the fun, and the youngsters asked one another
+what on earth could have happened to Cassidy and Quinlan, who were
+always so ready to frolic with them.
+
+Then Captain Sumter had been sent for, and was admitted to a
+five-minute talk with the colonel at his quarters, and came away with
+grave and troubled face, to a ten-minutes conference with his gentle
+wife that left her sorely worried and distressed.
+
+"Ask Kate," he said, as once more he set forth into the night. "I've got
+to tramp and think this over before I do anything further." And at that
+moment Kate and Miriam had gone in to talk awhile with Mrs. Stannard. It
+was best they should not stay home, subject to incessant interview.
+
+It was just about quarter of nine. The lights at the office were still
+burning, for the colonel had intimated that he might be back. Barker was
+bending over some of the post papers and reports at his desk, and
+wondering why on earth the colonel should be colloguing with Snaffle,
+Crane, Sergeant Fitzroy, and sending for Cassidy and Quinlan. That was a
+queer "outfit" of Snaffle's at best. It seemed odd that the most
+pronounced "Britisher" in barracks, outside of the band, should be a
+sergeant in the troop commanded by the nearest thing to an Irishman
+among the captains. True, Fitzroy as stable sergeant was quite
+independent, and, being very ambitious and zealous, had attracted the
+attention of other captains, to wit, Canker and Curbit, rival troop
+leaders, who each, at one time or other, had offered to make Fitzroy
+first sergeant if he would transfer; but Fitzroy preferred to stay where
+he was in "C," and it was easier to suggest than it was to assert the
+real reason.
+
+Barker was busy with these reflections when the colonel once more
+entered and began pacing moodily up and down the room. The adjutant
+rose, but at a signal resumed his seat and waited. He was, as he
+whimsically described himself, "a relic of the previous administration."
+In those days officers might serve long years on the staff and never
+know an hour of company duty. Barker had been in the adjutant's office
+under three different regimental commanders, and, as etiquette required,
+had tendered his resignation to Button on that officer's promotion to
+the colonelcy. Button as promptly and courteously replied that he hoped
+Lieutenant Barker would consent to serve as right-hand man until he
+reached his captaincy, which could not be very far off. But already
+Button was repenting. "Barker is too much wedded to the old order of
+things," said he. "Barker has his likes and dislikes" (a weakness the
+colonel denied to himself), "and Barker's a little inclined to imagine
+that nobody can run a regiment as Atherton did"--for which, at last,
+there was this much foundation, that Barker thought, if he did not say,
+that Atherton ran it much better than Button ever could hope to, and
+Button instinctively knew and infinitely resented it. It must be owned
+of Button that he hated the mere mention of his predecessor's name,
+methods, and opinions. It was unlucky indeed, perhaps, that the views
+of one of the former colonels had been recorded in black and white as
+follows:
+
+"In my opinion Lieutenant Lanier is one of the finest young officers in
+the Cavalry."
+
+Full fifteen minutes the colonel went striding up and down the long
+apartment used for office, assembly, and school-room. Once in a while he
+would turn across the hall and into Barker's smaller room, pause as
+though half minded to speak, then turn out again. Twice he went to the
+door, looking over across the glistening heaps and drifts, and letting
+in a lot of cold air. Twice he muttered something about its taking
+Snaffle and his sergeant an unusually long time to do a simple thing,
+and at last, as the trumpeters were heard, with much stamping of feet
+and blowing of hands, gathering for the old-time nightly "walk around"
+that preceded tattoo roll-call, Button abruptly turned on his adjutant
+and said:
+
+"Barker, how long have you known Mr. Lanier?"
+
+"Ever since he joined, sir."
+
+"And you knew him in his cadet days?"
+
+"As an instructor knows a cadet, yes, sir."
+
+"And you told me you never heard of his writing to newspapers?"
+
+"Never, sir," answered Barker, rising from his chair and facing his
+commander. "And I repeat that I believe it impossible for him to have
+had anything to do with those--inflammatory articles about the
+campaign."
+
+"You consider him absolutely square--above a lie--or a trick of any
+kind?"
+
+Barker faltered just one minute. What did the colonel mean by a trick?
+Mischief there had been, once or twice. Tricks had been played, and one
+only this last summer during the campaign--a trick, too, that if truth
+were told, Lanier should have known about. At least, it had been played
+for his benefit, and had "pulled the wool" over the colonel's eyes.
+
+"I consider him as square a man as I know, and utterly above a lie--of
+any kind," was the final answer.
+
+"And yet you hesitate. You know, or have heard--rumors," said Button
+suspiciously.
+
+"I have heard rumors and slanders, Colonel Button," was Barker's
+probably injudicious reply, for he closed with "and so many of them that
+I disbelieve nine out of ten."
+
+"Well, here!" said Button impulsively, "here are you and Stannard and
+Sumter--three of the 'old liners,' as you are called in your respective
+grades--and I see plainly enough you three, and God knows how many more,
+are tacitly condemning my attitude toward Lanier. You think, if you
+don't say, that I have treated him with harshness and injustice--have
+listened solely to his accusers and enemies. Now, I've had enough of
+this! There is nothing that _requires_ a commander to show his hand to
+his subordinates, but as matters stand in this regiment--Oh, come in,
+Major Stannard. I sent for you purposely, and Sumter as well, to meet me
+here at tattoo." (And at the moment, as the united force of field
+musicians began the stirring strains of the old cavalry "curfew call,"
+"The March of the Bear," the two seniors solemnly entered the presence,
+removing their fur caps as they bowed to the commander.) "As I was
+saying to Barker, as matters stand in this regiment, some half a dozen
+at least of the men referred to as its 'representative officers' are
+apparently resentful of my arrest of Lieutenant Lanier, and attribute my
+course to pique, because he saw fit to show himself at the hop I
+declined to permit him as officer-of-the-guard to attend. You think,
+possibly, that because men like Captain Snaffle, Lieutenant Crane, and
+one or two of that set have been in consultation with me, the matters at
+issue are beneath your notice." (Here the three assailed officers
+exchanged glances, but said not a word in protest, for the colonel went
+impulsively on.) "They at least are loyal to their commander, and to the
+best interests of the regiment. Now I mean to show you. Mr. Barker,"
+said he impressively, "go to Lieutenant Lanier and say that I desire his
+presence here at once."
+
+And Barker took his cap and cape and departure without a word.
+
+Down the line in the moonlight the snow heaps were sparkling as though
+crusted with brilliants. The black square of the field music was
+trudging out across an acre of the parade swept clean by the recent
+gale. The children, in laughing little groups, were returning from their
+hour at the slide, and here and there from the deep cut or tunnel in
+front of each officer's doorway dark muffled figures were emerging, and
+striding away toward the barracks--subalterns en route to the companies
+to supervise roll-call.
+
+Just as Barker neared Stannard's, at the head of the row, two cloaked
+and hooded forms hurried forth, and Barker almost collided with them.
+
+"Oh, good evening, Miss Kate! Good evening, Miss Arnold!" was his
+embarrassed greeting. Then, with attempt at jocularity for which he
+later could have kicked himself: "I'm just in time to see you home, and
+head off hobgoblins and hoboes." No wonder the two walked the faster and
+gave but perfunctory replies.
+
+"Indeed, I beg pardon," he blundered on. "I'm just bound for Lanier's.
+Any message?"
+
+"You might say we wish him speedy deliverance," answered Kate Sumter,
+with unlooked-for spirit and effect, for the adjutant, in dismay at his
+own awkwardness, darted swiftly ahead, shouting, "Hold on, Steve!" to an
+officer with whom he would rather not have wasted a moment's time.
+
+Indeed, poor Barker was sore distressed. He could not help hearing
+scraps of the talk that had passed at the office between the colonel,
+Snaffle, Crane, and certain summoned enlisted men, Fitzroy, Cassidy, and
+Quinlan among them. Even that poor devil who had been on duty Friday
+night as sentry on Number Five had been marched into the awful presence
+of the commanding officer, and ordered to tell who gave him the whiskey
+that had been his undoing--even promising immunity from punishment; but
+he was Irish and true to his faith and his friends, even they who had
+betrayed him, and he'd die first, he said. Never would he "sphlit on the
+best feller in the foort."
+
+And Barker had heard many things that pointed to Lanier--so many that
+his heart seemed to stop as he entered the door, and sank at sight of
+the trouble in the face of the young soldier sitting there in conference
+with Ennis and Doctor Schuchardt.
+
+Silently Lanier heard the summons. There was no reason why he should
+not go, said the doctor. "The air will do you good," he added, "and
+we'll be here when you come back."
+
+Five minutes sufficed to reset the bandages and get him into his furs.
+Ten minutes more and, for the first time since Friday evening, the
+accused officer stood in the presence of his colonel, with three tried
+and trusted comrades near to see him through.
+
+"Mr. Lanier," said Button presently, "I have sent for you in deference
+to the sentiment in your behalf, entertained by officers of such
+standing in the army as these gentlemen who are here present. I am free
+to say that I have had grave reasons for forming a most unfavorable
+opinion of your conduct, even of your character. It has been my
+intention to forward charges of a serious nature against you, and to
+urge your trial by general court-martial. But such is my regard for
+these gentlemen, and the element they represent, that I stand ready to
+abandon my views and adopt theirs on your simple word. Can I say more?"
+
+There was a moment of silence. Then Lanier spoke: "It depends, sir, I
+think, upon what you wish me to answer."
+
+Button colored. Turning to his desk, he took from an envelope several
+newspaper clippings. "You know what these are, doubtless, Mr. Lanier. Do
+you care to say what part you took in their preparation?"
+
+"I am glad to say I took no part," was the answer.
+
+"No part at all? And you do not even know the author?"
+
+Lanier's dark eyes never swerved from their gaze. "I took no part, sir.
+I did not say--I do not wish to say--that I do not know the author," was
+the calm reply.
+
+"Then you admit, or permit me to infer, that you know him--a member of
+this command, for no one else knew the facts--and, moreover, that you
+shield him?"
+
+"I am shielding no man, Colonel Button. I would not shield a member of
+this command who wrote such wrong of it."
+
+"Yet you know the author and you will not tell?"
+
+"What little I know came in such a way that I _cannot_ tell," was the
+resolute answer. Button's forehead furrowed deep and his voice trembled
+with anger.
+
+"Enough said--or refused to be said--on that head. We will go to the
+next. Who personated you the night you left your troop at Laramie and
+went, contrary to orders, to that frolic at the post?"
+
+A look of amaze came into the young officer's face. The answer came
+slowly, painfully:
+
+"I took part in no frolic, sir. I went contrary to an order that had
+held good while we were out on the campaign, but that we did not suppose
+was binding there. I went to the post that night to help a fr--a man
+who--who needed money for an immediate journey. No one personated me to
+my knowledge."
+
+"I have the written report of the officer-of-the-day, whom I ordered to
+inspect your tent, that you were there asleep at eleven P.M.
+Subsequently I learned that you were away from taps until nearly
+reveille."
+
+"You could have heard that from me, sir, and _why_ I was gone, if need
+be." And now it was plain that Mr. Lanier was growing angry. This was a
+point gained by the colonel. He tried for another.
+
+"Officers who make comrades and intimates of enlisted men take chances
+that----"
+
+"Colonel Button!" interposed Lanier, hotly, "I protest----"
+
+"Protest you may, but listen you shall," was the instant rejoinder. "It
+is well known you interfered with a non-commissioned officer in the
+proper discharge of his duty. That was last June, and it was in behalf
+of that young man Rawdon. It is well known that you were hobnobbing
+with other enlisted men here, and gave them drink and food in your
+quarters on more than one occasion. It is well known you lent civilian
+clothing to your protégé for his latest escapade----"
+
+"Colonel Button--gentlemen!" cried Lanier, "this is beyond all right!"
+Indeed, Stannard and Sumter were on their feet, in expostulation, but
+the colonel's blood was up. Bang went his bell, and the orderly fairly
+jumped into the room.
+
+"Call Sergeant Fitzroy," said he, and in another moment Fitzroy stood
+before them, a civilian coat and waistcoat hanging on his arm.
+
+"Briefly now, sergeant, where did you get those?" demanded Button.
+
+"From the room that Trooper Rawdon occupied in town, sir. It's the suit
+he wore about town last Friday;" and so saying, he held them forth.
+Lanier slowly took the coat, astonishment in his eyes; glanced at the
+tag inside the collar, bearing the name of his own New York tailor; for
+a moment he searched it within and without, then handed it quietly back.
+
+"It is enough like mine to deceive anybody but--the owner," said he.
+
+"Do you mean to tell me----" began Button indignantly.
+
+"That this is not mine?" interposed Lanier. "Yes, sir, and that one very
+like it will be found in my closet at home."
+
+"Mr. Barker will go with you, and you will resume your confinement--in
+arrest;" and Button, in his anger, was lashing himself to language his
+hearers never forgot, and that some could hardly, even long months
+after, forgive. "In _my_ time, as a young officer, nothing tempted one
+of our members to violate an arrest, but you----"
+
+Pale as death Lanier faced him.
+
+"Surely, sir, a cry for help--that I thought might mean fire----"
+
+"There was _no_ cry for help," interrupted the colonel. "There was no
+sign of fire. Even if there had been, it should mean nothing to a man
+of honor when ordered in arrest. That is the only creed of a gentleman."
+
+And then, with the lone trumpet of the musician of the guard wailing its
+good-night to the garrison--the sweet, solemn strain of "Taps"--the
+adjutant led his stunned and silent comrade home.
+
+
+
+
+VIII
+
+
+Ennis and Schuchardt were still there, and started at sight of Lanier's
+white face. Without a word he led on to an inner room, where Ennis
+sprang to his side. "Help me off with these," he said, "and bring a
+lamp. Come up-stairs, Barker;" and, wondering, both the others followed.
+There were but two sleeping rooms aloft in the little bachelor set.
+Ennis had the one facing the parade. Lanier's looked out upon the
+hospital and surgeon's quarters at the back. Into this room marched Bob
+Lanier and threw open the door of the single closet wherein was hanging
+uniform and civilian garb in some profusion. Ennis held the lamp on
+high, and with his free hand Lanier began throwing out the contents--a
+new uniform dress coat, an older one that had done duty for the three
+previous years, two sack coats or "blouses," the police officers'
+overcoat of the day, several pairs of blue trousers, with the broad
+stripe of the cavalry, and these as they came were flung on the bed by
+Barker and "Shoe." Then appeared a suit of evening clothes, carefully
+handled. Then a brown business suit of tweeds, then a light drab
+overcoat, and then the closet was well nigh empty, and Lanier faced them
+with the simple words: "It's gone!"
+
+"What's gone?" demanded Ennis.
+
+"Why, that dark gray mixture sack suit I brought from leave last year.
+It always hung 'way back in here."
+
+"_Who_ wants it now, I'd like to know?" demanded Ennis.
+
+"Our colonel, who accuses me of costuming Rawdon for his getaway." And
+the three friends looked at each in something like consternation.
+
+Then Barker spoke: "It's only fair to the colonel to tell the rest, Bob.
+Rawdon's box, that he left for safe keeping with a friend in town, had
+not only the suit you saw at the office, but a new fur cap with your
+name in it. There were other things that looked queer. The day of the
+storm Quinlan came over to the guard-house after his visit here, wearing
+a new cap instead of his old one, and Cassidy swooped on it, thinking it
+yours, for it was here he got it, and the name in that cap was Rawdon.
+It leaked out somehow. Fitzroy hunted the story down."
+
+"The name was burnt out when Cassidy brought it back to me," said Lanier
+slowly. "He claimed that in lighting his pipe----"
+
+"Poor Cassidy lied every way he could think of to save you," said Barker
+ruefully. "It's the young cad you befriended and helped along that's
+tricked you in the end, and you're not the only man, I'm afraid."
+
+"Roped Rafferty in, I suppose," said Schuchardt, while a light of
+superior wisdom stole slowly over the face of Lieutenant Ennis.
+
+"Rafferty, doubtless, to the extent of bribing or wheedling him out of
+Bob's new cits----"
+
+"But those were _not_ mine that Fitzroy had!" burst in Lanier.
+
+"Of course not. He's left you a worn suit in place of the new. Where'd
+he steal that one, I wonder? There isn't another officer of your size
+and build at the post. But, here, I've got to go back and report, and my
+report will be in these words: 'Mr. Lanier has been robbed, too,'" and
+Barker made for the stairs.
+
+"One moment," called Ennis. "You said Bob wasn't the only man this
+fellow had tricked. Do you mean----" he paused suggestively.
+
+"I mean, yes--that there's more than one man, and there's at least one
+poor girl in the garrison to mourn that fellow's loss, and be d---- to
+him!" and with that Barker was gone.
+
+Button listened to his adjutant's report with something almost like a
+sneer. Stannard and Sumter heard it with grave faces, but without a
+word. Snaffle, who had drifted in, sniggered with obvious triumph.
+
+"Gentlemen," said the colonel, "you have not heard the half of what I
+know, and every day brings something new. This comes in from Laramie
+to-day, brought with the mail that lay over at the Chugwater during the
+storm. Read that, Stannard." And Stannard took the paper and glanced
+over it, blinked his eyes, sniffed, and said: "I've heard about that
+case, and I'll take Lanier's story any day against--that fellow's
+affidavit."
+
+"Major Stannard," said Button severely, "you are speaking contemptuously
+of your superior officer."
+
+"Colonel Button," answered Stannard, with high held head, but with firm
+hand on his temper, "I am speaking contemptuously of my superior
+officer's _informant_, not of the commanding officer of Fort Laramie. If
+you care to look you will see that he quotes, not asserts, that 'this
+money was advanced to Mr. Lowndes on Mr. Lanier's statement that the
+young man was summoned home by the serious illness of his mother, and
+that he, Mr. Lanier, would be responsible for the transaction. Mr.
+Lowndes has never repaid it, and Mr. Lanier when appealed to four weeks
+since not only refused to make it good, but abused and cursed me for
+simply asking for what was my own.' Now, sir," concluded Stannard, "I
+haven't sought to learn the facts in the case, but I'll bet ten dollars
+to ten cents you have yet to hear them."
+
+"Very good, gentlemen," answered Button, rising in obvious chagrin. "It
+is quite evident in your opinion Mr. Lanier is a persecuted saint and I
+am an abandoned sinner, but just as soon as I can reach Omaha this case
+shall be laid before a general court-martial, and meanwhile I waste no
+more words defending my actions."
+
+Whereupon, with formal "Good-night, sir," from Stannard and Sumter, and
+a grumpy dismissal from the indignant commander, the ill-starred
+conference broke up. Snaffle, pouring balm into Button's ready ear, as
+he saw him home, went in and drank his health at the well-stocked
+sideboard, and then started straightway across the parade to his troop
+quarters, and, late as it was, called for his first sergeant.
+
+The men were mostly in bed, as they should be at such an hour, but there
+had been an informal dance, and many of the sergeants were still at the
+hop room. Beyond this brightly lighted building, and about in the rear
+of the infantry barracks at the westward end, was the slide into the
+creek valley, whereat so many of the officers' children had been
+coasting early in the evening, and where now--nearly eleven
+o'clock--half a hundred young people of both sexes, wives and daughters
+of quartermaster's employees and of the elder sergeants, attended by
+their gallants from the garrison, were having a merry time of it. The
+moon shone in brilliance. The night air, frosty and still, was full of
+exhilaration. The officer-of-the-guard, merely cautioning the revellers
+to control their impulse to shout, had gone on his way with implied
+permission to keep up the fun, and presently other officers appeared
+upon the brow of the bluff, interested observers. One of them, the
+junior medical officer of the post, was known to all, for his duty it
+was to attend the families of the soldiery resident in the little
+village of their own, just west of the quartermaster's corral, and
+sheltered by the long line of bluffs from the northerly gale. Deep in
+snowdrifts lay the snug little cabins, cottages and shacks, wherein
+dwelt these blithe-hearted folk--many of the girls as pretty, and to the
+full as coquettish, as their sisters of the official circle in the big
+"fort" enclosure above. Still farther to the west lay three little
+houses on the level "bench," by the swift-running stream--the homes of
+the corral-master, the wagon-master and the veterinarian--civilians all,
+as then ordained, yet men who had lived their lives with the army on the
+frontier.
+
+And it was one of these, the veterinary surgeon, a gray-haired man of
+nearly sixty, who presently came toiling up the hillside, touched his
+fur cap front in salutation to tall Lieutenant Ennis, and begged leave
+to speak a moment with Doctor Schuchardt, whom he led slowly away.
+
+Looking gravely after them and pondering many things in mind, Ennis,
+none the less, had attentive ear for the chatter and gossip of a
+neighboring group that had suspended their sledding for the moment and
+were curiously watching the pair.
+
+"There's no more the matter wid Dora Mayhew than there is wid me, 'cept
+one," said a red-cheeked maid of "laundress row," to the eager group
+about her. "She's been daft about that young dude Rawdon ever since he
+came last spring to Frayne."
+
+"Yes, an' deef to Cockney Fitz," laughed another.
+
+And Ennis, turning quickly, noted the group, four young non-commissioned
+officers and three of the garrison girls, all of them toying with the
+name of good old Mayhew's bonny daughter, she whom that veteran English
+horseman had taught and guarded with such jealous care, to the end that
+jealousy burned in the hearts of a dozen other girls less favored in
+face or fortune. Well had Ennis known of Sergeant Fitzroy's aspirations.
+Few in the regiment had not, and few there were who did not know that,
+in spite of Mayhew's avowed dislike for him, the girl had for a time
+encouraged. It may have been only to pique the others, for Fitzroy was
+clever, well-to-do, a rising man in the service; indeed, one who had
+"money in the bank and men in his toils," said elder women in the
+quarters.
+
+Then, in April, to Fort Frayne, had come this handsome young fellow
+Rawdon, with better looks, better manners, and even, as it seemed,
+better money, for Rawdon was lavish where Fitzroy was "near," and the
+favor of the young girl, who had toyed with the Englishman, turned from
+him to this unknown. Then the whole command went forth to war and to a
+summer of sharp work. Then with the late October, headquarters, band,
+and six troops had been transferred from Frayne to Cushing, close in to
+civilization. Then had come Fitzroy's new opportunity, with Rawdon left
+at Frayne. Then had come Rawdon himself; then the night of mystery; then
+the day of the storm, and when the skies above were clear again Rawdon
+was gone, no man knew whither, leaving a trail of suspicion,
+accusation, and a weeping, well-nigh desperate girl behind.
+
+And in this web of intrigue and mystery Bob Lanier had become deeply,
+even dangerously, involved. Ennis was sorely worried. It was to see
+Mayhew the two friends had come, and, lo, Mayhew had met them on the
+way, himself in trouble and perplexity.
+
+"Where did you say she was now?" Ennis heard the doctor ask, as they
+rejoined him.
+
+"She went to speak with Mrs. Stannard, but said ladies were there, so
+she came back a while ago. I could hear her crying in her room before
+she went the second time;" and poor Mayhew's head was drooping.
+
+"And you wish me to see her to-night?"
+
+"If you'd be so good, doctor. She'll soon be home. I was going over in
+search of her now."
+
+"Wait," said Ennis. "Listen!"
+
+There was a flurry among the revellers a few rods away. Two men had run
+toward the corner of the nearest barrack, looming black against the
+northward sky. Others could be seen hurrying after them. Then, _could_
+it be? Yes, sharp and clear came the sound of a shot from away over
+toward the hospital. Another nearer; another still nearer, and distant
+shouts, and then the blare of the trumpet.
+
+"Come on! It's fire!" said Ennis, and sprang in pursuit of the leaders,
+"Shoe," and Mayhew following. "It's fire!" went up the cry along the
+hillside. "Fire!" echoed the nearest sentry, letting fly the load in his
+rifle. "Fire!" shouted the few wakeful fellows in barracks, tumbling
+instantly every man from his bunk to his boots and into his ready
+clothes. "Fire!" yelled the sergeant-of-the-guard, as he tore in among
+his sleeping comrades. "Fire!" echoed the cry from barrack to barrack,
+as the men poured forth into the night, and then, as Ennis rounded the
+corner and came in full view of the wide open parade with the long line
+of quarters beyond, his heart leaped for his throat in wild dismay. "My
+God, lieutenant, it's _your_ house!" panted a racing trooper. "My God,
+and Bob's all alone!" sobbed Ennis, as he sped through the snow, for
+already from the front dormer and from the lower windows the flames were
+mounting high in the trail of a black volume of smoke, and over the
+crackle and roar of the fire, the rush and clamor of men, the thrilling
+alarum of echoing bugle and trumpet, there rose on the night air the
+scream of a girl, imploring instant aid, and this time at least there
+could be no doubt, for the cry was, "Save him! Save him!"
+
+Of the minutes that followed no man could give collected account. All
+Ennis saw as he came staggering round to the rear of the flaming furnace
+that once was a house, was a wild-eyed girl being led away by a group of
+sympathetic women, and a little group of men bundling a slender yet
+vigorously protesting form in a snow drift, where one or two others were
+being rolled and buffeted; while others still, with a keening Irishman
+in their grasp, were lugging him back to hospital; while Corporal
+Cassidy, with his hair singed close to his head, his face and hands
+seared and his clothing soaked, smoking, and a general wreck, was
+striving to evade his handlers and stand attention to the colonel, who
+for his part was bending over Bob Lanier just emerging from his third
+involuntary plunge in the drifts, and sputtering objurgations on his
+would-be benefactors.
+
+"In God's name, Lanier," almost wailed the colonel, as at last that
+young gentleman, likewise singed and scorched and soaked and dripping,
+yet preternaturally cool for one just out of a blazing hell, found his
+feet and faced his commander--"in God's name, why didn't you jump when
+they told you? There was nothing but snowdrifts below----"
+
+"There was a colonel coming," said Bob, with a grin of mingled anguish
+and satisfaction, "who held _that_ sort of thing to be breach of
+arrest."
+
+
+
+
+IX
+
+
+Few men slept the rest of the night for talking over the stirring scenes
+of that spectacular fire. Indeed, there had been a strenuous fight to
+keep it from spreading, and the Graysons' quarters next door were badly
+scorched, and the Graysons woefully scared, before the little bachelor
+hall had burned itself out. Big Jim Ennis had lost pretty much
+everything he owned except what he had on. Lanier was not much better
+off. As to the origin of the fire, Bob merely said that he had turned
+the lights low in the sitting-room, and, obedient to "Shoe's" orders,
+had gone up to his roost, too wrathful and amazed over what had occurred
+even to think of sleep--to think, in fact, of anything but the colonel's
+words. So absorbed was he, as he slowly undressed, he never noted the
+sounds from below until his room of a sudden seemed filled with smoke,
+and, throwing open the door, he was amazed to find the hallway ablaze,
+the stairs impassable. Running to his dormer window, he yelled fire at
+the top of his voice. Sentry Number Five heard and came running down
+along the back fence; saw the peril, let drive a shot and gave the yell
+that roused every one at the hospital--poor Rafferty, half crazed, half
+dazed, and by no means half dressed, coming leaping along among the
+first.
+
+And there at his back window, choking with smoke and tossing out
+clothing and other belongings, stood Mr. Lanier. Some men went searching
+for ladders up the line of back yards, the post hook and ladder truck
+being, of course, on the far side of the garrison. There being no
+extension and sheds to this little box, as to the larger quarters up the
+line, other men began shouting, and Lieutenant Grayson imploring Mr.
+Lanier to jump, for already the flames had burst through the windows
+below. Then came the episode the regiment laughed over, swore over,
+talked over, many a long year thereafter. To Grayson's appeal Bob's only
+answer was a calm and deliberate:
+
+"Give my compliments to the colonel, will you, and tell him that, my
+quarters being all ablaze, I'd like an extension of arrest?"
+
+Then Sumter and Stannard came in, tumultuous, and _ordered_ him down,
+and Blake and Curbit, and the rest of the card party, came tearing after
+them, and berated him for an absurdity, and implored him not to be an
+ass. And then a bright tongue of flame licked in through the transom
+behind him, and the door panels burst from the heat, and all the room at
+his back suddenly blazed with fire, and then went up the cry from that
+agonized girl, at sound of which Lanier started and strove to climb to
+the little window-sill, with a lurid sheet lapping down about his head,
+and then a brace of young Irishmen, Cassidy foremost, came scrambling up
+a human pyramid, smoking and singeing below them. They reached the
+blazing eaves and burst through the fringe of flame, dragging Bob forth
+and on to the edge, and then tottered all together into that blessed
+mound of snow beneath, fast melting in the glare of that fiery furnace.
+
+Then came the commander, and the swift running soldiers, and all the
+antiquated fire apparatus, and most of the families. Soon the hooks were
+locked in the blazing framework, and speedily the little bachelor den
+was torn into hissing and smoking fragments. Meantime Lanier and
+Cassidy, Blake, Horton, and nearly a dozen daring fellows who had risked
+their skins to save their lieutenant, had been led over to hospital to
+be cooled off and lotioned and bandaged and variously put to bed, and
+when at last not a spark could be found in the black, unsightly ruins,
+and even they had been buried under bushels of snow, the colonel and his
+men-at-arms went back to quarters, and many of the officers to the
+store, to talk it all over, especially what Bobby had said to Button.
+
+And thus were we brought to the morning of Thursday, the sixth since the
+eventful night when Miriam Arnold's shriek had alarmed the
+garrison--Miriam, whose voice had now been heard a second time, upraised
+in frantic dread and appeal, but this time for the young soldier who, on
+the previous Friday night, forgetful of his arrest, had rushed forth at
+her cry, but this night had to be dragged--Miriam who now lay sick from
+maidenly shame that in one wild appeal to save her lover she had so
+betrayed herself.
+
+With Thursday noon came resumption of telegraphic communication, and the
+long-stalled railway trains from east and west. With Thursday afternoon
+came "wires" from Arnold, the father, begging to know had his daughter
+started, and back went the electric message that she neither had nor
+could, nor would for a week--"full details by post." With Thursday
+evening came stacks of belated letters, "with whole bales of
+newspapers," said the stage driver, to follow, and with Thursday
+midnight, long after every one had gone to bed, there came a tapping at
+Major Stannard's storm door, and presently a fumbling at the bell knob,
+a clanging of the bell.
+
+"What now?" thought the sleepy major, as he scuttled down-stairs in
+slippers and dressing-gown. "Who's there?" he growled, as he unbolted
+the door. That fire down the line had made people nervous. There was no
+saying how it started.
+
+"It is Mayhew, sir," said a solemn voice. "I've come not hoping, only
+praying, I may find my daughter here."
+
+"Good God!" said Stannard. "Come in," and led forthwith his aged and
+trembling comrade within doors, seated him by the still glowing stove
+in the front room, and struck a light. In less than a minute Mrs.
+Stannard, too, had joined them, her kind blue eyes filled with tender
+pity and sorrow. She, at least, was not entirely unprepared. Poor
+motherless Dora had no lack of friendly counsel and fond, womanly
+sympathy when once she could be brought to lay her burden there. If only
+she had earlier sought that wise and winsome monitor! But Mrs. Stannard
+had not been at Frayne in the early summer, not until the major was
+assigned to station at Cushing had the good wife joined him, and
+meanwhile there had been no hand to guide, only a fond and passionate
+young heart. And now, with his gray hairs bowed in sorrow to the dust,
+poor Mayhew had come to tell his piteous tale. Ever since young Rawdon
+had gone with the paymaster she had been fitful and nervous. Ever since
+their coming to Cushing, four weeks agone, she had been watching,
+waiting, listening, often weeping, and when letters came for her, with
+the postmark of Fetterman or Laramie, Red Cloud or the cantonment in the
+Hills, he could not but note her feverish eagerness and her instant
+escape to her own room to read her treasure alone. Oh, yes, he knew they
+must be from Rawdon. He had liked the lad, knew there was good stuff in
+him, and he could not bear that fellow Fitzroy, who was a military loan
+shark, a man who fattened on the needs or weaknesses of his comrades. He
+hated to think of his bonny girl's losing her heart to Fitzroy. He owned
+he rather welcomed Rawdon's advances and rejoiced that she, too, seemed
+to prefer him.
+
+But--God! He had never looked for--this! Oh, where had she gone?--and
+why? He had found her at home and in tears after the fire. All morning
+long she had been in an agony of nervousness. Then that afternoon, some
+time, somehow, she got a message or letter, and then, kissing him and
+saying she would be better in bed, had gone to her room, but not to
+sleep. At eleven o'clock old Chloe's sobbing aroused him. He found it
+all deserted. Dora had disappeared, leaving not one word to comfort him.
+
+They lost no time, those men of the field and the frontier. Stannard was
+dressed and out in twenty minutes; had summoned Ennis, Field, and others
+among the young officers; had routed out half a troop and could have had
+the entire garrison, for few were the soldiers who would not search all
+night or work all day for good old Mayhew and his pretty daughter.
+Perhaps that was one reason why, until this night, so many maids and
+mothers among the sergeants' families envied and slandered her. Mayhew
+had been far from wise, and Dora, indeed, had none to guide. Kindly and
+cordially treated as he and she had been by the officers and their
+wives--being, in fact, superior socially to the Snaffle household, if
+not to certain others--there was yet this bar to hold them back: they
+dined and danced not with the "commissioned" element of the post whereat
+Mayhew was stationed. They were of finer clay than the people of the
+rank and file, and so, with the families of the forage and wagon-master,
+the chief packer and old Ordnance Sergeant Shell, they made up a little
+middle class of their own, when Dora's heart had gone out, ungrudgingly,
+to handsome, clever, educated George Rawdon, whom all men could see had
+been reared among gentlefolk, and who, as further fascination, was
+supplied from some unknown source with money which he spent with lavish
+hand.
+
+The moon was in the fourth quarter now, yet still bright enough to aid
+them, and up and down the creek bank went the searchers, probing every
+pool, searching every shallow. It was odd--or was it odd?--that for half
+an hour no man, no matter what he thought, went down and banged at the
+door of "C" Troop's stable--where in cozy quarters and solemn state,
+guarded by the sentries on either flank, slept that surly magnate among
+the non-commissioned officers--Fitzroy, the stable sergeant of Snaffle's
+troop. Whatever had befallen poor Dora Mayhew, it was not to join
+Cockney Fitzroy she had fled.
+
+Had she fled to join anybody? was the question that racked so many a
+heart, for, with the possible exception of gentle Mrs. Stannard, the
+girl had made no confidant. It was stanch old Chloe who would have it
+that her pet and pride from childhood, her solemn charge since the poor
+mother's death eight years before, had never left her father's roof to
+do harm to herself and break their hearts. If morning came without her,
+she surely had been lured away, and, if "Marss Rawdon" had really gone,
+who was there who, through love or fear or threat or artifice of any
+kind, _could_ lure her?
+
+It was this, full fifteen minutes after Lieutenant Field and two of his
+men had trotted off to town, that started old Stannard and big Jim Ennis
+down the valley from the veterinarian's, through "Suds-town," where
+girls and women were huddling and whispering at the news; through the
+hay and wood-yards, where the sentry challenged sharply, so often had he
+halted searching parties in the last ten minutes; past the little shack
+where dwelt the farriers and blacksmiths, many of them alight, for the
+story had gone sweeping; and so at last they came to the long cavalry
+stables, standing gable ends to the north, like so many companies in
+close column, and at the sixth of these, farthest from the bluff whereon
+stood the barracks and quarters, they stopped and banged at the door. No
+answer--even when the sentry came to their aid and hammered with the
+butt of his carbine. They went round and rattled at the window of the
+sergeant's room. Still no response, and at their beck the sentry yelled
+for the corporal-of-the-guard, who had followed down, expectant.
+
+"I'll have him out," said he, and ran round to the south end, and
+presently came back, panting but triumphant. He had roused the two
+stable orderlies. They would open up in a minute. They did, with much
+blinking of eyes and some demur, but stood abashed when the burly major
+strode in, big Jim Ennis at his heels. The latter hesitated not one
+second. His weight went in with the battering ram of that muscular leg
+and massive foot, and the sergeant's door flew open before them. The
+room was empty. Fitzroy and Fitzroy's furs were gone. Nor was that all.
+Snatching a stable lantern from the hand of one of the shaking grooms,
+Ennis swung it high aloft. Two empty stalls stood close at hand.
+
+"I thought so," said he, then grabbed the nearest orderly by the coat
+collar. "Who took Lieutenant Foster's sleigh and team," demanded he,
+"and how long ago?"
+
+"Sergeant Fitzroy, sir," came the answer, with a doleful whine, "just
+before the third relief, at half-past eleven."
+
+"No time to see the colonel now!" said Ennis. "Major Stannard, I've got
+to gallop into town, but a dozen men, if need be, should trail that
+sleigh."
+
+"Go it, boy," was the instant answer, "and I'm behind you."
+
+
+
+
+X
+
+
+On the principle that disaster ever demands its victim, the sentry of
+the second relief--the immediate predecessor of the soldier now on post
+at the north line of the stables--was stirred up at once and ordered to
+explain. Even as Stannard was hastening the movements of the men
+detailed to mount and trail the Foster team, even as Ennis was galloping
+town-ward on a mission of his own, Captain Langley, of the Infantry,
+officer-of-the-day, began his stern examination of the luckless
+guardian.
+
+Orders are orders. Even a stable sergeant could not take or send an
+animal out at night (except the building stood in danger of destruction
+by flood, fire, or tornado) save on written order of a commissioned
+officer and in presence of the corporal-of-the-guard, and Stoner, the
+sentry of the second relief, admitted he knew these were the orders, but
+"the fellers" had never supposed they applied to Sergeant Fitzroy, who
+did pretty much as he pleased. In fact, Fitzroy hitched up and drove
+away without so much as a word to him. He, the sentry, was too little
+surprised to think of ordering "Halt." Even as Langley drew from him the
+admission, the word came up that the squad had started hot foot on the
+trail. It led straight away to town.
+
+And the stable orderlies had sworn that Fitzroy started alone.
+Therefore, unless Dora Mayhew had circled the fort and joined him on the
+bleak eastward prairie, it was most unlikely she had gone with him, and,
+up to one o'clock, there was none to hint with whom, or how, except
+afoot, she could have gone. Then, however, came revelation. The sentry
+stationed at the northwest face of the post admitted having seen "a rig
+from town" making wide circuit clear around behind the fort on the
+westward "bench," which was swept almost clean of snow. It had kept well
+out beyond hailing distance, stood a moment or two up at the edge of the
+bluff, then whirled about and went the way it came. What hour was this?
+Just before they called off eleven o'clock. Why had he not mentioned or
+reported it? Well, he thought it might have been some of the officers.
+"They sometimes came out late and went in home the back way," whereat,
+in some confusion, Captain Langley dropped that phase of the
+investigation.
+
+By two o'clock that rig also had been trailed back to town, where it was
+lost in the tangle of wheel tracks. There Ennis and Field and several
+troopers, with one or two interested citizens, were in quest of tidings.
+There they were joined by Mayhew himself, who had one more hope. Dora
+had a friend, a few years older than herself, with whom she had been
+intimate at Fort Riley. They went daily to school together when
+children, and wept when parted. Now her friend was married to a
+conductor of the Union Pacific Railway, and living in town. It might be
+that Dora had gone to her.
+
+They found the house, and hammered at the door and lower windows, and
+succeeded only in waking a Chinese servant who said, "All gone; b'long
+Omaha," and refused further information. They went to the three stables
+in town, and all had "rigs" out, some of them two or three. None, to the
+proprietor's knowledge, had been to the fort. Most of them had gone to a
+dance at Arena, a cattle town six miles east, and it was high time they
+were returning, for now it was after three. "What's all the row about
+anyhow?" demanded the night watchman of one of these establishments.
+"There was that cockney sergeant fellow here along about midnight,
+asking questions and raising hell. The town marshal had a rumpus with
+him and went to bed mad." The half-dozen hangers-on about the railway
+station, and the roisterers at the one, open-all-night saloon were
+growing inquisitive, if not impudent. The station-master had gone home,
+but the lone operator to whom, one after another, Field, Ennis, and
+Mayhew had appealed, declared that no young lady had gone on Number Six,
+for the reason that Number Six hadn't gone and wouldn't go till 'long
+toward daylight. She broke down somewhere about seven o'clock at
+Medicine Bow.
+
+But Ennis and Mayhew came at him a second time, with a second question:
+Could he tell them anything of Mr. and Mrs. Osborn, Osborn being a
+conductor and Mrs. Osborn Dora's friend of whom previous mention is
+made? Had they gone to Omaha? No, for Mr. Osborn was round here early in
+the evening, and had to be here at six o'clock A.M. to meet and take
+Number Five over the Mountain Division. Then John Chinaman had lied,
+said poor Mayhew, grieving sore and quite ready to break down, but Ennis
+was spurred to new energy.
+
+"Keep your heart, old man," said he. "The more I think of this, the more
+I'm sure there's light ahead, and I'm going after it. Go to the hotel,
+lie down, and leave the rest to me."
+
+And still Jim Ennis felt by no means confident he could be in time. He
+knew the Mayhews only slightly. He had never before been stationed at
+regimental headquarters, had seen and known Dora only since their coming
+to Fort Cushing, and therefore had not learned to share Bob's honest
+admiration for her. She might be all Bob thought her, a loving child and
+a true-hearted girl in spite of her infatuation for this presentable
+young trooper whose antecedents nobody knew. Ennis had often marked him
+during the campaign and noted his regard for Bob, and felt kindly
+disposed toward him until mid September, when two troops were sent in
+to Frayne, with the pack train and orders to load up with rations and
+escort it back. Rawdon was missing from the column when it camped the
+first night out, on the return, and only caught them by a daring night
+ride through the Sioux country when they were two days' march beyond.
+His captain, Raymond, had sternly rebuked him and promised him further
+punishment when they reached the regiment, but Lanier had heard of it
+and interceded, thereby making Rawdon still more his friend. But now the
+heart of "Dad" Ennis was hot against him, for fear that what Barker said
+might all be true: that Rawdon had wrecked an old man's heart and home,
+and ruined an old man's beloved daughter.
+
+With just two troopers at his back, toward four in the morning, big Jim
+went spurring on through the dim moonlight, town and station far behind,
+following a meandering sleigh and wagon track across the wide, dreary
+upland, riding, as a rule, parallel with the railway, while such sleighs
+as tried the journey had evidently been making many a detour. Snow there
+was in abundance in the coulées and ravines, snow in sheets in the lee
+of every little ridge or hummock, but elsewhere the icy sod was swept
+hard and clean, and the sharp hoofs rang as though they struck macadam.
+Three miles out two "rigs" were passed, westward bound, filled with town
+folk who had been to Arena for the dance. Had they seen or heard aught
+of Mr. and Mrs. Osborn? he asked. No, they knew them well by sight, and
+would be sure to note them had they come to the dance. Five miles out a
+stage was encountered, loaded with exuberant revellers who had remained
+after the dance for a spree, and were now consumed with wrath because
+certain officers of the law from their own town, too, had hustled them
+out.
+
+"A hull sleighful of 'em--three or four anyhow--came over there with
+that cockney sergeant you fellers keep at the fort, lookin' for
+deserters. You after deserters? Well, here's--hic--hopin' you don't get
+'em."
+
+It was all Jim Ennis wanted to know. "Come on, men," he cried, and
+spurred ahead, his wondering troopers following.
+
+"Now, what the mischief is that man Fitzroy's game?" thought Ennis, as
+he pushed on through the bitter cold of the December morning. It had not
+been difficult to learn that the sergeant, after much search and inquiry
+in town, had started for Arena, taking with him, as it happened, two of
+the Rocky Mountain police, who had business there and were tired of
+waiting for the train. Ennis reasoned it was after Dora that Fitzroy had
+gone; that in his jealous misery he had kept watch upon her, had
+followed to town on hearing of her flight, had followed further, and
+this it was that gave Ennis the hope that she was accompanied by such
+worthy people as the Osborns. If that were so, it could mean but one
+thing. It was to join Rawdon, perhaps to be joined to Rawdon. Osborn had
+sent two messages by wire and received two early in the evening; Ennis
+had learned this through the operator, though the contents were
+withheld. Rawdon, probably, dared not come to Cushing City. There he
+might still be arrested on sight. Yes. Ennis had it now. Dora Mayhew had
+fled to Arena to meet and marry George Rawdon; Fitzroy had followed fast
+in hopes of blocking it.
+
+And just as the twinkling switch-lights of the little prairie station
+hove in sight ahead, there came a sound that startled him--the whistle
+of a railway engine not a mile behind--Number Six at last, and coming
+full tilt--the very train, perhaps, that they, the young couple, hoped
+and meant to take, and might have taken on their eastward way had not
+Fitzroy, keen-eyed, quick-witted, and vengeful, been there in time to
+bar the move.
+
+And then in the soldier soul of big Jim Ennis was born a strange,
+sudden, and somewhat unprofessional spirit of opposition. Starting out
+in the hope of finding and restoring to her father's roof the sorrowing
+fugitive, Jim Ennis veered right round to the purpose of succoring a
+maiden in distress. If marriage was Rawdon's motive in bidding her join
+him, then Rawdon was honest after all, and who was he or who was Fitzroy
+to stand in the way and stop it? No, by all the Arts of Peace and the
+Articles of War, Rawdon was right and d---- be the man that sought to
+check him.
+
+Five minutes later, with the big engine and train coming hissing and
+grinding to a stop at the platform, Ennis sprang from his panting horse,
+tossed the reins to one trooper, and, followed by the other, shouldered
+his way through a little knot of staring townsfolk and up to a group at
+the edge of the platform. A trim-built young fellow in civilian dress
+was struggling in the grasp of two detectives; a terrified girl was
+clinging to his arm, tears streaming down her face; a clerical-looking,
+elderly stranger was expostulating; a man in the cap and dress of a
+railway conductor was vehemently arguing with a stocky sergeant of
+cavalry, who seemed master of the situation, and greatly enjoying his
+own importance. A pale-faced young woman, whom the conductor of Number
+Six addressed as Mrs. Osborn, was imploring his aid, when, to the amaze
+of the sergeant, this big subaltern in boots and spurs bulged in between
+him and Conductor Osborn and demanded to know the nature of the trouble.
+
+"I've run down this man, at last, sir," gulped Fitzroy, flustered, but
+making valiant effort at control, "as you see, sir, only in the nick of
+time."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Ennis," cried Dora, throwing herself upon him and clasping his
+arm, "Rawdon has done no wrong. We are married. Here are our friends to
+prove it. _Why_ should they arrest him?"
+
+"Colonel's orders, lieutenant. Arrest him wherever found," said Fitz
+stoutly, "and I've a sl--stage here to take him back."
+
+"On charges of your own invention, Sergeant Fitzroy," said Ennis icily,
+"no one of which you'll ever prove. Have you any warrant for this
+man?"--this to the detectives.
+
+"None, sir. The sergeant said he was a deserter, running off with the
+doctor's daughter."
+
+"He's no deserter. He's on furlough by order of General Crook,
+travelling, I take it, with his own wife, and unless you want to burn
+your fingers to the bone, let go."
+
+"Then lieutenant," burst in Fitzroy, "he's a prisoner by order of
+Colonel Button----"
+
+"Then as senior officer on the spot I'll take charge of him; also,
+Sergeant Fitzroy, of you, and the sleigh you feloniously made way with.
+Stand aside, sir. Now, gentlemen, how about this train?"
+
+"Ordered right on, lieutenant, to meet Number Five at Beaver Switch."
+
+"Then it's a case of all aboard for those bound eastward. We'll hear the
+rest when you return from furlough, Rawdon"--for now the young man was
+trying to speak instead of seeking to speed away. "I did my best to be
+in time for the ceremony, Mrs. Rawdon," continued Ennis, gallant and
+impressive, as he swung her suddenly aboard, "but with my usual luck I
+lost the chance to kiss the bride."
+
+For answer she quickly turned, flung her arms about his neck, and her
+warm lips swept his cheek. "One for you, Mr. Ennis," she cried, and then
+again, "and this--for Mr. Lanier!"
+
+
+
+
+XI
+
+
+Friday again, and late in the day, and Bob Lanier's arrest lacked but a
+few hours of its first full week, and Bob was in bandages and bed in a
+sunny room of the hospital. Ennis, after a long night in saddle and a
+short "spat" with the colonel, was taking a much needed nap. Stannard
+and his wife had gone down to Doctor Mayhew's to meet Mrs. Osborn, who
+had come to spend the afternoon. Paymaster Scott was up and about, and,
+in his independent way, had been saying unrelishable things to Button,
+who was in most peppery frame of mind. A wire had come from department
+headquarters to say an inspector would follow. "Instead of ordering a
+general court to try Lieutenant Lanier, they have ordered a colonel out
+to try me, by gad!" said Button. "For that's just what it all amounts
+to."
+
+And of all colonels to investigate matters at Cushing, there wasn't one
+in the army Button would not rather have had than the very one who was
+coming--bluff, blunt, rasping old Riggs, best known to fame and Fort
+Cushing, as "Black Bill."
+
+"Why," said Button, to Scott, "this sending one field officer of cavalry
+to sit in judgment on the official deeds of another is nothing short
+of--of infamous, and I'm amazed at Crook's doing it."
+
+"It ain't Crook," said Scott, not without a little malicious delight in
+Button's disgust. "He's away up at Washakie, and of course his adjutant
+general don't want to act or even advise until he knows all about it.
+You've seen fit to charge Lanier with all manner of things, and I don't
+wonder headquarters are staggered."
+
+"But--_Bill Riggs_--to come and overhaul _my_ regiment, when it's
+notorious he never could command even a two-company camp without having
+everybody by the ears! Such men aren't fit to be inspectors!"
+
+Indeed, there was much to warrant poor Button's disgust. He had
+preferred most serious charges against Lanier. He had accused him of
+quitting camp on campaign, quitting his guard in garrison, quitting his
+quarters when in arrest, failing to quit himself of a money obligation,
+drinking and consorting with enlisted men, and in his letter of
+transmittal he had intimated that there were other misdeeds he might yet
+have to uncover. All, said Button, on the information of veteran
+officers and sergeants of the regiment--notably Captains Curbit and
+Snaffle, Lieutenants Crane and Trotter, Sergeants Whaling and
+Fitzroy--and now here were both medical officers, both of his majors,
+two of his best captains, seven of his subalterns, and nine-tenths of
+the women folk at Fort Cushing taking sides with Lanier and issue with
+him--their colonel and commander. And here, too, were Lieutenant and
+Mrs. Foster, highly connected, influential, wealthy, insisting that his
+most active and important witness, the unimpeachable Sergeant Fitzroy,
+had corrupted their coachman, run off with their sleigh, and ruined
+(this was Mrs. Foster) their horses.
+
+Foster, first lieutenant of Snaffle's troop, seldom on speaking terms
+with his captain, had discovered the deed at morning stables just five
+minutes before the aggrieved sergeant drove in with the missing property
+_and_ Lieutenant Ennis as escort. Foster was in a fury over it, the more
+so because Fitzroy had maintained, respectfully enough but most
+stubbornly, that the circumstances were such that he felt justified in
+making immediate use of any property under his care or charge, that he
+would explain everything to his captain and the colonel, but begged to
+be excused in the lieutenant's present frame of mind from arguing the
+matter with him.
+
+And the story Snaffle told Button before Foster could reach him went far
+to strengthen Fitzroy's position. Snaffle said that so far from
+Fitzroy's corrupting the coachman, the boot should be on the other foot,
+were Fitzroy corruptible--that Foster would find his coachman a
+double-dyed liar when he came to the truth of that runaway the night of
+the dance--that Foster's sleigh and carriage and driving horses had no
+right in a Government stable anyhow--were only there on sufferance
+(which was true, for Foster kept saddlers besides--all the law allowed
+him)--and that under the circumstances, when, as was well known, at
+least twenty officers and troopers on Government mounts had gone forth
+at night in violation of standing orders, without the commanding
+officer's knowledge or consent--all on the plea of rescuing Mayhew's
+daughter, Lieutenant Foster ought to be ashamed of himself for abusing
+Fitzroy for taking the sleigh in hopes of having a warm nest to fetch
+the poor girl home in as soon as he'd found her. "Sure, did Mr. Ennis
+expect her to ride back on his cantle on so bitter a night? Faith,
+Fitzroy was worth the whole pack of 'em put together, if they'd only let
+him alone."
+
+And that, at nine o'clock, when Ennis was sent for, was the colonel's
+way of looking at it. Moreover, he had a rasp up his sleeve for our
+massive young friend on half a dozen other counts.
+
+"In point of fact, Mr. Ennis, that girl has simply fooled the whole
+party and is probably laughing at all of you. A girl that will run away
+without a word or line to her father, and marry an out-and-out
+adventurer--a mere nobody--has neither heart nor head anyhow. And now
+you've interfered in a matter of discipline just as Mr. Lanier did, and
+I gave _you_ credit for better sense. You know I had ordered that
+fellow's arrest."
+
+Ennis took it all, all this and more, in grave silence and
+subordination. He would have gone without a word, but Button would not
+so have it. Button demanded his reasons, and began hitting back before
+Ennis had named even two. This brought on the "spat," as Barker
+irreverently described it, and left the colonel in no judicial mood in
+which to see Stannard, Sumter, and others, as see them he had to in
+course of the day.
+
+But flatly he swore that Sergeant Fitzroy should not go in arrest. It
+was only too clear they sought to make a victim of him.
+
+And so all Fort Cushing seemed in turmoil and trouble as the sun of the
+23d went out and "Black Bill" came in, yet that sun must have been
+potent, for Mrs. Stannard's face, as homeward she sped, after a long
+talk with Mrs. Osborn, was radiant with sunshiny smiles. "You're not to
+know anything yet, Luce, at least until you get it from Doctor Mayhew,
+for you never could keep it, and for a week at least it's got to be
+kept."
+
+"Well, one thing you _can_ tell," said the major, "that is, if you know,
+and put a stop to an awful amount of censure that poor girl's getting.
+Why did she leave no word for her father?"
+
+"Because she expected to be home in two hours;" and the reader can judge
+just how full and satisfactory must that answer have been.
+
+But were matters mending for Mr. Lanier? was the question still
+troubling Mrs. Stannard. Neither Kate nor Miriam had she seen since the
+night of the fire. Miriam Arnold was confined to her room. Kate Sumter
+would not leave her, and yet over these two devoted friends there still
+hovered a spell. The mutual trust and faith seemed shaken. The old
+confidence or intimacy was gone.
+
+Now, whatever Mrs. Osborn had told that so cheered Mrs. Stannard, it is
+certain the latter could not contain herself long, and that, even as
+the major was summoned, toward nine of the evening, to join the solemn
+conclave at the colonel's (where by this time Button had opened
+proceedings by giving "Black Bill" the best dinner a frontier larder and
+cellar afforded), she bustled over to the Sumters', was delightedly
+welcomed by her friend and neighbor, whose husband, too, had been called
+to council, and presently these two sages were in confidential chat.
+
+To them presently entered the captain, electric, bristling. He wanted
+the bundle of latest newspapers. They had not half read them, and
+Colonel Button was all eagerness to see some articles concerning the
+campaign about which Riggs had been twitting him--asking him whom he had
+subsidized at this late hour to rescue his reputation, etc. Riggs had
+seen three long, well-written letters in the great New York _Morning
+Mail_, obviously the work of a correspondent on the spot, an eye-witness
+to the scenes he had described, and these letters refuted the calumnies
+recently heaped on Button and his comrades--gave him, in fact, high
+praise for soldiership, bravery, energy, even though the writer owned
+himself by no means one of the colonel's circle, if, indeed, one of his
+personal friends and admirers. Only the Sumters, at Cushing, subscribed
+for the _Morning Mail_. Riggs had seen the paper at Omaha. It took a
+search of some minutes before even the first was found. Then Sumter's
+eyes danced as he read, and Mrs. Sumter exclaimed over another, and for
+the first time in a week sounds of cheer arose in that little home.
+Presently Mrs. Stannard read aloud a spirited, stirring paragraph,
+describing a dash led by Lieutenant Lanier, and then Sumter made a swoop
+for all three pages and said, "The quicker Button can see these the
+sooner he'll come to his senses," and begging pardon for the rudeness,
+took the papers and his leave and almost collided with Kate, who at
+sound of the name and the glad ring of the voices had crept down-stairs
+for the news.
+
+And so she had to come in and see Mrs. Stannard, and hear some few at
+least of the details of Dora Mayhew's romantic, runaway marriage, and
+while they were being told tattoo was sounded, and then Mrs. Stannard
+asked if she might not creep up-stairs and see Miriam; she thought she
+might cheer her a bit. This left mother and daughter alone together, and
+again, and even more painfully, Mrs. Sumter noted how sad and
+unresponsive was Kate at mention of Lanier.
+
+It must have been nearly an hour later when Sumter came hurriedly in,
+threw his furs off in the hall, and with troubled face re-entered the
+parlor. His wife rose instantly, laid her head upon his arm, and asked,
+"What has happened?"
+
+"A scene the like of which I never thought to hear of in this regiment.
+We had adjourned to the office. Snaffle had been drinking a bit and got
+angered and flustered when Riggs cross-examined him. One thing led to
+another, and finally in exasperation he blurted out, 'I'm sick of being
+called the accuser of Mr. Lanier. By God, I've defended him! I've hidden
+worse things than ever I told you yet, and now I'll stand it no longer!
+You twit me with spying and slandering. Then by all that's holy, you
+shall say here and now who's the better man. 'T was Lieutenant Lanier
+himself that leapt from the window this night a week ago--the back upper
+window of Sumter's quarters. That's how his hand was cut and torn, and
+I've got three men that'll swear to it!'"
+
+He broke off suddenly, for Kate had turned, flung herself from the room
+and into the arms of Mrs. Stannard. One long look into the sorrowful
+eyes of his wife, and Sumter quickly followed, and drew the sobbing girl
+from those kind arms into his own.
+
+"My child, my child," he said, "surely you did not _see_ him?"
+
+"No! No! No!" was the instant answer. "No!" again she sobbed.
+
+"Then tell me what it means, Kate, daughter. It is--I demand it!"
+
+"Oh, father, father--it was--it was what I _heard_--when she
+screamed--and fell?"
+
+"_What_ did you hear?"
+
+"The other voice--_his_ voice. It said plainly, 'Miriam, hush! Don't you
+know me?'"
+
+
+
+
+XII
+
+
+"Bob," said Mr. Ennis, sauntering in to his comrade's bedside the
+following morning, "I'm instructed to pay you a kiss."
+
+Lanier's bandaged head spun on the pillow. He had but one girl in his
+mind.
+
+"Wh--who?" he demanded.
+
+Ennis threw his head back and laughed. "Nine times out of ten when a
+fellow is asked, 'will you take it now or wait till you get it?' he's
+wise to take it now. If _I'm_ any judge, I should say you'd better wait
+till you can get it, which may be in less than a week."
+
+"Ennis, if you can quit being an ass long enough to tell me what you
+mean, and where you've been, I'll thank you. If you can't, I wish you'd
+get out. _Ugashe!_" concluded Bob, with a lapse into Apache and the
+pillow.
+
+"Well, it probably isn't just the kiss you were thinking of--no more was
+when I got it--but, Robert, my son and fellow soldier, it's my recorded
+conviction that the most enviable member of the regiment this day of our
+Lord is your twin trooper friend Rawdon. I saw him off on his wedding
+tour, and he _didn't_ have on your clothes."
+
+Lanier's head popped up in an instant--the one visible eye all eager
+interest. "_Where_ were they married? _When_ did they get off? Was
+Lowndes there?" were the questions that flew from his lips.
+
+"Arena. On Number Six. Don't know," was the categorical answer. "Rawdon
+brought the parson out from Omaha, and the Osborns gave her away. Of
+Lowndes I've seen nothing since the night you staked him at Laramie, and
+what I've heard of him you refused to listen to. Of that callow specimen
+of the effete and ultra-refined Back Bay District you've long since had
+my opinion. He's too good and gentle for this Western world of ours,
+Bob, and he and his shuddering kinsfolk suffer too much by
+contamination----"
+
+"Oh, shut up, Dad! His people _did_ wire him that his mother was
+desperately ill. They merely wanted to get him away from the campaign.
+He'd been gambling, the pesky little fool, with some of the Rawhide
+crowd, was all out of cash and dared not tell his guardian. That's all
+there was to it. Soon's he gets his money he'll square up--thought
+perhaps he _had_, since Rawdon had enough to marry on. Lowndes owed
+_him_ ten times what he owed me, I reckon."
+
+To them, thus engrossed in confidential chat, there suddenly entered the
+two doctors. "Black Bill," the inspector, it seems, had given notice
+that he must needs have speech with the culprit, if that bandaged,
+blistered, and unprincipled young man were in condition to see him.
+"Black Bill" and his host had been having a night of it. Button was in
+high fettle over the amazingly truthful and unlooked-for articles in
+the _Mail_, and as eager to know and reward their author as he had been
+to apprehend and punish the earlier detractor. Button had begun to
+"wobble," as Bill expressed it, in his spleen against Lanier until so
+suddenly "braced" by the truculent stand of Captain Snaffle, whose
+half-drunken words the previous night were by this time known all over
+the post.
+
+The matter was now in the hands of Colonel Riggs, however, and it was
+his to determine what further action to take. Snaffle had named as his
+witness Sergeant Fitzroy, Private Kelley (who, though drunk on duty, had
+not been so drunk, said Snaffle and Fitzroy, that he could not recognize
+an officer when he saw him), and the third witness, to the amaze of
+Barker and the derision of Ennis, when told of it, was no less a person
+than poor Tom Rafferty, Lanier's own "striker" and hitherto devoted
+henchman. And to the consternation of Stannard, Sumter, and others,
+Captain Snaffle had been able to back his words. Riggs sent for the two
+availables, Fitzroy and Kelly, and the two had declared they could not
+be mistaken; that they had heard Miss Arnold's scream, followed
+instantly by the crash of glass. Fitzroy admitted that he was at the
+moment at Captain Snaffle's back door; said he ran round to the Sumters'
+gate; that he distinctly saw the figure of a man in a soldier's overcoat
+and fur cap leaping and sliding down the roof, and that a moment later
+he grappled with it in the dark woodshed, dropping his hold only when
+angrily ordered to do so, the voice adding instantly, "I'm Lieutenant
+Lanier." Kelly was ready to swear to practically the same facts, though
+he "thought there was two of them," which, under the circumstances, was
+not to be wondered at. Fitzroy declared that a moment later Rafferty
+rushed to the spot, recognized the lieutenant, and by him was sternly
+ordered to leave. As yet Rafferty was in no condition to affirm or deny.
+The excitement of the fire had brought on a relapse, and the wild
+Irishman was wilder than ever, "raving-like," as the steward said, in
+the big post hospital.
+
+And these statements, presently, did Colonel Riggs lay before Lieutenant
+Lanier, in presence of Doctors Larrabee and Schuchardt, as well as
+Lieutenant Ennis. "I've known you three years, young sir," said he, "and
+I've believed in you from the first. I have reminded Sergeant Fitzroy of
+his previous allegations against Trooper Rawdon, as to the scuffle and
+assault, and, so far from showing confusion, Fitzroy promptly said,
+'Certainly, that took place barely half a minute later and within ten
+yards of the spot.' He says his whole idea first was to drive Rawdon
+from the scene, and prevent his finding his officer in so humiliating a
+plight. He says he sought in every way at first to shield the
+lieutenant, but when all these other facts came out about the cap, the
+clothing, the lieutenant's absence from his quarters, his lacerated
+hand, etc., there was no help for it. He finally yielded to the pressure
+of Captain Snaffle's questions and told the truth. Kelly miserably
+admitted his knowledge of it and when Rafferty came to his senses, he,
+too, was to be catechised."
+
+"Now, Mr. Lanier, there's the situation. Do you care to say anything to
+me, or would you prefer to take counsel?"
+
+And Bob Lanier leaning on his elbow, looked quietly up in the colonel's
+bearded face and answered:
+
+"Colonel Riggs, I reckon both those men think they're telling the truth,
+and I may have to prove they're not."
+
+"Do you mean--you _were_ there?" queried old Riggs, in genuine concern.
+
+"There, sir? Of _course_ I was there--quick as I could get there, but
+not quick enough by any manner of means."
+
+Riggs looked grave indeed.
+
+"You say you may have to prove it was not you. Don't you _know_ you'll
+have to--if these witnesses are further sustained?"
+
+"Fully, sir, and when my need is known there will be witnesses for the
+defense. The doctors tell me Rafferty may not come round in less than a
+week. When the time arrives I'll be ready."
+
+And that was the way it had to be left. That was the condition of
+affairs when the eighth, and final, day of Lanier's close arrest
+arrived. Longer than eight, according to law, the colonel could not keep
+him in. Sooner than eight more, according to Larrabee, the doctors could
+not let him out. Yet there came a compromise and a change. "The idea of
+Bob Lanier spending Christmas in hospital!" said Mrs. Stannard. It was
+not to be thought of. A sunshiny room on the ground floor of the major's
+big house was duly prepared, and thither just before sunset on Christmas
+eve our young soldier was piloted by Schuchardt and Ennis, making the
+trip afoot across the rearward space, yet being remanded to a huge easy
+chair and partial bandages immediately on his arrival.
+
+"Black Bill," with his incomplete report, had gone back to Omaha to
+further mystify the adjutant-general and to eat his Christmas dinner.
+The order for the court-martial hung fire until the preliminary
+investigation could be concluded. Fort Cushing set itself to enjoy the
+sweet festival as best it might, while such a problem remained unsolved.
+Veterinary Surgeon Mayhew had taken seven days' leave, an eastbound
+train, and at three P.M. the day before Christmas came a telegram from
+---- Arnold, Esq., of Standish Bay, Massachusetts, announcing that he
+would leave forthwith for the West, bringing his sister with him. The
+Sumters told Mrs. Stannard, and she told Bob Lanier.
+
+It has been said that this young gentleman was an outspoken fellow, with
+a hit-or-miss way of saying things when once his mind was made up, and
+by this time it would seem he had made up his mind.
+
+"Mrs. Stannard, if you think a girl could stand the sight of such a Guy
+Fawkes as this, I would give much to speak ten minutes to Miss Miriam
+Arnold."
+
+"You're _not_ a Guy Fawkes," said Mrs. Stannard, with fluttering heart.
+"You've lost something of your mustache and eyebrows, but very little of
+your good looks. Only----"
+
+"Only what?"
+
+"Why, it's going to be so much harder to see her _now_ than it was
+before--before she----" and Mrs. Stannard faltered.
+
+"Before she saw me playing Saint Somebody or other at the back window,
+and screamed? Nobody knows _I_ heard it except you, and you won't tell.
+Moreover, it isn't about _that_ that I have to speak."
+
+Mrs. Stannard's bonny face showed instant disappointment.
+
+"There's--there's another matter," said Bob, with trouble in his tones.
+
+"I so hoped----" faltered that arch match-maker.
+
+"So did I, Mrs. Stannard," said downright Bob, "but not with charges
+hanging over my head. First I've got to meet the enemy."
+
+And yet he wished to see and speak with Miriam, who not once had set
+foot out of doors since the night of the fire, whose sweet face flamed
+at every recurring thought of that incident, whose self-betrayal covered
+her with shame and confusion indescribable, who would give years of her
+young life if she could only escape from Fort Cushing and hide herself a
+thousand miles away. But not until that stern puritanical father should
+arrive was leaving to be thought of. A week agone and the tidings of his
+coming would have filled her with dread; now she heard them with relief.
+Father coming--and Aunt Agnes! Aunt Agnes, who never before had been
+west of the Hudson. Aunt Agnes, whose forebears had warred against
+witchcraft and woodcraft, against village crones and forest children,
+against helpless old women and stealthy young savages--all without mercy
+when delivered into their hands! Was it in partial reparation for the
+rapine, the swindling, and stealing dealt out by her Pilgrim forefathers
+to the Indian of the East that Aunt Agnes had become the vehement
+champion of the Indian of the West? President of a famous Peace Society
+was she, and secretary of the Standish Branch of the Friends of the Red
+Man, a race whom the original and redoubtable Miles had spitted and
+skewered and shot without stint or discrimination. And now was Aunt
+Agnes hastening westward with her brother, to reclaim their one ewe lamb
+from the wolf pack of the wilds, and incidentally to see for herself
+something of the haunts and habits of the red brother in whose behalf,
+these last six months, her voice had been uplifted time and again. It
+was the year of a great Indian war. The blood of hundreds of our
+soldiery had been shed, without protest from these of Puritan stock, but
+they shuddered at thought of reprisals. Aunt Agnes coming to Cushing!
+Aunt Agnes to meet the colonel and his "red-handed horde of ruthless
+slayers!"
+
+No wonder the Christmas day that dawned for Miriam Arnold in that
+stirring Centennial year bade fair to be the gloomiest of her life. Yet
+who can tell what a day may bring forth?
+
+Sumter came in, cheery and laughing, for the late family breakfast.
+Guard-mounting was long over, but he had been detained by the colonel.
+
+"It is almost comical," said he, "to see Button's delight in those
+letters in the New York papers. He's as curious now to know the author
+of those as he was furious at the supposed author of the others."
+
+"What others?" faltered Miriam Arnold, her eyes filling with strange
+apprehension, her face visibly paling.
+
+"Some bitter attacks on him that appeared in the Boston and Philadelphia
+papers about that night surprise of Lone Wolf's village--the one he
+accused Mr. Lanier of having started."
+
+"Accused--Mr. Lanier!" And Miriam Arnold, with consternation in her
+voice, was half rising from the table.
+
+"I had thought it best to say nothing to you about it, Miriam dear,"
+said Mrs. Sumter gently. "You had so many worries."
+
+"But Mrs. Sumter! Captain!" interrupted Miriam, wild-eyed. "Do you mean
+Colonel Button accused Mr. _Lanier_ of those letters?"
+
+[Illustration: "BUT DO YOU MEAN COLONEL BUTTON ACCUSED MR. LANIER OF
+THOSE LETTERS?"]
+
+"That was the backbone of his grievance against Lanier," said Sumter
+gravely, and intently studying her face. "Why?"
+
+"And he didn't--deny it? Didn't--tell what he knew?"
+
+"Denied it, yes, but refused to tell what he knew--said it came in such
+a way he could not tell. Why, Miriam, what do _you_ know?"
+
+For a moment it looked as though she were on the verge of hysterical
+breakdown. Kate sprang to her side and threw an arm around her, but with
+gallant effort she regained self-control.
+
+"I know _just_ who wrote those wicked stories, and I told Mr. Lanier;
+and I know--and I'm ashamed I ever _had_ to know--who first told them."
+
+
+
+
+XIII
+
+
+Stannard had been summoned to Omaha, much to Button's curiosity and
+disquiet. Mrs. Stannard, left temporarily widowed, was none the less
+radiant. A romance was unfolding right under her roof, and the heart of
+the woman was glad. Her patient was sitting up in spick and span uniform
+and a sunshiny parlor. Plainly furnished as were the frontier quarters
+of that day and generation, the room looked very bright and cosey this
+crisp December evening. Christmas had come and gone with but faint
+celebration, as compared with former years. There had been several
+callers, masculine and regimental, during the earlier afternoon, but now
+they were off for stables. There had been an influx of army wives and
+daughters, to wish Bob Lanier many happy returns, for this was his
+birthday. Shrewd woman, with all her gentle kindliness and tact, was
+Mrs. Stannard. She had sent word to all her cronies of the interesting
+event and suggested a call. More significance, therefore, would be
+attached to a neglect to an acceptance of the hint. Perhaps this is how
+it happened that just about four P.M., when most people were gone, Mrs.
+Sumter came quietly, cheerily, convoying her two girls, and presently
+Bob Lanier was smiling into the eyes of Miriam Arnold, whose hand he
+took last and clung to longest of the three.
+
+Not since the night of the fire had he set eyes on her. Not since the
+night of the dance had he spoken with her, and he was startled to see
+the change. Bravely though she bore herself, the flush that mantled her
+cheek was but momentary, and left her pallid and wan. Miriam looked as
+though she had been seriously ill. Kate Sumter had given him only
+hurried and almost embarrassed words of greeting. Mrs. Sumter, however,
+had extended both her hands in an impulse of loyal liking and
+friendship, and it is doubtful if Bob even saw the daughter's face.
+Certainly he never noted the lack of heart in her manner. His eyes had
+flitted almost instantly to Miriam Arnold's, and there they hung. A few
+minutes of swift, purposeless chat ensued, Mrs. Stannard and Mrs. Sumter
+doing most of it. Then, somehow, three women seemed to drift away and
+become engrossed in matters of their own over by the Navajo-covered
+lounge, and then Miriam lifted up her eyes and looked one moment into
+the young soldier's face.
+
+The bandages had been removed, though his left hand was still encased in
+a huge white kid glove, a discard from the hand of Ennis. Eyebrows and
+mustache had suffered much, and a red streak ran from the left temple
+down toward the neck, yet Bob looked fit and debonair and happy in
+spite of his weight of martial woes.
+
+"It's the first chance I've had to thank you for the dance we--didn't
+finish," said he, noting with a thrill the tremor of the little hand
+that fluttered for that moment in his grasp.
+
+"Do you think it a thing to be thankful for? I don't."
+
+"I wouldn't have lost it for a month's pay, to put it mildly, and it
+will take more than a month's pay to repair later damages," said he,
+trying to smile and be unsentimental.
+
+"How very much more than that you _may_ lose!" said she. "Do you think I
+could have danced with you if I had dreamed what--what you were doing?"
+
+"You were dancing like a dream," said he. "Do you mean I was dancing
+like a nightmare?"
+
+"You were doing what was sure to involve you in grave trouble, and--it
+wasn't kind to me, Mr. Lanier."
+
+"I'm all contrition for the anxiety it caused you, Miss Miriam, and for
+absolutely nothing else. I wish you to know that I did nothing unusual.
+Colonel Button was angry with me for a very different matter."
+
+One moment she was silent; then, with lips that quivered in spite of her
+effort--a quiver that he saw and that set his heart to bounding
+madly--with lowered voice she hurried on: "And that, too, involves me,
+or mine. And you"--then uplifting her swimming eyes--"you _would_ not
+tell."
+
+And then the barrier of his pride was swept away.
+
+"Miriam!" he cried, his hands eagerly seeking and seizing hers, only
+faintly resisting. "There was no _need_ to tell." He was standing facing
+her now, close to the curtained window, his back toward the twittering
+trio near the dining-room door and imperceptibly edging thither at Mrs.
+Stannard's suggestion of coffee. Was this prearranged? Bob never saw
+nor heeded. _She_ did, however, and well knew its meaning, and the woman
+in her, that thrilled and throbbed at sight of the passion in his eyes
+the worship in his face coquetting with her own delight would have torn
+herself away to follow them, but her little hands were held in a grasp
+against which she might struggle in vain. He was lifting them to his
+heart, and as he drew them he was drawing her. She had to come, her long
+curling lashes sweeping the soft cheeks, now once more blushing like the
+dawn. "Oh, Mr. Lanier," he heard her murmur, as though pleading and
+warning. One swift glance he tossed over his shoulder at the last form
+vanishing through the doorway, then his dark eyes, glowing and
+rejoiceful, fastened on hers, and quick and fervent came the next words:
+"There is only one thing that need be told--that _must_ be told, because
+I've just been brimming over with it all these weeks" (ah, how the
+bonny head was drooping now, but drooping toward him), "and now I can
+keep it back no longer. Miriam, Miriam, I love you--I love you! Have you
+nothing to tell me?"
+
+One instant of thrilling suspense, then with a sob welling up from her
+burdened heart, the barrier of her pride and reserve went as his had
+gone a moment ago. "Oh, you know--you _know_ it! Who _hasn't_ known it
+since that awful night?" she cried, and then found herself folded,
+weeping uncontrollably, almost deliriously, in his arms, his lips
+raining kisses on the warm, wet cheek. A moment he held her
+close-wrapped to his heart, then gradually, yet with irresistible power,
+turned upward the tear-stained, blushing, exquisite face, so that he
+could feast his eyes upon her beauty, then with joy unutterable, his
+lips sank upon the soft, quivering mouth in the first love kiss she had
+ever known, and their troubles vanished into heaven at the touch.
+
+
+Mrs. Stannard, you were a jewel and a general. Now, how about the major?
+
+"For conference with the Judge-Advocate of the Department," read the
+order that summoned him, and from that conference forth went our doughty
+dragoon in search of conquest. "It is understood," said the officials,
+"that you know the circumstances under which Lieutenant Lanier became
+responsible for the money borrowed at Laramie by or for that young Mr.
+Lowndes, also that you know him." There were other matters, but that
+came up first. Stannard knew and was quite willing to set forth with a
+plain-clothes member of the Omaha force on a mission for and from
+headquarters.
+
+In a derby hat and civilian suit of the fashion of '72, the latter much
+too snug for him, our squadron leader of the Sioux campaign looked
+little like a trooper as he sauntered with his detective companion into
+the lobby of the Paxton a few minutes later, and listened to his
+modernized tale of the prodigal son. It was all known to the police.
+Lowndes had run through the purse and patience of his Eastern kindred
+some two years before. Lowndes had been transported to a cattle ranch
+near Fort Cushing in hopes of permanent benefit, but speedily neglected
+the range for the more congenial society of the fort. He was well born
+and bred. He was made free at first at the mess, but wore out his
+welcome. He went on the campaign for excitement and got much more than
+he wanted. He took to gambling among the scouts and packers and
+sergeants, for the officers had soon cold-shouldered him. But he was a
+college man, a secret society man, as had been Lieutenant Lanier before
+entering the Point. Since the campaign Lowndes had been going from bad
+to worse; had gambled away the money sent him by his relatives, and
+they were now sorely anxious about him. Moreover, he was needed as a
+material witness for the defense in the case of Lieutenant Lanier, and
+would answer no letters to his post-office address. He hadn't been near
+the ranch in nearly a month, hadn't been seen about Cushing City since
+the blizzard; was believed to be somewhere in this neighborhood in
+disguise.
+
+And even as the story was being told, there came bounding down the broad
+stairway from above, a slender, well-built youth, in whom the
+civilization of the East was stamped in the stylish, trim-fitting
+travelling suit with cap to match, in the further items of natty silken
+scarf and the daintiest of hand and foot covering. It was the erect,
+jaunty carriage that caught the major's eye. In build, bearing, and gait
+the approaching stranger was Bob Lanier all over. He came straight
+toward them, and was tripping lightly, swiftly by when Stannard sprang
+to his feet.
+
+"Rawdon!" he cried, voice and manner at once betraying the soldier and
+the habit of authority and command. It was as imperative as the crisp,
+curt "Halt" of veteran sentry, and effective as though backed by
+levelled bayonet.
+
+But if Stannard for an instant looked for demur, resistance, attempt to
+avoid, or even a trace of confusion on the part of this transmogrified
+trooper, the idea as quickly vanished. A wave of color, it is true,
+swept instantly to the young fellow's temples, but the sudden light of
+recognition in his handsome eyes was frank and fearless. Quickly he
+whirled about, courteously he raised his cap, instinctively his heels
+clicked together as he stood attention to his squadron leader of the
+summer agone.
+
+"I beg the major's pardon," said he. "I did not expect him here, and had
+never seen him in civilian dress."
+
+And now the detective, too, was on his feet, and curiously noting the
+pair.
+
+"You're on furlough I understand, but I heard--my wife said--you were
+in Chicago."
+
+"Mrs. Stannard was right, sir. My wife and her father are there now,
+visiting my sister. Doctor Mayhew told me of the charges against
+Lieutenant Lanier, and that is what brings me back at once."
+
+"Going back at once?" began the major, mollified, yet mystified. "I
+presume you know more of these matters than any one else."
+
+"With possibly two exceptions, sir. I hope to nab one of them here."
+
+"Lowndes?" queried Stannard.
+
+"Lowndes," answered Rawdon.
+
+"Then you're just the man we want."
+
+
+That afternoon as the Union Pacific express stood ready at the Union
+station for the start, there boarded one of the sleepers a burly,
+thick-set, bluff-mannered man in huge fur overcoat, close followed by
+two younger companions. One of these latter, erect and graceful in
+bearing, alert and quick in every movement, with clear-cut and handsome
+features, was dressed with care and taste, evidently a man accustomed to
+metropolitan scenes and society; the other, a youth of probably his own
+age, though looking elder, was sallow, shabby, with a dejected
+down-at-the-heel expression to his entire personality that told
+infallibly of failure and humiliation. At a sign from their leader he
+dropped dumbly into a section, settled himself next the frosty window,
+with his head shrunk down in his worn coat-collar, and his slouch hat
+pulled over his eyes.
+
+"Better pull off that overcoat and make yourself comfortable, Lowndes,"
+said the younger man. "You've a long journey ahead."
+
+Whereat a tall, spare, elderly gentleman in the adjoining section slowly
+lowered his newspaper and turned half round, while a tall, spare,
+elderly, sharp-featured woman beside him, in prim travelling garb,
+sprang from her seat and brushing the burly man aside, precipitated
+herself upon the shrinking object in the corner.
+
+"Mortimer Watson Lowndes!" cried she. "Where on earth have you been?"
+
+For answer Mortimer Watson bowed his flabby face in his hands and wept
+dismally.
+
+Two days later the colonel's office at Fort Cushing was the scene of a
+somewhat remarkable trial. It had no force in law, yet was held to be
+conclusive. There was no array of uniformed judges sitting, by order, as
+a general court-martial. The tribunal consisted, in point of fact, of a
+single man, acting as judge, jury and attorney, to wit, "Black Bill"
+Riggs, Inspector-General of the Department of the Platte. To the
+unspeakable disgust of most of the officers, and the outspoken
+disapprobation of many of their wives, only those closely concerned in
+or connected with the case were invited to be present. Certain others
+who had just happened in, thinking to hear the proceedings, were,
+indeed, invited to leave.
+
+Colonel Button, as post commander and principal accuser, was, of course,
+at his usual desk. Colonel Riggs, his jealously regarded rival, was
+seated at a little table, whereon was much stationery and a stack of
+memoranda. Lieutenant Lanier, somewhat pale but entirely placid,
+occupied a chair to the left of that table, with Captain Sumter, as his
+troop commander and counsel, by his side. Captain Snaffle was in support
+of the post commander to cross-question if he saw fit. Barker, the
+adjutant, was present, as a matter of course. A headquarters clerk sat
+facing Riggs, prepared to take notes, and the trim orderly stood outside
+the closed door. Three or four people in civilian garb sat awaiting
+summons in the adjutant's office across the hall, and Sergeant Fitzroy,
+with trouble in his eyes and wrath in his heart, was flitting uneasily
+about in the domain of the sergeant-major.
+
+"If you are ready, Colonel Button," began Riggs, with elaborate
+courtesy, "I am, and let me briefly say that I have seen Trooper
+Rafferty at the hospital, also certain other men named by Captain
+Snaffle; but in order that all parties may be given opportunity to hear
+and to examine, and at the request of Lieutenant Lanier, who desires the
+fullest investigation and publicity, I have invited you and the captain
+to hear what I consider the really valuable evidence. Will you call in
+Trooper Rawdon?"
+
+Snaffle's face was a sight when the door opened and there entered a very
+self-possessed young man, in stylish and becoming civilian dress, who
+nevertheless stood bolt upright, with his hand raised in salute.
+
+"Hwat's he mean by coming here in 'cits'?" said Snaffle, in hoarse
+whisper, to his commander.
+
+"Yes, Colonel Riggs; if this man's a soldier, why isn't he in uniform?"
+
+With perfect respect, at a nod from Riggs, the newcomer replied: "My
+uniforms, and other belongings of mine, were taken from my trunk in town
+during my absence."
+
+"You could have borrowed one," said Snaffle truculently.
+
+"I told him he need not," retorted Riggs. "And now, gentlemen, we'll
+waste no time trying to worry the witness. Mr. Rawdon, you _were_ a duly
+enlisted trooper, I believe. Take that chair."
+
+"And am still, sir, as far as I know."
+
+"But your discharge is ordered, as I understand it."
+
+"It was applied for and recommended, and General Whipple told me in
+Chicago a few days ago it was settled; but that would have made no
+difference, sir. I should have been proud to wear the uniform until
+officially discharged."
+
+Riggs wheeled in his chair. "Colonel Button, it has been fully explained
+to this--man, and to the next, that what they tell us here is to be
+just what they would swear to before a court. You can decide for
+yourself on hearing it whether you wish them to swear to it or not. Now,
+Rawdon, tell us how you came to enlist."
+
+"As the representative of three newspapers, in Chicago and the East.
+They were anxious to have an Indian campaign, and the life of an
+enlisted man, described as it really was. I joined a squad of recruits
+for this regiment right after the news of the Crazy Horse Battle on
+Powder River."
+
+"Do you still hold that job?"
+
+"No, sir;" and there was a twitch of the muscles about the corners of
+the mouth suggestive of amusement.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I failed to--give satisfaction. Only scraps of my letters were
+published."
+
+"What did they want?"
+
+"Criticism principally, and confirmation of the stories of abuse and ill
+treatment of soldiers by their officers."
+
+"Were your letters never published?"
+
+"Three of them, eventually, after the campaign--in the New York _Morning
+Mail_."
+
+Whereupon Riggs spun in his chair and rejoicefully surveyed Button, who
+sat like a man in a daze, staring, opened-eyed, at the witness. For the
+life of him Sumter could not suppress a chuckle.
+
+"Then, as I understand it, you were favorably impressed with the
+life--and conditions?"
+
+"In spite of hardship and privation, yes, sir; and because I found
+complete refutation of the stories about the officers, both as regarded
+their dealing with the Indians and with their own men."
+
+"Were there any persons with the command who knew you and your mission?"
+
+"Two, sir, as it turned out. Trooper Cary, who enlisted at the same time
+I did, and a civilian, Mr. Lowndes, who recognized us at Fort Frayne. We
+were at college together. He and Cary became very intimate toward the
+last, and yet I think they kept my secret in spite of our falling out."
+
+"Do you care to tell us why you fell out?"
+
+"I prefer that Mr. Lowndes should do that. He and Cary had been chums in
+college days, and though we were in the same society I did not know them
+then as I do now."
+
+"You had trouble with Sergeant Fitzroy at first, did you not?"
+
+"Almost from the start, sir."
+
+"We have heard his version. What is yours?"
+
+Rawdon's frank face clouded and colored one moment, but the eyes never
+flinched.
+
+"It was partly on account of the lady who is now my wife, and partly on
+account of--money. Fitzroy is an out-and-out usurer, and has a dozen
+sergeants in the regiment in his debt and under his thumb, Captain
+Snaffle's first sergeant among them."
+
+"It's a lie!" said Snaffle.
+
+"It's the truth," said Riggs, "and I have other proofs. You will curb
+your tongue and your temper, Captain Snaffle, if you please. Go on,
+Rawdon."
+
+"I had reason to believe he was squeezing Doctor Mayhew. I had learned
+to love Mayhew's daughter. I had a little money laid by, and was getting
+a good salary. I made Doctor Mayhew take enough to free himself, and won
+Fitzroy's hate on both accounts."
+
+"You are accused of assaulting him the night of the 16th. What of that?"
+
+"I did not even see him or speak to him. I had been in town in the
+afternoon, arranging for our marriage. Doctor Mayhew would not hear of
+it until I had got my discharge, but we had decided to be married
+Saturday morning, and to go East that afternoon, as important business
+called me. Mr. Lowndes will tell you that he owed me much money. I had
+lost my position as correspondent, needed the cash, and pressed him for
+it. He had promised faithfully to have it ready, but ready it was not. I
+knew of his relatives in Massachusetts and urged him to telegraph, but
+he said he could get some of it, at least, at the fort. So I drove him
+and Cary out in a sleigh, left them at the store, and, circling the
+fort, spent two hours with Miss Mayhew. Then getting uneasy, as they did
+not come, drove round back to the store just in time to see Lieutenant
+Foster's sleigh going like the wind to town, and found Rafferty in
+frantic excitement. He said there was hell to pay. The lieutenant was in
+arrest. Lowndes and Cary had run away with some of his clothes. There'd
+been a shindy up the row, and just then a soldier friend came running.
+'Skip for your life, Rawdon,' said he. 'There's been robbery at Captain
+Sumter's, and Sergeant Fitzroy swears it was you, and that you've struck
+him and assaulted him. The colonel orders you arrested wherever found.
+The patrols are out now!' There was no time to explain. I lashed my
+team to town, caught Lowndes in cavalry overcoat and cap, the fool, and
+with not a cent to his name. I gave Cary a note to Miss Mayhew, which he
+never delivered, and took Lowndes with me on Number Six at 11.40."
+
+"Then you were not at Captain Sumter's that night?"
+
+"Nowhere near it, sir."
+
+Snaffle's eyes were fairly popping from their sockets. Hadn't he said
+all along it was Lanier?
+
+"Now, another matter," continued Riggs. "That night at Laramie of which
+you told me. These gentlemen will be interested."
+
+"There was nothing remarkable in that. I had heard of the same thing
+being done at West Point. I heard in the nick of time of the order to
+the officer-of-the-day to inspect for Lieutenant Lanier. I imagined that
+something very serious would happen to him. I knew he'd gone to the
+post with Lowndes, and why. So, with my apologies now to the lieutenant,
+I slipped round to his tent and into his blankets."
+
+"Did the lieutenant know of it--or of the reason?"
+
+"Never, so far as I know. I doubt if he knows it now. Lowndes told me
+the lieutenant--before he entered West Point--was a member of our
+fraternity. That was enough."
+
+"And so far as I am concerned," said Riggs, "that is enough. Have you
+gentlemen any questions to ask?"
+
+"Not--now," answered Button slowly. "But I desire personally to see--the
+witness--later."
+
+
+
+
+XIV
+
+
+One more witness appeared before this informal court that memorable day,
+and with him, as prearranged, the tall, elderly civilian who had arrived
+with Stannard and his party from the East. Mr. Arnold came in, hat in
+hand, bowing gravely and profusely, with a very puzzled look in his
+face.
+
+"Thank you for coming, Mr. Arnold," said Riggs, with bluff civility.
+"You have met these gentlemen--Colonel Button, Mr. Barker, Mr. Lanier,
+Captain Sumter." He pointedly omitted Snaffle, to whom, none the less,
+Mr. Arnold bowed as ceremoniously as to each of the others who had risen
+at his entrance. "Pray take this chair, sir. As I have explained to you,
+Mr. Lowndes, your nephew could not be compelled to testify before a
+military court, and need not make public admission here of what he told
+us at Rawdon's demand during our journey hither. I hope this is fully
+understood."
+
+Mr. Arnold cleared his throat and beamed benevolently about him. The
+occasion seemed propitious, and a moral lesson appropriate, and he
+began:
+
+"My unhappy nephew realizes, with, I trust, genuine contrition, that he
+has been the cause of grave trouble, not only to us, his kindred in the
+East, but--er--to you military gentlemen in the West. He has, prompted,
+as we must admit, by Mr.--Mr. Rawdon, made a clean breast of his
+lamentable conduct, and has promised Mr. Rawdon to repeat every word of
+it--er--to Colonel Button, but, as his----"
+
+"Then we'll waste no time," said Riggs impatiently. "We'll have him in,
+and I can catch the afternoon train. Orderly, call Mr. Lowndes."
+
+"Er--I was about to remark," proceeded Mr. Arnold, "that if
+any--er--suit for damages, or--er--recovery of money should be in
+contemplation, we desire----"
+
+"Don't fear, sir. Nobody's going to sue for damages. What we want is the
+quashing of all charges against this young gentleman, who has been made
+to suffer abominably. Ah, come in, Mr. Lowndes. Sit down, sir. You have
+met everybody here. Now, as speedily as possible, we'll finish this
+matter, and in four hours we'll be off for home."
+
+It was but a dejected specimen of a college-bred man that sank into the
+chair in front of Riggs and faced him with pallid cheek and somber eyes.
+One look he gave at Bob Lanier, a furtive, forlorn glance, which met no
+recognition whatsoever. Lanier looked him over with indifference that
+bordered closely on contempt, but gave no other sign.
+
+"Mr. Lowndes," said Riggs abruptly, "there is no need of going over the
+entire story. I'll ask you to answer certain questions. Who was your
+earliest friend in this regiment?"
+
+The dreary eyes turned once more toward Bob, and the nervous hands
+started the slouch hat in swifter revolution.
+
+"Mr. Lanier, sir."
+
+"How came that?"
+
+"I knew he was of my college fraternity before I entered college, and I
+showed him my pin and certificate."
+
+"That insured a welcome, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, sir. He--he made me at home in his quarters--and tent."
+
+"Shared the best he had with you--home, food, drink, even clothes and
+money, I'm told."
+
+The flush deepened in the dejected face.
+
+"It is all true, sir."
+
+"Yet you quarrelled with him during the campaign."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I lost money gambling, and he wouldn't lend me any more."
+
+"Did you ever pay what he had lent you?"
+
+"Not--yet, sir."
+
+"Even after your quarrel did he not aid you?"
+
+"Yes, at Laramie. I didn't seem to have any friend left by that time,
+and had to go to him for help when they wired me to come home."
+
+"In point of fact, he enabled you to get one hundred dollars at
+Laramie?"
+
+"Yes. I gave my note and he gave his word."
+
+"What did you do with the money?"
+
+"Tried to win back some that I had lost, at poker, and lost most of what
+I had raised. I suppose I'd have lost all of it if Rawdon hadn't caught
+me playing and pulled me out."
+
+"You owed him still more?"
+
+"Nearly two hundred dollars, sir."
+
+"Did you go home?"
+
+"I couldn't; I had only enough to bring me to Cushing, and they wouldn't
+send me any more. I had to go to the ranch and stay."
+
+"Did you try to earn any money?"
+
+"Yes, sir, writing about the campaign. Rawdon lost his position because
+he didn't send what they wanted, so I thought I might. The editor didn't
+know me, and asked for references, so I sent my stories to--to Mr.
+Arnold and my aunt. She often wrote for the papers."
+
+"Is that the way the Boston and other papers came to publish those
+scandals at the expense of Colonel Button?"
+
+"She dressed them up a good deal and made it worse than I described,"
+faltered Lowndes.
+
+"Er--let me explain, gentlemen," interposed Mr. Arnold, who had been
+twitching in uneasiness. "My sister is of a very sympathetic nature, and
+her heart has long been wrung by the injustice meted out to the Indian.
+When this unhappy boy wrote those--er--descriptive letters she had no
+reason to doubt their entire truth. Indeed, her conviction was that he
+was concealing, or glossing over, worse things."
+
+"He seems to have later supplied you with worse things, Mr. Arnold. For
+instance, I will ask you what was his final explanation of his need for
+money?"
+
+"He begged me to send him two hundred dollars at once, saying he would
+be disgraced if he could not pay Lieutenant Lanier, who had won it from
+him at cards."
+
+"Mr. Lowndes," said Riggs, "did Lieutenant Lanier ever win a dollar from
+you?"
+
+"Never, sir." And now the miserable head went down into the hot and
+feverish hands, and the silence in the room became something oppressive.
+
+Riggs let him rest a minute, then went on. "Now, then, in your own way,
+tell us what happened that night of the 16th."
+
+For a few seconds there was silence. Then, suddenly uplifting his head
+and looking at no one, Lowndes desperately plunged into his narrative.
+"I--I--was mad, I suppose, with debt and misery, and I began to drink.
+Rawdon told me he _must_ have the money. My uncle had flatly refused to
+send me more. I got desperate. There was left me only one way, and that
+was through my cousin Miriam. I knew she was out here, and she--she had
+always been my best friend in my troubles at home. We'd almost been
+brought up together until they sent me out here. She didn't know where I
+was. They didn't wish her to know. But I knew if I could see her she
+would help me.
+
+"Rawdon had changed into citizen's clothes in town, and I had pawned my
+overcoat, so he lent me his cavalry overcoat and a fur cap, drove me and
+Cary out to the fort, and left us at the store, promising to join him at
+Doctor Mayhew's in an hour. We were chilled from the ride, and drank
+more. Rafferty told me Mr. Lanier was officer-of-the-guard, and
+everybody else was at the dance. We filled Rafferty up, for Cary'd made
+up his mind he was going to Rawdon's wedding in 'cits' instead of
+soldier clothes, and he was bent on borrowing a suit of Lieutenant
+Lanier's, even though they would hardly fit him. He swore he'd return
+them the next day, and Rafferty let him have them, and he put them on in
+the lieutenant's back room. Then he and I went up the rear fence and
+caught sight of Number Five--Trooper Kelly. Cary knew him and went ahead
+to 'fix things' with him, as he said. Kelly had seen us come out of
+Lieutenant Lanier's back gate, and was suspicious. Cary, to quiet him,
+told him he was with Lieutenant Lanier--that we were helping Rawdon get
+ready for his wedding. He made Kelly drink to Rawdon's happiness, and
+drink three or four times, and finally left him with a half full flask
+up the row toward Major Stannard's. Then we went to Captain Sumter's.
+Kelly told Cary the servants were in at Captain Snaffle's. The door was
+open. Cary watched below, while I hunted for my cousin's room. I found
+it easily. I knew they had sent her money, and orders to come
+home--uncle had written me as much. I found her desk. I knew it well of
+old, and then, to my horror, I heard her voice, and in a second she was
+in the room. She gave one awful scream, though I tore off my cap and
+begged her to know me, but she fell in a faint. Others were coming. I
+broke out of the back window, slid and scrambled down the roof to the
+shed and so to the ground. I heard men come running, so I dove into the
+coal-shed, where the sergeant grabbed me in the dark and I--had to make
+him let go, and--said I was Lieutenant Lanier. Later I crawled through a
+hole in the fence and started for the store, scared out of my wits.
+Right at the next gate I crashed into two men, grappled and fighting.
+We all three fell in a heap. I picked myself and cap up and ran again;
+caught Cary at the store just jumping into a sleigh, and we lashed those
+horses every inch of the way, left them at a ranch gate, and ran to the
+station. The train was a few minutes late. Rawdon presently came, and he
+took me to Omaha, as I begged him, for I didn't know what could or would
+be done to me if I was caught. He, too, had to get away or be thrown
+into the guard-house, and that--that's about all."
+
+"You have that overcoat with you yet, I believe--that cavalry coat."
+
+"It's all I have had to wear, sir," was the rueful answer, as, rising,
+he took the garment from the arm of his chair and laid it upon the
+table, with the yellow lining of the cape thrown back, exposing a rent
+or gash, whereupon Captain Sumter arose, took from an envelope a sliver
+of yellow cloth, and fitted it into the gap. "This," said he, "I found
+on the hook of the storm-sash, and this," he continued, laying beside it
+a rusty sheath knife, "was later found under the snow, close under the
+dormer window." Then turning the overcoat inside out, he displayed on
+the back lining in stencil the name "Rawdon."
+
+"And now," said Riggs, "we will hear the accused."
+
+"It isn't necessary," began Button, turning in his chair. "I have heard
+more than enough----"
+
+"It _is_ necessary, Colonel Button, if you please, for my satisfaction
+as investigator. Of course Mr. Lanier is not obliged to speak, but a few
+matters remain to be cleared up. There is yet the time-honored problem
+of 'who struck Billy Patterson,'" and Button subsided.
+
+"The matter is quite simple," said Lanier. "I went direct from the
+dancing room to my quarters, not even stopping for my overcoat. I was
+chilled when I got there. The fire was low, and I went back to call
+Rafferty. He didn't answer, so I had to lug in some fuel. His overcoat
+hung in the kitchen and I put that on, and just as I opened the back
+door there came the scream from up the row. Fire was the only thing I
+thought of, and I saw others running toward Captain Sumter's as I
+started from the back gate. Then a man rushed past me, going the other
+way, and then the next thing somebody sprang out from Captain Snaffle's
+back yard, tripped me, and I went headlong. I was on my feet in a
+second, but he had me round the neck, ordering me to surrender. I
+wrenched loose and let him have two hard ones, right and left, before he
+clinched again. Somebody else collided with us. We all went down. The
+last man was up first and ran away, with the first cap he could reach,
+and I followed in an effort to overtake him, knowing by that time it
+wasn't fire, but robbery. Then when I realized no life was in danger, I
+remembered I was in arrest, dropped the chase, and went straight to my
+quarters the way I came. Both hands were bruised and left badly cut. I
+am sorry, of course, to have struck Sergeant Fitzroy, but the language
+he used was vile, and it seemed to me the only way to convince him I was
+_not_ Trooper Rawdon."
+
+"Colonel Button, have you any questions to ask?" demanded Riggs, as
+Lanier concluded.
+
+"Why didn't you tell _me_ this?" demanded Button.
+
+"I should have been glad to, colonel. Indeed, I tried to the last time I
+was in the office," was the deferential reply.
+
+"Well, gentlemen," said the colonel, as a parting shot, "between us we
+seem to have stirred up a pretty kettle of fish." Yet in that culinary
+maelstrom even Snaffle disowned either responsibility or complicity. He
+always _had_ said Lanier was a perfect gentleman.
+
+And so ended Bob's arrest and most of our story. Riggs went back with
+his report that very afternoon. Rawdon lingered for a word with Cassidy,
+Quinlan, and poor remorseful Rafferty; then followed, unhampered even by
+his arch enemy Fitzroy, who slipped away to the stables three minutes
+after the close of the conference. But he was not even there when, along
+in the spring, Mr. and Mrs. Rawdon came out for a visit to Doctor
+Mayhew. Like Rawdon, he had received his discharge. Unlike Rawdon, there
+was serious objection to his reënlistment. Even Snaffle dare not "take
+him on" again.
+
+The snows lay long and deep in the ravines and hollows. It was not until
+mid-May that the poor victims of the blast and blinding storm were
+uncovered, and the bodies of the missing were found, save that of
+Cary--Cary, who, having been given up for lost, turned up most
+unexpectedly the very day that Fitzroy, applicant for reënlistment, was
+summarily turned down. But Cary came not of his own volition. He marched
+with a file of the guard. Cary's story was simple enough. Rawdon and
+Lowndes had hardly got away on the train when Sergeant Stowell and his
+party came searching. Cary hid. He was still half drunk. Some one told
+him of Kelly's arrest, and charged him with that and with running off
+the Fosters' sleigh. He dared not face the music. He forgot his precious
+missive to Dora Mayhew until next day. Then the storm held him. Not
+until the fire night did he summon up courage to sneak home. He had no
+money left and could buy no more liquor. He stole into Lanier's back
+door to return the civilian suit and recover the cavalry blouse and
+trousers left hanging in Rafferty's room. He could hear the lieutenant
+moving about overhead. He had to strike a light; he struck several
+matches; found the clothes, slipped out of the "cits" and into his own.
+He was cold and numb. He knew there was liquor on the sideboard in the
+middle room. The craze was on him, and he risked it. He struck more
+matches and threw the burning stumps to the floor, drank his fill, then
+stumbled away, intending to give himself up to his first sergeant for
+absence without leave. Back round by way of the store and the east front
+he went, but before he could reach the barracks came the appalling cry
+of fire--Lanier's quarters! His doing beyond doubt, and now, in dismay
+and terror, he fled from the post. Some ranch folk took him in next day,
+and cared for him awhile, then sent word to the fort. Poor Cary had
+Lanier to plead for him before his trial, but three months' hard labor
+was the least the law would allow. He was still "doing time" when his
+happier friend of college days came back with his sweet young wife.
+
+By which time, too, another wedding was announced as near at hand. Only
+two days did Mr. Arnold and Aunt Agnes allow Miriam in which to prepare
+for the homeward journey, but it is safe to say that in that brief time
+their views of frontier life and people had undergone marked amendment,
+for they had found an old expounder of their faith in the post chaplain,
+for one thing, and many surprising facts as to officers, men, and
+Indians for another. There came a bright wintry afternoon, at the fag
+end of the year, when the station platform held a lively little assembly
+waiting for the east-bound express. The colonel and his wife were there,
+the former by no means the blood-thirsty warrior of the elder's
+imagination. The Stannards had come in, and the Sumters, Kate, and "Dad"
+Ennis, the chaplain, and both doctors, and all these surrounded the
+brother and sister and held them in cheery converse, while Bob and
+Miriam sauntered, self-centred, away.
+
+There was a sheltered, sunshiny little nook down the platform, between
+the baggage and express sheds, with a high, board fence at the back, to
+keep off the north wind and human intruders. They passed it twice in
+their stroll, but the third time turned in--it was so good to get out of
+the piercing wind--as well as out of sight.
+
+What wonders a few days of delight will do for a girl! The pallor and
+lassitude had gone. The soft eyes were brimming with bliss. The rounded
+cheeks had regained all their bloom. The sweet, rosebud mouth seemed all
+smiles and warmth and witchery, and Lanier's eyes were glowing as he
+drew her to his heart and gazed down into the depths of those uplifted
+to his.
+
+"That brute of a train has been late for a week," said he, "but to-day
+it comes on time. It is going to be a long, long wait for May. How does
+papa seem to take it now?"
+
+"Papa is quick to make amends when he has wronged--any one, and now he
+_knows_."
+
+"Well, so does Aunt Agnes, Miriam, yet _she_ doesn't approve."
+
+"Well, Aunt Agnes, don't you know--she's different. She's a good deal
+like other women I know. When she's placed somebody else in a false
+position, she thinks that person ought to be very sorry for her, and
+sympathize with her, for having been deceived and misled. She thinks you
+ought to say how sorry _you_ are."
+
+"How can I say I'm sorry when I'm so glad--_all_ glad?"
+
+"Well, then, there's Cousin Watson, don't you know? He was always her
+pet. He was brought up by a weak mother and a doting aunt, and she knows
+you don't approve of him."
+
+"Does she expect a man to approve of one who maligned him as Lowndes
+maligned me?"
+
+"You should see his earlier letters about you! Why, if I'd known
+anything of them I would never dared to meet such a paragon."
+
+"And yet, after all, he turned to and painted me black as an imp of
+Satan. What had I done but good to him? I never took or won a penny of
+his."
+
+A moment of silence, then the fond eyes looked up.
+
+"You won something he wanted and thought--_was_ his--he never had any
+sense. Won't you try to forgive him--for my sake--Bob?"
+
+His arms went round and folded her closely; his face bowed down to hers.
+There was a wordless moment, then the sound of a distant whistle, of
+nearer shouts of "T-r-a-i-n." The dark mustache, the unsinged side, was
+sweeping very, very near the soft curve of those parted lips.
+
+"What ransom will you pay?" he murmured. "I've not yet felt these arms
+about my neck. I've kissed you, heaven be praised, but, Miriam, have
+you ever kissed me?"
+
+"T-r-a-i-n! Train, train! You'll be left!" again came the shrill
+feminine appeals, and with them, approaching, unwelcome, unheeded
+footfalls. With sudden, impulsive movement she threw her arms about his
+neck and upraised her lips to his. One moment of silence, two seconds of
+bliss, then "Dad" Ennis's voice, barely a dozen yards away: "Come forth
+into the light, you wanderers!" There was barely time for Bob's fervent
+words:
+
+"If I couldn't forgive him after _that_, I'd deserve a dozen weeks'
+arrest."
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LANIER OF THE CAVALRY***
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+<html>
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" />
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Lanier of the Cavalry, by Charles King</title>
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+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Lanier of the Cavalry, by Charles King,
+Illustrated by Frank McKernan</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: Lanier of the Cavalry</p>
+<p>       or, A Week's Arrest</p>
+<p>Author: Charles King</p>
+<p>Release Date: October 9, 2006  [eBook #19507]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LANIER OF THE CAVALRY***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h4>E-text prepared by Martin Pettit<br />
+    and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net/">http://www.pgdp.net/</a>)<br />
+    from page images generously made available by<br />
+    Internet Archive/American Libraries<br />
+    (<a href="http://www.archive.org/details/americana">http://www.archive.org/details/americana</a>)</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;" cellpadding="10">
+  <tr>
+    <td valign="top">
+      Note:
+    </td>
+    <td>
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      Internet Archive/American Libraries. See
+      <a href="http://www.archive.org/details/laniercavalry00kingrich">
+	  http://www.archive.org/details/laniercavalry00kingrich</a>
+	</td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h1>LANIER OF THE CAVALRY</h1>
+
+<p class="center"><a name="illus002-1.jpg" id="illus002-1.jpg"></a><img src="images/illus002-1.jpg" width='400' height='700' alt="Tell Him That I'd Like an Extension of Arrest" /></p>
+
+<p class='center'>"<span class="smcap">Tell Him That I'd Like an Extension of Arrest.</span>"<br /><i>Page 143</i></p>
+
+<hr />
+<h1>Lanier <i>of the</i> Cavalry</h1>
+
+<p class="center">or</p>
+
+<h2>A Week's Arrest</h2>
+
+<p class='tbrk'>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h3>By</h3>
+
+<h2><span class="smcap">General</span> CHARLES KING</h2>
+
+<p class="center">Author of "The Colonel's Daughter," "Marion's Faith,"<br />
+"Captain Blake," "Foes in Ambush,"<br />
+"Under Fire," etc.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>With illustrations by</i></p>
+
+<h3>FRANK McKERNAN</h3>
+
+<p class='tbrk'>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><img src="images/003.png" width='150' height='143' alt="logo" /></p>
+
+<p class='tbrk'>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center">Philadelphia &amp; London</p>
+
+<h3>J. B. Lippincott Company</h3>
+
+<p class="center">1909</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright</span>, 1909<br />
+BY<br /><span class="smcap">J. B. Lippincott Company</span></p>
+
+<p class='tbrk'>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center">Published April, 1909</p>
+
+<p class='tbrk'>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Printed by J. B. Lippincott Company</i><br />
+<i>The Washington Square Press, Philadelphia, U. S. A.</i></p>
+
+<hr />
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<div class="index">
+<ul>
+<li><a href="#LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</a></li>
+<li><a href="#I"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> I.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#II"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> II.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#III"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> III.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#IV"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> IV.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#V"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> V.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#VI"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> VI.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#VII"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> VII.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#VIII"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> VIII.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#IX"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> IX.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#X"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> X.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#XI"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> XI.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#XII"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> XII.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#XIII"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> XIII.</a></li>
+<li><a href="#XIV"><span class="smcap">Chapter</span> XIV.</a></li>
+</ul>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+<h2><a name="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS" id="LIST_OF_ILLUSTRATIONS"></a>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+
+<div class="index">
+<ul>
+<li><a href="#illus002-1.jpg">"<span class="smcap">Tell Him That I'd Like an Extension of Arrest.</span>"</a></li>
+<li><a href="#illus029-1.jpg">"<span class="smcap">Mr. Lanier, Go to Your Room in Arrest</span>"</a></li>
+<li><a href="#illus199-1.jpg">"<span class="smcap">But Do you Mean Colonel Button Accused Mr. Lanier of Those Letters?</span>"</a></li>
+</ul>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p>
+<h1>LANIER OF THE CAVALRY</h1>
+
+<hr class='smler' />
+<h2><a name="I" id="I"></a>I</h2>
+
+<p>The sun was sinking low beyond the ford of the foaming Platte. The
+distant bluffs commanding the broad valley of the Sweetwater stood sharp
+and clear against the westward skies. The smoke from the camp-fires
+along the stream rose in misty columns straight aloft, for not so much
+as a breath of breeze had wafted down from the far snow fields of Cloud
+Peak, or the sun-sheltered rifts of the Big Horn. The flag at the old
+fort, on the neighboring height, clung to the staff with scarcely a
+flutter, awaiting the evening salute of the trumpets and the roar of the
+sunset gun.</p>
+
+<p>The long June day had seemed unusually unconscionably long to the young
+girl flitting restlessly about the vine-covered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> porch of the roadside
+cottage. She laid the big binocular aside, for perhaps the twentieth
+time within the hour, with a sigh of impatience, a piteous quiver about
+the pretty, rosebud mouth, a wistful, longing look in the dark and
+dreamy eyes. Ever since stable call, and her father's departure to his
+never-neglected duty, she had hovered about that shaded nook, again and
+again searching the northward slopes and ridges. The scouts had been in
+three hours ago, reporting the squadron only a mile or so behind. It
+should have dismounted, unsaddled, fed, watered, and groomed by this
+time, and Rawdon should have been here at her side&mdash;Rawdon, whom she had
+not seen for three mortal days&mdash;Rawdon, whom, for three mortal weeks
+before the march, she had not missed seeing sometimes several times a
+day, even when he was on guard&mdash;Rawdon, whom she had never set eyes on
+before the first of April, and whom now she looked upon as the foremost
+soldier<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> of the regiment, when in point of fact he was but a private
+trooper, serving the first part of his first enlistment, in the eyes of
+his elders a mere recruit, and in those of Sergeant Fitzroy an
+unspeakable thing.</p>
+
+<p>Another long peep through the signal glasses, another sigh, and then she
+came, this girl of seventeen, in her dainty white frock, and plumped
+herself dejectedly down on the top step, with two very shapely, slender,
+slippered feet displayed on the second below, two dimpled elbows planted
+on her knees, two flushed, soft, rounded cheeks buried in two long and
+slender hands. Away over at the stables she could hear the tap, tap, of
+curry-comb on brush-back, as the First Squadron groomed its fidgety
+mounts. Away up the valley the voices of the children in the Arapahoe
+village rose gleefully on the air. Away up among the barracks and
+quarters at the fort, the band of the Infantry was playing sweet melody.
+Peace, content, and harmony were roundabout<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> her, but the dark eyes,
+welling with unshed tears, told of a troubled heart.</p>
+
+<p>And then of a sudden the tears were dashed away and the girl sprang to
+her feet. A blithe voice hailed her from within.</p>
+
+<p>"Dey's comin', Miss Dora&mdash;two on 'em, at least&mdash;like enough to be twin
+brudders."</p>
+
+<p>The girl ran to the northward corner again and gazed out across the
+rushing, swollen river. Not so much as a sign of a dust-cloud to tell of
+marching cavalry, and she turned again, with rebuke ready on her tongue,
+but again the voice from within:</p>
+
+<p>"Comin' <i>t 'other</i> way, chile. Must ha' took the lower fohd and rode
+roun' back o' de stables," and, with the words, a laughing "mammy" came
+bustling to the front door, a cool white pitcher in one hand, a tray
+with glasses in the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah know well 'nuff what brings de lieutenant round dis way. As for
+dat&mdash;<i>trash</i>&mdash;wid him"&mdash;and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> here came a chuckle of delight at her own
+wit&mdash;"he just cain't help hisself." But Dora was not listening. Light as
+a bird she had flown to the other end of the little porch and was gazing
+out through the honeysuckles with all her soul in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Coming up the slope at easy canter rode a young officer, with
+broad-brimmed hat and dusty field dress, alert, slender, sinewy, of only
+medium height and not more than twenty-five years, with a handsome,
+sun-tanned, smiling face, a picture of healthful, wholesome young
+manhood. And behind him, at the regulation distance, came what Aunt
+Chloe, in her "darky" dialect more than once had declared "the very spit
+of him"&mdash;a young trooper in similar slouch hat and dusty field dress,
+younger, probably, by three or four years, but to the full as alert and
+active, as healthful and wholesome to look at, his face now all aglow
+with a light that was sweet for girlish eyes to see.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>The leader swung his hat and blithely shouted as he curbed his eager
+horse. "Howdy, Miss Dora. Bless your heart, Aunt Chloe, I knew you'd
+have the buttermilk ready! No, Rawdon, I shan't dismount"&mdash;this to the
+young "orderly," who had sprung from saddle and, with his rein over his
+arm, stood ready to take that of his officer. "Merciful saints! but
+isn't that good after thirty miles of alkali!" He had swallowed a
+brimming goblet of the cool, refreshing drink, and Chloe was delightedly
+refilling. "Father home, Miss Dora?" he went on cheerily.</p>
+
+<p>"Over at the stables, Mr. Lanier," was the smiling answer. The face of
+the girl was sunshine and roses now, yet merely a glance or two had
+passed, for Trooper Rawdon had instantly swung once more into saddle and
+was reining back to his place.</p>
+
+<p>"Stables going <i>yet</i>? Why, I thought it must be supper time. Colonel
+sent me ahead to find him. Three of 'E' Troop<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> horses act like they'd
+been eating loco-weed. That's what kept us."</p>
+
+<p>"Colonel Button's always findin' some way of sendin' you in ahaid, Marse
+Lanier," grinned Chloe. "Ah don't wonder dey says <i>you</i> can do anything
+you like an' never get hauled up for it."</p>
+
+<p>"You're a gossip, Auntie," laughed Lanier. "The colonel would cinch me
+quick as the next man if I happened to rub his fur the wrong way. One
+more swig now and I'm off. Tastes almost like the South again, doesn't
+it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lak de <i>Souf</i>!" Aunt Chloe bristled, indignant. "Sho! Dat's no more lak
+de buttermilk <i>we</i> makes dan dat ar' hawse is lak de racers at Belle
+Mead. Cows got to have white clover, Marse Lanier, an' white clover
+don't grow in dis Gawd foh-saken country."</p>
+
+<p>"It's good all the same. Thank you, heartily, Miss Dora. You, too,
+Auntie. Er&mdash;Rawdon, you dismount and wait for Doctor Mayhew in case I
+miss him. Give<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> him the colonel's message and say the squadron should be
+in by 7.30." And with that and a wave of his hand and a smiling
+good-night, he took the rein of the troop horse and away they sped to
+the stables.</p>
+
+<p>Then Chloe vanished opportunely. The young trooper stood one instant
+looking gratefully after his officer and those curvetting steeds, eager
+to reach their home and supper. Dora, with glistening eyes and glowing
+cheeks, retreated within the shelter of the bowered porch. Then,
+bounding up the steps and turning with outstretched arms, thither Rawdon
+followed.</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes later, at swift trot, came a third horse and rider, the
+horse all that a cavalry horse should be in gait and build, the rider
+well nigh as marked in build and proportions. He, too, was well-made and
+muscular, though somewhat heavy and stocky; he was as soldierly, if not
+as young, as the two so recently there in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> saddle. It was the face that
+repelled, for it was black with wrath and suspicion. In front of the
+little cottage of the veterinary surgeon he hurriedly dismounted, threw
+the reins over the post at the horse-block, and strode, angering,
+through the gate. The murmur of blissful voices had ceased at first
+sight of him. Dora, her face paling, met him at the head of the steps.</p>
+
+<p>Hardly noticing her by look or word, he brushed by, turned sharp to his
+left, and in an instant the two men were face to face.</p>
+
+<p>"Rawdon," spoke the new-comer, his tone curt, domineering, insolent,
+"what do you mean by letting an officer lead your horse to stables? Go
+you to yours at once! Take my horse, too, and groom <i>him</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Rawdon flushed to his forehead, said not a word, came forth into the
+light, and then turned squarely.</p>
+
+<p>"My orders were from Lieutenant Lanier, sergeant, and they were
+distinctly to stop here."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>"Go you at once and do as I say," was the instant rejoinder, and the
+veins in the sergeant's face were swelled almost to bursting. His eyes
+were fiery, his lips were quivering in his wrath.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, Sergeant Fitzroy," began the girl rebukefully, "those were
+Lieutenant Lanier's orders."</p>
+
+<p>"Hang Lieutenant Lanier's orders! No stripling sub can give such orders
+in this regiment. How dare you delay there? Go, you townskip, or I'll
+kick you through the &mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>But now with blazing eyes Dora Mayhew threw herself in front of him.
+Tall, lithe, and slender herself, she seemed just the height of the
+young trooper she defended. "If you raise hand or foot against Rawdon,
+Sergeant Fitzroy, it's the last time you come inside our gate. No, I'll
+<i>not</i> stand aside! Before you strike him you'll have to strike me."</p>
+
+<p>And then and there Sergeant Fitzroy realized that the fears and
+forebodings of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> the past month were more than grounded. If angered
+before, he was maddened now. Brushing her light form aside with one
+sweep of his powerful arm, he sprang forward at the young soldier's
+throat just as a tall, lean man, with grizzled beard but athletic build,
+bounded up the steps and caught his wrist.</p>
+
+<p>"None of that in my house, Fitzroy!" came the order, stern and
+compelling. "In God's name, what does this mean?" And, still grasping
+the sergeant's arm, the speaker, with his face nearly as white as his
+stable frock, fairly backed the raging Englishman against the wooden
+pillar and held him there.</p>
+
+<p>"Let go, Mayhew!" raved the sergeant. "I've ordered that young rip to
+stables, and he refuses to go."</p>
+
+<p>"He was ordered to stay, papa, until you came," protested Dora, her eyes
+ablaze. "Lieutenant Lanier&mdash;<i>that</i> man's superior officer&mdash;gave him the
+colonel's message to you."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>"He was ordered to go by Lieutenant Lanier's superior, the
+officer-of-the-day, whom I represent," was Fitzroy's answer; "and the
+longer he stays the worse 't will be for him."</p>
+
+<p>"No officer ever authorized you to come to my quarters and lay violent
+hands on a man behaving like a gentleman, which <i>you</i> are not," was the
+cutting rejoinder of the older man, and it stung Fitzroy to fresh fury.
+Was he, the model rider of the regiment, to be braved like this, and in
+presence of the girl he loved?</p>
+
+<p>"Let go! You <i>must</i>, Mayhew!" he hissed through clenched teeth. "You
+have no authority. You are only a civilian. You can be broke and fired
+if I report this&mdash;outrage&mdash;and what I know. Let go!" he shouted, freeing
+himself by furious effort. "Now, you, Rawdon, come with me. No. Stop!
+Corporal Watts!" he shouted, to a non-commissioned officer, swinging up
+the pathway toward the guard-house on the bluff, four men of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> guard
+at his back. "Come this way," he continued, for at first no attention
+was paid to his hail. "Come here and take charge of this man. It's the
+order of the officer-of-the-day."</p>
+
+<p>Doubtfully, reluctantly, leaving his patrol disgustedly waiting,
+Corporal Watts slowly descended the incline, crossed the broad,
+hard-beaten road, then, obviously embarrassed at the presence of Dora
+Mayhew, demanded further information before he obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, Rawdon, pale and silent, was standing at the foot of the
+steps, indignation, resentment, and trouble all mingling in his face.
+Too well he and other young soldiers had learned to know the weight of
+Sergeant Fitzroy's spite. But the trouble in his eyes gave way to sudden
+relief. Two officers were coming swiftly round the corner of the corral,
+Lanier foremost.</p>
+
+<p>"I say again, Corporal Watts, this man is to be taken in charge at once.
+It is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> Captain Curbit's order as officer-of-the-day. I came direct from
+him," was Fitzroy's final order. But it failed.</p>
+
+<p>"Do nothing of the kind, Corporal Watts," said a quiet voice, at sound
+of which Sergeant Fitzroy whirled about and turned, if a possible thing,
+a full shade redder. There at the gate stood Lieutenant Lanier. There, a
+dozen yards away, but trudging fast as dignity would permit, came the
+officer-of-the-day.</p>
+
+<p>A jerk of the head to the corporal, in response to his instant salute,
+and that young soldier, much relieved, strode away to join his men. Then
+Captain Curbit turned on Sergeant Fitzroy.</p>
+
+<p>"You told me nothing of the facts in this case, sir. Lieutenant Lanier
+says he <i>directed</i> this man to wait here, with the colonel's message,
+while he rode to stables. Pardon me, Miss Dora. Come this way,
+sergeant."</p>
+
+<p>And there was nothing for it but to obey. Abashed, humiliated, rebuked
+and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> in <i>her</i> presence, where he had looked but a moment before to
+humble and humiliate his rival, Fitzroy, could only lift his hand in
+salute, follow the captain out of earshot, and there make his plea as
+best he could, leaving Lanier and the silent young trooper, Dora and her
+grave-faced old father, in possession of the field.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment they watched Fitzroy, eagerly gesticulating as he stood at
+attention before his superior.</p>
+
+<p>"He'll give you no more trouble, I fancy," said Lanier, in low tone, to
+the veterinarian. "I'll say good-night again, Miss Dora;" and he walked
+cheerily away, but Mayhew looked after him long and anxiously, then upon
+the young people before him, then upon the still protesting sergeant
+across the way.</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe not&mdash;maybe not," he muttered, with sorrowing shake of the head;
+"but few men can give more trouble than&mdash;him, when he's minded, and I
+reckon he's minded now."</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II" id="II"></a>II</h2>
+
+<p>Nearly six long months went the regiment afield on the hardest campaign
+of its history. Then at last by way of reward it had been ordered in to
+big Fort Cushing for the winter. It was close to town, close to the
+railway&mdash;things that in those days, thirty years ago, seemed almost
+heavenly. The new station was blithe and merry with Christmas
+preparations and pretty girls. All the married officers' families had
+rejoined. Half a dozen fair visitors had come from the distant East. The
+band was good; the dancing men were many; the dancing floor was fine,
+and the dance they were having on Friday night, December 16, was all
+that even an army dance could be until just after eleven o'clock. Then
+something happened to cast a spell over everybody.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>Bob Lanier was officer-of-the-guard. Bob had asked the colonel to let
+him turn over his sword to a brother officer, who, being in mourning,
+could not dance, and the colonel had curtly said no. The colonel's wife
+was amazed; she did not dream he <i>could</i> do such a thing. Six girls were
+sorrowful, three were incensed, and one was cruelly hurt. She was under
+parental orders to start for home on the morrow. It was to be her last
+dance at the fort. She liked Bob Lanier infinitely more than she liked
+her father's dictum that she must like him not at all. As for Bob
+Lanier, the garrison knew he loved her devotedly even before she knew it
+herself.</p>
+
+<p>Of course she came to the dance. As the guest of Captain and Mrs. Sumter
+she even had to go up and smile on the colonel and his wife, who were
+receiving. She and Kate Sumter had been classmates&mdash;roommates&mdash;at
+Vassar, and Kate, born and reared in the army, had never been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> quite
+content until her friend could come to visit the regiment&mdash;her father's
+home.</p>
+
+<p>A winsome pair they were, these two "sweet girl graduates" of the June
+gone by, while the regiment was stirring up the Sioux on the way to the
+Big Horn and Yellowstone. Everybody had lavish welcome for them, and to
+Miriam Arnold the month at Fort Cushing had been quite a dream of
+delight, until there came a strange and sudden missive from her father,
+bidding her break off a visit that was to have lasted until February,
+<i>and</i> all relations with Lieutenant Robert Ray Lanier.</p>
+
+<p>Up to this moment these relations had been delightful, yet indefinite.
+For reasons of his own Mr. Lanier had made no avowal of his love to her,
+even though he had disclosed it to every one else. He was a frank,
+fearless, out-and-out young soldier, a prime favorite with most of his
+fellows. Bob had his enemies&mdash;frank men generally have. He could hardly
+believe<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> the evidence of his ears when, just after sunset roll-call, he
+had confidently approached the colonel with his request and had received
+the colonel's curt reply. Time and again during the recent campaign the
+veteran soldier now in command had shown marked liking for this
+energetic young officer. Then came the march to the settlements, and
+sudden, unaccountable change. Twice or thrice within the past ten days
+he had shown singular coldness and disfavor; to-night strong and sudden
+dislike, and Lanier, amazed and stung, could only salute and turn away.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody by half past ten had heard of it, and most men marvelled.
+Nobody at eleven o'clock was very much surprised when, in the midst of
+the lovely Lorelei waltz of Keler Bela, a group of young maids, matrons,
+and officers near the doorway opened out, as it were, and Bob Lanier,
+officer-of-the-guard, came gracefully gliding and circling down the
+room,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> Miriam Arnold's radiant, happy face looking up into his. It was a
+joy to watch them dance together, but not to watch the colonel's face
+when he caught sight of them. Except Lanier, every officer present was
+in full uniform, without his sabre. Lanier was in the undress uniform of
+the guard, but with the sabre&mdash;not the long, curved, clumsy,
+steel-scabbarded weapon then used by the cavalry, but a light, Prussian
+hussar sword that he had evidently borrowed for the occasion, for it
+belonged to Barker, the adjutant, as everybody knew&mdash;as Barker realized
+to his cost when in less than ten seconds the commander summoned him.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Barker, you will at once place Mr. Lanier in arrest for quitting
+his guard and disobeying my orders."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall have to&mdash;get my sabre, sir," stammered the adjutant, meaning
+the regulation item over at his quarters.</p>
+
+<p>"There it is, sir, before your eyes. Mr. Lanier, at least, can have no
+further use<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> for it until a court-martial acts on his case."</p>
+
+<p>"Good Lord!" thought Barker, "how can I go up to Bob and tell him to
+turn over that sword so that I can properly place him in arrest&mdash;and
+here, too&mdash;and of all times&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>But the colonel would brook no delay. "Direct Mr. Lanier to report to me
+in the anteroom," said he, marching thither forthwith, and that message
+the luckless adjutant had to deliver at once.</p>
+
+<p>Bob saw it coming in Barker's sombre visage. The girl on his arm
+understood nothing (but noted the hush that had fallen, even though the
+music went on; saw Barker coming, and something told her it meant
+trouble, and turned her sweet face white).</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Arnold, may I offer myself as a substitute for the rest of this
+dance? Bob, the chief wants to see you a second," was the best that
+Barker could think of. They praised him later for his "men<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>dacity," yet
+what he said was true to the letter. It took little more than a second
+for the colonel to say:</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Lanier, go to your room in arrest," and Bob saluted, turned, and
+went, unslinging the sword on the way.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><a name="illus029-1.jpg" id="illus029-1.jpg"></a><img src="images/illus029-1.jpg" width='700' height='482' alt="Mr. Lanier, Go to Your Room in Arrest" /></p>
+
+<p class='center'>"<span class="smcap">Mr. Lanier, Go to Your Room in Arrest.</span>"</p>
+
+<p>Now, that was the first touch to spoil that memorable December night,
+but it was only a feather to what followed. The waltz soon ceased, but
+the colonel called for an extra, and led out a lady from town, the wife
+of a future senator. "Keep this thing going," he cautioned his adjutant
+and certain of his personal following, which was large, and loyally they
+tried, but the piteous face of the girl he had left at the door of the
+ladies' dressing-room and in the hands of Mrs. Sumter was too much for
+Barker. Moreover, he much liked Lanier and bemoaned his fate.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Button was "hopping mad," as the quartermaster put it, and as
+all men could see, yet at what? Lanier's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> offence, when fairly
+measured, had not been so grave. It had happened half a dozen times that
+the officer-of-the-guard, making his rounds and visiting sentries in the
+course of a dance evening, would casually drop in by one door and out by
+another, taking a turn or two on the floor, perhaps&mdash;"just waltzing in
+and waltzing out," as they said&mdash;and no one the worse for it, even when
+the colonel happened to be present. Nor could men now see what it was
+that so angered the commander against Lanier.</p>
+
+<p>"Disobeyed his orders flatly," suggested Captain Snaffle, who stood by
+the colonel on every occasion when not himself the object of that
+officer's satire or censure.</p>
+
+<p>"Disobeyed no order," said Sumter, as stoutly. "Simply did what many
+another has done, and nobody hurt. Nor would Lanier have been noted,
+perhaps, if he had not first asked to turn over his sword to Trotter."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>But even that could not fully account for the colonel's rancor, and,
+though the music and dance went on, men and women both, with clouded
+faces, found themselves asking the question: "What could have angered
+him so at Lanier?" And in a corner of the ladies' dressing-room two
+pretty girls, with difficulty soothed by Mrs. Sumter, were vainly
+striving not to cry their eyes out&mdash;Kate Sumter dismayed at the almost
+uncontrollable grief of her friend, who, strange to military measures,
+imagined that Bob's arrest was but the prelude to his being shot at
+sunrise, or something well nigh as terrible.</p>
+
+<p>Not ten minutes after Lanier went out, and went silent but in
+unspeakable wrath, Paymaster Scott came dawdling in, and though but a
+casual visitor at the post, just back that day from a tour of the
+northward camps and forts along the Indian border, he saw at a glance
+that something had gone amiss. The colonel was laboriously waltzing;
+three or four<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> couples were mechanically following suit, but most of the
+men were gathered about the buffet, and most of the women huddled at the
+dressing-room door, and Scott, marching over to pay his respects to the
+colonel's wife, and explain his coming at so late an hour, noted
+instantly the trouble in her serious face. He had known her long and
+liked her well, as, despite occasional differences at whist, he did her
+husband. Captain Snaffle was speaking with her at the moment. Mrs.
+Snaffle was at her side. "Why did they tell her at all?" Mrs. Snaffle
+was asking, with much spirit and obvious effort to control a racial
+tendency to double the final monosyllables. "Sure they might have known
+'t would sc&mdash;frighten the life out of her."</p>
+
+<p>"Sc&mdash;frighten <i>who</i>?" asked Scott, who was friends with everybody and,
+for more reasons than his office, a welcome guest wherever he went.
+Snaffle shot a warning glance at his wife, which fell, as he said,
+"unaided."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>"It's Bobby Lanier, meejor, only you mustn't sp&mdash;refer&mdash;to it." Mrs.
+Snaffle, when self-controlled, discreetly shunned such vowels as
+betrayed her origin, a totally useless precaution, since all men knew it
+and liked her none the less.</p>
+
+<p>"Lanier? Oh, yes, I thought it was Bob I saw a while ago streaking it
+across the parade. It's bright as day in the moonlight with the snow.
+What's Bob got to do with frightening folk?" And now he was shaking
+hands with all three.</p>
+
+<p>"Something very unfortunate has happened, major," said Mrs. Button. "Mr.
+Lanier was officer-of-the-guard and asked to attend the dance, Mr.
+Trotter offering to take charge of the guard. Colonel Button felt
+compelled to decline, and&mdash;he came any way. You know, of course, <i>that</i>
+couldn't be overlooked."</p>
+
+<p>"H'm," said Scott gravely and reflectively. "And who is so frightened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Miriam Arnold; a very charming girl who is visiting the Sumters.
+Indeed, it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> looks as though she cared for him. It's no secret that he's
+in love with <i>her</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes. Well, then, it was she I saw getting into the Fosters' sleigh
+at the side door."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I think not! I <i>hope</i> not!" cried Mrs. Button, a flush mounting to
+her face. "I wanted to say a reassuring word after a little&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>But at the moment Mrs. Sumter was seen coming forth from the
+dressing-room. Half a dozen women were upon her at once with sympathetic
+inquiries. To these she spoke briefly, yet courteously, and, escaping on
+the arm of the regimental quartermaster, came straightway to Mrs.
+Button.</p>
+
+<p>"You will forgive my girls for not saying good-night," she cordially
+spoke. "Miriam has been quite upset by a letter from home; and this
+little&mdash;episode&mdash;this evening, which she cannot understand as we do, has
+so unstrung her that Mrs. Foster offered to send them over home<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> in her
+sleigh. The side door had been barred, but Mr. Horton pried it open for
+them, so they had no need to come this way, and face everybody&mdash;and
+explain."</p>
+
+<p>"You know how sorry I am," said Mrs. Button. "Of course they are
+excusable for leaving as they did. Why, where are the others going?"</p>
+
+<p>The music had suddenly stopped. There was a scurry on the part of the
+men at the anteroom. Several had run to the entrance. Others were
+following. Some one among the women, with startled eyes and paling face,
+sprang up saying, "It's fire"&mdash;always a dread at wind-swept Cushing.
+Almost at the same instant the colonel and Scott reached the veranda
+without. A dozen officers were there, intent and listening. "I tell you
+I heard it plainly," said one of their number, "and the Foster sleigh
+isn't back."</p>
+
+<p>"Heard what, sir?" demanded the colonel. "What's the trouble?"</p>
+
+<p>"A cry for help&mdash;or something, over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> yonder. Barker and Blake are gone.
+There was a stir at the guard-house, too."</p>
+
+<p>And as though to confirm this much, at least, there presently appeared
+round the corner of the building the sergeant of the guard, in his fur
+cap and overcoat, and with him a burly soldier, bleeding at the nose and
+bristling with wrath. One hand covered a damaged eye; with the other he
+saluted Captain Snaffle, who had edged to the front of the group.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I have to report Trooper Rawdon assaulting a non-commissioned
+officer."</p>
+
+<p>For an instant there was silence. Then Major Scott gave tongue.</p>
+
+<p>"Trooper Rawdon!" cried he, "why he's been with me nearly a month, and
+now has a month's furlough from General Crook. He's the best man of the
+escort."</p>
+
+<p>"Refused to obey my orders to go to his quarters, sir, and assaulted me
+when I tried to enforce 'em. Sergeant Blunt says he won't confine him
+unless Captain Snaffle orders it."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>"One moment, sergeant," interposed Colonel Button. "Has any
+disturbance&mdash;any cry for help&mdash;been heard at the guard-house,&mdash;or was
+this the explanation?" And he looked with disfavor on the battered
+complainant.</p>
+
+<p>"Number Five, sir, hasn't called off half past 'leven. I've sent the
+corporal to see what's the matter."</p>
+
+<p>"Number Five!" cried two or three men at the instant, and without a word
+Captain Sumter hurried away, on a bee line across the snow-covered
+parade, following the tracks of the adjutant.</p>
+
+<p>"Number Five!" repeated the colonel. "That's just back of Sumter's
+quarters;" and he stepped out into the moonlight for clearer view.</p>
+
+<p>Afar over across the glistening level a few lights glimmered faintly in
+the row of officers' quarters, bounding the northward side of the
+garrison, but neither along their front nor that of the westward row was
+there sign of moving humanity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> The moon at its full, in that rare,
+clear atmosphere, illuminated the post, the frozen slopes beyond, and
+the dazzling range of the Rockies, with a radiance that rendered objects
+visible almost as at midday. Only the hurrying form of Captain Sumter
+could be seen half way across the parade. The Fosters' sleigh, that by
+this time should have been back at the assembly room, was nowhere in
+sight. Sumter's quarters were about the middle of the row. Lanier's were
+at the eastward end. For the moment the complaint of the aggrieved
+sergeant was ignored. All men stood waiting, watching. Then, on a
+sudden, two or three black forms darted from the shadow of the middle
+quarters. One came running out across the parade, hardly slackened speed
+at the hail of Captain Sumter, pointed back with one hand, shouted
+something that doubled Sumter's pace, but hurried onward toward the
+group.</p>
+
+<p>It was Conroy, corporal-of-the-guard.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> "The adjutant orders me to report
+Number Five sick, sir," he panted to the colonel. "I found him all
+doubled up in the coal-shed back of the major's. 'T wasn't him hollered.
+'T was somebody at Captain Sumter's. They got the steward over from the
+hospital, but they want the sergeant and some of the guard to search the
+back buildings."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Who</i> wants them?" demanded the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>"The adjutant, sir. Lieutenant Blake's with him. There has been some
+prowlers&mdash;and the young ladies were frightened."</p>
+
+<p>"They are safely home?" asked the colonel. "Then where's the sleigh?"</p>
+
+<p>"They're home all right, sir, and the sleigh went on out of the east
+gate&mdash;to the store, I suppose. Number Six didn't stop it&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," interposed the colonel. "Sergeant-of-the-guard, take four
+of your men and report to Captain Sumter; or to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> the adjutant. Now,
+corporal, when was this cry heard?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just after the young ladies got home, sir&mdash;leastwise that's what I was
+told. We didn't hear it at the guard-house."</p>
+
+<p>"Was the officer-of-the-guard over there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not the&mdash;new one, sir, but&mdash;&mdash;" And then the corporal suddenly stopped,
+contrite and troubled.</p>
+
+<p>"But what?" demanded the colonel, instant suspicion in his eyes and
+tone. "Do you mean that Lieutenant Lanier was there&mdash;out of his
+quarters?"</p>
+
+<p>"Out of his head, if he was," growled the paymaster, who loved him well
+and was deeply concerned over his trouble.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;I didn't see him, sir," answered the young soldier, but in manner so
+confused that it simply added to the commander's suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>"Come with me, Horton," said the colonel to his quartermaster, and
+turning<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> back for his cap and overcoat. Then once again the voice of the
+aggrieved and importunate sergeant was heard, this time with convincing
+appeal.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg the colonel's pardon, but if he wants to get the truth as to this
+night's business, it would be well to arrest Trooper Rawdon, or he'll be
+off for good and all."</p>
+
+<p>"Find him, then, sergeant-of-the-guard, and have it done," said Button.
+"Report it to the officer-of-the-day as my order."</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III" id="III"></a>III</h2>
+
+<p>That ended the dance, but not the excitement. Women and girls were
+seeking their wraps even before the corporal came, and now went
+twittering homeward, each on the arm of her escort, except in the case
+of those allied forces, the wives of certain seniors, who long had
+lived, moved, and ruled in the regiment, and now in eager yet guarded
+tones were discussing the events of the hour gone by. With these went
+Mrs. Foster, her husband having joined the searching party, and her
+sleigh, instead of returning, being still missing and unaccounted for.</p>
+
+<p>Not yet midnight, and in the space of less than one hour all Fort
+Cushing had been stirred by the news. A most popular and prominent young
+officer had been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> placed in close arrest. A prominent, if not most
+popular, sergeant, had been pummelled. An alarming scene of some kind
+had occurred at the quarters of Captain Sumter. No one outside of the
+immediate family knew just what had happened, and those inside cared not
+to tell. Mrs. Sumter had hurried away the minute she learned that her
+husband had gone. The colonel, sternly silent, led his wife to their
+door, and there left her, saying he had summoned certain officers to
+join him at once, and she, who ruled him in all matters domestic almost
+as she managed the children, knew well that when roused he would brook
+no interference in matters professional, and Bob Lanier, a prime
+favorite of hers, had in some way managed to fall under the ban of his
+extreme displeasure.</p>
+
+<p>At the office were presently assembled the colonel, the adjutant, the
+quartermaster, the post surgeon, and to them came Paymaster Scott. At
+the "store," the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> only club-room they had in those days, were gathered
+half the commissioned officers of the post. At Sumter's there kept
+coming and going by twos and threes, from all along the officers' line,
+a succession of sympathetic callers, who left even more mystified than
+when they arrived. Mrs. Sumter was aloft with Kate and their guest, and,
+as the captain civilly but positively told all visitors, "had to be
+excused." One of the girls was "somewhat hysterical." Miriam had had a
+fright in the dark on their return home and screamed. Something foolish,
+probably, but none the less effective. No! Sumter thought Mrs. Sumter
+would need no help, yet he was <i>so</i> much obliged to the several who
+suggested going up just to see if they couldn't "do something." Captain
+Sumter was a devoted husband and father, a capital officer, and a
+gentleman to the core, but the captain could be just a trifle distant at
+times, and this was one of them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Another house was virtually closed to question. To the disappointment of
+many and the disapprobation of a few, Bob Lanier had closeted himself
+with his classmate and most intimate friend "Dad" Ennis; then, after a
+brief colloquy with Barker, the adjutant, had caused a big card to be
+tacked on his door whereon was crayoned in bold black letters "BUSY."
+But at quarter past twelve the assistant surgeon, Doctor Schuchardt,
+called, as was known, for the second time, and entered without ceremony.
+When the officer-of-the-day came tramping along the boardwalk at 12.30,
+and turned in at the gate, he struck the panel with the hilt of his
+sabre, by way of hint that his call was official and not to be denied.
+Ennis, therefore, came to the door, but came with gloomy brow.</p>
+
+<p>"I am ordered by Colonel Button to ask certain questions of Lieutenant
+Lanier," said the official from the depths of his fur cap.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>"How's that, Doc?" called Ennis, over his massive shoulder. "Can your
+patient see the officer-of-the-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet, with my consent," came the stout answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Shout your questions, captain," sang out the patient, with much too
+little humility of manner, yet Lanier knew Curbit well and knew his
+mission to be unwelcome.</p>
+
+<p>Therefore, in Captain Curbit's most official tones, <i>ab imo pectore</i>,
+came question the first:</p>
+
+<p>"Is Trooper Rawdon in hiding anywhere about your quarters?"</p>
+
+<p>To which, truculently, came response in Lanier's unmistakable voice:</p>
+
+<p>"He is not, if <i>I</i> know it."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know or suspect where he is?"</p>
+
+<p>"Neither. And there is no reason why I should."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you seen him&mdash;to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>An instant's pause; then, "I don't know whether I have or not."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>"You don't <i>know</i>?" exclaimed Curbit, puzzled and beginning to bristle.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't <i>know</i>," repeated Lanier, positive and beginning to rejoice.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose the colonel tells me to explain that," began Curbit, but Doctor
+Schuchardt set his foot down summarily.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," said he, "this thing's got to stop;" and he came to the door in
+his shirt sleeves, leaning half way out, with one hand behind him.
+"Lanier's in a highly nervous and excited state. He has had a fall&mdash;and
+I'm trying to get him to bed and asleep. He doesn't know&mdash;whom&mdash;he has
+seen since he got home in arrest, and you can say so for me."</p>
+
+<p>"All right Shoe," was the philosophical answer. "It's none o' my
+funeral, and personally I don't give a cuss if they <i>never</i> find him,
+but there are just s-teen reasons why the Old Man wants to see that
+young man Rawdon forthwith, and as many for believing he's skipped."</p>
+
+<p>"Then skip after him. You can track<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> anything but a ghost in this
+new-fallen snow."</p>
+
+<p>Curbit lowered his voice. "That's exactly the trouble, doctor. Go to the
+back of the quarters and see for yourself. His trail starts&mdash;and
+ends&mdash;<i>here</i>."</p>
+
+<p class='tbrk'>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>In all its history Fort Cushing had never known such a day of
+bewilderment as that which followed. Guard mounting was held as usual at
+eight <span class="smcap">a.m.</span>, and Colonel Button, awaiting in his office the coming of the
+old and the new officers-of-the-day, directed his adjutant to drop his
+own work at their entrance and give attention to what took place. Half a
+dozen other officers, with little or no business to transact at that
+hour, made it their business to be present, drawn thither from sheer
+sympathy, as some declared, and downright curiosity, as owned by others.
+The office building was large and roomy; the colonel's desk was close to
+the door; beyond it were tables spread with maps,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> magazines, and
+papers; a big stove stood in the middle, and a dozen chairs were
+scattered about, for it was here the officers met one evening each week
+in the one "book-schooling" to which they were then subjected&mdash;a
+recitation in regulations or "Tactics." Across the hall was a smaller
+office&mdash;the adjutant's&mdash;and beyond that the room where sat the
+sergeant-major and his clerks. The windows, snow-battered and
+frost-bitten, gave abundant light from the skies, but none on the
+surroundings&mdash;the view being limited to scratch-hole surveys. There was
+nothing to distract attention from what might be going on within, and
+all eyes were on the two burly captains who entered at 8.30, fur-capped,
+fur-gloved, in huge overcoats and arctics. The wind had begun, even
+earlier than usual, to whine and stir as it swept down from the bleak
+northwest, and the mercury had dropped some ten degrees since the
+previous evening.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>"Blizzard coming," said Scott, as he glanced at the sullen skies, and
+Scott knew the Rockies as he did the Paymaster's Manual.</p>
+
+<p>"I report as old officer-of-the-day, sir," said Curbit, with brief
+salute, tendering the guard report book.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel went straight to business, as he glanced over the list of
+prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>"No sign of Trooper Rawdon?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir. The patrol sent to search in town got back at reveille."</p>
+
+<p>"His horse and kit all right?"</p>
+
+<p>"All right, sir. Nothing missing that he was supposed to have."</p>
+
+<p>"Police notified to watch all trains&mdash;and stages?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, and Sergeant Stowell, who commanded the paymaster's escort,
+remains in town with a couple of men to help."</p>
+
+<p>There was impressive silence in the office. The colonel sat with
+troubled brow, looking grimly over the roster of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> the guard, the written
+"remarks" of the officer-of-the-day, and the hours of his inspections of
+sentries, etc. Barker, the adjutant, had dropped into a chair, a few
+feet back of the fur-capped officers, and, though listening as bidden,
+was gloomily contemplating the frost-covered panes of the nearest north
+window.</p>
+
+<p>Eight men had gone with Sergeant Stowell as escort to the paymaster
+when, nearly four weeks earlier, he had set forth on his trip. Then the
+little iron safe was full of money. Seven men had come back with him,
+when, as the safe was well nigh empty, the paymaster said he hardly
+needed an escort. Of the eight who started, four were "casuals" who
+belonged to companies stationed at Fort Frayne, well up in the Indian
+country, and there they remained when the duty was over. Of the seven
+who came with Stowell, three belonged at Fort Frayne, a corporal and two
+men of Captain Raymond's troop, and they came fortified<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> with the orders
+of their post commander, a copy of which was now in Barker's hands.</p>
+
+<p>"What I don't understand," said the colonel, whirling his chair to the
+right about and addressing the paymaster, "is how or why those men
+should be down here."</p>
+
+<p>"It <i>seems</i> simple," answered Scott, placidly, he being entirely
+independent of the post commander. "From Frayne I had to go to the
+cantonments up along the Big Horn, and we doubled the size of the escort
+accordingly. When we got back there these three were permitted to come
+all the way, whether to buy Christmas things for the Frayne folk, or for
+affairs of their own, I didn't inquire."</p>
+
+<p>"To whom did you assign them for rations and quarters?" demanded the
+colonel, of Barker.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Snaffle, sir&mdash;'C' Troop."</p>
+
+<p>"Are they there?&mdash;the others, at least?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>"Corporal Watts and Trooper Ames are there, sir. Trooper Rawdon, as you
+know, is not. He has not been seen about the quarters since some time
+last evening. Moreover, the few personal belongings he had are gone."</p>
+
+<p>Again a pause. Then presently: "You arrested Kelly, I see, the man who
+was on Number Five."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. Both Doctor Schuchardt and the steward said his sickness was
+due to drink. The sergeant and corporal-of-the-guard are willing to
+swear he was perfectly sober when they stationed him. The men say he
+hadn't touched a drop of liquor for a month. He must have drunk after he
+was posted as sentry, for he vomited whiskey at the hospital. I believe
+he was doped."</p>
+
+<p>"That he could get whiskey anywhere along back of the officers'
+quarters," said the colonel, reflectively as well as reflecting, "is not
+improbable. That it should have been doped, judging from the way<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> one or
+two have misbehaved, is not impossible. Captain Snaffle's cook, it
+seems, was indulging some of her friends with a surreptitious supper, at
+his expense. That, very possibly, is how Kelley came to grief. The
+others seem to have hidden their tracks thus far." Then, as though with
+sudden resolution, he turned abruptly again.</p>
+
+<p>"The usual orders, for the present, captain," said he, to the new
+incumbent. "And you are relieved, Captain Curbit"&mdash;to the old. "But I
+shall need to see you later, so do not leave the post."</p>
+
+<p>"The man that leaves the post this day," said Major Scott, with a squint
+through the upper and unincumbered panes of the nearest window, "may
+need a seven days' leave."</p>
+
+<p>"And that, colonel," said a quiet voice at the commander's elbow, "is
+what I applied for earlier. Pardon me, sir, but I need to know your
+decision, for I should now be going to town."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>It was Captain Sumter who spoke, and the colonel flushed promptly at
+sound of his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"I had intended sending for you, Sumter," said he, "but these rather
+engrossing matters had to be taken up first. I&mdash;have your application,"
+he continued, fumbling among the papers on his desk. "It is an awkward
+time&mdash;and these are awkward circumstances. It will leave your troop
+without an officer."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Lanier will be here, colonel."</p>
+
+<p>"Here&mdash;but in close arrest," frowned the colonel, "and you haven't had a
+first lieutenant since I have been in command."</p>
+
+<p>"My misfortune, sir, but hardly my fault," answered Captain Sumter
+tersely yet respectfully. "General Sheridan selects his aides-de-camp
+where he will, and last month you thought it a compliment to the
+regiment and to my troop."</p>
+
+<p>"You feel that&mdash;you <i>ought</i> to go?" asked the colonel, dropping the
+subject<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> like a hot brick, and resuming the previous question.</p>
+
+<p>"Our guest, Miss Arnold, is in no condition to travel alone," said
+Captain Sumter gravely. "My wife decides to accompany her, at least to
+Chicago, and I desire to go with my wife."</p>
+
+<p>The colonel bit his lip, and bowed. "I see," said he. "Miss Arnold was
+very much shaken by what happened&mdash;after she got home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rather by what happened <i>before</i> she got home," was the calm yet
+suggestive reply, and it stung the commander to the quick.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Sumter," said he, flushing angrily, for no one of his officers
+held he in higher esteem, "your attitude is that of opposition, if not
+of rebuke, to the official acts of the post commander."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let me disclaim at once the faintest disrespect, Colonel Button,
+but&mdash;as Mr. Lanier's troop commander and personal friend, I beg leave to
+say that so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> far as I know, his offense is one which his comrades have
+committed time and again, without rebuke."</p>
+
+<p>"Which simply goes to show, sir," responded the colonel, with glittering
+eyes, "that you do not know the twentieth part of his offense."</p>
+
+<p>For a moment the silence in the office was painful. Men looked at each
+other without speaking. Sumter stood before his commander, turning paler
+with the flitting seconds. At last he spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"If that be true, Colonel Button, of course I cannot think of going. I
+withdraw my application;" and, turning slowly, left the office.</p>
+
+<p>Between him and the adjutant flashed one quick glance. There was
+something to come yet. The officers-of-the-day had gone&mdash;Curbit to shed
+furs and sabre at his quarters and say "Thank God!" Snaffle, his junior
+in rank but senior in years, a veteran of the old dragoons, to plod
+wearily back towards the guard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>-house for a conference with Lieutenant
+Crane, commander-of-the-guard.</p>
+
+<p>In the office of the sergeant-major the clerks were busily at work
+consolidating the morning reports of the ten companies&mdash;six of cavalry,
+four of infantry&mdash;stationed at the post. A note on that of Captain
+Snaffle had already caught the eye of the sergeant-major, who had
+bustled in to impart the tidings to his immediate superior, the
+adjutant, and was disappointed to find them known already.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of carrying three enlisted men present as "casually at post,"
+the "return" of Troop "C" had but two. Trooper Rawdon, whose horse,
+horse equipments, and field kit were safely stored in the troop-stables
+since noon the previous day, was himself accounted for nowhere. In view
+of the fact that he had not been seen, and could not be found, there was
+nothing remarkable about that. With the morning report book, however,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>
+there was handed in a copy of an order duly submitted by Corporal Watts
+to Snaffle's first sergeant, and by him to his captain, which read as
+follows:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p class='right'><span class="smcap">Fort Frayne</span>, Wyoming,&nbsp; &nbsp; <br />
+December 11, 1876.</p>
+
+<p>S. O.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;}<br />
+&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; } &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; (Extract)<br />
+No. 81.&nbsp; &nbsp;}</p>
+
+<hr class='smler' />
+
+<p>3. On arriving with his detachment at Fort Cushing, and in
+compliance with the telegraphic instructions from Department
+Headquarters, Trooper G. P. Rawdon, Troop "L," &mdash;th Cavalry, is
+granted thirty days' furlough, at the expiration of which he will
+report to the commanding officer of Fort Cushing for transportation
+to his proper station.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Kent,</p>
+
+<p class='right'><span class="smcap">Douglas Jerrold</span>,<br />
+Second Lieut. &mdash;th Inf., &nbsp; &nbsp; <br />Post Adjutant.</p></blockquote>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IV" id="IV"></a>IV</h2>
+
+<p>Just as the paymaster predicted, the wintry storm broke with the early
+afternoon. A genuine blizzard came shrieking down from the mountain pass
+to the northwest, charging madly through the post, blinding the eyes and
+snatching the breath of the few hardy men who had to venture out of
+doors, driving before it a dense white snow-cloud, sweeping clean the
+westward roofs and prairie wastes, and banking up to the very eaves on
+the lee side of every building. Even the sentries had to be severally
+taken off post and lodged within. (Number Five, so it was reported, had
+been blown bodily into the Snaffles' kitchen.) Even the commanding
+officer's "orderly," who had barely managed to make his way back after
+dinner, was now relieved. Only by hauling him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>self hand over hand along
+the picket fence, and turning his back to the gale every ten seconds to
+catch his breath, had he succeeded in returning to his post. Even stable
+duty was abandoned, so far as grooming was concerned, for though the men
+could readily be blown from barracks to their steeds, no power could
+fetch them back for supper. Veteran first sergeants told off a stout
+squad in each troop, and sent them with a sack-load of rations to
+reinforce the stable sergeant and grooms, there to stay to feed, guard,
+and water the horses. Unless the roofs blew away, and all were buried in
+drifts, there was safety, if not comfort, in the sheltered flats below
+the bluffs.</p>
+
+<p>But the telegraph wires went with the first hour. The stage, of course,
+couldn't be hoped to return from town, and, so far as getting news from
+the surrounding universe was concerned, Fort Cushing might as well have
+been in Nova Zembla. And the Sumters, three, with Miriam<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> Arnold, had
+set forth at noon, intending to intercept the east-bound express, and
+the colonel's spirit was raging in sympathy with the storm, and in spite
+of his wife, for some one had started a tale that Sumter and his
+household had ostentatiously called upon Robert Ray Lanier, in close
+arrest, in utter disfavor and inferential disgrace.</p>
+
+<p>Now, while an officer in arrest may not quit his quarters under seven
+days, and may not even thereafter visit his commanding officer unless
+ordered, or his brother officers unless authorized by that magnate,
+there is no regulation prohibiting other officers or their households
+visiting him. Nevertheless, they who publicly do so lay themselves
+liable to the imputation of sympathizing with the accused at the expense
+of the accuser, and some commanding officers are so sensitive that they
+look upon such demonstrations as utterly subversive of discipline, and
+aimed directly at them.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>And of such was Colonel Button, a brave soldier, a gentleman at heart, a
+kind, if crotchety, commander, and a lenient man rather than a
+disciplinarian. Much given, himself, to criticism of his own superiors
+or contemporaries, he could not abide it that he should lack the full
+and enthusiastic support, much less be made the object of the criticism,
+of his officers or men. A vain man, was Button, and dearly he loved the
+adulation of his comrades, high or low. Veteran Irish sergeants knew
+well how to reach the soft side of "The Old Man." Astute troop
+commanders, like Snaffle, saved themselves many a deserved wigging by
+judicious use of blarney. Sterling, straightforward men like Major
+Stannard, like Sumter, Raymond, and Truscott, of his captains&mdash;men who
+could not fawn and would not flatter&mdash;were never Button's intimates. He
+admired them; he respected them; but down in his heart he did not like
+them, because they were, in a word, independent.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>And during the long and trying campaign that began early in June and
+closed only late in November, Button had made more than one error that
+set men to saying things, and at least one blunder that had called for
+rebuke. It was supposed at the time that the rebuke would end it, but,
+to Button's wrath, and indeed that of most of his friends, the story
+appeared in exaggerated form in many an Eastern paper. What made it
+worse was that, as told in Boston, Philadelphia, and other far Eastern
+communities, where the Indian is little known and much considered,
+Button's interests were bound to suffer, for he was declared to have
+butchered defenseless women and children in a surrendered village&mdash;a
+most unjust accusation in spite of the fact that certain squaws and boys
+had died fighting with their braves by night, when bullets could not
+well discriminate. Button had but just got his promotion to regimental
+command, and friends at court were working hard for his further
+advancement to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> the grade of brigadier-general&mdash;a fact that hurt him in
+an army so benighted as then was ours, in believing that generalships
+should be bestowed only upon the seniors and service-tried among the
+colonels. We have broadened much since then, and, as it was once said
+that every French soldier carried the baton of a marshal in his
+knapsack, so now may the silver star be hidden in the pocket of the
+lieutenants of every staff department as well as those of the Fighting
+Force. There are none who may not aspire.</p>
+
+<p>So Button believed it of Sumter that he and his, on the way to the
+railway station, went in and condoled with Bob Lanier, and doubtless
+vituperated him, the commander, when in point of fact no one of their
+number had seen, or spoken with, Bob. Sumter merely left a big basket
+filled with fruit, and a little note with friendliness, from Mrs.
+Sumter, then sprang into the curtained escort wagon, and was whisked away.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>Then came the storm, and then a Sunday and Monday in which no man went
+either way between the fort and town. And then a third, in which the
+gale went down, and the garrison first dug itself out, and then
+tunnelled in to the colonel's, the adjutant's office, and other
+submerged quarters, and on the morning of that third day Captain Sumter,
+in snow-covered furs, reported his return in person to his post
+commander, and explained that he had been storm-bound at the station in
+the meantime.</p>
+
+<p>It was then barely nine o'clock. Guard mounting, the first held since
+Saturday, was just over. The morning reports, the first rendered since
+Saturday, were just in, and the staff and company officers for the first
+time since Saturday were beginning to gather at headquarters and to
+compare notes. All had much to tell. Stannard's wood-pile, Snaffle's
+storm-shed, and Barker's cow had blown away. Somebody had just reported
+Sumter's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> north dormer window "torn out by the roots," which moved
+Button to say:</p>
+
+<p>"I hope your quarters sustained no damage in your absence."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not know, sir, I came direct to the office to report."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, true; your household started before the storm."</p>
+
+<p>"Only started, sir. They went no farther than the surgeon's quarters,
+where we learned the train was six hours late. I had&mdash;business&mdash;in town,
+and went on. They remained."</p>
+
+<p>"Then the ladies have not gone East?"</p>
+
+<p>"Neither they nor any one else, since early Saturday morning. The road
+is blocked."</p>
+
+<p>"The paymaster, too? He went in right after luncheon."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot say, sir. I neither saw nor heard of him about the station. It
+is crowded with people. Three trains are stalled there, unable to go
+either way, and now&mdash;with your permission, colonel&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>"Oh, certainly, certainly, Sumter. I didn't wish to detain you. I hope
+you'll find the ladies well." Whereat the captain withdrew, giving place
+to the quartermaster who had hurried in, an anxious look in his eyes.
+That he should have numerous losses and damages to report was to be
+expected; that he should appear in the least concerned was not. A
+faithful and loyal staff officer was Horton, but one of the most
+philosophic, if not phlegmatic, souls in the service. It took nothing
+short of a national disaster seriously to disturb his equanimity;
+therefore at sight of his face the colonel was almost instantly on his
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Can I have a sergeant and twenty men at once, sir, armed and mounted?
+The ambulance with the paymaster never reached town."</p>
+
+<p>"Order them out at once, Mr. Barker," was Button's instant answer,
+turning to his adjutant, who went out like a shot. "What time did they start?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>"About two Saturday afternoon. It was blowing a gale then and the snow
+so thick we lost sight of them within a hundred yards. Major Scott
+declined an escort; said he and the clerk and the two men inside were
+more than enough. He had only three thousand dollars left and thought
+that too little to tempt anybody. Everybody knew he was just back from a
+long pay trip&mdash;not going&mdash;yet they have disappeared utterly. I had men
+ride the length of the creek valley 'twixt here and town, and there
+isn't a sign of them."</p>
+
+<p>The silence in the office was oppressive. Men looked at each other in
+dumb consternation.</p>
+
+<p>"How did you learn they hadn't reached town?" demanded Button.</p>
+
+<p>"Sergeant Fitzroy just came out. He'd been in there with Sergeant
+Stowell to help find Rawdon, he said. Major Scott had a section engaged
+in the Pullman for Omaha, and Fitzroy says he never claimed it&mdash;says he
+searched every stable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> for the ambulance, but there was no sign of it,
+and he says there was a gang of half a dozen toughs that had been
+hanging about town for a week, and they've cleared out. I'd like to go
+and get into riding rig, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Go, and I'll have a troop out after you if need be." Then turning to
+his adjutant: "Barker, have Sergeant Fitzroy sent for at once."</p>
+
+<p>Another moment and a trig, well-groomed soldier, florid-faced, muscular,
+yet burly in build, stepped briskly in and "stood attention." His right
+eye and cheek were still heavily bruised and discolored. His nose was
+somewhat swollen. The colonel had looked upon him with sombre eyes the
+night of the dance. It annoyed him that a non-commissioned officer
+should have taken such a time and place to offer a complaint. He still
+disapproved. Moreover, he had given Sergeant Fitzroy no authority to go
+as volunteer aid to Sergeant Stowell.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>"How did you happen to be in town, sergeant?" was the abrupt demand.</p>
+
+<p>Fitzroy colored to the brows, but the answer was prompt:</p>
+
+<p>"I understood the colonel to say 'find him,' referring to Trooper
+Rawdon, Friday night, and I went in Saturday morning thinking to help.
+Then we couldn't get back, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"My order was to the sergeant-of-the-guard, not to you," interposed
+Button curtly. "Sergeant Stowell was sent and that was enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Sergeant Stowell was looking for a man in uniform, sir, and had never
+seen Rawdon except in trooper dress, and would never perhaps have known
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Then how should you?" was the sharp query.</p>
+
+<p>Fitzroy started. "I&mdash;had known him longer, sir, and much better. I&mdash;had
+occasion to reprimand him once or twice, and knew him and his&mdash;pals, if
+the colonel will pardon me&mdash;as none of the others knew<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> him. There was
+that young civilian, Lowndes, that went along with us and got into
+trouble, and&mdash;there were others. In fact, if the colonel will pardon me
+again, sir, I do not hold a high opinion of Trooper Rawdon, and if the
+colonel were to investigate, it's my belief he could trace many a
+disloyal trick&mdash;and tale&mdash;to that man. What's more," and now the
+speaker's tone betrayed undue and most unprofessional excitement, and it
+seemed as though he had quite forgotten himself and his official
+surroundings, for he finished with voice querulous and upraised, "if
+Paymaster Scott came to grief he has nobody to blame but his pet and
+himself&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No more of that, sir," broke in the colonel angrily, "unless you are
+ready to prove your words."</p>
+
+<p>"Give me two days and half a chance, Colonel Button," was the confident
+answer, "and I'll do it."</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="V" id="V"></a>V</h2>
+
+<p>As Captain Sumter said, the ladies had gone no further than the
+surgeon's quarters that memorable Saturday, and with Sumter's full
+consent they had not gone even that far. Friday afternoon he had wired
+his protest to the father of Miriam Arnold, and with startling emphasis
+the reply had come early Saturday morning: "I repeat that I desire my
+daughter to return at once." It angered this honest gentleman and
+soldier. The tone was abrupt, if telegrams can be said to have either
+tone or manner, but that "wire" settled the matter. Miriam said she must
+obey, and nothing short of Doctor Larrabee, senior surgeon of the post,
+had prevailed against her decision. He himself had met the covered
+vehicle at his gate, and with calm but forceful courtesy had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> insisted
+on their alighting. "Your train is half a day late," said he. "You'll be
+wiser waiting here than at the frowsy station. Besides, I wish to see
+this young woman again." So saying, he fairly lifted Miss Arnold from
+the fur-robed depths of the dark interior, and deposited her on the
+wind-swept path. "Run in," said he, then similarly aided Mrs. and Miss
+Sumter. Their hand luggage and wraps came next, and Sumter drove away,
+saying he'd be back to them in abundant time for the train&mdash;which he
+was, though not until Tuesday morning. It was Thursday before the road
+was open or the telegraph again at work.</p>
+
+<p>Less than half an hour the trio spent under the doctor's hospitable
+roof. Before two o'clock the wind had increased to a gale. The snow was
+driving swift and hard. "I checked you just in time," said he. "There'll
+be no train either way this night." And so by two o'clock, and just as
+the paymaster was driving away<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> down the front of officers' row, Mrs.
+and Miss Sumter, with Miss Arnold, escorted by the two medical officers,
+were struggling across the open space between the surgeon's houses and
+the rear fence of the long line, and presently entering the back gate at
+Sumter's.</p>
+
+<p>It was an odd arrangement, somewhat peculiar to frontier stations of the
+day. The enclosure of Fort Cushing was diamond-shaped. The entrance gate
+was at the eastern apex. The hospital and surgeons' quarters stood on a
+line with this gate, their front perpendicular to the long axis of the
+diamond. Their "rear elevations," therefore, were not far from officers'
+row. From the front of Sumter's house, around by way of the main gate to
+the doctor's door&mdash;the first to the left (north) of the post
+traders's&mdash;was quite a walk. From back door to back door, however, it
+was less than two hundred paces. "We are near neighbors," Doctor
+Larrabee had been saying, "though my wife<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> thinks it a long walk on a
+windy day. I could reach you day or night, almost in a minute. As for
+Schuchardt and Bob Lanier, they could talk to each other out of their
+back windows this morning, but you couldn't hear a bugle across there
+now."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he sitting up?" Mrs. Sumter inquired. "I thought, from what we
+heard, Doctor Schuchardt was trying to keep him in bed."</p>
+
+<p>"He won't stay," was the brief answer. "I doubt if he slept a wink last night."</p>
+
+<p>But Schuchardt was even less communicative. In answer to Mrs. Sumter's
+appeal, that young but gifted physician had looked perturbed, and
+finally answered: "Mr. Lanier's hurt is more mental than physical,
+therefore the more difficult for me to reach."</p>
+
+<p>"You've seen him this morning?"</p>
+
+<p>"Twice, Mrs. Sumter, and I'm going again as soon as we've seen you
+home."</p>
+
+<p>And the moment they reached the rear storm-door, and their fur-hooded,
+fur-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>mantled charges were safely within, Schuchardt excused himself,
+Miriam Arnold's eyes following with a mute message that he felt, if he
+did not hear.</p>
+
+<p>But Larrabee lingered. Stamping and shaking off the snow, he followed
+into the warm and cozy army quarters. Cook and housemaid both looked
+astonished at the unexpected procession through the kitchen. Mrs.
+Captain Snaffle's "chef"&mdash;like her mistress, of Hibernian
+extraction&mdash;sprang up in some confusion from her chair and the cup of
+"tay" over which the three had been chatting, as is the way of our
+domestics at such times and places,&mdash;she had reason to know the mistress
+of the house did not well approve of her, or of these frequent
+visitations. "We shall probably dine at home," said Mrs. Sumter,
+somewhat coldly, to her own retainers, and bestowing no notice upon
+their visitor. "There may be no train till to-morrow;" and with that led
+the way to the parlor.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>Almost immediately, without waiting for the coming of the attendants
+with their hand-bags, Miss Arnold fled up-stairs, followed, at a glance
+from her mother, by Kate.</p>
+
+<p>"You see how wretchedly nervous she continues," said Mrs. Sumter. "How
+could we have let her go alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"How should we let her go at all?" said Larrabee. "Indeed"&mdash;with a
+glance from the clouding window over the storm-swept parade&mdash;"I repeat,
+there will be no going anywhere for anybody just now. Has&mdash;has she&mdash;told
+you anything, as yet?"</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sumter was gradually emerging from her winter coat of furs. For a
+moment she hesitated, then closed the door leading back to the
+dining-room and returned to him as he stood there, warming his hands at
+the great parlor stove then indispensable in our frontier homes. His
+fine, intellectual face, in its silver-gray fringe of crisp curling
+hair, was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> full of sympathy and interest. It was a face to confide in,
+and all Fort Cushing swore by its senior surgeon. "Doctor," said she,
+calling him by the title he best loved, "Miriam says she believes it was
+all a mere delusion&mdash;a dream. She blames herself bitterly and&mdash;begs us
+to think no more of it&mdash;to forgive her, but&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But?" and the kind dark eyes studied the gentle, matronly face.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;oh, why should I attempt to conceal it? You know, and we have
+reason to know, she <i>did</i> see some one&mdash;some one right there in her
+room. Some one who went out like a thief, through the window, and down
+the roof to the shed, and away in spite of sentries or&mdash;or anybody&mdash;some
+one who was in there when they so unexpectedly got home. <i>You</i> saw&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I saw the tracks in the fresh snow on the roof. I could see them
+when I came hurrying over," murmured the doctor.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>"Captain Sumter had the snow swept off before reveille. What was the use
+of advertising it further? Mr. Barker and Mr. Blake saw it, too. They
+hold it was some garrison sneak-thief, looking for jewelry. Yet not so
+much as a ring, or a pin, was touched&mdash;only her desk."</p>
+
+<p>"Did <i>she</i> tell of that?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Kate was the first to see it. She flew up-stairs when she heard the
+scream; found Miriam a senseless heap on the floor, the desk open on the
+little table by the window, the contents scattered, the window up, and
+somebody bounding and slipping away in the moonlight. Then she heard the
+challenge and scuffle outside and thought the guard had him, and gave
+her whole attention to Miriam, until Mr. Barker shouted from the lower
+hall. Oh, yes, cook and Maggie both declare they were in their room,
+but&mdash;I believe they were next door at the Snaffles'. I believe the back
+door was left open for&mdash;whoever it was."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>"And nothing is missing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing. He was frightened off evidently. But Captain Sumter wished to
+have it all kept quiet until he could confer with the detectives in
+town. He has a theory of his own."</p>
+
+<p>She had lowered her voice, and now walked to the hall door, as though
+listening for sounds from aloft, whither Kate and Miriam had vanished.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Kate has a level head," presently spoke Larrabee. "What does <i>she</i>
+say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor, that is what troubles me! Kate won't say&mdash;anything. It's the
+first time she ever kept a secret from me." And now tears of genuine
+distress were welling in Mrs. Sumter's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>It was half after two, and the wind was shrieking through the open space
+back of the line, when Doctor Larrabee, bending almost double, managed
+to fight his way homeward. Schuchardt, occupant of the adjoining set to
+his own, had not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> yet returned. At Sumter's gate the senior surgeon
+encountered the corporal-of-the-guard, nearly blind and well nigh
+exhausted. He had been sent round to relieve the men on post and bid
+them make the best of their way to the guard-room. He was even then
+searching for Number Five, who had most justifiably, in fact,
+involuntarily, taken refuge as previously explained. Had he not been
+blown into the Snaffles' kitchen, he might, like Barker's cow, have been
+blown away.</p>
+
+<p>"You will probably find Doctor Schuchardt at Lieutenant Lanier's
+quarters," shouted Larrabee at the corporal, with kindly intent. "Take
+Number Five in there and get thawed out. Tell him I think a nip of
+whiskey advisable under the circumstances."</p>
+
+<p>And thus it happened that two storm-beaten soldiers presently shoved
+their way through Lanier's back gate and banged at the kitchen door.
+Nobody answering, they presently entered, passed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> through that deserted
+apartment, and, hearing voices further on, the corporal ventured into
+the dark hallway leading through the little frame house, now fairly
+quivering in the blast. Here he caught sight of two officers&mdash;big,
+powerful men, in fur caps and canvas overcoats, just pushing forth
+through the front door into the fierce blast without. One was Doctor
+Schuchardt, the other Lieutenant Ennis, joint occupant with Lanier of
+the tiny premises. As Corporal Cassidy later expressed it, he felt "like
+I'd lost a bulging pot on an ace full." He couldn't run after and beg
+them to come back, yet he and his comrades were stiff from cold and
+almost breathless from exhaustion. Suddenly Number Five's carbine
+slipped from his frozen glove and fell with a crash on the kitchen
+floor. The next instant the voice of Lieutenant Lanier was heard.</p>
+
+<p>"Who the devil's that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Corporal Cassidy, sir. The post sur<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>geon told me to bring Number Five
+in here and thaw him out. We'd find Doctor Schuchardt. But the doctor's
+just gone, sir, and&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>But by this time Mr. Lanier himself appeared in the hall, his feet in
+warm woollen slippers, his hands in bandages. "Well, I should say! Come
+right in here, you two. Pull off your gloves and get out of those caps
+and things. Man alive"&mdash;this to Number Five&mdash;"why didn't you come
+before? This is no time to stand on ceremony&mdash;or stay on post, either.
+My striker's stormbound somewhere. I'd help you if I could, but I can't.
+Help yourselves now, best you can; rub and kick all you want to; <i>dance</i>
+if it'll warm you." And all the time he was crowding them up about a
+roaring stove, where presently he made them sit while he bustled about
+at a buffet in the adjoining room. "You'll have to help me, corporal,"
+presently he cried. "One hand can't mix and pour and lift. There's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>
+sugar; there's hot water on the stove; there's glasses and here's
+whiskey. Mix it hot, and down with it!"</p>
+
+<p>And so hospitably and heartily, after the manner of old frontier days
+and men, the young officer administered to his humbler comrades;
+cheered, and warmed, and insisted on their eating with their second
+tumbler, and when in course of half an hour the two stood before him,
+glowing, grateful, and resuming their buffalo coats and fur caps and
+gloves, honest Cassidy tried to say his say:</p>
+
+<p>"'D' Troop's fellers never can brag enough about their lieutenant, sir,
+and though we don't belong to 'D' Troop, it hasn't taken this to tell us
+why. If ever the time comes when me or Quinlan here can do the
+lieutenant a good turn he'll&mdash;he'll know it."</p>
+
+<p>After which they were gone, rejoicing in their new-found strength, yet
+reaching the nearest barracks only after severe struggle, and, later
+still, the crowded,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> suffocating guard-room,&mdash;where now some thirty men
+were huddled in a space intended for twenty at most&mdash;where Cassidy and
+Number Five were speedily telling to eager, appreciative ears their
+unusual and rejoiceful experience.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, ain't he the dandy lieutenant, though?" queried Casey, of "F"
+Troop. "And did he give you yer new cap, too, Quinlan? Sure the wan you
+marched on wid had the mange!"</p>
+
+<p>Cassidy snatched it from his comrade's head. "Mother av Moses! If he
+hasn't lifted the lieutenant's&mdash;&mdash;" But he broke off short. One glance
+he had given the band within. A sudden cloud swept over his face. There
+was an instant of indecision, then he whipped his own cap from his head
+and thrust it on Quinlan.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm a liar," said he; "it's me own he's had."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you wear two sizes, Jim Cassidy, an' both different." Quinlan had
+pulled the headpiece down, and was star<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>ing in at the soft lining.
+"What's this?" he began, when the corporal's fingers closed like a vise
+on his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Shut up, Quinlan. The whiskey's gone to yer noddle. Come here!" And
+Cassidy led him, wondering, to the barred corridor without and slammed
+the door behind them. "Not a word do you whisper of this to any man, Pat
+Quinlan," said he, never relaxing his grasp. "You heard what that
+Cockney Fitzroy was swearin' to this morning? Sure&mdash;you'd never say the
+word to back that whelp&mdash;an' harm the lieutenant!"</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VI" id="VI"></a>VI</h2>
+
+<p>"God helps those who help themselves," quoth Lieutenant Blake, on
+hearing of the incident at Lanier's quarters, "but God help those who
+help other fellows, unless 'the Old Man' likes it." Blake was but a
+"casual" at Fort Cushing at the moment, summoned thither as a witness
+before a general court-martial then in session, but there was nothing
+casual in his friendship for Bob Lanier. Two years' campaigning in
+Arizona and one in Wyoming had made these subalterns fast friends,
+despite the difference of ten years in their ages and nearly twenty
+"files" in rank, Blake being one of the senior and Lanier one of the
+junior lieutenants of the regiment. Blake was no pet of the post
+commander. Blake had a way of saying satirical things of seniors<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> whom
+he did not fancy, and Button was one of these. Blake should have
+returned to his proper station the day after the dance, but, like
+everybody else, so far as heard from, he had been held by the storm, and
+therefore happened to be in the club-room at the store along toward
+eleven o'clock on Tuesday, watching the distant deployment over the
+southeastward slopes of the barren upland. Fully half the mounted force
+of the garrison was on search for the paymaster's "outfit," and with
+Blake stood half a dozen infantry officers and two or three of the &mdash;th.
+To them, on his way to rejoin his searching troop, had entered big Jim
+Ennis, Lanier's chum and classmate, and Ennis looked the picture of
+smothered wrath. Half an hour previous he had been seen trotting up from
+stables to the adjutant's office, summoned thither by the orderly of the
+commanding officer. A few minutes later that same hard-worked orderly
+had been seen sprinting to the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> surgeon's quarters, and Doctor Larrabee,
+wrapped in furs and meditation, obeyed the summons, stood in the
+presence of an irate commander not more than fifty seconds, came forth
+wrapped in gloom, and took the short cut back of the major's house to
+his own bailiwick at the hospital.</p>
+
+<p>About the only officer not to put in an appearance that morning out of
+doors, afoot, in saddle, or adrift in snow, was Lieutenant Lanier. About
+the first officer Button wished to see was Bob, and about the last was
+Blake. Yet such was the freakishness of Fate that the first man to hail
+him, with ill-timed jocularity, was Blake, and the last of his officers
+whom he was destined that day to set eyes on was Bob Lanier, whom
+Schuchardt, in answer to the commander's summons, had earlier declared
+unfit to leave his quarters.</p>
+
+<p>If it had not been for the startling announcement about the paymaster,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>
+Colonel Button would have fought that matter out with the doctor then
+and there. First, however, he had to send forth his mounted men by
+scores in search of the missing officer and party. This done, he had
+once more summoned Schuchardt. Then he sent for Ennis, and had what they
+termed a "red hot row."</p>
+
+<p>In his exasperated frame of mind, Button had been ready to believe
+almost any story at the expense of Lanier, and, such is the perversity
+of human nature, it added to rather than diminished his wrath that his
+revered senior surgeon should promptly corroborate the statements of
+both Schuchardt and Ennis, and further assume personal and entire
+responsibility for the episode of Saturday afternoon in Lanier's
+quarters. That episode had started many a tongue, and one of Button's
+henchmen, thinking to win favor at the fountain-head by mention of new
+iniquity on the part of the culprit, had deftly enlarged upon it.
+Snaffle,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> of course, was the fellow at fault, and he justified it on the
+plea that Lanier was demoralizing two men of his troop. The story he
+told was that Lanier had been carousing at his quarters with certain
+enlisted members of the guard. When told of it Button was furious, so
+much so that for the time he forgot about Sumter and the ladies of the
+Sumter household, and the north dormer window of Sumter's quarters,
+reported "stove in by the storm."</p>
+
+<p>Nor had Sumter himself much time for domestic duties before the order
+came for him and his troop to turn out to aid in the search. He found
+the family fairly tranquil under the circumstances. He had sent a
+messenger galloping out from town, to assure his wife of his safety,
+when Tuesday's dawn showed the storm sufficiently abated. A devious
+course the rider took, for the road was blocked in a dozen places, and
+every ravine and hollow was packed to the brim with snow. But<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> he bore
+glad tidings and banished all anxiety on account of the husband and
+father. Their anxieties now were mainly for Miriam, their guest.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sumter had not half finished what she had to say concerning Miriam
+when the summons came that called the captain forth to join the
+searching squadron, but he had heard enough to increase the anxiety in
+his fine, soldierly face. He went up with Mrs. Sumter and looked
+critically over the damage to the window, in what had been Miriam's
+room. She had moved, per force, to the front&mdash;to Katherine's&mdash;room
+Saturday night, for toward sunset the storm-sash was torn out of the
+north dormer, and the window blew in with a crash. By dark the room was
+bank full of snow that Sergeant Kennedy and a brace of loyal troopers
+had been shovelling out since seven that Tuesday morning, without making
+any great addition to the huge drifts at the back. Front, flank, and
+rear, most of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> houses along the line were packed solidly to the
+attic windows. On several the boys and girls were already coasting from
+the peak of the roof down over the back yards, sheds, and fences and out
+toward Larrabee's half-submerged hospital.</p>
+
+<p>It was easy to see how and why the storm-sash had failed to withstand
+the buffeting. In his frantic haste and panicky flight the intruder of
+Friday night had wrenched a hinge from its fastening. The sash had
+sagged at the windward end, and the rest was easy for rude Boreas.</p>
+
+<p>"That sash is probably somewhere down in the back yard, sergeant,"
+Sumter quietly remarked to faithful Kennedy. "It's under fifteen feet of
+snow, but when it comes to tunnelling, look after it, see that it isn't
+injured, and call me as soon as you find it."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Sumter looked quickly at her lord. She well knew the reason of his instructions.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>"Did you show that scrap of lining?" she asked, a moment later, as they
+stood alone before the parlor fire.</p>
+
+<p>"They have it," was the answer. "I expect two of them out any moment."</p>
+
+<p>And then had come the sudden summons to turn out, and with only brief
+greeting to his daughter, and a hurried kiss and caress, Captain Sumter
+had mounted and spurred away.</p>
+
+<p>It must have been after twelve, for orderly call and mess had sounded in
+front of the adjutant's office, when one of the hospital attendants came
+floundering up the row from Lanier's, and made his way to Sumter's door,
+a little note in his hand. He would wait, he said, for an answer, and
+the maid bade him step inside while she ran up-stairs. Mrs. Sumter
+answered her knock at the door of Miss Kate's room, into which the
+damsels were now doubled. To the disappointment of that somewhat
+volatile domestic, Mrs. Sumter closed the portal before pro<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>ceeding to
+open the missive, but her announcement, "From Mr. Lanier," caused Miriam
+Arnold to sit bolt upright.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p><span class="smcap">Dear Mrs. Sumter</span> [it read]:</p>
+
+<p>I've been living since Saturday mainly on your kindness and that
+delicious fruit. It was more than good of you to take such care of
+your incarcerated sub, and I'm ashamed to have sent no earlier
+thanks, but we've been banked in until this morning, and that
+rascal striker of ours is missing. He hasn't been about the house
+since Friday night. Like Barker's cow, he may have blown away. I
+reckon they'll find him, her, and the paymaster's outfit snowed
+under somewhere down toward Nebraska, safe, but possibly starving.
+Schuchardt has gone with the command, so has Ennis, and I'm all
+alone with nothing to read. If you have anything moral,
+instructive, and guaranteed to soften the unrepentant sinner's
+heart&mdash;something I could read with profit as well as
+pleasure&mdash;<i>don't</i> send it, but tell me how you all stood the storm
+and how you are. It is so hard to get anything but admonition out
+of "Shoe," and "Dad" is now more unreliable than ever.</p>
+
+<p>I hope Miss Arnold is entirely recovered.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>Yours most sincerely,</p>
+
+<p class='right'><span class="smcap">R. R. Lanier</span>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>"The last thing a man mentions in a note is the first thing he wants
+an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>swered," said Mrs. Sumter sagely. "What shall I tell him for you,
+Miriam?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell <i>me</i> what is to be done to <i>him</i>," was the sole reply, as the girl
+settled back dejectedly upon the pillows.</p>
+
+<p>"I've tried to, child," answered her hostess kindly, patiently. "There
+isn't a court in the army that would sentence him to more than a brief
+confinement to limits, and reprimand." Yet Mrs. Sumter spoke with much
+less confidence than on Saturday. Had not her husband <i>had</i> to tell her
+his application for leave was withdrawn, and why? Had not Doctor
+Larrabee admitted to her that the colonel spoke of misdeeds far more
+serious for which Lanier must suffer? Was there not, indeed, a story in
+circulation, mainly in the Snaffle set, of a two-days escapade when the
+regiment camped near Frayne, and then a financial transaction in which
+Lanier had been involved&mdash;something growing out of an affair up on the
+Yellowstone&mdash;something including that young<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> civilian friend of his, the
+collegian turned cowboy&mdash;Mr. Watson Lowndes?</p>
+
+<p>Even as she strove to assure Miss Arnold, for the twentieth time, that a
+military arrest was far more portentious in sound than in effect,
+something in Kate's determined silence and Miriam's insistence added to
+the effect of these rumors. Could it be that the boy had confided to the
+daughter, hitherto his stanch friend and ally, that which he dare not
+confide to her, his captain's wife? Could this account for the fact
+that, though it was impossible to conceal his love for Miriam, he never
+yet had owned it to her&mdash;to her to whom it was now obvious that the
+avowal would mean so much&mdash;so very much?</p>
+
+<p>Then another thing weighed heavily upon the brave heart of this loving
+friend and mother. Never had she known her child to be so silent, so
+strange, as now. Ever since Friday night she seemed to avoid all mention
+of the affair, to shrink<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> from the subject&mdash;she who had ever been
+frankness itself&mdash;she who had never had a thought the mother did not
+share. She had become fitful and nervous. She seemed oppressed with some
+secret. In the long hours of their enforced confinement, with the lamps
+burning on the ground-floor by day as well as by night, Mrs. Sumter had
+pondered much over the result of her husband's investigations. Although
+Miriam's desk was open and its contents lay scattered on the table,
+nothing was missing, even to the packet of ten-and twenty-dollar
+"greenbacks" in its secret drawer. If robbery had been the object of the
+intruder, he had neglected his opportunity, or else been frightened off
+in time. If robbery was not his object, then what could it have been?
+The house was deserted at the moment of his entrance, that was now
+settled, for first the cook and then "Maggie" had owned to having run
+over to Mrs. Snaffle's kitchen for a moment, and the probability<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> was,
+they stayed the best part of the evening. The lights had been left
+turned low in the upper and lower halls, in the kitchen and the
+captain's den. Army doors were seldom locked or bolted. Any one could
+enter, front or rear. A marauder, if such he was in this instance, might
+have been there from tattoo at 9.30 until discovered some two hours
+later, and been there undisturbed.</p>
+
+<p>But why should the situation so strangely affect her daughter? Could it
+be that she, too, cared for Bob Lanier? The thought for the moment made
+the mother's heart stand still.</p>
+
+<p>She was writing her reply to his note, when Maggie again appeared. "Two
+gentlemen to see the captain, mum," and Mrs. Sumter hurriedly closed the
+note and went below-stairs to meet them. She knew well who they were and
+why they had come. A branch office of the Rocky Mountain Detective
+Agency had been maintained long months at the great and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> growing railway
+station. They had been summoned by her husband, and that was enough.</p>
+
+<p>Yet she shrank from meeting them, shrank from the thought of the
+questioning that must ensue. They might ask to speak with Kate, even
+with Miriam, but they did not. They asked to be shown the room, with the
+storm-battered dormer, by this time emptied of its load of snow. They
+asked to see Miriam's desk. Yes, the lock had been forced and by a big
+knife. They begged that Mrs. Sumter would not mention that to any one
+but the captain yet awhile. They were confident he would soon return.
+They smiled at the idea of the paymaster being held up and robbed in
+broad daylight by any gang in their neighborhood. They admitted that
+many questionable characters were in town&mdash;there always <i>were</i> toward
+the holidays, and just now, of course, the town was overcrowded&mdash;three
+big trains still stranded there.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>While they were yet at their work, there came sounds of stamping feet at
+the front door, and in came Sumter, stiff from cold, but brimful of
+energy.</p>
+
+<p>"Found Scott and his clerk, at least," he cried. "'Most dead and half
+frozen! The driver's gone, I fear. He was blown or pitched off. The
+mules ran away before the gale. Those inside the ambulance were
+helpless. Two dropped off behind and are lost. The thing finally
+capsized and went to pieces, and they managed to reach a little cattle
+shack, two miles south of town. They've found Lanier's striker,
+too&mdash;what's left of him."</p>
+
+<p>By this time Kate had come down-stairs, and with pallid face was
+listening dumbly to her father's words. She seemed hardly to heed the
+presence of the strangers. Not until the captain had emerged from his
+furs and stood robust and ruddy, yet a little short of breath, did she
+lay her hand upon his arm and ask her question.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>"Have they found Rawdon?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rawdon? No, not a sign of him anywhere!"</p>
+
+<p>"Is that the young fellow that those sergeants have been hunting for?"
+asked one of the detectives. "We managed to find out about him. He was
+in town early as three o'clock Friday, and he left on Number Six that
+night."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to tell me," said Sumter, gazing blankly at the speaker,
+"that he wasn't out here when&mdash;this&mdash;happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not unless he had wings! That train leaves at 11.40." Whereupon Kate
+Sumter slowly withdrew her hand, then turned away.</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VII" id="VII"></a>VII</h2>
+
+<p>Another day went by. Major Scott and his clerk, under Larrabee's skilful
+touch, were gradually regaining strength and beginning to answer
+questions. At first their senses seemed dulled, as though they could not
+shake off the frost that benumbed them. At first they could tell little
+of the cause of the mishap. The ambulance was curtained in, even at the
+rear, through which the two scared troopers had managed to slip to their
+doom. Not until the snows melted in the spring, and the contents of the
+ravines should be revealed, was it likely they would be heard of again.
+The railway was still blocked. The wires were still down. Fort Cushing
+stood isolated from the outer world, and no less than five of its
+garrison were absent and unaccounted for: the two men<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> detailed to drive
+in with the paymaster, two bacchanalians who, being in town when the
+storm broke, had dared each other to face the gale and tramp out, and
+finally a young trooper named Cary, who had arrived with the same
+recruit squad that brought them Rawdon, and had been on terms of
+friendship, if not indeed of intimacy, with him. They had been together
+that very Friday afternoon. In addition, whereabouts unknown, was
+Sergeant Fitzroy, of Snaffle's Troop. "Absent with leave," said the
+morning report. "Acting under the verbal instructions of the commanding
+officer," said his captain.</p>
+
+<p>Along toward dusk on Tuesday, others of the searching squadron, sent
+afar down the valley, had come back, reporting that the ambulance mules
+were found, huddled together, half starved and still half harnessed, in
+a log shack or shelter to which their instinct had guided them after
+their heels had made chopsticks of the running gear. The ambulance body
+was snowed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> under somewhere and nowhere in sight. The driver, a civilian
+employed in the Quartermaster's Department, had totally disappeared.
+Scott, the paymaster; Thomas, his clerk; and Rafferty, Lanier's soldier
+servant, or "striker" as then called, were still half dazed&mdash;Rafferty,
+indeed, so much dazed that no coherent words had yet escaped him.</p>
+
+<p>One more unfortunate, the driver of Foster's sleigh, was in trouble. Not
+until two hours after the dance had he turned up with the missing
+equipage, a cock-and-bull story, and a case of what the corporal called
+"jag." He swore that, having got chilled through, waiting, he just
+thought to get one hot whiskey at the store. Sentry Number Six said he'd
+mind the team while the driver went in, and the next thing he knew
+"they'd run'd away, hell for leather," and he, their driver, had to
+follow two miles to Flint's Ranch, close to town, where he "might have
+taken a nip or two more." It was his first offense<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> and Foster forgave.
+It should be remarked, however, that Number Six declared that it was not
+he with whom the driver left the sleigh, but two "fellers," <i>i.e.</i>,
+troopers, who happened to be near the store. However, that did not seem
+much to matter at the time.</p>
+
+<p>And Fort Cushing was in unhappy frame of mind. Colonel Button was in
+most inhospitable mood, and chafing because he could not communicate
+with the general commanding the department. Mrs. Button was confined to
+the house and denied to all but one or two intimates. Bob Lanier was
+still in close arrest. No man could say what might be the result, for
+Barker, the adjutant, declared he knew no more than they. "The Old Man
+had something up his sleeve"&mdash;several somethings&mdash;against him, but was
+confiding in no one, for he and Stannard were at odds over the matter;
+he and Sumter were practically estranged because of it, and for the
+first time in regimental his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>tory Button seemed to be giving all his
+attention to Snaffle and men of his stamp and set. They were not more
+than three or four in number. They had been rather tolerated than sought
+in the past, but now the colonel seemed to have use for them alone.</p>
+
+<p>And there was sorrow and estrangement at Sumter's. Never before, as Mrs.
+Sumter declared, had Katherine ever had a secret from her mother. Now
+there was a matter upon which it seemed she could not talk. Moreover,
+Miriam Arnold was affected in precisely the same way. She shrank from
+all mention of that mysterious affair of Friday night. Not only were
+they unable to speak of it to Mrs. Sumter; they avoided it among
+themselves.</p>
+
+<p>It was now Wednesday, and there had been a procession of callers to
+inquire for Miss Arnold. The girls felt that they <i>must</i> dress and come
+down and face them. "Are you sure you feel equal to it,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> Miriam?" was
+Mrs. Sumter's anxious question.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I do <i>not</i>," was the weary answer, "but all the same I must."</p>
+
+<p>And, being a girl of pluck, and much ashamed of the breakdown of Friday
+and Saturday, Miss Arnold made her effort, and did remarkably well so
+long as people refrained from prodding her about her "strange
+adventure," the alleged details of which, in exaggerated form, were
+garrison property by this time. There could be no doubt, said nine out
+of ten of the soldiery, it was the work of some sneak-thief in uniform,
+in all probability that young swell Rawdon, who was gone. But among a
+certain select few still another theory obtained, and Wednesday night
+when Sergeant Fitzroy returned to the post and asked to see the colonel,
+that officer, who was at dinner, sent answer that he would be at the
+office at eight o'clock, and further sent word to Captain Snaffle to be
+there at the same hour.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>A spell of sharp cold had followed the blizzard. The skies were dazzling
+at night with the radiance and sparkle of the stars. The young people of
+the garrison were out in force, rejoicing in the snow sports, the
+moonlight, the exhilarating air. The men had made some famous slides
+over at the bluffs, and the children along the officers' lines were
+playing hide and seek, about the drifts and tunnels at the northward end
+of the parade. They gathered in force about the office to cheer the
+colonel as he came forth from a long conference, which left him so
+absorbed he hardly noticed their gleeful salute. They pelted two prime
+favorites who followed, with drooping head and woebegone visage, and
+never once responded to the fun, and the youngsters asked one another
+what on earth could have happened to Cassidy and Quinlan, who were
+always so ready to frolic with them.</p>
+
+<p>Then Captain Sumter had been sent for, and was admitted to a
+five-minute<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> talk with the colonel at his quarters, and came away with
+grave and troubled face, to a ten-minutes conference with his gentle
+wife that left her sorely worried and distressed.</p>
+
+<p>"Ask Kate," he said, as once more he set forth into the night. "I've got
+to tramp and think this over before I do anything further." And at that
+moment Kate and Miriam had gone in to talk awhile with Mrs. Stannard. It
+was best they should not stay home, subject to incessant interview.</p>
+
+<p>It was just about quarter of nine. The lights at the office were still
+burning, for the colonel had intimated that he might be back. Barker was
+bending over some of the post papers and reports at his desk, and
+wondering why on earth the colonel should be colloguing with Snaffle,
+Crane, Sergeant Fitzroy, and sending for Cassidy and Quinlan. That was a
+queer "outfit" of Snaffle's at best. It seemed odd that the most
+pronounced "Brit<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>isher" in barracks, outside of the band, should be a
+sergeant in the troop commanded by the nearest thing to an Irishman
+among the captains. True, Fitzroy as stable sergeant was quite
+independent, and, being very ambitious and zealous, had attracted the
+attention of other captains, to wit, Canker and Curbit, rival troop
+leaders, who each, at one time or other, had offered to make Fitzroy
+first sergeant if he would transfer; but Fitzroy preferred to stay where
+he was in "C," and it was easier to suggest than it was to assert the
+real reason.</p>
+
+<p>Barker was busy with these reflections when the colonel once more
+entered and began pacing moodily up and down the room. The adjutant
+rose, but at a signal resumed his seat and waited. He was, as he
+whimsically described himself, "a relic of the previous administration."
+In those days officers might serve long years on the staff and never
+know an hour of company duty. Barker had been in the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> adjutant's office
+under three different regimental commanders, and, as etiquette required,
+had tendered his resignation to Button on that officer's promotion to
+the colonelcy. Button as promptly and courteously replied that he hoped
+Lieutenant Barker would consent to serve as right-hand man until he
+reached his captaincy, which could not be very far off. But already
+Button was repenting. "Barker is too much wedded to the old order of
+things," said he. "Barker has his likes and dislikes" (a weakness the
+colonel denied to himself), "and Barker's a little inclined to imagine
+that nobody can run a regiment as Atherton did"&mdash;for which, at last,
+there was this much foundation, that Barker thought, if he did not say,
+that Atherton ran it much better than Button ever could hope to, and
+Button instinctively knew and infinitely resented it. It must be owned
+of Button that he hated the mere mention of his predecessor's name,
+methods, and opinions. It was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> unlucky indeed, perhaps, that the views
+of one of the former colonels had been recorded in black and white as
+follows:</p>
+
+<p>"In my opinion Lieutenant Lanier is one of the finest young officers in
+the Cavalry."</p>
+
+<p>Full fifteen minutes the colonel went striding up and down the long
+apartment used for office, assembly, and school-room. Once in a while he
+would turn across the hall and into Barker's smaller room, pause as
+though half minded to speak, then turn out again. Twice he went to the
+door, looking over across the glistening heaps and drifts, and letting
+in a lot of cold air. Twice he muttered something about its taking
+Snaffle and his sergeant an unusually long time to do a simple thing,
+and at last, as the trumpeters were heard, with much stamping of feet
+and blowing of hands, gathering for the old-time nightly "walk around"
+that preceded tattoo roll-call, Button abruptly turned on his adjutant and said:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>"Barker, how long have you known Mr. Lanier?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ever since he joined, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And you knew him in his cadet days?"</p>
+
+<p>"As an instructor knows a cadet, yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"And you told me you never heard of his writing to newspapers?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never, sir," answered Barker, rising from his chair and facing his
+commander. "And I repeat that I believe it impossible for him to have
+had anything to do with those&mdash;inflammatory articles about the
+campaign."</p>
+
+<p>"You consider him absolutely square&mdash;above a lie&mdash;or a trick of any
+kind?"</p>
+
+<p>Barker faltered just one minute. What did the colonel mean by a trick?
+Mischief there had been, once or twice. Tricks had been played, and one
+only this last summer during the campaign&mdash;a trick, too, that if truth
+were told, Lanier should have known about. At least, it had been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> played
+for his benefit, and had "pulled the wool" over the colonel's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"I consider him as square a man as I know, and utterly above a lie&mdash;of
+any kind," was the final answer.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet you hesitate. You know, or have heard&mdash;rumors," said Button
+suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard rumors and slanders, Colonel Button," was Barker's
+probably injudicious reply, for he closed with "and so many of them that
+I disbelieve nine out of ten."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, here!" said Button impulsively, "here are you and Stannard and
+Sumter&mdash;three of the 'old liners,' as you are called in your respective
+grades&mdash;and I see plainly enough you three, and God knows how many more,
+are tacitly condemning my attitude toward Lanier. You think, if you
+don't say, that I have treated him with harshness and injustice&mdash;have
+listened solely to his accusers and enemies. Now, I've had enough of
+this!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> There is nothing that <i>requires</i> a commander to show his hand to
+his subordinates, but as matters stand in this regiment&mdash;Oh, come in,
+Major Stannard. I sent for you purposely, and Sumter as well, to meet me
+here at tattoo." (And at the moment, as the united force of field
+musicians began the stirring strains of the old cavalry "curfew call,"
+"The March of the Bear," the two seniors solemnly entered the presence,
+removing their fur caps as they bowed to the commander.) "As I was
+saying to Barker, as matters stand in this regiment, some half a dozen
+at least of the men referred to as its 'representative officers' are
+apparently resentful of my arrest of Lieutenant Lanier, and attribute my
+course to pique, because he saw fit to show himself at the hop I
+declined to permit him as officer-of-the-guard to attend. You think,
+possibly, that because men like Captain Snaffle, Lieutenant Crane, and
+one or two of that set have been in consultation with me, the matters at
+issue are beneath your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> notice." (Here the three assailed officers
+exchanged glances, but said not a word in protest, for the colonel went
+impulsively on.) "They at least are loyal to their commander, and to the
+best interests of the regiment. Now I mean to show you. Mr. Barker,"
+said he impressively, "go to Lieutenant Lanier and say that I desire his
+presence here at once."</p>
+
+<p>And Barker took his cap and cape and departure without a word.</p>
+
+<p>Down the line in the moonlight the snow heaps were sparkling as though
+crusted with brilliants. The black square of the field music was
+trudging out across an acre of the parade swept clean by the recent
+gale. The children, in laughing little groups, were returning from their
+hour at the slide, and here and there from the deep cut or tunnel in
+front of each officer's doorway dark muffled figures were emerging, and
+striding away toward the barracks&mdash;subalterns en route to the companies
+to supervise roll-call.</p>
+
+<p>Just as Barker neared Stannard's, at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> the head of the row, two cloaked
+and hooded forms hurried forth, and Barker almost collided with them.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, good evening, Miss Kate! Good evening, Miss Arnold!" was his
+embarrassed greeting. Then, with attempt at jocularity for which he
+later could have kicked himself: "I'm just in time to see you home, and
+head off hobgoblins and hoboes." No wonder the two walked the faster and
+gave but perfunctory replies.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, I beg pardon," he blundered on. "I'm just bound for Lanier's.
+Any message?"</p>
+
+<p>"You might say we wish him speedy deliverance," answered Kate Sumter,
+with unlooked-for spirit and effect, for the adjutant, in dismay at his
+own awkwardness, darted swiftly ahead, shouting, "Hold on, Steve!" to an
+officer with whom he would rather not have wasted a moment's time.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, poor Barker was sore distressed. He could not help hearing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>
+scraps of the talk that had passed at the office between the colonel,
+Snaffle, Crane, and certain summoned enlisted men, Fitzroy, Cassidy, and
+Quinlan among them. Even that poor devil who had been on duty Friday
+night as sentry on Number Five had been marched into the awful presence
+of the commanding officer, and ordered to tell who gave him the whiskey
+that had been his undoing&mdash;even promising immunity from punishment; but
+he was Irish and true to his faith and his friends, even they who had
+betrayed him, and he'd die first, he said. Never would he "sphlit on the
+best feller in the foort."</p>
+
+<p>And Barker had heard many things that pointed to Lanier&mdash;so many that
+his heart seemed to stop as he entered the door, and sank at sight of
+the trouble in the face of the young soldier sitting there in conference
+with Ennis and Doctor Schuchardt.</p>
+
+<p>Silently Lanier heard the summons. There was no reason why he should
+not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> go, said the doctor. "The air will do you good," he added, "and
+we'll be here when you come back."</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes sufficed to reset the bandages and get him into his furs.
+Ten minutes more and, for the first time since Friday evening, the
+accused officer stood in the presence of his colonel, with three tried
+and trusted comrades near to see him through.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Lanier," said Button presently, "I have sent for you in deference
+to the sentiment in your behalf, entertained by officers of such
+standing in the army as these gentlemen who are here present. I am free
+to say that I have had grave reasons for forming a most unfavorable
+opinion of your conduct, even of your character. It has been my
+intention to forward charges of a serious nature against you, and to
+urge your trial by general court-martial. But such is my regard for
+these gentlemen, and the element they represent, that I stand ready<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> to
+abandon my views and adopt theirs on your simple word. Can I say more?"</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment of silence. Then Lanier spoke: "It depends, sir, I
+think, upon what you wish me to answer."</p>
+
+<p>Button colored. Turning to his desk, he took from an envelope several
+newspaper clippings. "You know what these are, doubtless, Mr. Lanier. Do
+you care to say what part you took in their preparation?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to say I took no part," was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"No part at all? And you do not even know the author?"</p>
+
+<p>Lanier's dark eyes never swerved from their gaze. "I took no part, sir.
+I did not say&mdash;I do not wish to say&mdash;that I do not know the author," was
+the calm reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you admit, or permit me to infer, that you know him&mdash;a member of
+this command, for no one else knew the facts&mdash;and, moreover, that you
+shield him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am shielding no man, Colonel But<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>ton. I would not shield a member of
+this command who wrote such wrong of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet you know the author and you will not tell?"</p>
+
+<p>"What little I know came in such a way that I <i>cannot</i> tell," was the
+resolute answer. Button's forehead furrowed deep and his voice trembled
+with anger.</p>
+
+<p>"Enough said&mdash;or refused to be said&mdash;on that head. We will go to the
+next. Who personated you the night you left your troop at Laramie and
+went, contrary to orders, to that frolic at the post?"</p>
+
+<p>A look of amaze came into the young officer's face. The answer came
+slowly, painfully:</p>
+
+<p>"I took part in no frolic, sir. I went contrary to an order that had
+held good while we were out on the campaign, but that we did not suppose
+was binding there. I went to the post that night to help a fr&mdash;a man
+who&mdash;who needed money for an immediate journey. No one personated me to
+my knowledge."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>"I have the written report of the officer-of-the-day, whom I ordered to
+inspect your tent, that you were there asleep at eleven <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>
+Subsequently I learned that you were away from taps until nearly
+reveille."</p>
+
+<p>"You could have heard that from me, sir, and <i>why</i> I was gone, if need
+be." And now it was plain that Mr. Lanier was growing angry. This was a
+point gained by the colonel. He tried for another.</p>
+
+<p>"Officers who make comrades and intimates of enlisted men take chances
+that&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Colonel Button!" interposed Lanier, hotly, "I protest&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Protest you may, but listen you shall," was the instant rejoinder. "It
+is well known you interfered with a non-commissioned officer in the
+proper discharge of his duty. That was last June, and it was in behalf
+of that young man Rawdon. It is well known that you were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> hobnobbing
+with other enlisted men here, and gave them drink and food in your
+quarters on more than one occasion. It is well known you lent civilian
+clothing to your prot&eacute;g&eacute; for his latest escapade&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Colonel Button&mdash;gentlemen!" cried Lanier, "this is beyond all right!"
+Indeed, Stannard and Sumter were on their feet, in expostulation, but
+the colonel's blood was up. Bang went his bell, and the orderly fairly
+jumped into the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Call Sergeant Fitzroy," said he, and in another moment Fitzroy stood
+before them, a civilian coat and waistcoat hanging on his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Briefly now, sergeant, where did you get those?" demanded Button.</p>
+
+<p>"From the room that Trooper Rawdon occupied in town, sir. It's the suit
+he wore about town last Friday;" and so saying, he held them forth.
+Lanier slowly took the coat, astonishment in his eyes; glanced at the
+tag inside the collar, bearing the name of his own New York tailor;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> for
+a moment he searched it within and without, then handed it quietly back.</p>
+
+<p>"It is enough like mine to deceive anybody but&mdash;the owner," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean to tell me&mdash;&mdash;" began Button indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>"That this is not mine?" interposed Lanier. "Yes, sir, and that one very
+like it will be found in my closet at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Barker will go with you, and you will resume your confinement&mdash;in
+arrest;" and Button, in his anger, was lashing himself to language his
+hearers never forgot, and that some could hardly, even long months
+after, forgive. "In <i>my</i> time, as a young officer, nothing tempted one
+of our members to violate an arrest, but you&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Pale as death Lanier faced him.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely, sir, a cry for help&mdash;that I thought might mean fire&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"There was <i>no</i> cry for help," interrupted the colonel. "There was no
+sign of fire. Even if there had been, it should<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> mean nothing to a man
+of honor when ordered in arrest. That is the only creed of a gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>And then, with the lone trumpet of the musician of the guard wailing its
+good-night to the garrison&mdash;the sweet, solemn strain of "Taps"&mdash;the
+adjutant led his stunned and silent comrade home.</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VIII" id="VIII"></a>VIII</h2>
+
+<p>Ennis and Schuchardt were still there, and started at sight of Lanier's
+white face. Without a word he led on to an inner room, where Ennis
+sprang to his side. "Help me off with these," he said, "and bring a
+lamp. Come up-stairs, Barker;" and, wondering, both the others followed.
+There were but two sleeping rooms aloft in the little bachelor set.
+Ennis had the one facing the parade. Lanier's looked out upon the
+hospital and surgeon's quarters at the back. Into this room marched Bob
+Lanier and threw open the door of the single closet wherein was hanging
+uniform and civilian garb in some profusion. Ennis held the lamp on
+high, and with his free hand Lanier began throwing out the contents&mdash;a
+new uniform dress coat, an older one that had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> done duty for the three
+previous years, two sack coats or "blouses," the police officers'
+overcoat of the day, several pairs of blue trousers, with the broad
+stripe of the cavalry, and these as they came were flung on the bed by
+Barker and "Shoe." Then appeared a suit of evening clothes, carefully
+handled. Then a brown business suit of tweeds, then a light drab
+overcoat, and then the closet was well nigh empty, and Lanier faced them
+with the simple words: "It's gone!"</p>
+
+<p>"What's gone?" demanded Ennis.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that dark gray mixture sack suit I brought from leave last year.
+It always hung 'way back in here."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Who</i> wants it now, I'd like to know?" demanded Ennis.</p>
+
+<p>"Our colonel, who accuses me of costuming Rawdon for his getaway." And
+the three friends looked at each in something like consternation.</p>
+
+<p>Then Barker spoke: "It's only fair to the colonel to tell the rest, Bob.
+Raw<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>don's box, that he left for safe keeping with a friend in town, had
+not only the suit you saw at the office, but a new fur cap with your
+name in it. There were other things that looked queer. The day of the
+storm Quinlan came over to the guard-house after his visit here, wearing
+a new cap instead of his old one, and Cassidy swooped on it, thinking it
+yours, for it was here he got it, and the name in that cap was Rawdon.
+It leaked out somehow. Fitzroy hunted the story down."</p>
+
+<p>"The name was burnt out when Cassidy brought it back to me," said Lanier
+slowly. "He claimed that in lighting his pipe&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Cassidy lied every way he could think of to save you," said Barker
+ruefully. "It's the young cad you befriended and helped along that's
+tricked you in the end, and you're not the only man, I'm afraid."</p>
+
+<p>"Roped Rafferty in, I suppose," said Schuchardt, while a light of
+superior wis<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>dom stole slowly over the face of Lieutenant Ennis.</p>
+
+<p>"Rafferty, doubtless, to the extent of bribing or wheedling him out of
+Bob's new cits&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But those were <i>not</i> mine that Fitzroy had!" burst in Lanier.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not. He's left you a worn suit in place of the new. Where'd
+he steal that one, I wonder? There isn't another officer of your size
+and build at the post. But, here, I've got to go back and report, and my
+report will be in these words: 'Mr. Lanier has been robbed, too,'" and
+Barker made for the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," called Ennis. "You said Bob wasn't the only man this
+fellow had tricked. Do you mean&mdash;&mdash;" he paused suggestively.</p>
+
+<p>"I mean, yes&mdash;that there's more than one man, and there's at least one
+poor girl in the garrison to mourn that fellow's loss, and be d&mdash;&mdash; to
+him!" and with that Barker was gone.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>Button listened to his adjutant's report with something almost like a
+sneer. Stannard and Sumter heard it with grave faces, but without a
+word. Snaffle, who had drifted in, sniggered with obvious triumph.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," said the colonel, "you have not heard the half of what I
+know, and every day brings something new. This comes in from Laramie
+to-day, brought with the mail that lay over at the Chugwater during the
+storm. Read that, Stannard." And Stannard took the paper and glanced
+over it, blinked his eyes, sniffed, and said: "I've heard about that
+case, and I'll take Lanier's story any day against&mdash;that fellow's
+affidavit."</p>
+
+<p>"Major Stannard," said Button severely, "you are speaking contemptuously
+of your superior officer."</p>
+
+<p>"Colonel Button," answered Stannard, with high held head, but with firm
+hand on his temper, "I am speaking contemptu<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>ously of my superior
+officer's <i>informant</i>, not of the commanding officer of Fort Laramie. If
+you care to look you will see that he quotes, not asserts, that 'this
+money was advanced to Mr. Lowndes on Mr. Lanier's statement that the
+young man was summoned home by the serious illness of his mother, and
+that he, Mr. Lanier, would be responsible for the transaction. Mr.
+Lowndes has never repaid it, and Mr. Lanier when appealed to four weeks
+since not only refused to make it good, but abused and cursed me for
+simply asking for what was my own.' Now, sir," concluded Stannard, "I
+haven't sought to learn the facts in the case, but I'll bet ten dollars
+to ten cents you have yet to hear them."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, gentlemen," answered Button, rising in obvious chagrin. "It
+is quite evident in your opinion Mr. Lanier is a persecuted saint and I
+am an abandoned sinner, but just as soon as I can reach Omaha this case
+shall be laid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> before a general court-martial, and meanwhile I waste no
+more words defending my actions."</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon, with formal "Good-night, sir," from Stannard and Sumter, and
+a grumpy dismissal from the indignant commander, the ill-starred
+conference broke up. Snaffle, pouring balm into Button's ready ear, as
+he saw him home, went in and drank his health at the well-stocked
+sideboard, and then started straightway across the parade to his troop
+quarters, and, late as it was, called for his first sergeant.</p>
+
+<p>The men were mostly in bed, as they should be at such an hour, but there
+had been an informal dance, and many of the sergeants were still at the
+hop room. Beyond this brightly lighted building, and about in the rear
+of the infantry barracks at the westward end, was the slide into the
+creek valley, whereat so many of the officers' children had been
+coasting early in the evening, and where now&mdash;nearly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> eleven
+o'clock&mdash;half a hundred young people of both sexes, wives and daughters
+of quartermaster's employees and of the elder sergeants, attended by
+their gallants from the garrison, were having a merry time of it. The
+moon shone in brilliance. The night air, frosty and still, was full of
+exhilaration. The officer-of-the-guard, merely cautioning the revellers
+to control their impulse to shout, had gone on his way with implied
+permission to keep up the fun, and presently other officers appeared
+upon the brow of the bluff, interested observers. One of them, the
+junior medical officer of the post, was known to all, for his duty it
+was to attend the families of the soldiery resident in the little
+village of their own, just west of the quartermaster's corral, and
+sheltered by the long line of bluffs from the northerly gale. Deep in
+snowdrifts lay the snug little cabins, cottages and shacks, wherein
+dwelt these blithe-hearted folk&mdash;many of the girls as pretty, and to the
+full as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> coquettish, as their sisters of the official circle in the big
+"fort" enclosure above. Still farther to the west lay three little
+houses on the level "bench," by the swift-running stream&mdash;the homes of
+the corral-master, the wagon-master and the veterinarian&mdash;civilians all,
+as then ordained, yet men who had lived their lives with the army on the
+frontier.</p>
+
+<p>And it was one of these, the veterinary surgeon, a gray-haired man of
+nearly sixty, who presently came toiling up the hillside, touched his
+fur cap front in salutation to tall Lieutenant Ennis, and begged leave
+to speak a moment with Doctor Schuchardt, whom he led slowly away.</p>
+
+<p>Looking gravely after them and pondering many things in mind, Ennis,
+none the less, had attentive ear for the chatter and gossip of a
+neighboring group that had suspended their sledding for the moment and
+were curiously watching the pair.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>"There's no more the matter wid Dora Mayhew than there is wid me, 'cept
+one," said a red-cheeked maid of "laundress row," to the eager group
+about her. "She's been daft about that young dude Rawdon ever since he
+came last spring to Frayne."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, an' deef to Cockney Fitz," laughed another.</p>
+
+<p>And Ennis, turning quickly, noted the group, four young non-commissioned
+officers and three of the garrison girls, all of them toying with the
+name of good old Mayhew's bonny daughter, she whom that veteran English
+horseman had taught and guarded with such jealous care, to the end that
+jealousy burned in the hearts of a dozen other girls less favored in
+face or fortune. Well had Ennis known of Sergeant Fitzroy's aspirations.
+Few in the regiment had not, and few there were who did not know that,
+in spite of Mayhew's avowed dislike for him, the girl had for a time
+encouraged. It may have been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> only to pique the others, for Fitzroy was
+clever, well-to-do, a rising man in the service; indeed, one who had
+"money in the bank and men in his toils," said elder women in the
+quarters.</p>
+
+<p>Then, in April, to Fort Frayne, had come this handsome young fellow
+Rawdon, with better looks, better manners, and even, as it seemed,
+better money, for Rawdon was lavish where Fitzroy was "near," and the
+favor of the young girl, who had toyed with the Englishman, turned from
+him to this unknown. Then the whole command went forth to war and to a
+summer of sharp work. Then with the late October, headquarters, band,
+and six troops had been transferred from Frayne to Cushing, close in to
+civilization. Then had come Fitzroy's new opportunity, with Rawdon left
+at Frayne. Then had come Rawdon himself; then the night of mystery; then
+the day of the storm, and when the skies above were clear again Rawdon
+was gone, no man knew whither,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> leaving a trail of suspicion,
+accusation, and a weeping, well-nigh desperate girl behind.</p>
+
+<p>And in this web of intrigue and mystery Bob Lanier had become deeply,
+even dangerously, involved. Ennis was sorely worried. It was to see
+Mayhew the two friends had come, and, lo, Mayhew had met them on the
+way, himself in trouble and perplexity.</p>
+
+<p>"Where did you say she was now?" Ennis heard the doctor ask, as they
+rejoined him.</p>
+
+<p>"She went to speak with Mrs. Stannard, but said ladies were there, so
+she came back a while ago. I could hear her crying in her room before
+she went the second time;" and poor Mayhew's head was drooping.</p>
+
+<p>"And you wish me to see her to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you'd be so good, doctor. She'll soon be home. I was going over in
+search of her now."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait," said Ennis. "Listen!"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>There was a flurry among the revellers a few rods away. Two men had run
+toward the corner of the nearest barrack, looming black against the
+northward sky. Others could be seen hurrying after them. Then, <i>could</i>
+it be? Yes, sharp and clear came the sound of a shot from away over
+toward the hospital. Another nearer; another still nearer, and distant
+shouts, and then the blare of the trumpet.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on! It's fire!" said Ennis, and sprang in pursuit of the leaders,
+"Shoe," and Mayhew following. "It's fire!" went up the cry along the
+hillside. "Fire!" echoed the nearest sentry, letting fly the load in his
+rifle. "Fire!" shouted the few wakeful fellows in barracks, tumbling
+instantly every man from his bunk to his boots and into his ready
+clothes. "Fire!" yelled the sergeant-of-the-guard, as he tore in among
+his sleeping comrades. "Fire!" echoed the cry from barrack to barrack,
+as the men poured forth into the night, and then, as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> Ennis rounded the
+corner and came in full view of the wide open parade with the long line
+of quarters beyond, his heart leaped for his throat in wild dismay. "My
+God, lieutenant, it's <i>your</i> house!" panted a racing trooper. "My God,
+and Bob's all alone!" sobbed Ennis, as he sped through the snow, for
+already from the front dormer and from the lower windows the flames were
+mounting high in the trail of a black volume of smoke, and over the
+crackle and roar of the fire, the rush and clamor of men, the thrilling
+alarum of echoing bugle and trumpet, there rose on the night air the
+scream of a girl, imploring instant aid, and this time at least there
+could be no doubt, for the cry was, "Save him! Save him!"</p>
+
+<p>Of the minutes that followed no man could give collected account. All
+Ennis saw as he came staggering round to the rear of the flaming furnace
+that once was a house, was a wild-eyed girl being led away by a group of
+sympathetic women,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> and a little group of men bundling a slender yet
+vigorously protesting form in a snow drift, where one or two others were
+being rolled and buffeted; while others still, with a keening Irishman
+in their grasp, were lugging him back to hospital; while Corporal
+Cassidy, with his hair singed close to his head, his face and hands
+seared and his clothing soaked, smoking, and a general wreck, was
+striving to evade his handlers and stand attention to the colonel, who
+for his part was bending over Bob Lanier just emerging from his third
+involuntary plunge in the drifts, and sputtering objurgations on his
+would-be benefactors.</p>
+
+<p>"In God's name, Lanier," almost wailed the colonel, as at last that
+young gentleman, likewise singed and scorched and soaked and dripping,
+yet preternaturally cool for one just out of a blazing hell, found his
+feet and faced his commander&mdash;"in God's name, why didn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> you jump when
+they told you? There was nothing but snowdrifts below&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"There was a colonel coming," said Bob, with a grin of mingled anguish
+and satisfaction, "who held <i>that</i> sort of thing to be breach of arrest."</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IX" id="IX"></a>IX</h2>
+
+<p>Few men slept the rest of the night for talking over the stirring scenes
+of that spectacular fire. Indeed, there had been a strenuous fight to
+keep it from spreading, and the Graysons' quarters next door were badly
+scorched, and the Graysons woefully scared, before the little bachelor
+hall had burned itself out. Big Jim Ennis had lost pretty much
+everything he owned except what he had on. Lanier was not much better
+off. As to the origin of the fire, Bob merely said that he had turned
+the lights low in the sitting-room, and, obedient to "Shoe's" orders,
+had gone up to his roost, too wrathful and amazed over what had occurred
+even to think of sleep&mdash;to think, in fact, of anything but the colonel's
+words. So absorbed was he, as he slowly undressed, he never noted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> the
+sounds from below until his room of a sudden seemed filled with smoke,
+and, throwing open the door, he was amazed to find the hallway ablaze,
+the stairs impassable. Running to his dormer window, he yelled fire at
+the top of his voice. Sentry Number Five heard and came running down
+along the back fence; saw the peril, let drive a shot and gave the yell
+that roused every one at the hospital&mdash;poor Rafferty, half crazed, half
+dazed, and by no means half dressed, coming leaping along among the
+first.</p>
+
+<p>And there at his back window, choking with smoke and tossing out
+clothing and other belongings, stood Mr. Lanier. Some men went searching
+for ladders up the line of back yards, the post hook and ladder truck
+being, of course, on the far side of the garrison. There being no
+extension and sheds to this little box, as to the larger quarters up the
+line, other men began shouting, and Lieutenant Grayson imploring Mr.
+Lanier to jump,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> for already the flames had burst through the windows
+below. Then came the episode the regiment laughed over, swore over,
+talked over, many a long year thereafter. To Grayson's appeal Bob's only
+answer was a calm and deliberate:</p>
+
+<p>"Give my compliments to the colonel, will you, and tell him that, my
+quarters being all ablaze, I'd like an extension of arrest?"</p>
+
+<p class="center"><img src="images/illus002-1.jpg" width='400' height='700' alt="Tell Him That I'd Like an Extension of Arrest" /></p>
+
+<p class='center'>"<span class="smcap">Tell Him That I'd Like an Extension of Arrest.</span>"</p>
+
+<p>Then Sumter and Stannard came in, tumultuous, and <i>ordered</i> him down,
+and Blake and Curbit, and the rest of the card party, came tearing after
+them, and berated him for an absurdity, and implored him not to be an
+ass. And then a bright tongue of flame licked in through the transom
+behind him, and the door panels burst from the heat, and all the room at
+his back suddenly blazed with fire, and then went up the cry from that
+agonized girl, at sound of which Lanier started and strove to climb to
+the little window-sill, with a lurid sheet lapping down about<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> his head,
+and then a brace of young Irishmen, Cassidy foremost, came scrambling up
+a human pyramid, smoking and singeing below them. They reached the
+blazing eaves and burst through the fringe of flame, dragging Bob forth
+and on to the edge, and then tottered all together into that blessed
+mound of snow beneath, fast melting in the glare of that fiery furnace.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the commander, and the swift running soldiers, and all the
+antiquated fire apparatus, and most of the families. Soon the hooks were
+locked in the blazing framework, and speedily the little bachelor den
+was torn into hissing and smoking fragments. Meantime Lanier and
+Cassidy, Blake, Horton, and nearly a dozen daring fellows who had risked
+their skins to save their lieutenant, had been led over to hospital to
+be cooled off and lotioned and bandaged and variously put to bed, and
+when at last not a spark could be found in the black, un<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>sightly ruins,
+and even they had been buried under bushels of snow, the colonel and his
+men-at-arms went back to quarters, and many of the officers to the
+store, to talk it all over, especially what Bobby had said to Button.</p>
+
+<p>And thus were we brought to the morning of Thursday, the sixth since the
+eventful night when Miriam Arnold's shriek had alarmed the
+garrison&mdash;Miriam, whose voice had now been heard a second time, upraised
+in frantic dread and appeal, but this time for the young soldier who, on
+the previous Friday night, forgetful of his arrest, had rushed forth at
+her cry, but this night had to be dragged&mdash;Miriam who now lay sick from
+maidenly shame that in one wild appeal to save her lover she had so
+betrayed herself.</p>
+
+<p>With Thursday noon came resumption of telegraphic communication, and the
+long-stalled railway trains from east and west. With Thursday afternoon
+came "wires" from Arnold, the father, begging<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> to know had his daughter
+started, and back went the electric message that she neither had nor
+could, nor would for a week&mdash;"full details by post." With Thursday
+evening came stacks of belated letters, "with whole bales of
+newspapers," said the stage driver, to follow, and with Thursday
+midnight, long after every one had gone to bed, there came a tapping at
+Major Stannard's storm door, and presently a fumbling at the bell knob,
+a clanging of the bell.</p>
+
+<p>"What now?" thought the sleepy major, as he scuttled down-stairs in
+slippers and dressing-gown. "Who's there?" he growled, as he unbolted
+the door. That fire down the line had made people nervous. There was no
+saying how it started.</p>
+
+<p>"It is Mayhew, sir," said a solemn voice. "I've come not hoping, only
+praying, I may find my daughter here."</p>
+
+<p>"Good God!" said Stannard. "Come in," and led forthwith his aged and
+trem<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>bling comrade within doors, seated him by the still glowing stove
+in the front room, and struck a light. In less than a minute Mrs.
+Stannard, too, had joined them, her kind blue eyes filled with tender
+pity and sorrow. She, at least, was not entirely unprepared. Poor
+motherless Dora had no lack of friendly counsel and fond, womanly
+sympathy when once she could be brought to lay her burden there. If only
+she had earlier sought that wise and winsome monitor! But Mrs. Stannard
+had not been at Frayne in the early summer, not until the major was
+assigned to station at Cushing had the good wife joined him, and
+meanwhile there had been no hand to guide, only a fond and passionate
+young heart. And now, with his gray hairs bowed in sorrow to the dust,
+poor Mayhew had come to tell his piteous tale. Ever since young Rawdon
+had gone with the paymaster she had been fitful and nervous. Ever since
+their coming to Cushing, four weeks agone, she had been<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> watching,
+waiting, listening, often weeping, and when letters came for her, with
+the postmark of Fetterman or Laramie, Red Cloud or the cantonment in the
+Hills, he could not but note her feverish eagerness and her instant
+escape to her own room to read her treasure alone. Oh, yes, he knew they
+must be from Rawdon. He had liked the lad, knew there was good stuff in
+him, and he could not bear that fellow Fitzroy, who was a military loan
+shark, a man who fattened on the needs or weaknesses of his comrades. He
+hated to think of his bonny girl's losing her heart to Fitzroy. He owned
+he rather welcomed Rawdon's advances and rejoiced that she, too, seemed
+to prefer him.</p>
+
+<p>But&mdash;God! He had never looked for&mdash;this! Oh, where had she gone?&mdash;and
+why? He had found her at home and in tears after the fire. All morning
+long she had been in an agony of nervousness. Then that afternoon, some
+time, somehow, she got a message or letter, and then,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> kissing him and
+saying she would be better in bed, had gone to her room, but not to
+sleep. At eleven o'clock old Chloe's sobbing aroused him. He found it
+all deserted. Dora had disappeared, leaving not one word to comfort him.</p>
+
+<p>They lost no time, those men of the field and the frontier. Stannard was
+dressed and out in twenty minutes; had summoned Ennis, Field, and others
+among the young officers; had routed out half a troop and could have had
+the entire garrison, for few were the soldiers who would not search all
+night or work all day for good old Mayhew and his pretty daughter.
+Perhaps that was one reason why, until this night, so many maids and
+mothers among the sergeants' families envied and slandered her. Mayhew
+had been far from wise, and Dora, indeed, had none to guide. Kindly and
+cordially treated as he and she had been by the officers and their
+wives&mdash;being, in fact, superior socially to the Snaffle household,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> if
+not to certain others&mdash;there was yet this bar to hold them back: they
+dined and danced not with the "commissioned" element of the post whereat
+Mayhew was stationed. They were of finer clay than the people of the
+rank and file, and so, with the families of the forage and wagon-master,
+the chief packer and old Ordnance Sergeant Shell, they made up a little
+middle class of their own, when Dora's heart had gone out, ungrudgingly,
+to handsome, clever, educated George Rawdon, whom all men could see had
+been reared among gentlefolk, and who, as further fascination, was
+supplied from some unknown source with money which he spent with lavish
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>The moon was in the fourth quarter now, yet still bright enough to aid
+them, and up and down the creek bank went the searchers, probing every
+pool, searching every shallow. It was odd&mdash;or was it odd?&mdash;that for half
+an hour no man, no matter what he thought, went down and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> banged at the
+door of "C" Troop's stable&mdash;where in cozy quarters and solemn state,
+guarded by the sentries on either flank, slept that surly magnate among
+the non-commissioned officers&mdash;Fitzroy, the stable sergeant of Snaffle's
+troop. Whatever had befallen poor Dora Mayhew, it was not to join
+Cockney Fitzroy she had fled.</p>
+
+<p>Had she fled to join anybody? was the question that racked so many a
+heart, for, with the possible exception of gentle Mrs. Stannard, the
+girl had made no confidant. It was stanch old Chloe who would have it
+that her pet and pride from childhood, her solemn charge since the poor
+mother's death eight years before, had never left her father's roof to
+do harm to herself and break their hearts. If morning came without her,
+she surely had been lured away, and, if "Marss Rawdon" had really gone,
+who was there who, through love or fear or threat or artifice of any
+kind, <i>could</i> lure her?</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>It was this, full fifteen minutes after Lieutenant Field and two of his
+men had trotted off to town, that started old Stannard and big Jim Ennis
+down the valley from the veterinarian's, through "Suds-town," where
+girls and women were huddling and whispering at the news; through the
+hay and wood-yards, where the sentry challenged sharply, so often had he
+halted searching parties in the last ten minutes; past the little shack
+where dwelt the farriers and blacksmiths, many of them alight, for the
+story had gone sweeping; and so at last they came to the long cavalry
+stables, standing gable ends to the north, like so many companies in
+close column, and at the sixth of these, farthest from the bluff whereon
+stood the barracks and quarters, they stopped and banged at the door. No
+answer&mdash;even when the sentry came to their aid and hammered with the
+butt of his carbine. They went round and rattled at the window of the
+sergeant's room. Still no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> response, and at their beck the sentry yelled
+for the corporal-of-the-guard, who had followed down, expectant.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll have him out," said he, and ran round to the south end, and
+presently came back, panting but triumphant. He had roused the two
+stable orderlies. They would open up in a minute. They did, with much
+blinking of eyes and some demur, but stood abashed when the burly major
+strode in, big Jim Ennis at his heels. The latter hesitated not one
+second. His weight went in with the battering ram of that muscular leg
+and massive foot, and the sergeant's door flew open before them. The
+room was empty. Fitzroy and Fitzroy's furs were gone. Nor was that all.
+Snatching a stable lantern from the hand of one of the shaking grooms,
+Ennis swung it high aloft. Two empty stalls stood close at hand.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought so," said he, then grabbed the nearest orderly by the coat
+collar. "Who took Lieutenant Foster's sleigh<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> and team," demanded he,
+"and how long ago?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sergeant Fitzroy, sir," came the answer, with a doleful whine, "just
+before the third relief, at half-past eleven."</p>
+
+<p>"No time to see the colonel now!" said Ennis. "Major Stannard, I've got
+to gallop into town, but a dozen men, if need be, should trail that
+sleigh."</p>
+
+<p>"Go it, boy," was the instant answer, "and I'm behind you."</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="X" id="X"></a>X</h2>
+
+<p>On the principle that disaster ever demands its victim, the sentry of
+the second relief&mdash;the immediate predecessor of the soldier now on post
+at the north line of the stables&mdash;was stirred up at once and ordered to
+explain. Even as Stannard was hastening the movements of the men
+detailed to mount and trail the Foster team, even as Ennis was galloping
+town-ward on a mission of his own, Captain Langley, of the Infantry,
+officer-of-the-day, began his stern examination of the luckless
+guardian.</p>
+
+<p>Orders are orders. Even a stable sergeant could not take or send an
+animal out at night (except the building stood in danger of destruction
+by flood, fire, or tornado) save on written order of a commissioned
+officer and in presence of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> corporal-of-the-guard, and Stoner, the
+sentry of the second relief, admitted he knew these were the orders, but
+"the fellers" had never supposed they applied to Sergeant Fitzroy, who
+did pretty much as he pleased. In fact, Fitzroy hitched up and drove
+away without so much as a word to him. He, the sentry, was too little
+surprised to think of ordering "Halt." Even as Langley drew from him the
+admission, the word came up that the squad had started hot foot on the
+trail. It led straight away to town.</p>
+
+<p>And the stable orderlies had sworn that Fitzroy started alone.
+Therefore, unless Dora Mayhew had circled the fort and joined him on the
+bleak eastward prairie, it was most unlikely she had gone with him, and,
+up to one o'clock, there was none to hint with whom, or how, except
+afoot, she could have gone. Then, however, came revelation. The sentry
+stationed at the northwest face of the post admitted having seen "a rig
+from town"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> making wide circuit clear around behind the fort on the
+westward "bench," which was swept almost clean of snow. It had kept well
+out beyond hailing distance, stood a moment or two up at the edge of the
+bluff, then whirled about and went the way it came. What hour was this?
+Just before they called off eleven o'clock. Why had he not mentioned or
+reported it? Well, he thought it might have been some of the officers.
+"They sometimes came out late and went in home the back way," whereat,
+in some confusion, Captain Langley dropped that phase of the
+investigation.</p>
+
+<p>By two o'clock that rig also had been trailed back to town, where it was
+lost in the tangle of wheel tracks. There Ennis and Field and several
+troopers, with one or two interested citizens, were in quest of tidings.
+There they were joined by Mayhew himself, who had one more hope. Dora
+had a friend, a few years older than herself, with whom she had been
+intimate<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> at Fort Riley. They went daily to school together when
+children, and wept when parted. Now her friend was married to a
+conductor of the Union Pacific Railway, and living in town. It might be
+that Dora had gone to her.</p>
+
+<p>They found the house, and hammered at the door and lower windows, and
+succeeded only in waking a Chinese servant who said, "All gone; b'long
+Omaha," and refused further information. They went to the three stables
+in town, and all had "rigs" out, some of them two or three. None, to the
+proprietor's knowledge, had been to the fort. Most of them had gone to a
+dance at Arena, a cattle town six miles east, and it was high time they
+were returning, for now it was after three. "What's all the row about
+anyhow?" demanded the night watchman of one of these establishments.
+"There was that cockney sergeant fellow here along about midnight,
+asking questions and raising hell. The town marshal had a rumpus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> with
+him and went to bed mad." The half-dozen hangers-on about the railway
+station, and the roisterers at the one, open-all-night saloon were
+growing inquisitive, if not impudent. The station-master had gone home,
+but the lone operator to whom, one after another, Field, Ennis, and
+Mayhew had appealed, declared that no young lady had gone on Number Six,
+for the reason that Number Six hadn't gone and wouldn't go till 'long
+toward daylight. She broke down somewhere about seven o'clock at
+Medicine Bow.</p>
+
+<p>But Ennis and Mayhew came at him a second time, with a second question:
+Could he tell them anything of Mr. and Mrs. Osborn, Osborn being a
+conductor and Mrs. Osborn Dora's friend of whom previous mention is
+made? Had they gone to Omaha? No, for Mr. Osborn was round here early in
+the evening, and had to be here at six o'clock <span class="smcap">a.m.</span> to meet and take
+Number Five over the Mountain<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> Division. Then John Chinaman had lied,
+said poor Mayhew, grieving sore and quite ready to break down, but Ennis
+was spurred to new energy.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep your heart, old man," said he. "The more I think of this, the more
+I'm sure there's light ahead, and I'm going after it. Go to the hotel,
+lie down, and leave the rest to me."</p>
+
+<p>And still Jim Ennis felt by no means confident he could be in time. He
+knew the Mayhews only slightly. He had never before been stationed at
+regimental headquarters, had seen and known Dora only since their coming
+to Fort Cushing, and therefore had not learned to share Bob's honest
+admiration for her. She might be all Bob thought her, a loving child and
+a true-hearted girl in spite of her infatuation for this presentable
+young trooper whose antecedents nobody knew. Ennis had often marked him
+during the campaign and noted his regard for Bob, and felt kindly
+disposed toward him until mid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> September, when two troops were sent in
+to Frayne, with the pack train and orders to load up with rations and
+escort it back. Rawdon was missing from the column when it camped the
+first night out, on the return, and only caught them by a daring night
+ride through the Sioux country when they were two days' march beyond.
+His captain, Raymond, had sternly rebuked him and promised him further
+punishment when they reached the regiment, but Lanier had heard of it
+and interceded, thereby making Rawdon still more his friend. But now the
+heart of "Dad" Ennis was hot against him, for fear that what Barker said
+might all be true: that Rawdon had wrecked an old man's heart and home,
+and ruined an old man's beloved daughter.</p>
+
+<p>With just two troopers at his back, toward four in the morning, big Jim
+went spurring on through the dim moonlight, town and station far behind,
+following a meandering sleigh and wagon track<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> across the wide, dreary
+upland, riding, as a rule, parallel with the railway, while such sleighs
+as tried the journey had evidently been making many a detour. Snow there
+was in abundance in the coul&eacute;es and ravines, snow in sheets in the lee
+of every little ridge or hummock, but elsewhere the icy sod was swept
+hard and clean, and the sharp hoofs rang as though they struck macadam.
+Three miles out two "rigs" were passed, westward bound, filled with town
+folk who had been to Arena for the dance. Had they seen or heard aught
+of Mr. and Mrs. Osborn? he asked. No, they knew them well by sight, and
+would be sure to note them had they come to the dance. Five miles out a
+stage was encountered, loaded with exuberant revellers who had remained
+after the dance for a spree, and were now consumed with wrath because
+certain officers of the law from their own town, too, had hustled them
+out.</p>
+
+<p>"A hull sleighful of 'em&mdash;three or four<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> anyhow&mdash;came over there with
+that cockney sergeant you fellers keep at the fort, lookin' for
+deserters. You after deserters? Well, here's&mdash;hic&mdash;hopin' you don't get
+'em."</p>
+
+<p>It was all Jim Ennis wanted to know. "Come on, men," he cried, and
+spurred ahead, his wondering troopers following.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what the mischief is that man Fitzroy's game?" thought Ennis, as
+he pushed on through the bitter cold of the December morning. It had not
+been difficult to learn that the sergeant, after much search and inquiry
+in town, had started for Arena, taking with him, as it happened, two of
+the Rocky Mountain police, who had business there and were tired of
+waiting for the train. Ennis reasoned it was after Dora that Fitzroy had
+gone; that in his jealous misery he had kept watch upon her, had
+followed to town on hearing of her flight, had followed further, and
+this it was that gave Ennis<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> the hope that she was accompanied by such
+worthy people as the Osborns. If that were so, it could mean but one
+thing. It was to join Rawdon, perhaps to be joined to Rawdon. Osborn had
+sent two messages by wire and received two early in the evening; Ennis
+had learned this through the operator, though the contents were
+withheld. Rawdon, probably, dared not come to Cushing City. There he
+might still be arrested on sight. Yes. Ennis had it now. Dora Mayhew had
+fled to Arena to meet and marry George Rawdon; Fitzroy had followed fast
+in hopes of blocking it.</p>
+
+<p>And just as the twinkling switch-lights of the little prairie station
+hove in sight ahead, there came a sound that startled him&mdash;the whistle
+of a railway engine not a mile behind&mdash;Number Six at last, and coming
+full tilt&mdash;the very train, perhaps, that they, the young couple, hoped
+and meant to take, and might have taken on their eastward way had not
+Fitzroy, keen-<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>eyed, quick-witted, and vengeful, been there in time to
+bar the move.</p>
+
+<p>And then in the soldier soul of big Jim Ennis was born a strange,
+sudden, and somewhat unprofessional spirit of opposition. Starting out
+in the hope of finding and restoring to her father's roof the sorrowing
+fugitive, Jim Ennis veered right round to the purpose of succoring a
+maiden in distress. If marriage was Rawdon's motive in bidding her join
+him, then Rawdon was honest after all, and who was he or who was Fitzroy
+to stand in the way and stop it? No, by all the Arts of Peace and the
+Articles of War, Rawdon was right and d&mdash;&mdash; be the man that sought to
+check him.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later, with the big engine and train coming hissing and
+grinding to a stop at the platform, Ennis sprang from his panting horse,
+tossed the reins to one trooper, and, followed by the other, shouldered
+his way through a little knot of staring townsfolk and up to a group at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>
+the edge of the platform. A trim-built young fellow in civilian dress
+was struggling in the grasp of two detectives; a terrified girl was
+clinging to his arm, tears streaming down her face; a clerical-looking,
+elderly stranger was expostulating; a man in the cap and dress of a
+railway conductor was vehemently arguing with a stocky sergeant of
+cavalry, who seemed master of the situation, and greatly enjoying his
+own importance. A pale-faced young woman, whom the conductor of Number
+Six addressed as Mrs. Osborn, was imploring his aid, when, to the amaze
+of the sergeant, this big subaltern in boots and spurs bulged in between
+him and Conductor Osborn and demanded to know the nature of the trouble.</p>
+
+<p>"I've run down this man, at last, sir," gulped Fitzroy, flustered, but
+making valiant effort at control, "as you see, sir, only in the nick of
+time."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Mr. Ennis," cried Dora, throwing<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> herself upon him and clasping his
+arm, "Rawdon has done no wrong. We are married. Here are our friends to
+prove it. <i>Why</i> should they arrest him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Colonel's orders, lieutenant. Arrest him wherever found," said Fitz
+stoutly, "and I've a sl&mdash;stage here to take him back."</p>
+
+<p>"On charges of your own invention, Sergeant Fitzroy," said Ennis icily,
+"no one of which you'll ever prove. Have you any warrant for this
+man?"&mdash;this to the detectives.</p>
+
+<p>"None, sir. The sergeant said he was a deserter, running off with the
+doctor's daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"He's no deserter. He's on furlough by order of General Crook,
+travelling, I take it, with his own wife, and unless you want to burn
+your fingers to the bone, let go."</p>
+
+<p>"Then lieutenant," burst in Fitzroy, "he's a prisoner by order of
+Colonel Button&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>"Then as senior officer on the spot I'll take charge of him; also,
+Sergeant Fitzroy, of you, and the sleigh you feloniously made way with.
+Stand aside, sir. Now, gentlemen, how about this train?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ordered right on, lieutenant, to meet Number Five at Beaver Switch."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it's a case of all aboard for those bound eastward. We'll hear the
+rest when you return from furlough, Rawdon"&mdash;for now the young man was
+trying to speak instead of seeking to speed away. "I did my best to be
+in time for the ceremony, Mrs. Rawdon," continued Ennis, gallant and
+impressive, as he swung her suddenly aboard, "but with my usual luck I
+lost the chance to kiss the bride."</p>
+
+<p>For answer she quickly turned, flung her arms about his neck, and her
+warm lips swept his cheek. "One for you, Mr. Ennis," she cried, and then
+again, "and this&mdash;for Mr. Lanier!"</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XI" id="XI"></a>XI</h2>
+
+<p>Friday again, and late in the day, and Bob Lanier's arrest lacked but a
+few hours of its first full week, and Bob was in bandages and bed in a
+sunny room of the hospital. Ennis, after a long night in saddle and a
+short "spat" with the colonel, was taking a much needed nap. Stannard
+and his wife had gone down to Doctor Mayhew's to meet Mrs. Osborn, who
+had come to spend the afternoon. Paymaster Scott was up and about, and,
+in his independent way, had been saying unrelishable things to Button,
+who was in most peppery frame of mind. A wire had come from department
+headquarters to say an inspector would follow. "Instead of ordering a
+general court to try Lieutenant Lanier, they have ordered a colonel out
+to try me, by gad!" said But<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>ton. "For that's just what it all amounts
+to."</p>
+
+<p>And of all colonels to investigate matters at Cushing, there wasn't one
+in the army Button would not rather have had than the very one who was
+coming&mdash;bluff, blunt, rasping old Riggs, best known to fame and Fort
+Cushing, as "Black Bill."</p>
+
+<p>"Why," said Button, to Scott, "this sending one field officer of cavalry
+to sit in judgment on the official deeds of another is nothing short
+of&mdash;of infamous, and I'm amazed at Crook's doing it."</p>
+
+<p>"It ain't Crook," said Scott, not without a little malicious delight in
+Button's disgust. "He's away up at Washakie, and of course his adjutant
+general don't want to act or even advise until he knows all about it.
+You've seen fit to charge Lanier with all manner of things, and I don't
+wonder headquarters are staggered."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;<i>Bill Riggs</i>&mdash;to come and overhaul <i>my</i> regiment, when it's
+notorious he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> never could command even a two-company camp without having
+everybody by the ears! Such men aren't fit to be inspectors!"</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, there was much to warrant poor Button's disgust. He had
+preferred most serious charges against Lanier. He had accused him of
+quitting camp on campaign, quitting his guard in garrison, quitting his
+quarters when in arrest, failing to quit himself of a money obligation,
+drinking and consorting with enlisted men, and in his letter of
+transmittal he had intimated that there were other misdeeds he might yet
+have to uncover. All, said Button, on the information of veteran
+officers and sergeants of the regiment&mdash;notably Captains Curbit and
+Snaffle, Lieutenants Crane and Trotter, Sergeants Whaling and
+Fitzroy&mdash;and now here were both medical officers, both of his majors,
+two of his best captains, seven of his subalterns, and nine-tenths of
+the women folk at Fort Cushing taking sides<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> with Lanier and issue with
+him&mdash;their colonel and commander. And here, too, were Lieutenant and
+Mrs. Foster, highly connected, influential, wealthy, insisting that his
+most active and important witness, the unimpeachable Sergeant Fitzroy,
+had corrupted their coachman, run off with their sleigh, and ruined
+(this was Mrs. Foster) their horses.</p>
+
+<p>Foster, first lieutenant of Snaffle's troop, seldom on speaking terms
+with his captain, had discovered the deed at morning stables just five
+minutes before the aggrieved sergeant drove in with the missing property
+<i>and</i> Lieutenant Ennis as escort. Foster was in a fury over it, the more
+so because Fitzroy had maintained, respectfully enough but most
+stubbornly, that the circumstances were such that he felt justified in
+making immediate use of any property under his care or charge, that he
+would explain everything to his captain and the colonel, but begged to
+be excused in the lieutenant's present frame<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> of mind from arguing the
+matter with him.</p>
+
+<p>And the story Snaffle told Button before Foster could reach him went far
+to strengthen Fitzroy's position. Snaffle said that so far from
+Fitzroy's corrupting the coachman, the boot should be on the other foot,
+were Fitzroy corruptible&mdash;that Foster would find his coachman a
+double-dyed liar when he came to the truth of that runaway the night of
+the dance&mdash;that Foster's sleigh and carriage and driving horses had no
+right in a Government stable anyhow&mdash;were only there on sufferance
+(which was true, for Foster kept saddlers besides&mdash;all the law allowed
+him)&mdash;and that under the circumstances, when, as was well known, at
+least twenty officers and troopers on Government mounts had gone forth
+at night in violation of standing orders, without the commanding
+officer's knowledge or consent&mdash;all on the plea of rescuing Mayhew's
+daughter, Lieutenant Foster ought to be ashamed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> of himself for abusing
+Fitzroy for taking the sleigh in hopes of having a warm nest to fetch
+the poor girl home in as soon as he'd found her. "Sure, did Mr. Ennis
+expect her to ride back on his cantle on so bitter a night? Faith,
+Fitzroy was worth the whole pack of 'em put together, if they'd only let
+him alone."</p>
+
+<p>And that, at nine o'clock, when Ennis was sent for, was the colonel's
+way of looking at it. Moreover, he had a rasp up his sleeve for our
+massive young friend on half a dozen other counts.</p>
+
+<p>"In point of fact, Mr. Ennis, that girl has simply fooled the whole
+party and is probably laughing at all of you. A girl that will run away
+without a word or line to her father, and marry an out-and-out
+adventurer&mdash;a mere nobody&mdash;has neither heart nor head anyhow. And now
+you've interfered in a matter of discipline just as Mr. Lanier did, and
+I gave <i>you</i> credit for better sense. You know I had ordered that fellow's arrest."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>Ennis took it all, all this and more, in grave silence and
+subordination. He would have gone without a word, but Button would not
+so have it. Button demanded his reasons, and began hitting back before
+Ennis had named even two. This brought on the "spat," as Barker
+irreverently described it, and left the colonel in no judicial mood in
+which to see Stannard, Sumter, and others, as see them he had to in
+course of the day.</p>
+
+<p>But flatly he swore that Sergeant Fitzroy should not go in arrest. It
+was only too clear they sought to make a victim of him.</p>
+
+<p>And so all Fort Cushing seemed in turmoil and trouble as the sun of the
+23d went out and "Black Bill" came in, yet that sun must have been
+potent, for Mrs. Stannard's face, as homeward she sped, after a long
+talk with Mrs. Osborn, was radiant with sunshiny smiles. "You're not to
+know anything yet, Luce, at least until you get it from Doctor Mayhew,
+for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> you never could keep it, and for a week at least it's got to be
+kept."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, one thing you <i>can</i> tell," said the major, "that is, if you know,
+and put a stop to an awful amount of censure that poor girl's getting.
+Why did she leave no word for her father?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because she expected to be home in two hours;" and the reader can judge
+just how full and satisfactory must that answer have been.</p>
+
+<p>But were matters mending for Mr. Lanier? was the question still
+troubling Mrs. Stannard. Neither Kate nor Miriam had she seen since the
+night of the fire. Miriam Arnold was confined to her room. Kate Sumter
+would not leave her, and yet over these two devoted friends there still
+hovered a spell. The mutual trust and faith seemed shaken. The old
+confidence or intimacy was gone.</p>
+
+<p>Now, whatever Mrs. Osborn had told that so cheered Mrs. Stannard, it is
+certain the latter could not contain herself<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> long, and that, even as
+the major was summoned, toward nine of the evening, to join the solemn
+conclave at the colonel's (where by this time Button had opened
+proceedings by giving "Black Bill" the best dinner a frontier larder and
+cellar afforded), she bustled over to the Sumters', was delightedly
+welcomed by her friend and neighbor, whose husband, too, had been called
+to council, and presently these two sages were in confidential chat.</p>
+
+<p>To them presently entered the captain, electric, bristling. He wanted
+the bundle of latest newspapers. They had not half read them, and
+Colonel Button was all eagerness to see some articles concerning the
+campaign about which Riggs had been twitting him&mdash;asking him whom he had
+subsidized at this late hour to rescue his reputation, etc. Riggs had
+seen three long, well-written letters in the great New York <i>Morning
+Mail</i>, obviously the work of a correspondent on the spot, an eye-witness
+to the scenes he had de<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>scribed, and these letters refuted the calumnies
+recently heaped on Button and his comrades&mdash;gave him, in fact, high
+praise for soldiership, bravery, energy, even though the writer owned
+himself by no means one of the colonel's circle, if, indeed, one of his
+personal friends and admirers. Only the Sumters, at Cushing, subscribed
+for the <i>Morning Mail</i>. Riggs had seen the paper at Omaha. It took a
+search of some minutes before even the first was found. Then Sumter's
+eyes danced as he read, and Mrs. Sumter exclaimed over another, and for
+the first time in a week sounds of cheer arose in that little home.
+Presently Mrs. Stannard read aloud a spirited, stirring paragraph,
+describing a dash led by Lieutenant Lanier, and then Sumter made a swoop
+for all three pages and said, "The quicker Button can see these the
+sooner he'll come to his senses," and begging pardon for the rudeness,
+took the papers and his leave and almost collided with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> Kate, who at
+sound of the name and the glad ring of the voices had crept down-stairs
+for the news.</p>
+
+<p>And so she had to come in and see Mrs. Stannard, and hear some few at
+least of the details of Dora Mayhew's romantic, runaway marriage, and
+while they were being told tattoo was sounded, and then Mrs. Stannard
+asked if she might not creep up-stairs and see Miriam; she thought she
+might cheer her a bit. This left mother and daughter alone together, and
+again, and even more painfully, Mrs. Sumter noted how sad and
+unresponsive was Kate at mention of Lanier.</p>
+
+<p>It must have been nearly an hour later when Sumter came hurriedly in,
+threw his furs off in the hall, and with troubled face re-entered the
+parlor. His wife rose instantly, laid her head upon his arm, and asked,
+"What has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"A scene the like of which I never thought to hear of in this regiment.
+We had adjourned to the office. Snaffle had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> been drinking a bit and got
+angered and flustered when Riggs cross-examined him. One thing led to
+another, and finally in exasperation he blurted out, 'I'm sick of being
+called the accuser of Mr. Lanier. By God, I've defended him! I've hidden
+worse things than ever I told you yet, and now I'll stand it no longer!
+You twit me with spying and slandering. Then by all that's holy, you
+shall say here and now who's the better man. 'T was Lieutenant Lanier
+himself that leapt from the window this night a week ago&mdash;the back upper
+window of Sumter's quarters. That's how his hand was cut and torn, and
+I've got three men that'll swear to it!'"</p>
+
+<p>He broke off suddenly, for Kate had turned, flung herself from the room
+and into the arms of Mrs. Stannard. One long look into the sorrowful
+eyes of his wife, and Sumter quickly followed, and drew the sobbing girl
+from those kind arms into his own.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>"My child, my child," he said, "surely you did not <i>see</i> him?"</p>
+
+<p>"No! No! No!" was the instant answer. "No!" again she sobbed.</p>
+
+<p>"Then tell me what it means, Kate, daughter. It is&mdash;I demand it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, father, father&mdash;it was&mdash;it was what I <i>heard</i>&mdash;when she
+screamed&mdash;and fell?"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>What</i> did you hear?"</p>
+
+<p>"The other voice&mdash;<i>his</i> voice. It said plainly, 'Miriam, hush! Don't you
+know me?'"</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XII" id="XII"></a>XII</h2>
+
+<p>"Bob," said Mr. Ennis, sauntering in to his comrade's bedside the
+following morning, "I'm instructed to pay you a kiss."</p>
+
+<p>Lanier's bandaged head spun on the pillow. He had but one girl in his
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>"Wh&mdash;who?" he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>Ennis threw his head back and laughed. "Nine times out of ten when a
+fellow is asked, 'will you take it now or wait till you get it?' he's
+wise to take it now. If <i>I'm</i> any judge, I should say you'd better wait
+till you can get it, which may be in less than a week."</p>
+
+<p>"Ennis, if you can quit being an ass long enough to tell me what you
+mean, and where you've been, I'll thank you. If you can't, I wish you'd
+get out. <i>Ugashe!</i>" concluded Bob, with a lapse into Apache and the pillow.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>"Well, it probably isn't just the kiss you were thinking of&mdash;no more was
+when I got it&mdash;but, Robert, my son and fellow soldier, it's my recorded
+conviction that the most enviable member of the regiment this day of our
+Lord is your twin trooper friend Rawdon. I saw him off on his wedding
+tour, and he <i>didn't</i> have on your clothes."</p>
+
+<p>Lanier's head popped up in an instant&mdash;the one visible eye all eager
+interest. "<i>Where</i> were they married? <i>When</i> did they get off? Was
+Lowndes there?" were the questions that flew from his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Arena. On Number Six. Don't know," was the categorical answer. "Rawdon
+brought the parson out from Omaha, and the Osborns gave her away. Of
+Lowndes I've seen nothing since the night you staked him at Laramie, and
+what I've heard of him you refused to listen to. Of that callow specimen
+of the effete and ultra-refined Back Bay District you've long since had
+my opinion. He's too good and gentle for this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> Western world of ours,
+Bob, and he and his shuddering kinsfolk suffer too much by
+contamination&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, shut up, Dad! His people <i>did</i> wire him that his mother was
+desperately ill. They merely wanted to get him away from the campaign.
+He'd been gambling, the pesky little fool, with some of the Rawhide
+crowd, was all out of cash and dared not tell his guardian. That's all
+there was to it. Soon's he gets his money he'll square up&mdash;thought
+perhaps he <i>had</i>, since Rawdon had enough to marry on. Lowndes owed
+<i>him</i> ten times what he owed me, I reckon."</p>
+
+<p>To them, thus engrossed in confidential chat, there suddenly entered the
+two doctors. "Black Bill," the inspector, it seems, had given notice
+that he must needs have speech with the culprit, if that bandaged,
+blistered, and unprincipled young man were in condition to see him.
+"Black Bill" and his host had been having a night of it. Button was in
+high<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> fettle over the amazingly truthful and unlooked-for articles in
+the <i>Mail</i>, and as eager to know and reward their author as he had been
+to apprehend and punish the earlier detractor. Button had begun to
+"wobble," as Bill expressed it, in his spleen against Lanier until so
+suddenly "braced" by the truculent stand of Captain Snaffle, whose
+half-drunken words the previous night were by this time known all over
+the post.</p>
+
+<p>The matter was now in the hands of Colonel Riggs, however, and it was
+his to determine what further action to take. Snaffle had named as his
+witness Sergeant Fitzroy, Private Kelley (who, though drunk on duty, had
+not been so drunk, said Snaffle and Fitzroy, that he could not recognize
+an officer when he saw him), and the third witness, to the amaze of
+Barker and the derision of Ennis, when told of it, was no less a person
+than poor Tom Rafferty, Lanier's own "striker" and hitherto devoted
+henchman. And to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> the consternation of Stannard, Sumter, and others,
+Captain Snaffle had been able to back his words. Riggs sent for the two
+availables, Fitzroy and Kelly, and the two had declared they could not
+be mistaken; that they had heard Miss Arnold's scream, followed
+instantly by the crash of glass. Fitzroy admitted that he was at the
+moment at Captain Snaffle's back door; said he ran round to the Sumters'
+gate; that he distinctly saw the figure of a man in a soldier's overcoat
+and fur cap leaping and sliding down the roof, and that a moment later
+he grappled with it in the dark woodshed, dropping his hold only when
+angrily ordered to do so, the voice adding instantly, "I'm Lieutenant
+Lanier." Kelly was ready to swear to practically the same facts, though
+he "thought there was two of them," which, under the circumstances, was
+not to be wondered at. Fitzroy declared that a moment later Rafferty
+rushed to the spot, recognized the lieutenant, and by him was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> sternly
+ordered to leave. As yet Rafferty was in no condition to affirm or deny.
+The excitement of the fire had brought on a relapse, and the wild
+Irishman was wilder than ever, "raving-like," as the steward said, in
+the big post hospital.</p>
+
+<p>And these statements, presently, did Colonel Riggs lay before Lieutenant
+Lanier, in presence of Doctors Larrabee and Schuchardt, as well as
+Lieutenant Ennis. "I've known you three years, young sir," said he, "and
+I've believed in you from the first. I have reminded Sergeant Fitzroy of
+his previous allegations against Trooper Rawdon, as to the scuffle and
+assault, and, so far from showing confusion, Fitzroy promptly said,
+'Certainly, that took place barely half a minute later and within ten
+yards of the spot.' He says his whole idea first was to drive Rawdon
+from the scene, and prevent his finding his officer in so humiliating a
+plight. He says he sought in every way at first to shield the
+lieutenant,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> but when all these other facts came out about the cap, the
+clothing, the lieutenant's absence from his quarters, his lacerated
+hand, etc., there was no help for it. He finally yielded to the pressure
+of Captain Snaffle's questions and told the truth. Kelly miserably
+admitted his knowledge of it and when Rafferty came to his senses, he,
+too, was to be catechised."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mr. Lanier, there's the situation. Do you care to say anything to
+me, or would you prefer to take counsel?"</p>
+
+<p>And Bob Lanier leaning on his elbow, looked quietly up in the colonel's
+bearded face and answered:</p>
+
+<p>"Colonel Riggs, I reckon both those men think they're telling the truth,
+and I may have to prove they're not."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean&mdash;you <i>were</i> there?" queried old Riggs, in genuine concern.</p>
+
+<p>"There, sir? Of <i>course</i> I was there&mdash;quick as I could get there, but
+not quick enough by any manner of means."</p>
+
+<p>Riggs looked grave indeed.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>"You say you may have to prove it was not you. Don't you <i>know</i> you'll
+have to&mdash;if these witnesses are further sustained?"</p>
+
+<p>"Fully, sir, and when my need is known there will be witnesses for the
+defense. The doctors tell me Rafferty may not come round in less than a
+week. When the time arrives I'll be ready."</p>
+
+<p>And that was the way it had to be left. That was the condition of
+affairs when the eighth, and final, day of Lanier's close arrest
+arrived. Longer than eight, according to law, the colonel could not keep
+him in. Sooner than eight more, according to Larrabee, the doctors could
+not let him out. Yet there came a compromise and a change. "The idea of
+Bob Lanier spending Christmas in hospital!" said Mrs. Stannard. It was
+not to be thought of. A sunshiny room on the ground floor of the major's
+big house was duly prepared, and thither just before sunset on Christmas
+eve our young soldier was piloted by<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> Schuchardt and Ennis, making the
+trip afoot across the rearward space, yet being remanded to a huge easy
+chair and partial bandages immediately on his arrival.</p>
+
+<p>"Black Bill," with his incomplete report, had gone back to Omaha to
+further mystify the adjutant-general and to eat his Christmas dinner.
+The order for the court-martial hung fire until the preliminary
+investigation could be concluded. Fort Cushing set itself to enjoy the
+sweet festival as best it might, while such a problem remained unsolved.
+Veterinary Surgeon Mayhew had taken seven days' leave, an eastbound
+train, and at three <span class="smcap">p.m.</span> the day before Christmas came a telegram from
+---- Arnold, Esq., of Standish Bay, Massachusetts, announcing that he
+would leave forthwith for the West, bringing his sister with him. The
+Sumters told Mrs. Stannard, and she told Bob Lanier.</p>
+
+<p>It has been said that this young gentleman was an outspoken fellow, with
+a hit-or-miss way of saying things when once<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> his mind was made up, and
+by this time it would seem he had made up his mind.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Stannard, if you think a girl could stand the sight of such a Guy
+Fawkes as this, I would give much to speak ten minutes to Miss Miriam
+Arnold."</p>
+
+<p>"You're <i>not</i> a Guy Fawkes," said Mrs. Stannard, with fluttering heart.
+"You've lost something of your mustache and eyebrows, but very little of
+your good looks. Only&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Only what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it's going to be so much harder to see her <i>now</i> than it was
+before&mdash;before she&mdash;&mdash;" and Mrs. Stannard faltered.</p>
+
+<p>"Before she saw me playing Saint Somebody or other at the back window,
+and screamed? Nobody knows <i>I</i> heard it except you, and you won't tell.
+Moreover, it isn't about <i>that</i> that I have to speak."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Stannard's bonny face showed instant disappointment.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>"There's&mdash;there's another matter," said Bob, with trouble in his tones.</p>
+
+<p>"I so hoped&mdash;&mdash;" faltered that arch match-maker.</p>
+
+<p>"So did I, Mrs. Stannard," said downright Bob, "but not with charges
+hanging over my head. First I've got to meet the enemy."</p>
+
+<p>And yet he wished to see and speak with Miriam, who not once had set
+foot out of doors since the night of the fire, whose sweet face flamed
+at every recurring thought of that incident, whose self-betrayal covered
+her with shame and confusion indescribable, who would give years of her
+young life if she could only escape from Fort Cushing and hide herself a
+thousand miles away. But not until that stern puritanical father should
+arrive was leaving to be thought of. A week agone and the tidings of his
+coming would have filled her with dread; now she heard them with relief.
+Father coming&mdash;and Aunt Agnes! Aunt Agnes, who<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> never before had been
+west of the Hudson. Aunt Agnes, whose forebears had warred against
+witchcraft and woodcraft, against village crones and forest children,
+against helpless old women and stealthy young savages&mdash;all without mercy
+when delivered into their hands! Was it in partial reparation for the
+rapine, the swindling, and stealing dealt out by her Pilgrim forefathers
+to the Indian of the East that Aunt Agnes had become the vehement
+champion of the Indian of the West? President of a famous Peace Society
+was she, and secretary of the Standish Branch of the Friends of the Red
+Man, a race whom the original and redoubtable Miles had spitted and
+skewered and shot without stint or discrimination. And now was Aunt
+Agnes hastening westward with her brother, to reclaim their one ewe lamb
+from the wolf pack of the wilds, and incidentally to see for herself
+something of the haunts and habits of the red brother in whose behalf,
+these<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> last six months, her voice had been uplifted time and again. It
+was the year of a great Indian war. The blood of hundreds of our
+soldiery had been shed, without protest from these of Puritan stock, but
+they shuddered at thought of reprisals. Aunt Agnes coming to Cushing!
+Aunt Agnes to meet the colonel and his "red-handed horde of ruthless
+slayers!"</p>
+
+<p>No wonder the Christmas day that dawned for Miriam Arnold in that
+stirring Centennial year bade fair to be the gloomiest of her life. Yet
+who can tell what a day may bring forth?</p>
+
+<p>Sumter came in, cheery and laughing, for the late family breakfast.
+Guard-mounting was long over, but he had been detained by the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>"It is almost comical," said he, "to see Button's delight in those
+letters in the New York papers. He's as curious now to know the author
+of those as he was furious at the supposed author of the others."</p>
+
+<p>"What others?" faltered Miriam<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> Arnold, her eyes filling with strange
+apprehension, her face visibly paling.</p>
+
+<p>"Some bitter attacks on him that appeared in the Boston and Philadelphia
+papers about that night surprise of Lone Wolf's village&mdash;the one he
+accused Mr. Lanier of having started."</p>
+
+<p>"Accused&mdash;Mr. Lanier!" And Miriam Arnold, with consternation in her
+voice, was half rising from the table.</p>
+
+<p>"I had thought it best to say nothing to you about it, Miriam dear,"
+said Mrs. Sumter gently. "You had so many worries."</p>
+
+<p>"But Mrs. Sumter! Captain!" interrupted Miriam, wild-eyed. "Do you mean
+Colonel Button accused Mr. <i>Lanier</i> of those letters?"</p>
+
+<p class="center"><a name="illus199-1.jpg" id="illus199-1.jpg"></a><img src="images/illus199-1.jpg" width='484' height='700' alt="But Do You Mean Colonel Button Accused Mr. Lanier of Those Letters" /></p>
+
+<p class='center'>"<span class="smcap">But Do You Mean Colonel Button Accused Mr. Lanier of Those Letters?</span>"</p>
+
+<p>"That was the backbone of his grievance against Lanier," said Sumter
+gravely, and intently studying her face. "Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"And he didn't&mdash;deny it? Didn't&mdash;tell what he knew?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>"Denied it, yes, but refused to tell what he knew&mdash;said it came in such
+a way he could not tell. Why, Miriam, what do <i>you</i> know?"</p>
+
+<p>For a moment it looked as though she were on the verge of hysterical
+breakdown. Kate sprang to her side and threw an arm around her, but with
+gallant effort she regained self-control.</p>
+
+<p>"I know <i>just</i> who wrote those wicked stories, and I told Mr. Lanier;
+and I know&mdash;and I'm ashamed I ever <i>had</i> to know&mdash;who first told them."</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XIII" id="XIII"></a>XIII</h2>
+
+<p>Stannard had been summoned to Omaha, much to Button's curiosity and
+disquiet. Mrs. Stannard, left temporarily widowed, was none the less
+radiant. A romance was unfolding right under her roof, and the heart of
+the woman was glad. Her patient was sitting up in spick and span uniform
+and a sunshiny parlor. Plainly furnished as were the frontier quarters
+of that day and generation, the room looked very bright and cosey this
+crisp December evening. Christmas had come and gone with but faint
+celebration, as compared with former years. There had been several
+callers, masculine and regimental, during the earlier afternoon, but now
+they were off for stables. There had been an influx of army wives and
+daughters, to wish Bob Lanier many<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> happy returns, for this was his
+birthday. Shrewd woman, with all her gentle kindliness and tact, was
+Mrs. Stannard. She had sent word to all her cronies of the interesting
+event and suggested a call. More significance, therefore, would be
+attached to a neglect to an acceptance of the hint. Perhaps this is how
+it happened that just about four <span class="smcap">p.m.</span>, when most people were gone, Mrs.
+Sumter came quietly, cheerily, convoying her two girls, and presently
+Bob Lanier was smiling into the eyes of Miriam Arnold, whose hand he
+took last and clung to longest of the three.</p>
+
+<p>Not since the night of the fire had he set eyes on her. Not since the
+night of the dance had he spoken with her, and he was startled to see
+the change. Bravely though she bore herself, the flush that mantled her
+cheek was but momentary, and left her pallid and wan. Miriam looked as
+though she had been seriously ill. Kate Sumter had given him only<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>
+hurried and almost embarrassed words of greeting. Mrs. Sumter, however,
+had extended both her hands in an impulse of loyal liking and
+friendship, and it is doubtful if Bob even saw the daughter's face.
+Certainly he never noted the lack of heart in her manner. His eyes had
+flitted almost instantly to Miriam Arnold's, and there they hung. A few
+minutes of swift, purposeless chat ensued, Mrs. Stannard and Mrs. Sumter
+doing most of it. Then, somehow, three women seemed to drift away and
+become engrossed in matters of their own over by the Navajo-covered
+lounge, and then Miriam lifted up her eyes and looked one moment into
+the young soldier's face.</p>
+
+<p>The bandages had been removed, though his left hand was still encased in
+a huge white kid glove, a discard from the hand of Ennis. Eyebrows and
+mustache had suffered much, and a red streak ran from the left temple
+down toward the neck, yet Bob looked fit and debonair and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> happy in
+spite of his weight of martial woes.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the first chance I've had to thank you for the dance we&mdash;didn't
+finish," said he, noting with a thrill the tremor of the little hand
+that fluttered for that moment in his grasp.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think it a thing to be thankful for? I don't."</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't have lost it for a month's pay, to put it mildly, and it
+will take more than a month's pay to repair later damages," said he,
+trying to smile and be unsentimental.</p>
+
+<p>"How very much more than that you <i>may</i> lose!" said she. "Do you think I
+could have danced with you if I had dreamed what&mdash;what you were doing?"</p>
+
+<p>"You were dancing like a dream," said he. "Do you mean I was dancing
+like a nightmare?"</p>
+
+<p>"You were doing what was sure to involve you in grave trouble, and&mdash;it
+wasn't kind to me, Mr. Lanier."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>"I'm all contrition for the anxiety it caused you, Miss Miriam, and for
+absolutely nothing else. I wish you to know that I did nothing unusual.
+Colonel Button was angry with me for a very different matter."</p>
+
+<p>One moment she was silent; then, with lips that quivered in spite of her
+effort&mdash;a quiver that he saw and that set his heart to bounding
+madly&mdash;with lowered voice she hurried on: "And that, too, involves me,
+or mine. And you"&mdash;then uplifting her swimming eyes&mdash;"you <i>would</i> not
+tell."</p>
+
+<p>And then the barrier of his pride was swept away.</p>
+
+<p>"Miriam!" he cried, his hands eagerly seeking and seizing hers, only
+faintly resisting. "There was no <i>need</i> to tell." He was standing facing
+her now, close to the curtained window, his back toward the twittering
+trio near the dining-room door and imperceptibly edging thither at Mrs.
+Stannard's suggestion of coffee. Was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> this prearranged? Bob never saw
+nor heeded. <i>She</i> did, however, and well knew its meaning, and the woman
+in her, that thrilled and throbbed at sight of the passion in his eyes
+the worship in his face coquetting with her own delight would have torn
+herself away to follow them, but her little hands were held in a grasp
+against which she might struggle in vain. He was lifting them to his
+heart, and as he drew them he was drawing her. She had to come, her long
+curling lashes sweeping the soft cheeks, now once more blushing like the
+dawn. "Oh, Mr. Lanier," he heard her murmur, as though pleading and
+warning. One swift glance he tossed over his shoulder at the last form
+vanishing through the doorway, then his dark eyes, glowing and
+rejoiceful, fastened on hers, and quick and fervent came the next words:
+"There is only one thing that need be told&mdash;that <i>must</i> be told, because
+I've just been brimming over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> with it all these weeks" (ah, how the
+bonny head was drooping now, but drooping toward him), "and now I can
+keep it back no longer. Miriam, Miriam, I love you&mdash;I love you! Have you
+nothing to tell me?"</p>
+
+<p>One instant of thrilling suspense, then with a sob welling up from her
+burdened heart, the barrier of her pride and reserve went as his had
+gone a moment ago. "Oh, you know&mdash;you <i>know</i> it! Who <i>hasn't</i> known it
+since that awful night?" she cried, and then found herself folded,
+weeping uncontrollably, almost deliriously, in his arms, his lips
+raining kisses on the warm, wet cheek. A moment he held her
+close-wrapped to his heart, then gradually, yet with irresistible power,
+turned upward the tear-stained, blushing, exquisite face, so that he
+could feast his eyes upon her beauty, then with joy unutterable, his
+lips sank upon the soft, quivering mouth in the first love kiss she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> had
+ever known, and their troubles vanished into heaven at the touch.</p>
+
+<p class='tbrk'>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Stannard, you were a jewel and a general. Now, how about the major?</p>
+
+<p>"For conference with the Judge-Advocate of the Department," read the
+order that summoned him, and from that conference forth went our doughty
+dragoon in search of conquest. "It is understood," said the officials,
+"that you know the circumstances under which Lieutenant Lanier became
+responsible for the money borrowed at Laramie by or for that young Mr.
+Lowndes, also that you know him." There were other matters, but that
+came up first. Stannard knew and was quite willing to set forth with a
+plain-clothes member of the Omaha force on a mission for and from
+headquarters.</p>
+
+<p>In a derby hat and civilian suit of the fashion of '72, the latter much
+too snug for him, our squadron leader of the Sioux campaign looked
+little like a trooper<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> as he sauntered with his detective companion into
+the lobby of the Paxton a few minutes later, and listened to his
+modernized tale of the prodigal son. It was all known to the police.
+Lowndes had run through the purse and patience of his Eastern kindred
+some two years before. Lowndes had been transported to a cattle ranch
+near Fort Cushing in hopes of permanent benefit, but speedily neglected
+the range for the more congenial society of the fort. He was well born
+and bred. He was made free at first at the mess, but wore out his
+welcome. He went on the campaign for excitement and got much more than
+he wanted. He took to gambling among the scouts and packers and
+sergeants, for the officers had soon cold-shouldered him. But he was a
+college man, a secret society man, as had been Lieutenant Lanier before
+entering the Point. Since the campaign Lowndes had been going from bad
+to worse; had gambled away the money sent him by his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> relatives, and
+they were now sorely anxious about him. Moreover, he was needed as a
+material witness for the defense in the case of Lieutenant Lanier, and
+would answer no letters to his post-office address. He hadn't been near
+the ranch in nearly a month, hadn't been seen about Cushing City since
+the blizzard; was believed to be somewhere in this neighborhood in
+disguise.</p>
+
+<p>And even as the story was being told, there came bounding down the broad
+stairway from above, a slender, well-built youth, in whom the
+civilization of the East was stamped in the stylish, trim-fitting
+travelling suit with cap to match, in the further items of natty silken
+scarf and the daintiest of hand and foot covering. It was the erect,
+jaunty carriage that caught the major's eye. In build, bearing, and gait
+the approaching stranger was Bob Lanier all over. He came straight
+toward them, and was tripping lightly, swiftly by when Stannard sprang to his feet.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>"Rawdon!" he cried, voice and manner at once betraying the soldier and
+the habit of authority and command. It was as imperative as the crisp,
+curt "Halt" of veteran sentry, and effective as though backed by
+levelled bayonet.</p>
+
+<p>But if Stannard for an instant looked for demur, resistance, attempt to
+avoid, or even a trace of confusion on the part of this transmogrified
+trooper, the idea as quickly vanished. A wave of color, it is true,
+swept instantly to the young fellow's temples, but the sudden light of
+recognition in his handsome eyes was frank and fearless. Quickly he
+whirled about, courteously he raised his cap, instinctively his heels
+clicked together as he stood attention to his squadron leader of the
+summer agone.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg the major's pardon," said he. "I did not expect him here, and had
+never seen him in civilian dress."</p>
+
+<p>And now the detective, too, was on his feet, and curiously noting the
+pair.</p>
+
+<p>"You're on furlough I understand, but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> I heard&mdash;my wife said&mdash;you were
+in Chicago."</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Stannard was right, sir. My wife and her father are there now,
+visiting my sister. Doctor Mayhew told me of the charges against
+Lieutenant Lanier, and that is what brings me back at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Going back at once?" began the major, mollified, yet mystified. "I
+presume you know more of these matters than any one else."</p>
+
+<p>"With possibly two exceptions, sir. I hope to nab one of them here."</p>
+
+<p>"Lowndes?" queried Stannard.</p>
+
+<p>"Lowndes," answered Rawdon.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you're just the man we want."</p>
+
+<p class='tbrk'>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon as the Union Pacific express stood ready at the Union
+station for the start, there boarded one of the sleepers a burly,
+thick-set, bluff-mannered man in huge fur overcoat, close followed by
+two younger companions. One of these latter, erect and graceful in
+bearing,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> alert and quick in every movement, with clear-cut and handsome
+features, was dressed with care and taste, evidently a man accustomed to
+metropolitan scenes and society; the other, a youth of probably his own
+age, though looking elder, was sallow, shabby, with a dejected
+down-at-the-heel expression to his entire personality that told
+infallibly of failure and humiliation. At a sign from their leader he
+dropped dumbly into a section, settled himself next the frosty window,
+with his head shrunk down in his worn coat-collar, and his slouch hat
+pulled over his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Better pull off that overcoat and make yourself comfortable, Lowndes,"
+said the younger man. "You've a long journey ahead."</p>
+
+<p>Whereat a tall, spare, elderly gentleman in the adjoining section slowly
+lowered his newspaper and turned half round, while a tall, spare,
+elderly, sharp-featured woman beside him, in prim travelling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> garb,
+sprang from her seat and brushing the burly man aside, precipitated
+herself upon the shrinking object in the corner.</p>
+
+<p>"Mortimer Watson Lowndes!" cried she. "Where on earth have you been?"</p>
+
+<p>For answer Mortimer Watson bowed his flabby face in his hands and wept
+dismally.</p>
+
+<p>Two days later the colonel's office at Fort Cushing was the scene of a
+somewhat remarkable trial. It had no force in law, yet was held to be
+conclusive. There was no array of uniformed judges sitting, by order, as
+a general court-martial. The tribunal consisted, in point of fact, of a
+single man, acting as judge, jury and attorney, to wit, "Black Bill"
+Riggs, Inspector-General of the Department of the Platte. To the
+unspeakable disgust of most of the officers, and the outspoken
+disapprobation of many of their wives, only those closely concerned in
+or connected with the case were invited to be present. Certain others
+who had just<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> happened in, thinking to hear the proceedings, were,
+indeed, invited to leave.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Button, as post commander and principal accuser, was, of course,
+at his usual desk. Colonel Riggs, his jealously regarded rival, was
+seated at a little table, whereon was much stationery and a stack of
+memoranda. Lieutenant Lanier, somewhat pale but entirely placid,
+occupied a chair to the left of that table, with Captain Sumter, as his
+troop commander and counsel, by his side. Captain Snaffle was in support
+of the post commander to cross-question if he saw fit. Barker, the
+adjutant, was present, as a matter of course. A headquarters clerk sat
+facing Riggs, prepared to take notes, and the trim orderly stood outside
+the closed door. Three or four people in civilian garb sat awaiting
+summons in the adjutant's office across the hall, and Sergeant Fitzroy,
+with trouble in his eyes and wrath in his heart, was flitting uneasily
+about in the domain of the sergeant-major.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>"If you are ready, Colonel Button," began Riggs, with elaborate
+courtesy, "I am, and let me briefly say that I have seen Trooper
+Rafferty at the hospital, also certain other men named by Captain
+Snaffle; but in order that all parties may be given opportunity to hear
+and to examine, and at the request of Lieutenant Lanier, who desires the
+fullest investigation and publicity, I have invited you and the captain
+to hear what I consider the really valuable evidence. Will you call in
+Trooper Rawdon?"</p>
+
+<p>Snaffle's face was a sight when the door opened and there entered a very
+self-possessed young man, in stylish and becoming civilian dress, who
+nevertheless stood bolt upright, with his hand raised in salute.</p>
+
+<p>"Hwat's he mean by coming here in 'cits'?" said Snaffle, in hoarse
+whisper, to his commander.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Colonel Riggs; if this man's a soldier, why isn't he in uniform?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>With perfect respect, at a nod from Riggs, the newcomer replied: "My
+uniforms, and other belongings of mine, were taken from my trunk in town
+during my absence."</p>
+
+<p>"You could have borrowed one," said Snaffle truculently.</p>
+
+<p>"I told him he need not," retorted Riggs. "And now, gentlemen, we'll
+waste no time trying to worry the witness. Mr. Rawdon, you <i>were</i> a duly
+enlisted trooper, I believe. Take that chair."</p>
+
+<p>"And am still, sir, as far as I know."</p>
+
+<p>"But your discharge is ordered, as I understand it."</p>
+
+<p>"It was applied for and recommended, and General Whipple told me in
+Chicago a few days ago it was settled; but that would have made no
+difference, sir. I should have been proud to wear the uniform until
+officially discharged."</p>
+
+<p>Riggs wheeled in his chair. "Colonel Button, it has been fully explained
+to this&mdash;man,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> and to the next, that what they tell us here is to be
+just what they would swear to before a court. You can decide for
+yourself on hearing it whether you wish them to swear to it or not. Now,
+Rawdon, tell us how you came to enlist."</p>
+
+<p>"As the representative of three newspapers, in Chicago and the East.
+They were anxious to have an Indian campaign, and the life of an
+enlisted man, described as it really was. I joined a squad of recruits
+for this regiment right after the news of the Crazy Horse Battle on
+Powder River."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you still hold that job?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir;" and there was a twitch of the muscles about the corners of
+the mouth suggestive of amusement.</p>
+
+<p>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p>"I failed to&mdash;give satisfaction. Only scraps of my letters were
+published."</p>
+
+<p>"What did they want?"</p>
+
+<p>"Criticism principally, and confirmation of the stories of abuse and ill
+treatment of soldiers by their officers."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>"Were your letters never published?"</p>
+
+<p>"Three of them, eventually, after the campaign&mdash;in the New York <i>Morning
+Mail</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon Riggs spun in his chair and rejoicefully surveyed Button, who
+sat like a man in a daze, staring, opened-eyed, at the witness. For the
+life of him Sumter could not suppress a chuckle.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, as I understand it, you were favorably impressed with the
+life&mdash;and conditions?"</p>
+
+<p>"In spite of hardship and privation, yes, sir; and because I found
+complete refutation of the stories about the officers, both as regarded
+their dealing with the Indians and with their own men."</p>
+
+<p>"Were there any persons with the command who knew you and your mission?"</p>
+
+<p>"Two, sir, as it turned out. Trooper Cary, who enlisted at the same time
+I did, and a civilian, Mr. Lowndes, who recognized us at Fort Frayne. We
+were at college together. He and Cary became very intimate toward the
+last, and yet I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> think they kept my secret in spite of our falling out."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you care to tell us why you fell out?"</p>
+
+<p>"I prefer that Mr. Lowndes should do that. He and Cary had been chums in
+college days, and though we were in the same society I did not know them
+then as I do now."</p>
+
+<p>"You had trouble with Sergeant Fitzroy at first, did you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Almost from the start, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"We have heard his version. What is yours?"</p>
+
+<p>Rawdon's frank face clouded and colored one moment, but the eyes never
+flinched.</p>
+
+<p>"It was partly on account of the lady who is now my wife, and partly on
+account of&mdash;money. Fitzroy is an out-and-out usurer, and has a dozen
+sergeants in the regiment in his debt and under his thumb, Captain
+Snaffle's first sergeant among them."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>"It's a lie!" said Snaffle.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the truth," said Riggs, "and I have other proofs. You will curb
+your tongue and your temper, Captain Snaffle, if you please. Go on,
+Rawdon."</p>
+
+<p>"I had reason to believe he was squeezing Doctor Mayhew. I had learned
+to love Mayhew's daughter. I had a little money laid by, and was getting
+a good salary. I made Doctor Mayhew take enough to free himself, and won
+Fitzroy's hate on both accounts."</p>
+
+<p>"You are accused of assaulting him the night of the 16th. What of that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not even see him or speak to him. I had been in town in the
+afternoon, arranging for our marriage. Doctor Mayhew would not hear of
+it until I had got my discharge, but we had decided to be married
+Saturday morning, and to go East that afternoon, as important business
+called me. Mr. Lowndes will tell you that he owed me much money. I had
+lost my position as correspondent, needed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> the cash, and pressed him for
+it. He had promised faithfully to have it ready, but ready it was not. I
+knew of his relatives in Massachusetts and urged him to telegraph, but
+he said he could get some of it, at least, at the fort. So I drove him
+and Cary out in a sleigh, left them at the store, and, circling the
+fort, spent two hours with Miss Mayhew. Then getting uneasy, as they did
+not come, drove round back to the store just in time to see Lieutenant
+Foster's sleigh going like the wind to town, and found Rafferty in
+frantic excitement. He said there was hell to pay. The lieutenant was in
+arrest. Lowndes and Cary had run away with some of his clothes. There'd
+been a shindy up the row, and just then a soldier friend came running.
+'Skip for your life, Rawdon,' said he. 'There's been robbery at Captain
+Sumter's, and Sergeant Fitzroy swears it was you, and that you've struck
+him and assaulted him. The colonel orders you arrested wherever found.
+The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> patrols are out now!' There was no time to explain. I lashed my
+team to town, caught Lowndes in cavalry overcoat and cap, the fool, and
+with not a cent to his name. I gave Cary a note to Miss Mayhew, which he
+never delivered, and took Lowndes with me on Number Six at 11.40."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you were not at Captain Sumter's that night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nowhere near it, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Snaffle's eyes were fairly popping from their sockets. Hadn't he said
+all along it was Lanier?</p>
+
+<p>"Now, another matter," continued Riggs. "That night at Laramie of which
+you told me. These gentlemen will be interested."</p>
+
+<p>"There was nothing remarkable in that. I had heard of the same thing
+being done at West Point. I heard in the nick of time of the order to
+the officer-of-the-day to inspect for Lieutenant Lanier. I imagined that
+something very serious would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> happen to him. I knew he'd gone to the
+post with Lowndes, and why. So, with my apologies now to the lieutenant,
+I slipped round to his tent and into his blankets."</p>
+
+<p>"Did the lieutenant know of it&mdash;or of the reason?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never, so far as I know. I doubt if he knows it now. Lowndes told me
+the lieutenant&mdash;before he entered West Point&mdash;was a member of our
+fraternity. That was enough."</p>
+
+<p>"And so far as I am concerned," said Riggs, "that is enough. Have you
+gentlemen any questions to ask?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not&mdash;now," answered Button slowly. "But I desire personally to see&mdash;the
+witness&mdash;later."</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XIV" id="XIV"></a>XIV</h2>
+
+<p>One more witness appeared before this informal court that memorable day,
+and with him, as prearranged, the tall, elderly civilian who had arrived
+with Stannard and his party from the East. Mr. Arnold came in, hat in
+hand, bowing gravely and profusely, with a very puzzled look in his
+face.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you for coming, Mr. Arnold," said Riggs, with bluff civility.
+"You have met these gentlemen&mdash;Colonel Button, Mr. Barker, Mr. Lanier,
+Captain Sumter." He pointedly omitted Snaffle, to whom, none the less,
+Mr. Arnold bowed as ceremoniously as to each of the others who had risen
+at his entrance. "Pray take this chair, sir. As I have explained to you,
+Mr. Lowndes, your nephew could not be compelled to testify before a
+mili<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>tary court, and need not make public admission here of what he told
+us at Rawdon's demand during our journey hither. I hope this is fully
+understood."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Arnold cleared his throat and beamed benevolently about him. The
+occasion seemed propitious, and a moral lesson appropriate, and he
+began:</p>
+
+<p>"My unhappy nephew realizes, with, I trust, genuine contrition, that he
+has been the cause of grave trouble, not only to us, his kindred in the
+East, but&mdash;er&mdash;to you military gentlemen in the West. He has, prompted,
+as we must admit, by Mr.&mdash;Mr. Rawdon, made a clean breast of his
+lamentable conduct, and has promised Mr. Rawdon to repeat every word of
+it&mdash;er&mdash;to Colonel Button, but, as his&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Then we'll waste no time," said Riggs impatiently. "We'll have him in,
+and I can catch the afternoon train. Orderly, call Mr. Lowndes."</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;I was about to remark," pro<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>ceeded Mr. Arnold, "that if
+any&mdash;er&mdash;suit for damages, or&mdash;er&mdash;recovery of money should be in
+contemplation, we desire&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't fear, sir. Nobody's going to sue for damages. What we want is the
+quashing of all charges against this young gentleman, who has been made
+to suffer abominably. Ah, come in, Mr. Lowndes. Sit down, sir. You have
+met everybody here. Now, as speedily as possible, we'll finish this
+matter, and in four hours we'll be off for home."</p>
+
+<p>It was but a dejected specimen of a college-bred man that sank into the
+chair in front of Riggs and faced him with pallid cheek and somber eyes.
+One look he gave at Bob Lanier, a furtive, forlorn glance, which met no
+recognition whatsoever. Lanier looked him over with indifference that
+bordered closely on contempt, but gave no other sign.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Lowndes," said Riggs abruptly, "there is no need of going over the
+entire<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> story. I'll ask you to answer certain questions. Who was your
+earliest friend in this regiment?"</p>
+
+<p>The dreary eyes turned once more toward Bob, and the nervous hands
+started the slouch hat in swifter revolution.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Lanier, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"How came that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I knew he was of my college fraternity before I entered college, and I
+showed him my pin and certificate."</p>
+
+<p>"That insured a welcome, I suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. He&mdash;he made me at home in his quarters&mdash;and tent."</p>
+
+<p>"Shared the best he had with you&mdash;home, food, drink, even clothes and
+money, I'm told."</p>
+
+<p>The flush deepened in the dejected face.</p>
+
+<p>"It is all true, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet you quarrelled with him during the campaign."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Why?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>"I lost money gambling, and he wouldn't lend me any more."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ever pay what he had lent you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not&mdash;yet, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Even after your quarrel did he not aid you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, at Laramie. I didn't seem to have any friend left by that time,
+and had to go to him for help when they wired me to come home."</p>
+
+<p>"In point of fact, he enabled you to get one hundred dollars at
+Laramie?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I gave my note and he gave his word."</p>
+
+<p>"What did you do with the money?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tried to win back some that I had lost, at poker, and lost most of what
+I had raised. I suppose I'd have lost all of it if Rawdon hadn't caught
+me playing and pulled me out."</p>
+
+<p>"You owed him still more?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly two hundred dollars, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you go home?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>"I couldn't; I had only enough to bring me to Cushing, and they wouldn't
+send me any more. I had to go to the ranch and stay."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you try to earn any money?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir, writing about the campaign. Rawdon lost his position because
+he didn't send what they wanted, so I thought I might. The editor didn't
+know me, and asked for references, so I sent my stories to&mdash;to Mr.
+Arnold and my aunt. She often wrote for the papers."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that the way the Boston and other papers came to publish those
+scandals at the expense of Colonel Button?"</p>
+
+<p>"She dressed them up a good deal and made it worse than I described,"
+faltered Lowndes.</p>
+
+<p>"Er&mdash;let me explain, gentlemen," interposed Mr. Arnold, who had been
+twitching in uneasiness. "My sister is of a very sympathetic nature, and
+her heart has long been wrung by the injustice meted out to the Indian.
+When this<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> unhappy boy wrote those&mdash;er&mdash;descriptive letters she had no
+reason to doubt their entire truth. Indeed, her conviction was that he
+was concealing, or glossing over, worse things."</p>
+
+<p>"He seems to have later supplied you with worse things, Mr. Arnold. For
+instance, I will ask you what was his final explanation of his need for
+money?"</p>
+
+<p>"He begged me to send him two hundred dollars at once, saying he would
+be disgraced if he could not pay Lieutenant Lanier, who had won it from
+him at cards."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Lowndes," said Riggs, "did Lieutenant Lanier ever win a dollar from
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never, sir." And now the miserable head went down into the hot and
+feverish hands, and the silence in the room became something oppressive.</p>
+
+<p>Riggs let him rest a minute, then went on. "Now, then, in your own way,
+tell us what happened that night of the 16th."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>For a few seconds there was silence. Then, suddenly uplifting his head
+and looking at no one, Lowndes desperately plunged into his narrative.
+"I&mdash;I&mdash;was mad, I suppose, with debt and misery, and I began to drink.
+Rawdon told me he <i>must</i> have the money. My uncle had flatly refused to
+send me more. I got desperate. There was left me only one way, and that
+was through my cousin Miriam. I knew she was out here, and she&mdash;she had
+always been my best friend in my troubles at home. We'd almost been
+brought up together until they sent me out here. She didn't know where I
+was. They didn't wish her to know. But I knew if I could see her she
+would help me.</p>
+
+<p>"Rawdon had changed into citizen's clothes in town, and I had pawned my
+overcoat, so he lent me his cavalry overcoat and a fur cap, drove me and
+Cary out to the fort, and left us at the store, promising to join him at
+Doctor May<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>hew's in an hour. We were chilled from the ride, and drank
+more. Rafferty told me Mr. Lanier was officer-of-the-guard, and
+everybody else was at the dance. We filled Rafferty up, for Cary'd made
+up his mind he was going to Rawdon's wedding in 'cits' instead of
+soldier clothes, and he was bent on borrowing a suit of Lieutenant
+Lanier's, even though they would hardly fit him. He swore he'd return
+them the next day, and Rafferty let him have them, and he put them on in
+the lieutenant's back room. Then he and I went up the rear fence and
+caught sight of Number Five&mdash;Trooper Kelly. Cary knew him and went ahead
+to 'fix things' with him, as he said. Kelly had seen us come out of
+Lieutenant Lanier's back gate, and was suspicious. Cary, to quiet him,
+told him he was with Lieutenant Lanier&mdash;that we were helping Rawdon get
+ready for his wedding. He made Kelly drink to Rawdon's happiness, and
+drink three or four times, and finally left him<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> with a half full flask
+up the row toward Major Stannard's. Then we went to Captain Sumter's.
+Kelly told Cary the servants were in at Captain Snaffle's. The door was
+open. Cary watched below, while I hunted for my cousin's room. I found
+it easily. I knew they had sent her money, and orders to come
+home&mdash;uncle had written me as much. I found her desk. I knew it well of
+old, and then, to my horror, I heard her voice, and in a second she was
+in the room. She gave one awful scream, though I tore off my cap and
+begged her to know me, but she fell in a faint. Others were coming. I
+broke out of the back window, slid and scrambled down the roof to the
+shed and so to the ground. I heard men come running, so I dove into the
+coal-shed, where the sergeant grabbed me in the dark and I&mdash;had to make
+him let go, and&mdash;said I was Lieutenant Lanier. Later I crawled through a
+hole in the fence and started for the store, scared out of my wits.
+Right<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> at the next gate I crashed into two men, grappled and fighting.
+We all three fell in a heap. I picked myself and cap up and ran again;
+caught Cary at the store just jumping into a sleigh, and we lashed those
+horses every inch of the way, left them at a ranch gate, and ran to the
+station. The train was a few minutes late. Rawdon presently came, and he
+took me to Omaha, as I begged him, for I didn't know what could or would
+be done to me if I was caught. He, too, had to get away or be thrown
+into the guard-house, and that&mdash;that's about all."</p>
+
+<p>"You have that overcoat with you yet, I believe&mdash;that cavalry coat."</p>
+
+<p>"It's all I have had to wear, sir," was the rueful answer, as, rising,
+he took the garment from the arm of his chair and laid it upon the
+table, with the yellow lining of the cape thrown back, exposing a rent
+or gash, whereupon Captain Sumter arose, took from an envelope a sliver
+of yellow cloth, and fitted it into the gap.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>
+"This," said he, "I found on the hook of the storm-sash, and this," he
+continued, laying beside it a rusty sheath knife, "was later found under
+the snow, close under the dormer window." Then turning the overcoat
+inside out, he displayed on the back lining in stencil the name
+"Rawdon."</p>
+
+<p>"And now," said Riggs, "we will hear the accused."</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't necessary," began Button, turning in his chair. "I have heard
+more than enough&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"It <i>is</i> necessary, Colonel Button, if you please, for my satisfaction
+as investigator. Of course Mr. Lanier is not obliged to speak, but a few
+matters remain to be cleared up. There is yet the time-honored problem
+of 'who struck Billy Patterson,'" and Button subsided.</p>
+
+<p>"The matter is quite simple," said Lanier. "I went direct from the
+dancing room to my quarters, not even stopping for my overcoat. I was
+chilled when I got<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> there. The fire was low, and I went back to call
+Rafferty. He didn't answer, so I had to lug in some fuel. His overcoat
+hung in the kitchen and I put that on, and just as I opened the back
+door there came the scream from up the row. Fire was the only thing I
+thought of, and I saw others running toward Captain Sumter's as I
+started from the back gate. Then a man rushed past me, going the other
+way, and then the next thing somebody sprang out from Captain Snaffle's
+back yard, tripped me, and I went headlong. I was on my feet in a
+second, but he had me round the neck, ordering me to surrender. I
+wrenched loose and let him have two hard ones, right and left, before he
+clinched again. Somebody else collided with us. We all went down. The
+last man was up first and ran away, with the first cap he could reach,
+and I followed in an effort to overtake him, knowing by that time it
+wasn't fire, but robbery. Then when I realized no life was in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> danger, I
+remembered I was in arrest, dropped the chase, and went straight to my
+quarters the way I came. Both hands were bruised and left badly cut. I
+am sorry, of course, to have struck Sergeant Fitzroy, but the language
+he used was vile, and it seemed to me the only way to convince him I was
+<i>not</i> Trooper Rawdon."</p>
+
+<p>"Colonel Button, have you any questions to ask?" demanded Riggs, as
+Lanier concluded.</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't you tell <i>me</i> this?" demanded Button.</p>
+
+<p>"I should have been glad to, colonel. Indeed, I tried to the last time I
+was in the office," was the deferential reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, gentlemen," said the colonel, as a parting shot, "between us we
+seem to have stirred up a pretty kettle of fish." Yet in that culinary
+maelstrom even Snaffle disowned either responsibility or complicity. He
+always <i>had</i> said Lanier was a perfect gentleman.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>And so ended Bob's arrest and most of our story. Riggs went back with
+his report that very afternoon. Rawdon lingered for a word with Cassidy,
+Quinlan, and poor remorseful Rafferty; then followed, unhampered even by
+his arch enemy Fitzroy, who slipped away to the stables three minutes
+after the close of the conference. But he was not even there when, along
+in the spring, Mr. and Mrs. Rawdon came out for a visit to Doctor
+Mayhew. Like Rawdon, he had received his discharge. Unlike Rawdon, there
+was serious objection to his re&euml;nlistment. Even Snaffle dare not "take
+him on" again.</p>
+
+<p>The snows lay long and deep in the ravines and hollows. It was not until
+mid-May that the poor victims of the blast and blinding storm were
+uncovered, and the bodies of the missing were found, save that of
+Cary&mdash;Cary, who, having been given up for lost, turned up most
+unexpectedly the very day that Fitzroy,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> applicant for re&euml;nlistment, was
+summarily turned down. But Cary came not of his own volition. He marched
+with a file of the guard. Cary's story was simple enough. Rawdon and
+Lowndes had hardly got away on the train when Sergeant Stowell and his
+party came searching. Cary hid. He was still half drunk. Some one told
+him of Kelly's arrest, and charged him with that and with running off
+the Fosters' sleigh. He dared not face the music. He forgot his precious
+missive to Dora Mayhew until next day. Then the storm held him. Not
+until the fire night did he summon up courage to sneak home. He had no
+money left and could buy no more liquor. He stole into Lanier's back
+door to return the civilian suit and recover the cavalry blouse and
+trousers left hanging in Rafferty's room. He could hear the lieutenant
+moving about overhead. He had to strike a light; he struck several
+matches; found the clothes, slipped out of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> "cits" and into his own.
+He was cold and numb. He knew there was liquor on the sideboard in the
+middle room. The craze was on him, and he risked it. He struck more
+matches and threw the burning stumps to the floor, drank his fill, then
+stumbled away, intending to give himself up to his first sergeant for
+absence without leave. Back round by way of the store and the east front
+he went, but before he could reach the barracks came the appalling cry
+of fire&mdash;Lanier's quarters! His doing beyond doubt, and now, in dismay
+and terror, he fled from the post. Some ranch folk took him in next day,
+and cared for him awhile, then sent word to the fort. Poor Cary had
+Lanier to plead for him before his trial, but three months' hard labor
+was the least the law would allow. He was still "doing time" when his
+happier friend of college days came back with his sweet young wife.</p>
+
+<p>By which time, too, another wedding<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> was announced as near at hand. Only
+two days did Mr. Arnold and Aunt Agnes allow Miriam in which to prepare
+for the homeward journey, but it is safe to say that in that brief time
+their views of frontier life and people had undergone marked amendment,
+for they had found an old expounder of their faith in the post chaplain,
+for one thing, and many surprising facts as to officers, men, and
+Indians for another. There came a bright wintry afternoon, at the fag
+end of the year, when the station platform held a lively little assembly
+waiting for the east-bound express. The colonel and his wife were there,
+the former by no means the blood-thirsty warrior of the elder's
+imagination. The Stannards had come in, and the Sumters, Kate, and "Dad"
+Ennis, the chaplain, and both doctors, and all these surrounded the
+brother and sister and held them in cheery converse, while Bob and
+Miriam sauntered, self-centred, away.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>There was a sheltered, sunshiny little nook down the platform, between
+the baggage and express sheds, with a high, board fence at the back, to
+keep off the north wind and human intruders. They passed it twice in
+their stroll, but the third time turned in&mdash;it was so good to get out of
+the piercing wind&mdash;as well as out of sight.</p>
+
+<p>What wonders a few days of delight will do for a girl! The pallor and
+lassitude had gone. The soft eyes were brimming with bliss. The rounded
+cheeks had regained all their bloom. The sweet, rosebud mouth seemed all
+smiles and warmth and witchery, and Lanier's eyes were glowing as he
+drew her to his heart and gazed down into the depths of those uplifted
+to his.</p>
+
+<p>"That brute of a train has been late for a week," said he, "but to-day
+it comes on time. It is going to be a long, long wait for May. How does
+papa seem to take it now?"</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>"Papa is quick to make amends when he has wronged&mdash;any one, and now he
+<i>knows</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, so does Aunt Agnes, Miriam, yet <i>she</i> doesn't approve."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Aunt Agnes, don't you know&mdash;she's different. She's a good deal
+like other women I know. When she's placed somebody else in a false
+position, she thinks that person ought to be very sorry for her, and
+sympathize with her, for having been deceived and misled. She thinks you
+ought to say how sorry <i>you</i> are."</p>
+
+<p>"How can I say I'm sorry when I'm so glad&mdash;<i>all</i> glad?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, there's Cousin Watson, don't you know? He was always her
+pet. He was brought up by a weak mother and a doting aunt, and she knows
+you don't approve of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Does she expect a man to approve of one who maligned him as Lowndes
+maligned me?"</p>
+
+<p>"You should see his earlier letters<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> about you! Why, if I'd known
+anything of them I would never dared to meet such a paragon."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet, after all, he turned to and painted me black as an imp of
+Satan. What had I done but good to him? I never took or won a penny of
+his."</p>
+
+<p>A moment of silence, then the fond eyes looked up.</p>
+
+<p>"You won something he wanted and thought&mdash;<i>was</i> his&mdash;he never had any
+sense. Won't you try to forgive him&mdash;for my sake&mdash;Bob?"</p>
+
+<p>His arms went round and folded her closely; his face bowed down to hers.
+There was a wordless moment, then the sound of a distant whistle, of
+nearer shouts of "T-r-a-i-n." The dark mustache, the unsinged side, was
+sweeping very, very near the soft curve of those parted lips.</p>
+
+<p>"What ransom will you pay?" he murmured. "I've not yet felt these arms
+about my neck. I've kissed you, heaven<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> be praised, but, Miriam, have
+you ever kissed me?"</p>
+
+<p>"T-r-a-i-n! Train, train! You'll be left!" again came the shrill
+feminine appeals, and with them, approaching, unwelcome, unheeded
+footfalls. With sudden, impulsive movement she threw her arms about his
+neck and upraised her lips to his. One moment of silence, two seconds of
+bliss, then "Dad" Ennis's voice, barely a dozen yards away: "Come forth
+into the light, you wanderers!" There was barely time for Bob's fervent
+words:</p>
+
+<p>"If I couldn't forgive him after <i>that</i>, I'd deserve a dozen weeks'
+arrest."</p>
+
+<p class='tbrk'>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LANIER OF THE CAVALRY***</p>
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@@ -0,0 +1,4479 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Lanier of the Cavalry, by Charles King,
+Illustrated by Frank McKernan
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Lanier of the Cavalry
+       or, A Week's Arrest
+
+
+Author: Charles King
+
+
+
+Release Date: October 9, 2006  [eBook #19507]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LANIER OF THE CAVALRY***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Martin Pettit and the Project Gutenberg Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net/) from page images
+generously made available by Internet Archive/American Libraries
+(http://www.archive.org/details/americana)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 19507-h.htm or 19507-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/9/5/0/19507/19507-h/19507-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/9/5/0/19507/19507-h.zip)
+
+
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      Internet Archive/American Libraries. See
+      http://www.archive.org/details/laniercavalry00kingrich
+
+
+
+
+
+LANIER OF THE CAVALRY
+
+or
+
+A Week's Arrest
+
+by
+
+GENERAL CHARLES KING
+
+Author of "The Colonel's Daughter," "Marion's Faith,"
+"Captain Blake," "Foes in Ambush," "Under Fire," etc.
+
+With illustrations by Frank McKernan
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "TELL HIM THAT I'D LIKE AN EXTENSION OF ARREST."
+_Page 143_]
+
+
+[Illustration: logo]
+
+
+
+Philadelphia & London
+J. B. Lippincott Company
+1909
+Copyright, 1909 by
+J. B. Lippincott Company
+Published April, 1909
+Printed by J. B. Lippincott Company
+The Washington Square Press, Philadelphia, U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+                                                      PAGE
+"TELL HIM THAT I'D LIKE AN EXTENSION OF
+ARREST."                                    _Frontispiece_
+
+"MR. LANIER, GO TO YOUR ROOM IN ARREST"                 26
+
+"BUT DO YOU MEAN COLONEL BUTTON ACCUSED
+MR. LANIER OF THOSE LETTERS?"                          195
+
+
+LANIER OF THE CAVALRY
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+
+The sun was sinking low beyond the ford of the foaming Platte. The
+distant bluffs commanding the broad valley of the Sweetwater stood sharp
+and clear against the westward skies. The smoke from the camp-fires
+along the stream rose in misty columns straight aloft, for not so much
+as a breath of breeze had wafted down from the far snow fields of Cloud
+Peak, or the sun-sheltered rifts of the Big Horn. The flag at the old
+fort, on the neighboring height, clung to the staff with scarcely a
+flutter, awaiting the evening salute of the trumpets and the roar of the
+sunset gun.
+
+The long June day had seemed unusually unconscionably long to the young
+girl flitting restlessly about the vine-covered porch of the roadside
+cottage. She laid the big binocular aside, for perhaps the twentieth
+time within the hour, with a sigh of impatience, a piteous quiver about
+the pretty, rosebud mouth, a wistful, longing look in the dark and
+dreamy eyes. Ever since stable call, and her father's departure to his
+never-neglected duty, she had hovered about that shaded nook, again and
+again searching the northward slopes and ridges. The scouts had been in
+three hours ago, reporting the squadron only a mile or so behind. It
+should have dismounted, unsaddled, fed, watered, and groomed by this
+time, and Rawdon should have been here at her side--Rawdon, whom she had
+not seen for three mortal days--Rawdon, whom, for three mortal weeks
+before the march, she had not missed seeing sometimes several times a
+day, even when he was on guard--Rawdon, whom she had never set eyes on
+before the first of April, and whom now she looked upon as the foremost
+soldier of the regiment, when in point of fact he was but a private
+trooper, serving the first part of his first enlistment, in the eyes of
+his elders a mere recruit, and in those of Sergeant Fitzroy an
+unspeakable thing.
+
+Another long peep through the signal glasses, another sigh, and then she
+came, this girl of seventeen, in her dainty white frock, and plumped
+herself dejectedly down on the top step, with two very shapely, slender,
+slippered feet displayed on the second below, two dimpled elbows planted
+on her knees, two flushed, soft, rounded cheeks buried in two long and
+slender hands. Away over at the stables she could hear the tap, tap, of
+curry-comb on brush-back, as the First Squadron groomed its fidgety
+mounts. Away up the valley the voices of the children in the Arapahoe
+village rose gleefully on the air. Away up among the barracks and
+quarters at the fort, the band of the Infantry was playing sweet melody.
+Peace, content, and harmony were roundabout her, but the dark eyes,
+welling with unshed tears, told of a troubled heart.
+
+And then of a sudden the tears were dashed away and the girl sprang to
+her feet. A blithe voice hailed her from within.
+
+"Dey's comin', Miss Dora--two on 'em, at least--like enough to be twin
+brudders."
+
+The girl ran to the northward corner again and gazed out across the
+rushing, swollen river. Not so much as a sign of a dust-cloud to tell of
+marching cavalry, and she turned again, with rebuke ready on her tongue,
+but again the voice from within:
+
+"Comin' _t 'other_ way, chile. Must ha' took the lower fohd and rode
+roun' back o' de stables," and, with the words, a laughing "mammy" came
+bustling to the front door, a cool white pitcher in one hand, a tray
+with glasses in the other.
+
+"Ah know well 'nuff what brings de lieutenant round dis way. As for
+dat--_trash_--wid him"--and here came a chuckle of delight at her own
+wit--"he just cain't help hisself." But Dora was not listening. Light as
+a bird she had flown to the other end of the little porch and was gazing
+out through the honeysuckles with all her soul in her eyes.
+
+Coming up the slope at easy canter rode a young officer, with
+broad-brimmed hat and dusty field dress, alert, slender, sinewy, of only
+medium height and not more than twenty-five years, with a handsome,
+sun-tanned, smiling face, a picture of healthful, wholesome young
+manhood. And behind him, at the regulation distance, came what Aunt
+Chloe, in her "darky" dialect more than once had declared "the very spit
+of him"--a young trooper in similar slouch hat and dusty field dress,
+younger, probably, by three or four years, but to the full as alert and
+active, as healthful and wholesome to look at, his face now all aglow
+with a light that was sweet for girlish eyes to see.
+
+The leader swung his hat and blithely shouted as he curbed his eager
+horse. "Howdy, Miss Dora. Bless your heart, Aunt Chloe, I knew you'd
+have the buttermilk ready! No, Rawdon, I shan't dismount"--this to the
+young "orderly," who had sprung from saddle and, with his rein over his
+arm, stood ready to take that of his officer. "Merciful saints! but
+isn't that good after thirty miles of alkali!" He had swallowed a
+brimming goblet of the cool, refreshing drink, and Chloe was delightedly
+refilling. "Father home, Miss Dora?" he went on cheerily.
+
+"Over at the stables, Mr. Lanier," was the smiling answer. The face of
+the girl was sunshine and roses now, yet merely a glance or two had
+passed, for Trooper Rawdon had instantly swung once more into saddle and
+was reining back to his place.
+
+"Stables going _yet_? Why, I thought it must be supper time. Colonel
+sent me ahead to find him. Three of 'E' Troop horses act like they'd
+been eating loco-weed. That's what kept us."
+
+"Colonel Button's always findin' some way of sendin' you in ahaid, Marse
+Lanier," grinned Chloe. "Ah don't wonder dey says _you_ can do anything
+you like an' never get hauled up for it."
+
+"You're a gossip, Auntie," laughed Lanier. "The colonel would cinch me
+quick as the next man if I happened to rub his fur the wrong way. One
+more swig now and I'm off. Tastes almost like the South again, doesn't
+it?"
+
+"Lak de _Souf_!" Aunt Chloe bristled, indignant. "Sho! Dat's no more lak
+de buttermilk _we_ makes dan dat ar' hawse is lak de racers at Belle
+Mead. Cows got to have white clover, Marse Lanier, an' white clover
+don't grow in dis Gawd foh-saken country."
+
+"It's good all the same. Thank you, heartily, Miss Dora. You, too,
+Auntie. Er--Rawdon, you dismount and wait for Doctor Mayhew in case I
+miss him. Give him the colonel's message and say the squadron should be
+in by 7.30." And with that and a wave of his hand and a smiling
+good-night, he took the rein of the troop horse and away they sped to
+the stables.
+
+Then Chloe vanished opportunely. The young trooper stood one instant
+looking gratefully after his officer and those curvetting steeds, eager
+to reach their home and supper. Dora, with glistening eyes and glowing
+cheeks, retreated within the shelter of the bowered porch. Then,
+bounding up the steps and turning with outstretched arms, thither Rawdon
+followed.
+
+Ten minutes later, at swift trot, came a third horse and rider, the
+horse all that a cavalry horse should be in gait and build, the rider
+well nigh as marked in build and proportions. He, too, was well-made and
+muscular, though somewhat heavy and stocky; he was as soldierly, if not
+as young, as the two so recently there in saddle. It was the face that
+repelled, for it was black with wrath and suspicion. In front of the
+little cottage of the veterinary surgeon he hurriedly dismounted, threw
+the reins over the post at the horse-block, and strode, angering,
+through the gate. The murmur of blissful voices had ceased at first
+sight of him. Dora, her face paling, met him at the head of the steps.
+
+Hardly noticing her by look or word, he brushed by, turned sharp to his
+left, and in an instant the two men were face to face.
+
+"Rawdon," spoke the new-comer, his tone curt, domineering, insolent,
+"what do you mean by letting an officer lead your horse to stables? Go
+you to yours at once! Take my horse, too, and groom _him_."
+
+Rawdon flushed to his forehead, said not a word, came forth into the
+light, and then turned squarely.
+
+"My orders were from Lieutenant Lanier, sergeant, and they were
+distinctly to stop here."
+
+"Go you at once and do as I say," was the instant rejoinder, and the
+veins in the sergeant's face were swelled almost to bursting. His eyes
+were fiery, his lips were quivering in his wrath.
+
+"Indeed, Sergeant Fitzroy," began the girl rebukefully, "those were
+Lieutenant Lanier's orders."
+
+"Hang Lieutenant Lanier's orders! No stripling sub can give such orders
+in this regiment. How dare you delay there? Go, you townskip, or I'll
+kick you through the ----"
+
+But now with blazing eyes Dora Mayhew threw herself in front of him.
+Tall, lithe, and slender herself, she seemed just the height of the
+young trooper she defended. "If you raise hand or foot against Rawdon,
+Sergeant Fitzroy, it's the last time you come inside our gate. No, I'll
+_not_ stand aside! Before you strike him you'll have to strike me."
+
+And then and there Sergeant Fitzroy realized that the fears and
+forebodings of the past month were more than grounded. If angered
+before, he was maddened now. Brushing her light form aside with one
+sweep of his powerful arm, he sprang forward at the young soldier's
+throat just as a tall, lean man, with grizzled beard but athletic build,
+bounded up the steps and caught his wrist.
+
+"None of that in my house, Fitzroy!" came the order, stern and
+compelling. "In God's name, what does this mean?" And, still grasping
+the sergeant's arm, the speaker, with his face nearly as white as his
+stable frock, fairly backed the raging Englishman against the wooden
+pillar and held him there.
+
+"Let go, Mayhew!" raved the sergeant. "I've ordered that young rip to
+stables, and he refuses to go."
+
+"He was ordered to stay, papa, until you came," protested Dora, her eyes
+ablaze. "Lieutenant Lanier--_that_ man's superior officer--gave him the
+colonel's message to you."
+
+"He was ordered to go by Lieutenant Lanier's superior, the
+officer-of-the-day, whom I represent," was Fitzroy's answer; "and the
+longer he stays the worse 't will be for him."
+
+"No officer ever authorized you to come to my quarters and lay violent
+hands on a man behaving like a gentleman, which _you_ are not," was the
+cutting rejoinder of the older man, and it stung Fitzroy to fresh fury.
+Was he, the model rider of the regiment, to be braved like this, and in
+presence of the girl he loved?
+
+"Let go! You _must_, Mayhew!" he hissed through clenched teeth. "You
+have no authority. You are only a civilian. You can be broke and fired
+if I report this--outrage--and what I know. Let go!" he shouted, freeing
+himself by furious effort. "Now, you, Rawdon, come with me. No. Stop!
+Corporal Watts!" he shouted, to a non-commissioned officer, swinging up
+the pathway toward the guard-house on the bluff, four men of the guard
+at his back. "Come this way," he continued, for at first no attention
+was paid to his hail. "Come here and take charge of this man. It's the
+order of the officer-of-the-day."
+
+Doubtfully, reluctantly, leaving his patrol disgustedly waiting,
+Corporal Watts slowly descended the incline, crossed the broad,
+hard-beaten road, then, obviously embarrassed at the presence of Dora
+Mayhew, demanded further information before he obeyed.
+
+By this time, Rawdon, pale and silent, was standing at the foot of the
+steps, indignation, resentment, and trouble all mingling in his face.
+Too well he and other young soldiers had learned to know the weight of
+Sergeant Fitzroy's spite. But the trouble in his eyes gave way to sudden
+relief. Two officers were coming swiftly round the corner of the corral,
+Lanier foremost.
+
+"I say again, Corporal Watts, this man is to be taken in charge at once.
+It is Captain Curbit's order as officer-of-the-day. I came direct from
+him," was Fitzroy's final order. But it failed.
+
+"Do nothing of the kind, Corporal Watts," said a quiet voice, at sound
+of which Sergeant Fitzroy whirled about and turned, if a possible thing,
+a full shade redder. There at the gate stood Lieutenant Lanier. There, a
+dozen yards away, but trudging fast as dignity would permit, came the
+officer-of-the-day.
+
+A jerk of the head to the corporal, in response to his instant salute,
+and that young soldier, much relieved, strode away to join his men. Then
+Captain Curbit turned on Sergeant Fitzroy.
+
+"You told me nothing of the facts in this case, sir. Lieutenant Lanier
+says he _directed_ this man to wait here, with the colonel's message,
+while he rode to stables. Pardon me, Miss Dora. Come this way,
+sergeant."
+
+And there was nothing for it but to obey. Abashed, humiliated, rebuked
+and in _her_ presence, where he had looked but a moment before to
+humble and humiliate his rival, Fitzroy, could only lift his hand in
+salute, follow the captain out of earshot, and there make his plea as
+best he could, leaving Lanier and the silent young trooper, Dora and her
+grave-faced old father, in possession of the field.
+
+For a moment they watched Fitzroy, eagerly gesticulating as he stood at
+attention before his superior.
+
+"He'll give you no more trouble, I fancy," said Lanier, in low tone, to
+the veterinarian. "I'll say good-night again, Miss Dora;" and he walked
+cheerily away, but Mayhew looked after him long and anxiously, then upon
+the young people before him, then upon the still protesting sergeant
+across the way.
+
+"Maybe not--maybe not," he muttered, with sorrowing shake of the head;
+"but few men can give more trouble than--him, when he's minded, and I
+reckon he's minded now."
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+
+Nearly six long months went the regiment afield on the hardest campaign
+of its history. Then at last by way of reward it had been ordered in to
+big Fort Cushing for the winter. It was close to town, close to the
+railway--things that in those days, thirty years ago, seemed almost
+heavenly. The new station was blithe and merry with Christmas
+preparations and pretty girls. All the married officers' families had
+rejoined. Half a dozen fair visitors had come from the distant East. The
+band was good; the dancing men were many; the dancing floor was fine,
+and the dance they were having on Friday night, December 16, was all
+that even an army dance could be until just after eleven o'clock. Then
+something happened to cast a spell over everybody.
+
+Bob Lanier was officer-of-the-guard. Bob had asked the colonel to let
+him turn over his sword to a brother officer, who, being in mourning,
+could not dance, and the colonel had curtly said no. The colonel's wife
+was amazed; she did not dream he _could_ do such a thing. Six girls were
+sorrowful, three were incensed, and one was cruelly hurt. She was under
+parental orders to start for home on the morrow. It was to be her last
+dance at the fort. She liked Bob Lanier infinitely more than she liked
+her father's dictum that she must like him not at all. As for Bob
+Lanier, the garrison knew he loved her devotedly even before she knew it
+herself.
+
+Of course she came to the dance. As the guest of Captain and Mrs. Sumter
+she even had to go up and smile on the colonel and his wife, who were
+receiving. She and Kate Sumter had been classmates--roommates--at
+Vassar, and Kate, born and reared in the army, had never been quite
+content until her friend could come to visit the regiment--her father's
+home.
+
+A winsome pair they were, these two "sweet girl graduates" of the June
+gone by, while the regiment was stirring up the Sioux on the way to the
+Big Horn and Yellowstone. Everybody had lavish welcome for them, and to
+Miriam Arnold the month at Fort Cushing had been quite a dream of
+delight, until there came a strange and sudden missive from her father,
+bidding her break off a visit that was to have lasted until February,
+_and_ all relations with Lieutenant Robert Ray Lanier.
+
+Up to this moment these relations had been delightful, yet indefinite.
+For reasons of his own Mr. Lanier had made no avowal of his love to her,
+even though he had disclosed it to every one else. He was a frank,
+fearless, out-and-out young soldier, a prime favorite with most of his
+fellows. Bob had his enemies--frank men generally have. He could hardly
+believe the evidence of his ears when, just after sunset roll-call, he
+had confidently approached the colonel with his request and had received
+the colonel's curt reply. Time and again during the recent campaign the
+veteran soldier now in command had shown marked liking for this
+energetic young officer. Then came the march to the settlements, and
+sudden, unaccountable change. Twice or thrice within the past ten days
+he had shown singular coldness and disfavor; to-night strong and sudden
+dislike, and Lanier, amazed and stung, could only salute and turn away.
+
+Everybody by half past ten had heard of it, and most men marvelled.
+Nobody at eleven o'clock was very much surprised when, in the midst of
+the lovely Lorelei waltz of Keler Bela, a group of young maids, matrons,
+and officers near the doorway opened out, as it were, and Bob Lanier,
+officer-of-the-guard, came gracefully gliding and circling down the
+room, Miriam Arnold's radiant, happy face looking up into his. It was a
+joy to watch them dance together, but not to watch the colonel's face
+when he caught sight of them. Except Lanier, every officer present was
+in full uniform, without his sabre. Lanier was in the undress uniform of
+the guard, but with the sabre--not the long, curved, clumsy,
+steel-scabbarded weapon then used by the cavalry, but a light, Prussian
+hussar sword that he had evidently borrowed for the occasion, for it
+belonged to Barker, the adjutant, as everybody knew--as Barker realized
+to his cost when in less than ten seconds the commander summoned him.
+
+"Mr. Barker, you will at once place Mr. Lanier in arrest for quitting
+his guard and disobeying my orders."
+
+"I shall have to--get my sabre, sir," stammered the adjutant, meaning
+the regulation item over at his quarters.
+
+"There it is, sir, before your eyes. Mr. Lanier, at least, can have no
+further use for it until a court-martial acts on his case."
+
+"Good Lord!" thought Barker, "how can I go up to Bob and tell him to
+turn over that sword so that I can properly place him in arrest--and
+here, too--and of all times----"
+
+But the colonel would brook no delay. "Direct Mr. Lanier to report to me
+in the anteroom," said he, marching thither forthwith, and that message
+the luckless adjutant had to deliver at once.
+
+Bob saw it coming in Barker's sombre visage. The girl on his arm
+understood nothing (but noted the hush that had fallen, even though the
+music went on; saw Barker coming, and something told her it meant
+trouble, and turned her sweet face white).
+
+"Miss Arnold, may I offer myself as a substitute for the rest of this
+dance? Bob, the chief wants to see you a second," was the best that
+Barker could think of. They praised him later for his "mendacity," yet
+what he said was true to the letter. It took little more than a second
+for the colonel to say:
+
+"Mr. Lanier, go to your room in arrest," and Bob saluted, turned, and
+went, unslinging the sword on the way.
+
+[Illustration: "MR. LANIER, GO TO YOUR ROOM IN ARREST."]
+
+Now, that was the first touch to spoil that memorable December night,
+but it was only a feather to what followed. The waltz soon ceased, but
+the colonel called for an extra, and led out a lady from town, the wife
+of a future senator. "Keep this thing going," he cautioned his adjutant
+and certain of his personal following, which was large, and loyally they
+tried, but the piteous face of the girl he had left at the door of the
+ladies' dressing-room and in the hands of Mrs. Sumter was too much for
+Barker. Moreover, he much liked Lanier and bemoaned his fate.
+
+Colonel Button was "hopping mad," as the quartermaster put it, and as
+all men could see, yet at what? Lanier's offence, when fairly
+measured, had not been so grave. It had happened half a dozen times that
+the officer-of-the-guard, making his rounds and visiting sentries in the
+course of a dance evening, would casually drop in by one door and out by
+another, taking a turn or two on the floor, perhaps--"just waltzing in
+and waltzing out," as they said--and no one the worse for it, even when
+the colonel happened to be present. Nor could men now see what it was
+that so angered the commander against Lanier.
+
+"Disobeyed his orders flatly," suggested Captain Snaffle, who stood by
+the colonel on every occasion when not himself the object of that
+officer's satire or censure.
+
+"Disobeyed no order," said Sumter, as stoutly. "Simply did what many
+another has done, and nobody hurt. Nor would Lanier have been noted,
+perhaps, if he had not first asked to turn over his sword to Trotter."
+
+But even that could not fully account for the colonel's rancor, and,
+though the music and dance went on, men and women both, with clouded
+faces, found themselves asking the question: "What could have angered
+him so at Lanier?" And in a corner of the ladies' dressing-room two
+pretty girls, with difficulty soothed by Mrs. Sumter, were vainly
+striving not to cry their eyes out--Kate Sumter dismayed at the almost
+uncontrollable grief of her friend, who, strange to military measures,
+imagined that Bob's arrest was but the prelude to his being shot at
+sunrise, or something well nigh as terrible.
+
+Not ten minutes after Lanier went out, and went silent but in
+unspeakable wrath, Paymaster Scott came dawdling in, and though but a
+casual visitor at the post, just back that day from a tour of the
+northward camps and forts along the Indian border, he saw at a glance
+that something had gone amiss. The colonel was laboriously waltzing;
+three or four couples were mechanically following suit, but most of the
+men were gathered about the buffet, and most of the women huddled at the
+dressing-room door, and Scott, marching over to pay his respects to the
+colonel's wife, and explain his coming at so late an hour, noted
+instantly the trouble in her serious face. He had known her long and
+liked her well, as, despite occasional differences at whist, he did her
+husband. Captain Snaffle was speaking with her at the moment. Mrs.
+Snaffle was at her side. "Why did they tell her at all?" Mrs. Snaffle
+was asking, with much spirit and obvious effort to control a racial
+tendency to double the final monosyllables. "Sure they might have known
+'t would sc--frighten the life out of her."
+
+"Sc--frighten _who_?" asked Scott, who was friends with everybody and,
+for more reasons than his office, a welcome guest wherever he went.
+Snaffle shot a warning glance at his wife, which fell, as he said,
+"unaided."
+
+"It's Bobby Lanier, meejor, only you mustn't sp--refer--to it." Mrs.
+Snaffle, when self-controlled, discreetly shunned such vowels as
+betrayed her origin, a totally useless precaution, since all men knew it
+and liked her none the less.
+
+"Lanier? Oh, yes, I thought it was Bob I saw a while ago streaking it
+across the parade. It's bright as day in the moonlight with the snow.
+What's Bob got to do with frightening folk?" And now he was shaking
+hands with all three.
+
+"Something very unfortunate has happened, major," said Mrs. Button. "Mr.
+Lanier was officer-of-the-guard and asked to attend the dance, Mr.
+Trotter offering to take charge of the guard. Colonel Button felt
+compelled to decline, and--he came any way. You know, of course, _that_
+couldn't be overlooked."
+
+"H'm," said Scott gravely and reflectively. "And who is so frightened?"
+
+"Miriam Arnold; a very charming girl who is visiting the Sumters.
+Indeed, it looks as though she cared for him. It's no secret that he's
+in love with _her_."
+
+"Ah, yes. Well, then, it was she I saw getting into the Fosters' sleigh
+at the side door."
+
+"Oh, I think not! I _hope_ not!" cried Mrs. Button, a flush mounting to
+her face. "I wanted to say a reassuring word after a little----"
+
+But at the moment Mrs. Sumter was seen coming forth from the
+dressing-room. Half a dozen women were upon her at once with sympathetic
+inquiries. To these she spoke briefly, yet courteously, and, escaping on
+the arm of the regimental quartermaster, came straightway to Mrs.
+Button.
+
+"You will forgive my girls for not saying good-night," she cordially
+spoke. "Miriam has been quite upset by a letter from home; and this
+little--episode--this evening, which she cannot understand as we do, has
+so unstrung her that Mrs. Foster offered to send them over home in her
+sleigh. The side door had been barred, but Mr. Horton pried it open for
+them, so they had no need to come this way, and face everybody--and
+explain."
+
+"You know how sorry I am," said Mrs. Button. "Of course they are
+excusable for leaving as they did. Why, where are the others going?"
+
+The music had suddenly stopped. There was a scurry on the part of the
+men at the anteroom. Several had run to the entrance. Others were
+following. Some one among the women, with startled eyes and paling face,
+sprang up saying, "It's fire"--always a dread at wind-swept Cushing.
+Almost at the same instant the colonel and Scott reached the veranda
+without. A dozen officers were there, intent and listening. "I tell you
+I heard it plainly," said one of their number, "and the Foster sleigh
+isn't back."
+
+"Heard what, sir?" demanded the colonel. "What's the trouble?"
+
+"A cry for help--or something, over yonder. Barker and Blake are gone.
+There was a stir at the guard-house, too."
+
+And as though to confirm this much, at least, there presently appeared
+round the corner of the building the sergeant of the guard, in his fur
+cap and overcoat, and with him a burly soldier, bleeding at the nose and
+bristling with wrath. One hand covered a damaged eye; with the other he
+saluted Captain Snaffle, who had edged to the front of the group.
+
+"Sir, I have to report Trooper Rawdon assaulting a non-commissioned
+officer."
+
+For an instant there was silence. Then Major Scott gave tongue.
+
+"Trooper Rawdon!" cried he, "why he's been with me nearly a month, and
+now has a month's furlough from General Crook. He's the best man of the
+escort."
+
+"Refused to obey my orders to go to his quarters, sir, and assaulted me
+when I tried to enforce 'em. Sergeant Blunt says he won't confine him
+unless Captain Snaffle orders it."
+
+"One moment, sergeant," interposed Colonel Button. "Has any
+disturbance--any cry for help--been heard at the guard-house,--or was
+this the explanation?" And he looked with disfavor on the battered
+complainant.
+
+"Number Five, sir, hasn't called off half past 'leven. I've sent the
+corporal to see what's the matter."
+
+"Number Five!" cried two or three men at the instant, and without a word
+Captain Sumter hurried away, on a bee line across the snow-covered
+parade, following the tracks of the adjutant.
+
+"Number Five!" repeated the colonel. "That's just back of Sumter's
+quarters;" and he stepped out into the moonlight for clearer view.
+
+Afar over across the glistening level a few lights glimmered faintly in
+the row of officers' quarters, bounding the northward side of the
+garrison, but neither along their front nor that of the westward row was
+there sign of moving humanity. The moon at its full, in that rare,
+clear atmosphere, illuminated the post, the frozen slopes beyond, and
+the dazzling range of the Rockies, with a radiance that rendered objects
+visible almost as at midday. Only the hurrying form of Captain Sumter
+could be seen half way across the parade. The Fosters' sleigh, that by
+this time should have been back at the assembly room, was nowhere in
+sight. Sumter's quarters were about the middle of the row. Lanier's were
+at the eastward end. For the moment the complaint of the aggrieved
+sergeant was ignored. All men stood waiting, watching. Then, on a
+sudden, two or three black forms darted from the shadow of the middle
+quarters. One came running out across the parade, hardly slackened speed
+at the hail of Captain Sumter, pointed back with one hand, shouted
+something that doubled Sumter's pace, but hurried onward toward the
+group.
+
+It was Conroy, corporal-of-the-guard. "The adjutant orders me to report
+Number Five sick, sir," he panted to the colonel. "I found him all
+doubled up in the coal-shed back of the major's. 'T wasn't him hollered.
+'T was somebody at Captain Sumter's. They got the steward over from the
+hospital, but they want the sergeant and some of the guard to search the
+back buildings."
+
+"_Who_ wants them?" demanded the colonel.
+
+"The adjutant, sir. Lieutenant Blake's with him. There has been some
+prowlers--and the young ladies were frightened."
+
+"They are safely home?" asked the colonel. "Then where's the sleigh?"
+
+"They're home all right, sir, and the sleigh went on out of the east
+gate--to the store, I suppose. Number Six didn't stop it----"
+
+"One moment," interposed the colonel. "Sergeant-of-the-guard, take four
+of your men and report to Captain Sumter; or to the adjutant. Now,
+corporal, when was this cry heard?"
+
+"Just after the young ladies got home, sir--leastwise that's what I was
+told. We didn't hear it at the guard-house."
+
+"Was the officer-of-the-guard over there?"
+
+"Not the--new one, sir, but----" And then the corporal suddenly stopped,
+contrite and troubled.
+
+"But what?" demanded the colonel, instant suspicion in his eyes and
+tone. "Do you mean that Lieutenant Lanier was there--out of his
+quarters?"
+
+"Out of his head, if he was," growled the paymaster, who loved him well
+and was deeply concerned over his trouble.
+
+"I--I didn't see him, sir," answered the young soldier, but in manner so
+confused that it simply added to the commander's suspicion.
+
+"Come with me, Horton," said the colonel to his quartermaster, and
+turning back for his cap and overcoat. Then once again the voice of the
+aggrieved and importunate sergeant was heard, this time with convincing
+appeal.
+
+"I beg the colonel's pardon, but if he wants to get the truth as to this
+night's business, it would be well to arrest Trooper Rawdon, or he'll be
+off for good and all."
+
+"Find him, then, sergeant-of-the-guard, and have it done," said Button.
+"Report it to the officer-of-the-day as my order."
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+
+That ended the dance, but not the excitement. Women and girls were
+seeking their wraps even before the corporal came, and now went
+twittering homeward, each on the arm of her escort, except in the case
+of those allied forces, the wives of certain seniors, who long had
+lived, moved, and ruled in the regiment, and now in eager yet guarded
+tones were discussing the events of the hour gone by. With these went
+Mrs. Foster, her husband having joined the searching party, and her
+sleigh, instead of returning, being still missing and unaccounted for.
+
+Not yet midnight, and in the space of less than one hour all Fort
+Cushing had been stirred by the news. A most popular and prominent young
+officer had been placed in close arrest. A prominent, if not most
+popular, sergeant, had been pummelled. An alarming scene of some kind
+had occurred at the quarters of Captain Sumter. No one outside of the
+immediate family knew just what had happened, and those inside cared not
+to tell. Mrs. Sumter had hurried away the minute she learned that her
+husband had gone. The colonel, sternly silent, led his wife to their
+door, and there left her, saying he had summoned certain officers to
+join him at once, and she, who ruled him in all matters domestic almost
+as she managed the children, knew well that when roused he would brook
+no interference in matters professional, and Bob Lanier, a prime
+favorite of hers, had in some way managed to fall under the ban of his
+extreme displeasure.
+
+At the office were presently assembled the colonel, the adjutant, the
+quartermaster, the post surgeon, and to them came Paymaster Scott. At
+the "store," the only club-room they had in those days, were gathered
+half the commissioned officers of the post. At Sumter's there kept
+coming and going by twos and threes, from all along the officers' line,
+a succession of sympathetic callers, who left even more mystified than
+when they arrived. Mrs. Sumter was aloft with Kate and their guest, and,
+as the captain civilly but positively told all visitors, "had to be
+excused." One of the girls was "somewhat hysterical." Miriam had had a
+fright in the dark on their return home and screamed. Something foolish,
+probably, but none the less effective. No! Sumter thought Mrs. Sumter
+would need no help, yet he was _so_ much obliged to the several who
+suggested going up just to see if they couldn't "do something." Captain
+Sumter was a devoted husband and father, a capital officer, and a
+gentleman to the core, but the captain could be just a trifle distant at
+times, and this was one of them.
+
+Another house was virtually closed to question. To the disappointment of
+many and the disapprobation of a few, Bob Lanier had closeted himself
+with his classmate and most intimate friend "Dad" Ennis; then, after a
+brief colloquy with Barker, the adjutant, had caused a big card to be
+tacked on his door whereon was crayoned in bold black letters "BUSY."
+But at quarter past twelve the assistant surgeon, Doctor Schuchardt,
+called, as was known, for the second time, and entered without ceremony.
+When the officer-of-the-day came tramping along the boardwalk at 12.30,
+and turned in at the gate, he struck the panel with the hilt of his
+sabre, by way of hint that his call was official and not to be denied.
+Ennis, therefore, came to the door, but came with gloomy brow.
+
+"I am ordered by Colonel Button to ask certain questions of Lieutenant
+Lanier," said the official from the depths of his fur cap.
+
+"How's that, Doc?" called Ennis, over his massive shoulder. "Can your
+patient see the officer-of-the-day?"
+
+"Not yet, with my consent," came the stout answer.
+
+"Shout your questions, captain," sang out the patient, with much too
+little humility of manner, yet Lanier knew Curbit well and knew his
+mission to be unwelcome.
+
+Therefore, in Captain Curbit's most official tones, _ab imo pectore_,
+came question the first:
+
+"Is Trooper Rawdon in hiding anywhere about your quarters?"
+
+To which, truculently, came response in Lanier's unmistakable voice:
+
+"He is not, if _I_ know it."
+
+"Do you know or suspect where he is?"
+
+"Neither. And there is no reason why I should."
+
+"Have you seen him--to-night?"
+
+An instant's pause; then, "I don't know whether I have or not."
+
+"You don't _know_?" exclaimed Curbit, puzzled and beginning to bristle.
+
+"I don't _know_," repeated Lanier, positive and beginning to rejoice.
+
+"Suppose the colonel tells me to explain that," began Curbit, but Doctor
+Schuchardt set his foot down summarily.
+
+"Here," said he, "this thing's got to stop;" and he came to the door in
+his shirt sleeves, leaning half way out, with one hand behind him.
+"Lanier's in a highly nervous and excited state. He has had a fall--and
+I'm trying to get him to bed and asleep. He doesn't know--whom--he has
+seen since he got home in arrest, and you can say so for me."
+
+"All right Shoe," was the philosophical answer. "It's none o' my
+funeral, and personally I don't give a cuss if they _never_ find him,
+but there are just s-teen reasons why the Old Man wants to see that
+young man Rawdon forthwith, and as many for believing he's skipped."
+
+"Then skip after him. You can track anything but a ghost in this
+new-fallen snow."
+
+Curbit lowered his voice. "That's exactly the trouble, doctor. Go to the
+back of the quarters and see for yourself. His trail starts--and
+ends--_here_."
+
+
+In all its history Fort Cushing had never known such a day of
+bewilderment as that which followed. Guard mounting was held as usual at
+eight A.M., and Colonel Button, awaiting in his office the coming of the
+old and the new officers-of-the-day, directed his adjutant to drop his
+own work at their entrance and give attention to what took place. Half a
+dozen other officers, with little or no business to transact at that
+hour, made it their business to be present, drawn thither from sheer
+sympathy, as some declared, and downright curiosity, as owned by others.
+The office building was large and roomy; the colonel's desk was close to
+the door; beyond it were tables spread with maps, magazines, and
+papers; a big stove stood in the middle, and a dozen chairs were
+scattered about, for it was here the officers met one evening each week
+in the one "book-schooling" to which they were then subjected--a
+recitation in regulations or "Tactics." Across the hall was a smaller
+office--the adjutant's--and beyond that the room where sat the
+sergeant-major and his clerks. The windows, snow-battered and
+frost-bitten, gave abundant light from the skies, but none on the
+surroundings--the view being limited to scratch-hole surveys. There was
+nothing to distract attention from what might be going on within, and
+all eyes were on the two burly captains who entered at 8.30, fur-capped,
+fur-gloved, in huge overcoats and arctics. The wind had begun, even
+earlier than usual, to whine and stir as it swept down from the bleak
+northwest, and the mercury had dropped some ten degrees since the
+previous evening.
+
+"Blizzard coming," said Scott, as he glanced at the sullen skies, and
+Scott knew the Rockies as he did the Paymaster's Manual.
+
+"I report as old officer-of-the-day, sir," said Curbit, with brief
+salute, tendering the guard report book.
+
+The colonel went straight to business, as he glanced over the list of
+prisoners.
+
+"No sign of Trooper Rawdon?"
+
+"No, sir. The patrol sent to search in town got back at reveille."
+
+"His horse and kit all right?"
+
+"All right, sir. Nothing missing that he was supposed to have."
+
+"Police notified to watch all trains--and stages?"
+
+"Yes, sir, and Sergeant Stowell, who commanded the paymaster's escort,
+remains in town with a couple of men to help."
+
+There was impressive silence in the office. The colonel sat with
+troubled brow, looking grimly over the roster of the guard, the written
+"remarks" of the officer-of-the-day, and the hours of his inspections of
+sentries, etc. Barker, the adjutant, had dropped into a chair, a few
+feet back of the fur-capped officers, and, though listening as bidden,
+was gloomily contemplating the frost-covered panes of the nearest north
+window.
+
+Eight men had gone with Sergeant Stowell as escort to the paymaster
+when, nearly four weeks earlier, he had set forth on his trip. Then the
+little iron safe was full of money. Seven men had come back with him,
+when, as the safe was well nigh empty, the paymaster said he hardly
+needed an escort. Of the eight who started, four were "casuals" who
+belonged to companies stationed at Fort Frayne, well up in the Indian
+country, and there they remained when the duty was over. Of the seven
+who came with Stowell, three belonged at Fort Frayne, a corporal and two
+men of Captain Raymond's troop, and they came fortified with the orders
+of their post commander, a copy of which was now in Barker's hands.
+
+"What I don't understand," said the colonel, whirling his chair to the
+right about and addressing the paymaster, "is how or why those men
+should be down here."
+
+"It _seems_ simple," answered Scott, placidly, he being entirely
+independent of the post commander. "From Frayne I had to go to the
+cantonments up along the Big Horn, and we doubled the size of the escort
+accordingly. When we got back there these three were permitted to come
+all the way, whether to buy Christmas things for the Frayne folk, or for
+affairs of their own, I didn't inquire."
+
+"To whom did you assign them for rations and quarters?" demanded the
+colonel, of Barker.
+
+"Captain Snaffle, sir--'C' Troop."
+
+"Are they there?--the others, at least?"
+
+"Corporal Watts and Trooper Ames are there, sir. Trooper Rawdon, as you
+know, is not. He has not been seen about the quarters since some time
+last evening. Moreover, the few personal belongings he had are gone."
+
+Again a pause. Then presently: "You arrested Kelly, I see, the man who
+was on Number Five."
+
+"Yes, sir. Both Doctor Schuchardt and the steward said his sickness was
+due to drink. The sergeant and corporal-of-the-guard are willing to
+swear he was perfectly sober when they stationed him. The men say he
+hadn't touched a drop of liquor for a month. He must have drunk after he
+was posted as sentry, for he vomited whiskey at the hospital. I believe
+he was doped."
+
+"That he could get whiskey anywhere along back of the officers'
+quarters," said the colonel, reflectively as well as reflecting, "is not
+improbable. That it should have been doped, judging from the way one or
+two have misbehaved, is not impossible. Captain Snaffle's cook, it
+seems, was indulging some of her friends with a surreptitious supper, at
+his expense. That, very possibly, is how Kelley came to grief. The
+others seem to have hidden their tracks thus far." Then, as though with
+sudden resolution, he turned abruptly again.
+
+"The usual orders, for the present, captain," said he, to the new
+incumbent. "And you are relieved, Captain Curbit"--to the old. "But I
+shall need to see you later, so do not leave the post."
+
+"The man that leaves the post this day," said Major Scott, with a squint
+through the upper and unincumbered panes of the nearest window, "may
+need a seven days' leave."
+
+"And that, colonel," said a quiet voice at the commander's elbow, "is
+what I applied for earlier. Pardon me, sir, but I need to know your
+decision, for I should now be going to town."
+
+It was Captain Sumter who spoke, and the colonel flushed promptly at
+sound of his voice.
+
+"I had intended sending for you, Sumter," said he, "but these rather
+engrossing matters had to be taken up first. I--have your application,"
+he continued, fumbling among the papers on his desk. "It is an awkward
+time--and these are awkward circumstances. It will leave your troop
+without an officer."
+
+"Mr. Lanier will be here, colonel."
+
+"Here--but in close arrest," frowned the colonel, "and you haven't had a
+first lieutenant since I have been in command."
+
+"My misfortune, sir, but hardly my fault," answered Captain Sumter
+tersely yet respectfully. "General Sheridan selects his aides-de-camp
+where he will, and last month you thought it a compliment to the
+regiment and to my troop."
+
+"You feel that--you _ought_ to go?" asked the colonel, dropping the
+subject like a hot brick, and resuming the previous question.
+
+"Our guest, Miss Arnold, is in no condition to travel alone," said
+Captain Sumter gravely. "My wife decides to accompany her, at least to
+Chicago, and I desire to go with my wife."
+
+The colonel bit his lip, and bowed. "I see," said he. "Miss Arnold was
+very much shaken by what happened--after she got home?"
+
+"Rather by what happened _before_ she got home," was the calm yet
+suggestive reply, and it stung the commander to the quick.
+
+"Captain Sumter," said he, flushing angrily, for no one of his officers
+held he in higher esteem, "your attitude is that of opposition, if not
+of rebuke, to the official acts of the post commander."
+
+"Then let me disclaim at once the faintest disrespect, Colonel Button,
+but--as Mr. Lanier's troop commander and personal friend, I beg leave to
+say that so far as I know, his offense is one which his comrades have
+committed time and again, without rebuke."
+
+"Which simply goes to show, sir," responded the colonel, with glittering
+eyes, "that you do not know the twentieth part of his offense."
+
+For a moment the silence in the office was painful. Men looked at each
+other without speaking. Sumter stood before his commander, turning paler
+with the flitting seconds. At last he spoke:
+
+"If that be true, Colonel Button, of course I cannot think of going. I
+withdraw my application;" and, turning slowly, left the office.
+
+Between him and the adjutant flashed one quick glance. There was
+something to come yet. The officers-of-the-day had gone--Curbit to shed
+furs and sabre at his quarters and say "Thank God!" Snaffle, his junior
+in rank but senior in years, a veteran of the old dragoons, to plod
+wearily back towards the guard-house for a conference with Lieutenant
+Crane, commander-of-the-guard.
+
+In the office of the sergeant-major the clerks were busily at work
+consolidating the morning reports of the ten companies--six of cavalry,
+four of infantry--stationed at the post. A note on that of Captain
+Snaffle had already caught the eye of the sergeant-major, who had
+bustled in to impart the tidings to his immediate superior, the
+adjutant, and was disappointed to find them known already.
+
+Instead of carrying three enlisted men present as "casually at post,"
+the "return" of Troop "C" had but two. Trooper Rawdon, whose horse,
+horse equipments, and field kit were safely stored in the troop-stables
+since noon the previous day, was himself accounted for nowhere. In view
+of the fact that he had not been seen, and could not be found, there was
+nothing remarkable about that. With the morning report book, however,
+there was handed in a copy of an order duly submitted by Corporal Watts
+to Snaffle's first sergeant, and by him to his captain, which read as
+follows:
+
+
+                                           FORT FRAYNE, Wyoming,
+                                                  December 11, 1876.
+
+S. O.   }
+        }   (Extract)
+No. 81. }
+
+               *       *       *       *       *
+
+     3. On arriving with his detachment at Fort Cushing, and in
+     compliance with the telegraphic instructions from Department
+     Headquarters, Trooper G. P. Rawdon, Troop "L," --th Cavalry, is
+     granted thirty days' furlough, at the expiration of which he will
+     report to the commanding officer of Fort Cushing for transportation
+     to his proper station.
+
+           By order of Lieutenant-Colonel Kent,
+                                     DOUGLAS JERROLD,
+                          Second Lieut. --th Inf.,
+                                      Post Adjutant.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+
+Just as the paymaster predicted, the wintry storm broke with the early
+afternoon. A genuine blizzard came shrieking down from the mountain pass
+to the northwest, charging madly through the post, blinding the eyes and
+snatching the breath of the few hardy men who had to venture out of
+doors, driving before it a dense white snow-cloud, sweeping clean the
+westward roofs and prairie wastes, and banking up to the very eaves on
+the lee side of every building. Even the sentries had to be severally
+taken off post and lodged within. (Number Five, so it was reported, had
+been blown bodily into the Snaffles' kitchen.) Even the commanding
+officer's "orderly," who had barely managed to make his way back after
+dinner, was now relieved. Only by hauling himself hand over hand along
+the picket fence, and turning his back to the gale every ten seconds to
+catch his breath, had he succeeded in returning to his post. Even stable
+duty was abandoned, so far as grooming was concerned, for though the men
+could readily be blown from barracks to their steeds, no power could
+fetch them back for supper. Veteran first sergeants told off a stout
+squad in each troop, and sent them with a sack-load of rations to
+reinforce the stable sergeant and grooms, there to stay to feed, guard,
+and water the horses. Unless the roofs blew away, and all were buried in
+drifts, there was safety, if not comfort, in the sheltered flats below
+the bluffs.
+
+But the telegraph wires went with the first hour. The stage, of course,
+couldn't be hoped to return from town, and, so far as getting news from
+the surrounding universe was concerned, Fort Cushing might as well have
+been in Nova Zembla. And the Sumters, three, with Miriam Arnold, had
+set forth at noon, intending to intercept the east-bound express, and
+the colonel's spirit was raging in sympathy with the storm, and in spite
+of his wife, for some one had started a tale that Sumter and his
+household had ostentatiously called upon Robert Ray Lanier, in close
+arrest, in utter disfavor and inferential disgrace.
+
+Now, while an officer in arrest may not quit his quarters under seven
+days, and may not even thereafter visit his commanding officer unless
+ordered, or his brother officers unless authorized by that magnate,
+there is no regulation prohibiting other officers or their households
+visiting him. Nevertheless, they who publicly do so lay themselves
+liable to the imputation of sympathizing with the accused at the expense
+of the accuser, and some commanding officers are so sensitive that they
+look upon such demonstrations as utterly subversive of discipline, and
+aimed directly at them.
+
+And of such was Colonel Button, a brave soldier, a gentleman at heart, a
+kind, if crotchety, commander, and a lenient man rather than a
+disciplinarian. Much given, himself, to criticism of his own superiors
+or contemporaries, he could not abide it that he should lack the full
+and enthusiastic support, much less be made the object of the criticism,
+of his officers or men. A vain man, was Button, and dearly he loved the
+adulation of his comrades, high or low. Veteran Irish sergeants knew
+well how to reach the soft side of "The Old Man." Astute troop
+commanders, like Snaffle, saved themselves many a deserved wigging by
+judicious use of blarney. Sterling, straightforward men like Major
+Stannard, like Sumter, Raymond, and Truscott, of his captains--men who
+could not fawn and would not flatter--were never Button's intimates. He
+admired them; he respected them; but down in his heart he did not like
+them, because they were, in a word, independent.
+
+And during the long and trying campaign that began early in June and
+closed only late in November, Button had made more than one error that
+set men to saying things, and at least one blunder that had called for
+rebuke. It was supposed at the time that the rebuke would end it, but,
+to Button's wrath, and indeed that of most of his friends, the story
+appeared in exaggerated form in many an Eastern paper. What made it
+worse was that, as told in Boston, Philadelphia, and other far Eastern
+communities, where the Indian is little known and much considered,
+Button's interests were bound to suffer, for he was declared to have
+butchered defenseless women and children in a surrendered village--a
+most unjust accusation in spite of the fact that certain squaws and boys
+had died fighting with their braves by night, when bullets could not
+well discriminate. Button had but just got his promotion to regimental
+command, and friends at court were working hard for his further
+advancement to the grade of brigadier-general--a fact that hurt him in
+an army so benighted as then was ours, in believing that generalships
+should be bestowed only upon the seniors and service-tried among the
+colonels. We have broadened much since then, and, as it was once said
+that every French soldier carried the baton of a marshal in his
+knapsack, so now may the silver star be hidden in the pocket of the
+lieutenants of every staff department as well as those of the Fighting
+Force. There are none who may not aspire.
+
+So Button believed it of Sumter that he and his, on the way to the
+railway station, went in and condoled with Bob Lanier, and doubtless
+vituperated him, the commander, when in point of fact no one of their
+number had seen, or spoken with, Bob. Sumter merely left a big basket
+filled with fruit, and a little note with friendliness, from Mrs.
+Sumter, then sprang into the curtained escort wagon, and was whisked
+away.
+
+Then came the storm, and then a Sunday and Monday in which no man went
+either way between the fort and town. And then a third, in which the
+gale went down, and the garrison first dug itself out, and then
+tunnelled in to the colonel's, the adjutant's office, and other
+submerged quarters, and on the morning of that third day Captain Sumter,
+in snow-covered furs, reported his return in person to his post
+commander, and explained that he had been storm-bound at the station in
+the meantime.
+
+It was then barely nine o'clock. Guard mounting, the first held since
+Saturday, was just over. The morning reports, the first rendered since
+Saturday, were just in, and the staff and company officers for the first
+time since Saturday were beginning to gather at headquarters and to
+compare notes. All had much to tell. Stannard's wood-pile, Snaffle's
+storm-shed, and Barker's cow had blown away. Somebody had just reported
+Sumter's north dormer window "torn out by the roots," which moved
+Button to say:
+
+"I hope your quarters sustained no damage in your absence."
+
+"I do not know, sir, I came direct to the office to report."
+
+"Ah, true; your household started before the storm."
+
+"Only started, sir. They went no farther than the surgeon's quarters,
+where we learned the train was six hours late. I had--business--in town,
+and went on. They remained."
+
+"Then the ladies have not gone East?"
+
+"Neither they nor any one else, since early Saturday morning. The road
+is blocked."
+
+"The paymaster, too? He went in right after luncheon."
+
+"I cannot say, sir. I neither saw nor heard of him about the station. It
+is crowded with people. Three trains are stalled there, unable to go
+either way, and now--with your permission, colonel----"
+
+"Oh, certainly, certainly, Sumter. I didn't wish to detain you. I hope
+you'll find the ladies well." Whereat the captain withdrew, giving place
+to the quartermaster who had hurried in, an anxious look in his eyes.
+That he should have numerous losses and damages to report was to be
+expected; that he should appear in the least concerned was not. A
+faithful and loyal staff officer was Horton, but one of the most
+philosophic, if not phlegmatic, souls in the service. It took nothing
+short of a national disaster seriously to disturb his equanimity;
+therefore at sight of his face the colonel was almost instantly on his
+feet.
+
+"Can I have a sergeant and twenty men at once, sir, armed and mounted?
+The ambulance with the paymaster never reached town."
+
+"Order them out at once, Mr. Barker," was Button's instant answer,
+turning to his adjutant, who went out like a shot. "What time did they
+start?"
+
+"About two Saturday afternoon. It was blowing a gale then and the snow
+so thick we lost sight of them within a hundred yards. Major Scott
+declined an escort; said he and the clerk and the two men inside were
+more than enough. He had only three thousand dollars left and thought
+that too little to tempt anybody. Everybody knew he was just back from a
+long pay trip--not going--yet they have disappeared utterly. I had men
+ride the length of the creek valley 'twixt here and town, and there
+isn't a sign of them."
+
+The silence in the office was oppressive. Men looked at each other in
+dumb consternation.
+
+"How did you learn they hadn't reached town?" demanded Button.
+
+"Sergeant Fitzroy just came out. He'd been in there with Sergeant
+Stowell to help find Rawdon, he said. Major Scott had a section engaged
+in the Pullman for Omaha, and Fitzroy says he never claimed it--says he
+searched every stable for the ambulance, but there was no sign of it,
+and he says there was a gang of half a dozen toughs that had been
+hanging about town for a week, and they've cleared out. I'd like to go
+and get into riding rig, sir."
+
+"Go, and I'll have a troop out after you if need be." Then turning to
+his adjutant: "Barker, have Sergeant Fitzroy sent for at once."
+
+Another moment and a trig, well-groomed soldier, florid-faced, muscular,
+yet burly in build, stepped briskly in and "stood attention." His right
+eye and cheek were still heavily bruised and discolored. His nose was
+somewhat swollen. The colonel had looked upon him with sombre eyes the
+night of the dance. It annoyed him that a non-commissioned officer
+should have taken such a time and place to offer a complaint. He still
+disapproved. Moreover, he had given Sergeant Fitzroy no authority to go
+as volunteer aid to Sergeant Stowell.
+
+"How did you happen to be in town, sergeant?" was the abrupt demand.
+
+Fitzroy colored to the brows, but the answer was prompt:
+
+"I understood the colonel to say 'find him,' referring to Trooper
+Rawdon, Friday night, and I went in Saturday morning thinking to help.
+Then we couldn't get back, sir."
+
+"My order was to the sergeant-of-the-guard, not to you," interposed
+Button curtly. "Sergeant Stowell was sent and that was enough."
+
+"Sergeant Stowell was looking for a man in uniform, sir, and had never
+seen Rawdon except in trooper dress, and would never perhaps have known
+him."
+
+"Then how should you?" was the sharp query.
+
+Fitzroy started. "I--had known him longer, sir, and much better. I--had
+occasion to reprimand him once or twice, and knew him and his--pals, if
+the colonel will pardon me--as none of the others knew him. There was
+that young civilian, Lowndes, that went along with us and got into
+trouble, and--there were others. In fact, if the colonel will pardon me
+again, sir, I do not hold a high opinion of Trooper Rawdon, and if the
+colonel were to investigate, it's my belief he could trace many a
+disloyal trick--and tale--to that man. What's more," and now the
+speaker's tone betrayed undue and most unprofessional excitement, and it
+seemed as though he had quite forgotten himself and his official
+surroundings, for he finished with voice querulous and upraised, "if
+Paymaster Scott came to grief he has nobody to blame but his pet and
+himself----"
+
+"No more of that, sir," broke in the colonel angrily, "unless you are
+ready to prove your words."
+
+"Give me two days and half a chance, Colonel Button," was the confident
+answer, "and I'll do it."
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+
+As Captain Sumter said, the ladies had gone no further than the
+surgeon's quarters that memorable Saturday, and with Sumter's full
+consent they had not gone even that far. Friday afternoon he had wired
+his protest to the father of Miriam Arnold, and with startling emphasis
+the reply had come early Saturday morning: "I repeat that I desire my
+daughter to return at once." It angered this honest gentleman and
+soldier. The tone was abrupt, if telegrams can be said to have either
+tone or manner, but that "wire" settled the matter. Miriam said she must
+obey, and nothing short of Doctor Larrabee, senior surgeon of the post,
+had prevailed against her decision. He himself had met the covered
+vehicle at his gate, and with calm but forceful courtesy had insisted
+on their alighting. "Your train is half a day late," said he. "You'll be
+wiser waiting here than at the frowsy station. Besides, I wish to see
+this young woman again." So saying, he fairly lifted Miss Arnold from
+the fur-robed depths of the dark interior, and deposited her on the
+wind-swept path. "Run in," said he, then similarly aided Mrs. and Miss
+Sumter. Their hand luggage and wraps came next, and Sumter drove away,
+saying he'd be back to them in abundant time for the train--which he
+was, though not until Tuesday morning. It was Thursday before the road
+was open or the telegraph again at work.
+
+Less than half an hour the trio spent under the doctor's hospitable
+roof. Before two o'clock the wind had increased to a gale. The snow was
+driving swift and hard. "I checked you just in time," said he. "There'll
+be no train either way this night." And so by two o'clock, and just as
+the paymaster was driving away down the front of officers' row, Mrs.
+and Miss Sumter, with Miss Arnold, escorted by the two medical officers,
+were struggling across the open space between the surgeon's houses and
+the rear fence of the long line, and presently entering the back gate at
+Sumter's.
+
+It was an odd arrangement, somewhat peculiar to frontier stations of the
+day. The enclosure of Fort Cushing was diamond-shaped. The entrance gate
+was at the eastern apex. The hospital and surgeons' quarters stood on a
+line with this gate, their front perpendicular to the long axis of the
+diamond. Their "rear elevations," therefore, were not far from officers'
+row. From the front of Sumter's house, around by way of the main gate to
+the doctor's door--the first to the left (north) of the post
+traders's--was quite a walk. From back door to back door, however, it
+was less than two hundred paces. "We are near neighbors," Doctor
+Larrabee had been saying, "though my wife thinks it a long walk on a
+windy day. I could reach you day or night, almost in a minute. As for
+Schuchardt and Bob Lanier, they could talk to each other out of their
+back windows this morning, but you couldn't hear a bugle across there
+now."
+
+"Is he sitting up?" Mrs. Sumter inquired. "I thought, from what we
+heard, Doctor Schuchardt was trying to keep him in bed."
+
+"He won't stay," was the brief answer. "I doubt if he slept a wink last
+night."
+
+But Schuchardt was even less communicative. In answer to Mrs. Sumter's
+appeal, that young but gifted physician had looked perturbed, and
+finally answered: "Mr. Lanier's hurt is more mental than physical,
+therefore the more difficult for me to reach."
+
+"You've seen him this morning?"
+
+"Twice, Mrs. Sumter, and I'm going again as soon as we've seen you
+home."
+
+And the moment they reached the rear storm-door, and their fur-hooded,
+fur-mantled charges were safely within, Schuchardt excused himself,
+Miriam Arnold's eyes following with a mute message that he felt, if he
+did not hear.
+
+But Larrabee lingered. Stamping and shaking off the snow, he followed
+into the warm and cozy army quarters. Cook and housemaid both looked
+astonished at the unexpected procession through the kitchen. Mrs.
+Captain Snaffle's "chef"--like her mistress, of Hibernian
+extraction--sprang up in some confusion from her chair and the cup of
+"tay" over which the three had been chatting, as is the way of our
+domestics at such times and places,--she had reason to know the mistress
+of the house did not well approve of her, or of these frequent
+visitations. "We shall probably dine at home," said Mrs. Sumter,
+somewhat coldly, to her own retainers, and bestowing no notice upon
+their visitor. "There may be no train till to-morrow;" and with that led
+the way to the parlor.
+
+Almost immediately, without waiting for the coming of the attendants
+with their hand-bags, Miss Arnold fled up-stairs, followed, at a glance
+from her mother, by Kate.
+
+"You see how wretchedly nervous she continues," said Mrs. Sumter. "How
+could we have let her go alone?"
+
+"How should we let her go at all?" said Larrabee. "Indeed"--with a
+glance from the clouding window over the storm-swept parade--"I repeat,
+there will be no going anywhere for anybody just now. Has--has she--told
+you anything, as yet?"
+
+Mrs. Sumter was gradually emerging from her winter coat of furs. For a
+moment she hesitated, then closed the door leading back to the
+dining-room and returned to him as he stood there, warming his hands at
+the great parlor stove then indispensable in our frontier homes. His
+fine, intellectual face, in its silver-gray fringe of crisp curling
+hair, was full of sympathy and interest. It was a face to confide in,
+and all Fort Cushing swore by its senior surgeon. "Doctor," said she,
+calling him by the title he best loved, "Miriam says she believes it was
+all a mere delusion--a dream. She blames herself bitterly and--begs us
+to think no more of it--to forgive her, but----"
+
+"But?" and the kind dark eyes studied the gentle, matronly face.
+
+"But--oh, why should I attempt to conceal it? You know, and we have
+reason to know, she _did_ see some one--some one right there in her
+room. Some one who went out like a thief, through the window, and down
+the roof to the shed, and away in spite of sentries or--or anybody--some
+one who was in there when they so unexpectedly got home. _You_ saw----"
+
+"Yes, I saw the tracks in the fresh snow on the roof. I could see them
+when I came hurrying over," murmured the doctor.
+
+"Captain Sumter had the snow swept off before reveille. What was the use
+of advertising it further? Mr. Barker and Mr. Blake saw it, too. They
+hold it was some garrison sneak-thief, looking for jewelry. Yet not so
+much as a ring, or a pin, was touched--only her desk."
+
+"Did _she_ tell of that?"
+
+"No, Kate was the first to see it. She flew up-stairs when she heard the
+scream; found Miriam a senseless heap on the floor, the desk open on the
+little table by the window, the contents scattered, the window up, and
+somebody bounding and slipping away in the moonlight. Then she heard the
+challenge and scuffle outside and thought the guard had him, and gave
+her whole attention to Miriam, until Mr. Barker shouted from the lower
+hall. Oh, yes, cook and Maggie both declare they were in their room,
+but--I believe they were next door at the Snaffles'. I believe the back
+door was left open for--whoever it was."
+
+"And nothing is missing?"
+
+"Nothing. He was frightened off evidently. But Captain Sumter wished to
+have it all kept quiet until he could confer with the detectives in
+town. He has a theory of his own."
+
+She had lowered her voice, and now walked to the hall door, as though
+listening for sounds from aloft, whither Kate and Miriam had vanished.
+
+"Miss Kate has a level head," presently spoke Larrabee. "What does _she_
+say?"
+
+"Doctor, that is what troubles me! Kate won't say--anything. It's the
+first time she ever kept a secret from me." And now tears of genuine
+distress were welling in Mrs. Sumter's eyes.
+
+It was half after two, and the wind was shrieking through the open space
+back of the line, when Doctor Larrabee, bending almost double, managed
+to fight his way homeward. Schuchardt, occupant of the adjoining set to
+his own, had not yet returned. At Sumter's gate the senior surgeon
+encountered the corporal-of-the-guard, nearly blind and well nigh
+exhausted. He had been sent round to relieve the men on post and bid
+them make the best of their way to the guard-room. He was even then
+searching for Number Five, who had most justifiably, in fact,
+involuntarily, taken refuge as previously explained. Had he not been
+blown into the Snaffles' kitchen, he might, like Barker's cow, have been
+blown away.
+
+"You will probably find Doctor Schuchardt at Lieutenant Lanier's
+quarters," shouted Larrabee at the corporal, with kindly intent. "Take
+Number Five in there and get thawed out. Tell him I think a nip of
+whiskey advisable under the circumstances."
+
+And thus it happened that two storm-beaten soldiers presently shoved
+their way through Lanier's back gate and banged at the kitchen door.
+Nobody answering, they presently entered, passed through that deserted
+apartment, and, hearing voices further on, the corporal ventured into
+the dark hallway leading through the little frame house, now fairly
+quivering in the blast. Here he caught sight of two officers--big,
+powerful men, in fur caps and canvas overcoats, just pushing forth
+through the front door into the fierce blast without. One was Doctor
+Schuchardt, the other Lieutenant Ennis, joint occupant with Lanier of
+the tiny premises. As Corporal Cassidy later expressed it, he felt "like
+I'd lost a bulging pot on an ace full." He couldn't run after and beg
+them to come back, yet he and his comrades were stiff from cold and
+almost breathless from exhaustion. Suddenly Number Five's carbine
+slipped from his frozen glove and fell with a crash on the kitchen
+floor. The next instant the voice of Lieutenant Lanier was heard.
+
+"Who the devil's that?"
+
+"Corporal Cassidy, sir. The post surgeon told me to bring Number Five
+in here and thaw him out. We'd find Doctor Schuchardt. But the doctor's
+just gone, sir, and----"
+
+But by this time Mr. Lanier himself appeared in the hall, his feet in
+warm woollen slippers, his hands in bandages. "Well, I should say! Come
+right in here, you two. Pull off your gloves and get out of those caps
+and things. Man alive"--this to Number Five--"why didn't you come
+before? This is no time to stand on ceremony--or stay on post, either.
+My striker's stormbound somewhere. I'd help you if I could, but I can't.
+Help yourselves now, best you can; rub and kick all you want to; _dance_
+if it'll warm you." And all the time he was crowding them up about a
+roaring stove, where presently he made them sit while he bustled about
+at a buffet in the adjoining room. "You'll have to help me, corporal,"
+presently he cried. "One hand can't mix and pour and lift. There's
+sugar; there's hot water on the stove; there's glasses and here's
+whiskey. Mix it hot, and down with it!"
+
+And so hospitably and heartily, after the manner of old frontier days
+and men, the young officer administered to his humbler comrades;
+cheered, and warmed, and insisted on their eating with their second
+tumbler, and when in course of half an hour the two stood before him,
+glowing, grateful, and resuming their buffalo coats and fur caps and
+gloves, honest Cassidy tried to say his say:
+
+"'D' Troop's fellers never can brag enough about their lieutenant, sir,
+and though we don't belong to 'D' Troop, it hasn't taken this to tell us
+why. If ever the time comes when me or Quinlan here can do the
+lieutenant a good turn he'll--he'll know it."
+
+After which they were gone, rejoicing in their new-found strength, yet
+reaching the nearest barracks only after severe struggle, and, later
+still, the crowded, suffocating guard-room,--where now some thirty men
+were huddled in a space intended for twenty at most--where Cassidy and
+Number Five were speedily telling to eager, appreciative ears their
+unusual and rejoiceful experience.
+
+"Well, ain't he the dandy lieutenant, though?" queried Casey, of "F"
+Troop. "And did he give you yer new cap, too, Quinlan? Sure the wan you
+marched on wid had the mange!"
+
+Cassidy snatched it from his comrade's head. "Mother av Moses! If he
+hasn't lifted the lieutenant's----" But he broke off short. One glance
+he had given the band within. A sudden cloud swept over his face. There
+was an instant of indecision, then he whipped his own cap from his head
+and thrust it on Quinlan.
+
+"I'm a liar," said he; "it's me own he's had."
+
+"Then you wear two sizes, Jim Cassidy, an' both different." Quinlan had
+pulled the headpiece down, and was staring in at the soft lining.
+"What's this?" he began, when the corporal's fingers closed like a vise
+on his arm.
+
+"Shut up, Quinlan. The whiskey's gone to yer noddle. Come here!" And
+Cassidy led him, wondering, to the barred corridor without and slammed
+the door behind them. "Not a word do you whisper of this to any man, Pat
+Quinlan," said he, never relaxing his grasp. "You heard what that
+Cockney Fitzroy was swearin' to this morning? Sure--you'd never say the
+word to back that whelp--an' harm the lieutenant!"
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+
+"God helps those who help themselves," quoth Lieutenant Blake, on
+hearing of the incident at Lanier's quarters, "but God help those who
+help other fellows, unless 'the Old Man' likes it." Blake was but a
+"casual" at Fort Cushing at the moment, summoned thither as a witness
+before a general court-martial then in session, but there was nothing
+casual in his friendship for Bob Lanier. Two years' campaigning in
+Arizona and one in Wyoming had made these subalterns fast friends,
+despite the difference of ten years in their ages and nearly twenty
+"files" in rank, Blake being one of the senior and Lanier one of the
+junior lieutenants of the regiment. Blake was no pet of the post
+commander. Blake had a way of saying satirical things of seniors whom
+he did not fancy, and Button was one of these. Blake should have
+returned to his proper station the day after the dance, but, like
+everybody else, so far as heard from, he had been held by the storm, and
+therefore happened to be in the club-room at the store along toward
+eleven o'clock on Tuesday, watching the distant deployment over the
+southeastward slopes of the barren upland. Fully half the mounted force
+of the garrison was on search for the paymaster's "outfit," and with
+Blake stood half a dozen infantry officers and two or three of the --th.
+To them, on his way to rejoin his searching troop, had entered big Jim
+Ennis, Lanier's chum and classmate, and Ennis looked the picture of
+smothered wrath. Half an hour previous he had been seen trotting up from
+stables to the adjutant's office, summoned thither by the orderly of the
+commanding officer. A few minutes later that same hard-worked orderly
+had been seen sprinting to the surgeon's quarters, and Doctor Larrabee,
+wrapped in furs and meditation, obeyed the summons, stood in the
+presence of an irate commander not more than fifty seconds, came forth
+wrapped in gloom, and took the short cut back of the major's house to
+his own bailiwick at the hospital.
+
+About the only officer not to put in an appearance that morning out of
+doors, afoot, in saddle, or adrift in snow, was Lieutenant Lanier. About
+the first officer Button wished to see was Bob, and about the last was
+Blake. Yet such was the freakishness of Fate that the first man to hail
+him, with ill-timed jocularity, was Blake, and the last of his officers
+whom he was destined that day to set eyes on was Bob Lanier, whom
+Schuchardt, in answer to the commander's summons, had earlier declared
+unfit to leave his quarters.
+
+If it had not been for the startling announcement about the paymaster,
+Colonel Button would have fought that matter out with the doctor then
+and there. First, however, he had to send forth his mounted men by
+scores in search of the missing officer and party. This done, he had
+once more summoned Schuchardt. Then he sent for Ennis, and had what they
+termed a "red hot row."
+
+In his exasperated frame of mind, Button had been ready to believe
+almost any story at the expense of Lanier, and, such is the perversity
+of human nature, it added to rather than diminished his wrath that his
+revered senior surgeon should promptly corroborate the statements of
+both Schuchardt and Ennis, and further assume personal and entire
+responsibility for the episode of Saturday afternoon in Lanier's
+quarters. That episode had started many a tongue, and one of Button's
+henchmen, thinking to win favor at the fountain-head by mention of new
+iniquity on the part of the culprit, had deftly enlarged upon it.
+Snaffle, of course, was the fellow at fault, and he justified it on the
+plea that Lanier was demoralizing two men of his troop. The story he
+told was that Lanier had been carousing at his quarters with certain
+enlisted members of the guard. When told of it Button was furious, so
+much so that for the time he forgot about Sumter and the ladies of the
+Sumter household, and the north dormer window of Sumter's quarters,
+reported "stove in by the storm."
+
+Nor had Sumter himself much time for domestic duties before the order
+came for him and his troop to turn out to aid in the search. He found
+the family fairly tranquil under the circumstances. He had sent a
+messenger galloping out from town, to assure his wife of his safety,
+when Tuesday's dawn showed the storm sufficiently abated. A devious
+course the rider took, for the road was blocked in a dozen places, and
+every ravine and hollow was packed to the brim with snow. But he bore
+glad tidings and banished all anxiety on account of the husband and
+father. Their anxieties now were mainly for Miriam, their guest.
+
+Mrs. Sumter had not half finished what she had to say concerning Miriam
+when the summons came that called the captain forth to join the
+searching squadron, but he had heard enough to increase the anxiety in
+his fine, soldierly face. He went up with Mrs. Sumter and looked
+critically over the damage to the window, in what had been Miriam's
+room. She had moved, per force, to the front--to Katherine's--room
+Saturday night, for toward sunset the storm-sash was torn out of the
+north dormer, and the window blew in with a crash. By dark the room was
+bank full of snow that Sergeant Kennedy and a brace of loyal troopers
+had been shovelling out since seven that Tuesday morning, without making
+any great addition to the huge drifts at the back. Front, flank, and
+rear, most of the houses along the line were packed solidly to the
+attic windows. On several the boys and girls were already coasting from
+the peak of the roof down over the back yards, sheds, and fences and out
+toward Larrabee's half-submerged hospital.
+
+It was easy to see how and why the storm-sash had failed to withstand
+the buffeting. In his frantic haste and panicky flight the intruder of
+Friday night had wrenched a hinge from its fastening. The sash had
+sagged at the windward end, and the rest was easy for rude Boreas.
+
+"That sash is probably somewhere down in the back yard, sergeant,"
+Sumter quietly remarked to faithful Kennedy. "It's under fifteen feet of
+snow, but when it comes to tunnelling, look after it, see that it isn't
+injured, and call me as soon as you find it."
+
+Mrs. Sumter looked quickly at her lord. She well knew the reason of his
+instructions.
+
+"Did you show that scrap of lining?" she asked, a moment later, as they
+stood alone before the parlor fire.
+
+"They have it," was the answer. "I expect two of them out any moment."
+
+And then had come the sudden summons to turn out, and with only brief
+greeting to his daughter, and a hurried kiss and caress, Captain Sumter
+had mounted and spurred away.
+
+It must have been after twelve, for orderly call and mess had sounded in
+front of the adjutant's office, when one of the hospital attendants came
+floundering up the row from Lanier's, and made his way to Sumter's door,
+a little note in his hand. He would wait, he said, for an answer, and
+the maid bade him step inside while she ran up-stairs. Mrs. Sumter
+answered her knock at the door of Miss Kate's room, into which the
+damsels were now doubled. To the disappointment of that somewhat
+volatile domestic, Mrs. Sumter closed the portal before proceeding to
+open the missive, but her announcement, "From Mr. Lanier," caused Miriam
+Arnold to sit bolt upright.
+
+
+     DEAR MRS. SUMTER [it read]:
+
+     I've been living since Saturday mainly on your kindness and that
+     delicious fruit. It was more than good of you to take such care of
+     your incarcerated sub, and I'm ashamed to have sent no earlier
+     thanks, but we've been banked in until this morning, and that
+     rascal striker of ours is missing. He hasn't been about the house
+     since Friday night. Like Barker's cow, he may have blown away. I
+     reckon they'll find him, her, and the paymaster's outfit snowed
+     under somewhere down toward Nebraska, safe, but possibly starving.
+     Schuchardt has gone with the command, so has Ennis, and I'm all
+     alone with nothing to read. If you have anything moral,
+     instructive, and guaranteed to soften the unrepentant sinner's
+     heart--something I could read with profit as well as
+     pleasure--_don't_ send it, but tell me how you all stood the storm
+     and how you are. It is so hard to get anything but admonition out
+     of "Shoe," and "Dad" is now more unreliable than ever.
+
+     I hope Miss Arnold is entirely recovered.
+                    Yours most sincerely,
+                                    R. R. LANIER.
+
+
+"The last thing a man mentions in a note is the first thing he wants
+answered," said Mrs. Sumter sagely. "What shall I tell him for you,
+Miriam?"
+
+"Tell _me_ what is to be done to _him_," was the sole reply, as the girl
+settled back dejectedly upon the pillows.
+
+"I've tried to, child," answered her hostess kindly, patiently. "There
+isn't a court in the army that would sentence him to more than a brief
+confinement to limits, and reprimand." Yet Mrs. Sumter spoke with much
+less confidence than on Saturday. Had not her husband _had_ to tell her
+his application for leave was withdrawn, and why? Had not Doctor
+Larrabee admitted to her that the colonel spoke of misdeeds far more
+serious for which Lanier must suffer? Was there not, indeed, a story in
+circulation, mainly in the Snaffle set, of a two-days escapade when the
+regiment camped near Frayne, and then a financial transaction in which
+Lanier had been involved--something growing out of an affair up on the
+Yellowstone--something including that young civilian friend of his, the
+collegian turned cowboy--Mr. Watson Lowndes?
+
+Even as she strove to assure Miss Arnold, for the twentieth time, that a
+military arrest was far more portentious in sound than in effect,
+something in Kate's determined silence and Miriam's insistence added to
+the effect of these rumors. Could it be that the boy had confided to the
+daughter, hitherto his stanch friend and ally, that which he dare not
+confide to her, his captain's wife? Could this account for the fact
+that, though it was impossible to conceal his love for Miriam, he never
+yet had owned it to her--to her to whom it was now obvious that the
+avowal would mean so much--so very much?
+
+Then another thing weighed heavily upon the brave heart of this loving
+friend and mother. Never had she known her child to be so silent, so
+strange, as now. Ever since Friday night she seemed to avoid all mention
+of the affair, to shrink from the subject--she who had ever been
+frankness itself--she who had never had a thought the mother did not
+share. She had become fitful and nervous. She seemed oppressed with some
+secret. In the long hours of their enforced confinement, with the lamps
+burning on the ground-floor by day as well as by night, Mrs. Sumter had
+pondered much over the result of her husband's investigations. Although
+Miriam's desk was open and its contents lay scattered on the table,
+nothing was missing, even to the packet of ten-and twenty-dollar
+"greenbacks" in its secret drawer. If robbery had been the object of the
+intruder, he had neglected his opportunity, or else been frightened off
+in time. If robbery was not his object, then what could it have been?
+The house was deserted at the moment of his entrance, that was now
+settled, for first the cook and then "Maggie" had owned to having run
+over to Mrs. Snaffle's kitchen for a moment, and the probability was,
+they stayed the best part of the evening. The lights had been left
+turned low in the upper and lower halls, in the kitchen and the
+captain's den. Army doors were seldom locked or bolted. Any one could
+enter, front or rear. A marauder, if such he was in this instance, might
+have been there from tattoo at 9.30 until discovered some two hours
+later, and been there undisturbed.
+
+But why should the situation so strangely affect her daughter? Could it
+be that she, too, cared for Bob Lanier? The thought for the moment made
+the mother's heart stand still.
+
+She was writing her reply to his note, when Maggie again appeared. "Two
+gentlemen to see the captain, mum," and Mrs. Sumter hurriedly closed the
+note and went below-stairs to meet them. She knew well who they were and
+why they had come. A branch office of the Rocky Mountain Detective
+Agency had been maintained long months at the great and growing railway
+station. They had been summoned by her husband, and that was enough.
+
+Yet she shrank from meeting them, shrank from the thought of the
+questioning that must ensue. They might ask to speak with Kate, even
+with Miriam, but they did not. They asked to be shown the room, with the
+storm-battered dormer, by this time emptied of its load of snow. They
+asked to see Miriam's desk. Yes, the lock had been forced and by a big
+knife. They begged that Mrs. Sumter would not mention that to any one
+but the captain yet awhile. They were confident he would soon return.
+They smiled at the idea of the paymaster being held up and robbed in
+broad daylight by any gang in their neighborhood. They admitted that
+many questionable characters were in town--there always _were_ toward
+the holidays, and just now, of course, the town was overcrowded--three
+big trains still stranded there.
+
+While they were yet at their work, there came sounds of stamping feet at
+the front door, and in came Sumter, stiff from cold, but brimful of
+energy.
+
+"Found Scott and his clerk, at least," he cried. "'Most dead and half
+frozen! The driver's gone, I fear. He was blown or pitched off. The
+mules ran away before the gale. Those inside the ambulance were
+helpless. Two dropped off behind and are lost. The thing finally
+capsized and went to pieces, and they managed to reach a little cattle
+shack, two miles south of town. They've found Lanier's striker,
+too--what's left of him."
+
+By this time Kate had come down-stairs, and with pallid face was
+listening dumbly to her father's words. She seemed hardly to heed the
+presence of the strangers. Not until the captain had emerged from his
+furs and stood robust and ruddy, yet a little short of breath, did she
+lay her hand upon his arm and ask her question.
+
+"Have they found Rawdon?"
+
+"Rawdon? No, not a sign of him anywhere!"
+
+"Is that the young fellow that those sergeants have been hunting for?"
+asked one of the detectives. "We managed to find out about him. He was
+in town early as three o'clock Friday, and he left on Number Six that
+night."
+
+"Do you mean to tell me," said Sumter, gazing blankly at the speaker,
+"that he wasn't out here when--this--happened?"
+
+"Not unless he had wings! That train leaves at 11.40." Whereupon Kate
+Sumter slowly withdrew her hand, then turned away.
+
+
+
+
+VII
+
+
+Another day went by. Major Scott and his clerk, under Larrabee's skilful
+touch, were gradually regaining strength and beginning to answer
+questions. At first their senses seemed dulled, as though they could not
+shake off the frost that benumbed them. At first they could tell little
+of the cause of the mishap. The ambulance was curtained in, even at the
+rear, through which the two scared troopers had managed to slip to their
+doom. Not until the snows melted in the spring, and the contents of the
+ravines should be revealed, was it likely they would be heard of again.
+The railway was still blocked. The wires were still down. Fort Cushing
+stood isolated from the outer world, and no less than five of its
+garrison were absent and unaccounted for: the two men detailed to drive
+in with the paymaster, two bacchanalians who, being in town when the
+storm broke, had dared each other to face the gale and tramp out, and
+finally a young trooper named Cary, who had arrived with the same
+recruit squad that brought them Rawdon, and had been on terms of
+friendship, if not indeed of intimacy, with him. They had been together
+that very Friday afternoon. In addition, whereabouts unknown, was
+Sergeant Fitzroy, of Snaffle's Troop. "Absent with leave," said the
+morning report. "Acting under the verbal instructions of the commanding
+officer," said his captain.
+
+Along toward dusk on Tuesday, others of the searching squadron, sent
+afar down the valley, had come back, reporting that the ambulance mules
+were found, huddled together, half starved and still half harnessed, in
+a log shack or shelter to which their instinct had guided them after
+their heels had made chopsticks of the running gear. The ambulance body
+was snowed under somewhere and nowhere in sight. The driver, a civilian
+employed in the Quartermaster's Department, had totally disappeared.
+Scott, the paymaster; Thomas, his clerk; and Rafferty, Lanier's soldier
+servant, or "striker" as then called, were still half dazed--Rafferty,
+indeed, so much dazed that no coherent words had yet escaped him.
+
+One more unfortunate, the driver of Foster's sleigh, was in trouble. Not
+until two hours after the dance had he turned up with the missing
+equipage, a cock-and-bull story, and a case of what the corporal called
+"jag." He swore that, having got chilled through, waiting, he just
+thought to get one hot whiskey at the store. Sentry Number Six said he'd
+mind the team while the driver went in, and the next thing he knew
+"they'd run'd away, hell for leather," and he, their driver, had to
+follow two miles to Flint's Ranch, close to town, where he "might have
+taken a nip or two more." It was his first offense and Foster forgave.
+It should be remarked, however, that Number Six declared that it was not
+he with whom the driver left the sleigh, but two "fellers," _i.e._,
+troopers, who happened to be near the store. However, that did not seem
+much to matter at the time.
+
+And Fort Cushing was in unhappy frame of mind. Colonel Button was in
+most inhospitable mood, and chafing because he could not communicate
+with the general commanding the department. Mrs. Button was confined to
+the house and denied to all but one or two intimates. Bob Lanier was
+still in close arrest. No man could say what might be the result, for
+Barker, the adjutant, declared he knew no more than they. "The Old Man
+had something up his sleeve"--several somethings--against him, but was
+confiding in no one, for he and Stannard were at odds over the matter;
+he and Sumter were practically estranged because of it, and for the
+first time in regimental history Button seemed to be giving all his
+attention to Snaffle and men of his stamp and set. They were not more
+than three or four in number. They had been rather tolerated than sought
+in the past, but now the colonel seemed to have use for them alone.
+
+And there was sorrow and estrangement at Sumter's. Never before, as Mrs.
+Sumter declared, had Katherine ever had a secret from her mother. Now
+there was a matter upon which it seemed she could not talk. Moreover,
+Miriam Arnold was affected in precisely the same way. She shrank from
+all mention of that mysterious affair of Friday night. Not only were
+they unable to speak of it to Mrs. Sumter; they avoided it among
+themselves.
+
+It was now Wednesday, and there had been a procession of callers to
+inquire for Miss Arnold. The girls felt that they _must_ dress and come
+down and face them. "Are you sure you feel equal to it, Miriam?" was
+Mrs. Sumter's anxious question.
+
+"I am sure I do _not_," was the weary answer, "but all the same I must."
+
+And, being a girl of pluck, and much ashamed of the breakdown of Friday
+and Saturday, Miss Arnold made her effort, and did remarkably well so
+long as people refrained from prodding her about her "strange
+adventure," the alleged details of which, in exaggerated form, were
+garrison property by this time. There could be no doubt, said nine out
+of ten of the soldiery, it was the work of some sneak-thief in uniform,
+in all probability that young swell Rawdon, who was gone. But among a
+certain select few still another theory obtained, and Wednesday night
+when Sergeant Fitzroy returned to the post and asked to see the colonel,
+that officer, who was at dinner, sent answer that he would be at the
+office at eight o'clock, and further sent word to Captain Snaffle to be
+there at the same hour.
+
+A spell of sharp cold had followed the blizzard. The skies were dazzling
+at night with the radiance and sparkle of the stars. The young people of
+the garrison were out in force, rejoicing in the snow sports, the
+moonlight, the exhilarating air. The men had made some famous slides
+over at the bluffs, and the children along the officers' lines were
+playing hide and seek, about the drifts and tunnels at the northward end
+of the parade. They gathered in force about the office to cheer the
+colonel as he came forth from a long conference, which left him so
+absorbed he hardly noticed their gleeful salute. They pelted two prime
+favorites who followed, with drooping head and woebegone visage, and
+never once responded to the fun, and the youngsters asked one another
+what on earth could have happened to Cassidy and Quinlan, who were
+always so ready to frolic with them.
+
+Then Captain Sumter had been sent for, and was admitted to a
+five-minute talk with the colonel at his quarters, and came away with
+grave and troubled face, to a ten-minutes conference with his gentle
+wife that left her sorely worried and distressed.
+
+"Ask Kate," he said, as once more he set forth into the night. "I've got
+to tramp and think this over before I do anything further." And at that
+moment Kate and Miriam had gone in to talk awhile with Mrs. Stannard. It
+was best they should not stay home, subject to incessant interview.
+
+It was just about quarter of nine. The lights at the office were still
+burning, for the colonel had intimated that he might be back. Barker was
+bending over some of the post papers and reports at his desk, and
+wondering why on earth the colonel should be colloguing with Snaffle,
+Crane, Sergeant Fitzroy, and sending for Cassidy and Quinlan. That was a
+queer "outfit" of Snaffle's at best. It seemed odd that the most
+pronounced "Britisher" in barracks, outside of the band, should be a
+sergeant in the troop commanded by the nearest thing to an Irishman
+among the captains. True, Fitzroy as stable sergeant was quite
+independent, and, being very ambitious and zealous, had attracted the
+attention of other captains, to wit, Canker and Curbit, rival troop
+leaders, who each, at one time or other, had offered to make Fitzroy
+first sergeant if he would transfer; but Fitzroy preferred to stay where
+he was in "C," and it was easier to suggest than it was to assert the
+real reason.
+
+Barker was busy with these reflections when the colonel once more
+entered and began pacing moodily up and down the room. The adjutant
+rose, but at a signal resumed his seat and waited. He was, as he
+whimsically described himself, "a relic of the previous administration."
+In those days officers might serve long years on the staff and never
+know an hour of company duty. Barker had been in the adjutant's office
+under three different regimental commanders, and, as etiquette required,
+had tendered his resignation to Button on that officer's promotion to
+the colonelcy. Button as promptly and courteously replied that he hoped
+Lieutenant Barker would consent to serve as right-hand man until he
+reached his captaincy, which could not be very far off. But already
+Button was repenting. "Barker is too much wedded to the old order of
+things," said he. "Barker has his likes and dislikes" (a weakness the
+colonel denied to himself), "and Barker's a little inclined to imagine
+that nobody can run a regiment as Atherton did"--for which, at last,
+there was this much foundation, that Barker thought, if he did not say,
+that Atherton ran it much better than Button ever could hope to, and
+Button instinctively knew and infinitely resented it. It must be owned
+of Button that he hated the mere mention of his predecessor's name,
+methods, and opinions. It was unlucky indeed, perhaps, that the views
+of one of the former colonels had been recorded in black and white as
+follows:
+
+"In my opinion Lieutenant Lanier is one of the finest young officers in
+the Cavalry."
+
+Full fifteen minutes the colonel went striding up and down the long
+apartment used for office, assembly, and school-room. Once in a while he
+would turn across the hall and into Barker's smaller room, pause as
+though half minded to speak, then turn out again. Twice he went to the
+door, looking over across the glistening heaps and drifts, and letting
+in a lot of cold air. Twice he muttered something about its taking
+Snaffle and his sergeant an unusually long time to do a simple thing,
+and at last, as the trumpeters were heard, with much stamping of feet
+and blowing of hands, gathering for the old-time nightly "walk around"
+that preceded tattoo roll-call, Button abruptly turned on his adjutant
+and said:
+
+"Barker, how long have you known Mr. Lanier?"
+
+"Ever since he joined, sir."
+
+"And you knew him in his cadet days?"
+
+"As an instructor knows a cadet, yes, sir."
+
+"And you told me you never heard of his writing to newspapers?"
+
+"Never, sir," answered Barker, rising from his chair and facing his
+commander. "And I repeat that I believe it impossible for him to have
+had anything to do with those--inflammatory articles about the
+campaign."
+
+"You consider him absolutely square--above a lie--or a trick of any
+kind?"
+
+Barker faltered just one minute. What did the colonel mean by a trick?
+Mischief there had been, once or twice. Tricks had been played, and one
+only this last summer during the campaign--a trick, too, that if truth
+were told, Lanier should have known about. At least, it had been played
+for his benefit, and had "pulled the wool" over the colonel's eyes.
+
+"I consider him as square a man as I know, and utterly above a lie--of
+any kind," was the final answer.
+
+"And yet you hesitate. You know, or have heard--rumors," said Button
+suspiciously.
+
+"I have heard rumors and slanders, Colonel Button," was Barker's
+probably injudicious reply, for he closed with "and so many of them that
+I disbelieve nine out of ten."
+
+"Well, here!" said Button impulsively, "here are you and Stannard and
+Sumter--three of the 'old liners,' as you are called in your respective
+grades--and I see plainly enough you three, and God knows how many more,
+are tacitly condemning my attitude toward Lanier. You think, if you
+don't say, that I have treated him with harshness and injustice--have
+listened solely to his accusers and enemies. Now, I've had enough of
+this! There is nothing that _requires_ a commander to show his hand to
+his subordinates, but as matters stand in this regiment--Oh, come in,
+Major Stannard. I sent for you purposely, and Sumter as well, to meet me
+here at tattoo." (And at the moment, as the united force of field
+musicians began the stirring strains of the old cavalry "curfew call,"
+"The March of the Bear," the two seniors solemnly entered the presence,
+removing their fur caps as they bowed to the commander.) "As I was
+saying to Barker, as matters stand in this regiment, some half a dozen
+at least of the men referred to as its 'representative officers' are
+apparently resentful of my arrest of Lieutenant Lanier, and attribute my
+course to pique, because he saw fit to show himself at the hop I
+declined to permit him as officer-of-the-guard to attend. You think,
+possibly, that because men like Captain Snaffle, Lieutenant Crane, and
+one or two of that set have been in consultation with me, the matters at
+issue are beneath your notice." (Here the three assailed officers
+exchanged glances, but said not a word in protest, for the colonel went
+impulsively on.) "They at least are loyal to their commander, and to the
+best interests of the regiment. Now I mean to show you. Mr. Barker,"
+said he impressively, "go to Lieutenant Lanier and say that I desire his
+presence here at once."
+
+And Barker took his cap and cape and departure without a word.
+
+Down the line in the moonlight the snow heaps were sparkling as though
+crusted with brilliants. The black square of the field music was
+trudging out across an acre of the parade swept clean by the recent
+gale. The children, in laughing little groups, were returning from their
+hour at the slide, and here and there from the deep cut or tunnel in
+front of each officer's doorway dark muffled figures were emerging, and
+striding away toward the barracks--subalterns en route to the companies
+to supervise roll-call.
+
+Just as Barker neared Stannard's, at the head of the row, two cloaked
+and hooded forms hurried forth, and Barker almost collided with them.
+
+"Oh, good evening, Miss Kate! Good evening, Miss Arnold!" was his
+embarrassed greeting. Then, with attempt at jocularity for which he
+later could have kicked himself: "I'm just in time to see you home, and
+head off hobgoblins and hoboes." No wonder the two walked the faster and
+gave but perfunctory replies.
+
+"Indeed, I beg pardon," he blundered on. "I'm just bound for Lanier's.
+Any message?"
+
+"You might say we wish him speedy deliverance," answered Kate Sumter,
+with unlooked-for spirit and effect, for the adjutant, in dismay at his
+own awkwardness, darted swiftly ahead, shouting, "Hold on, Steve!" to an
+officer with whom he would rather not have wasted a moment's time.
+
+Indeed, poor Barker was sore distressed. He could not help hearing
+scraps of the talk that had passed at the office between the colonel,
+Snaffle, Crane, and certain summoned enlisted men, Fitzroy, Cassidy, and
+Quinlan among them. Even that poor devil who had been on duty Friday
+night as sentry on Number Five had been marched into the awful presence
+of the commanding officer, and ordered to tell who gave him the whiskey
+that had been his undoing--even promising immunity from punishment; but
+he was Irish and true to his faith and his friends, even they who had
+betrayed him, and he'd die first, he said. Never would he "sphlit on the
+best feller in the foort."
+
+And Barker had heard many things that pointed to Lanier--so many that
+his heart seemed to stop as he entered the door, and sank at sight of
+the trouble in the face of the young soldier sitting there in conference
+with Ennis and Doctor Schuchardt.
+
+Silently Lanier heard the summons. There was no reason why he should
+not go, said the doctor. "The air will do you good," he added, "and
+we'll be here when you come back."
+
+Five minutes sufficed to reset the bandages and get him into his furs.
+Ten minutes more and, for the first time since Friday evening, the
+accused officer stood in the presence of his colonel, with three tried
+and trusted comrades near to see him through.
+
+"Mr. Lanier," said Button presently, "I have sent for you in deference
+to the sentiment in your behalf, entertained by officers of such
+standing in the army as these gentlemen who are here present. I am free
+to say that I have had grave reasons for forming a most unfavorable
+opinion of your conduct, even of your character. It has been my
+intention to forward charges of a serious nature against you, and to
+urge your trial by general court-martial. But such is my regard for
+these gentlemen, and the element they represent, that I stand ready to
+abandon my views and adopt theirs on your simple word. Can I say more?"
+
+There was a moment of silence. Then Lanier spoke: "It depends, sir, I
+think, upon what you wish me to answer."
+
+Button colored. Turning to his desk, he took from an envelope several
+newspaper clippings. "You know what these are, doubtless, Mr. Lanier. Do
+you care to say what part you took in their preparation?"
+
+"I am glad to say I took no part," was the answer.
+
+"No part at all? And you do not even know the author?"
+
+Lanier's dark eyes never swerved from their gaze. "I took no part, sir.
+I did not say--I do not wish to say--that I do not know the author," was
+the calm reply.
+
+"Then you admit, or permit me to infer, that you know him--a member of
+this command, for no one else knew the facts--and, moreover, that you
+shield him?"
+
+"I am shielding no man, Colonel Button. I would not shield a member of
+this command who wrote such wrong of it."
+
+"Yet you know the author and you will not tell?"
+
+"What little I know came in such a way that I _cannot_ tell," was the
+resolute answer. Button's forehead furrowed deep and his voice trembled
+with anger.
+
+"Enough said--or refused to be said--on that head. We will go to the
+next. Who personated you the night you left your troop at Laramie and
+went, contrary to orders, to that frolic at the post?"
+
+A look of amaze came into the young officer's face. The answer came
+slowly, painfully:
+
+"I took part in no frolic, sir. I went contrary to an order that had
+held good while we were out on the campaign, but that we did not suppose
+was binding there. I went to the post that night to help a fr--a man
+who--who needed money for an immediate journey. No one personated me to
+my knowledge."
+
+"I have the written report of the officer-of-the-day, whom I ordered to
+inspect your tent, that you were there asleep at eleven P.M.
+Subsequently I learned that you were away from taps until nearly
+reveille."
+
+"You could have heard that from me, sir, and _why_ I was gone, if need
+be." And now it was plain that Mr. Lanier was growing angry. This was a
+point gained by the colonel. He tried for another.
+
+"Officers who make comrades and intimates of enlisted men take chances
+that----"
+
+"Colonel Button!" interposed Lanier, hotly, "I protest----"
+
+"Protest you may, but listen you shall," was the instant rejoinder. "It
+is well known you interfered with a non-commissioned officer in the
+proper discharge of his duty. That was last June, and it was in behalf
+of that young man Rawdon. It is well known that you were hobnobbing
+with other enlisted men here, and gave them drink and food in your
+quarters on more than one occasion. It is well known you lent civilian
+clothing to your protege for his latest escapade----"
+
+"Colonel Button--gentlemen!" cried Lanier, "this is beyond all right!"
+Indeed, Stannard and Sumter were on their feet, in expostulation, but
+the colonel's blood was up. Bang went his bell, and the orderly fairly
+jumped into the room.
+
+"Call Sergeant Fitzroy," said he, and in another moment Fitzroy stood
+before them, a civilian coat and waistcoat hanging on his arm.
+
+"Briefly now, sergeant, where did you get those?" demanded Button.
+
+"From the room that Trooper Rawdon occupied in town, sir. It's the suit
+he wore about town last Friday;" and so saying, he held them forth.
+Lanier slowly took the coat, astonishment in his eyes; glanced at the
+tag inside the collar, bearing the name of his own New York tailor; for
+a moment he searched it within and without, then handed it quietly back.
+
+"It is enough like mine to deceive anybody but--the owner," said he.
+
+"Do you mean to tell me----" began Button indignantly.
+
+"That this is not mine?" interposed Lanier. "Yes, sir, and that one very
+like it will be found in my closet at home."
+
+"Mr. Barker will go with you, and you will resume your confinement--in
+arrest;" and Button, in his anger, was lashing himself to language his
+hearers never forgot, and that some could hardly, even long months
+after, forgive. "In _my_ time, as a young officer, nothing tempted one
+of our members to violate an arrest, but you----"
+
+Pale as death Lanier faced him.
+
+"Surely, sir, a cry for help--that I thought might mean fire----"
+
+"There was _no_ cry for help," interrupted the colonel. "There was no
+sign of fire. Even if there had been, it should mean nothing to a man
+of honor when ordered in arrest. That is the only creed of a gentleman."
+
+And then, with the lone trumpet of the musician of the guard wailing its
+good-night to the garrison--the sweet, solemn strain of "Taps"--the
+adjutant led his stunned and silent comrade home.
+
+
+
+
+VIII
+
+
+Ennis and Schuchardt were still there, and started at sight of Lanier's
+white face. Without a word he led on to an inner room, where Ennis
+sprang to his side. "Help me off with these," he said, "and bring a
+lamp. Come up-stairs, Barker;" and, wondering, both the others followed.
+There were but two sleeping rooms aloft in the little bachelor set.
+Ennis had the one facing the parade. Lanier's looked out upon the
+hospital and surgeon's quarters at the back. Into this room marched Bob
+Lanier and threw open the door of the single closet wherein was hanging
+uniform and civilian garb in some profusion. Ennis held the lamp on
+high, and with his free hand Lanier began throwing out the contents--a
+new uniform dress coat, an older one that had done duty for the three
+previous years, two sack coats or "blouses," the police officers'
+overcoat of the day, several pairs of blue trousers, with the broad
+stripe of the cavalry, and these as they came were flung on the bed by
+Barker and "Shoe." Then appeared a suit of evening clothes, carefully
+handled. Then a brown business suit of tweeds, then a light drab
+overcoat, and then the closet was well nigh empty, and Lanier faced them
+with the simple words: "It's gone!"
+
+"What's gone?" demanded Ennis.
+
+"Why, that dark gray mixture sack suit I brought from leave last year.
+It always hung 'way back in here."
+
+"_Who_ wants it now, I'd like to know?" demanded Ennis.
+
+"Our colonel, who accuses me of costuming Rawdon for his getaway." And
+the three friends looked at each in something like consternation.
+
+Then Barker spoke: "It's only fair to the colonel to tell the rest, Bob.
+Rawdon's box, that he left for safe keeping with a friend in town, had
+not only the suit you saw at the office, but a new fur cap with your
+name in it. There were other things that looked queer. The day of the
+storm Quinlan came over to the guard-house after his visit here, wearing
+a new cap instead of his old one, and Cassidy swooped on it, thinking it
+yours, for it was here he got it, and the name in that cap was Rawdon.
+It leaked out somehow. Fitzroy hunted the story down."
+
+"The name was burnt out when Cassidy brought it back to me," said Lanier
+slowly. "He claimed that in lighting his pipe----"
+
+"Poor Cassidy lied every way he could think of to save you," said Barker
+ruefully. "It's the young cad you befriended and helped along that's
+tricked you in the end, and you're not the only man, I'm afraid."
+
+"Roped Rafferty in, I suppose," said Schuchardt, while a light of
+superior wisdom stole slowly over the face of Lieutenant Ennis.
+
+"Rafferty, doubtless, to the extent of bribing or wheedling him out of
+Bob's new cits----"
+
+"But those were _not_ mine that Fitzroy had!" burst in Lanier.
+
+"Of course not. He's left you a worn suit in place of the new. Where'd
+he steal that one, I wonder? There isn't another officer of your size
+and build at the post. But, here, I've got to go back and report, and my
+report will be in these words: 'Mr. Lanier has been robbed, too,'" and
+Barker made for the stairs.
+
+"One moment," called Ennis. "You said Bob wasn't the only man this
+fellow had tricked. Do you mean----" he paused suggestively.
+
+"I mean, yes--that there's more than one man, and there's at least one
+poor girl in the garrison to mourn that fellow's loss, and be d---- to
+him!" and with that Barker was gone.
+
+Button listened to his adjutant's report with something almost like a
+sneer. Stannard and Sumter heard it with grave faces, but without a
+word. Snaffle, who had drifted in, sniggered with obvious triumph.
+
+"Gentlemen," said the colonel, "you have not heard the half of what I
+know, and every day brings something new. This comes in from Laramie
+to-day, brought with the mail that lay over at the Chugwater during the
+storm. Read that, Stannard." And Stannard took the paper and glanced
+over it, blinked his eyes, sniffed, and said: "I've heard about that
+case, and I'll take Lanier's story any day against--that fellow's
+affidavit."
+
+"Major Stannard," said Button severely, "you are speaking contemptuously
+of your superior officer."
+
+"Colonel Button," answered Stannard, with high held head, but with firm
+hand on his temper, "I am speaking contemptuously of my superior
+officer's _informant_, not of the commanding officer of Fort Laramie. If
+you care to look you will see that he quotes, not asserts, that 'this
+money was advanced to Mr. Lowndes on Mr. Lanier's statement that the
+young man was summoned home by the serious illness of his mother, and
+that he, Mr. Lanier, would be responsible for the transaction. Mr.
+Lowndes has never repaid it, and Mr. Lanier when appealed to four weeks
+since not only refused to make it good, but abused and cursed me for
+simply asking for what was my own.' Now, sir," concluded Stannard, "I
+haven't sought to learn the facts in the case, but I'll bet ten dollars
+to ten cents you have yet to hear them."
+
+"Very good, gentlemen," answered Button, rising in obvious chagrin. "It
+is quite evident in your opinion Mr. Lanier is a persecuted saint and I
+am an abandoned sinner, but just as soon as I can reach Omaha this case
+shall be laid before a general court-martial, and meanwhile I waste no
+more words defending my actions."
+
+Whereupon, with formal "Good-night, sir," from Stannard and Sumter, and
+a grumpy dismissal from the indignant commander, the ill-starred
+conference broke up. Snaffle, pouring balm into Button's ready ear, as
+he saw him home, went in and drank his health at the well-stocked
+sideboard, and then started straightway across the parade to his troop
+quarters, and, late as it was, called for his first sergeant.
+
+The men were mostly in bed, as they should be at such an hour, but there
+had been an informal dance, and many of the sergeants were still at the
+hop room. Beyond this brightly lighted building, and about in the rear
+of the infantry barracks at the westward end, was the slide into the
+creek valley, whereat so many of the officers' children had been
+coasting early in the evening, and where now--nearly eleven
+o'clock--half a hundred young people of both sexes, wives and daughters
+of quartermaster's employees and of the elder sergeants, attended by
+their gallants from the garrison, were having a merry time of it. The
+moon shone in brilliance. The night air, frosty and still, was full of
+exhilaration. The officer-of-the-guard, merely cautioning the revellers
+to control their impulse to shout, had gone on his way with implied
+permission to keep up the fun, and presently other officers appeared
+upon the brow of the bluff, interested observers. One of them, the
+junior medical officer of the post, was known to all, for his duty it
+was to attend the families of the soldiery resident in the little
+village of their own, just west of the quartermaster's corral, and
+sheltered by the long line of bluffs from the northerly gale. Deep in
+snowdrifts lay the snug little cabins, cottages and shacks, wherein
+dwelt these blithe-hearted folk--many of the girls as pretty, and to the
+full as coquettish, as their sisters of the official circle in the big
+"fort" enclosure above. Still farther to the west lay three little
+houses on the level "bench," by the swift-running stream--the homes of
+the corral-master, the wagon-master and the veterinarian--civilians all,
+as then ordained, yet men who had lived their lives with the army on the
+frontier.
+
+And it was one of these, the veterinary surgeon, a gray-haired man of
+nearly sixty, who presently came toiling up the hillside, touched his
+fur cap front in salutation to tall Lieutenant Ennis, and begged leave
+to speak a moment with Doctor Schuchardt, whom he led slowly away.
+
+Looking gravely after them and pondering many things in mind, Ennis,
+none the less, had attentive ear for the chatter and gossip of a
+neighboring group that had suspended their sledding for the moment and
+were curiously watching the pair.
+
+"There's no more the matter wid Dora Mayhew than there is wid me, 'cept
+one," said a red-cheeked maid of "laundress row," to the eager group
+about her. "She's been daft about that young dude Rawdon ever since he
+came last spring to Frayne."
+
+"Yes, an' deef to Cockney Fitz," laughed another.
+
+And Ennis, turning quickly, noted the group, four young non-commissioned
+officers and three of the garrison girls, all of them toying with the
+name of good old Mayhew's bonny daughter, she whom that veteran English
+horseman had taught and guarded with such jealous care, to the end that
+jealousy burned in the hearts of a dozen other girls less favored in
+face or fortune. Well had Ennis known of Sergeant Fitzroy's aspirations.
+Few in the regiment had not, and few there were who did not know that,
+in spite of Mayhew's avowed dislike for him, the girl had for a time
+encouraged. It may have been only to pique the others, for Fitzroy was
+clever, well-to-do, a rising man in the service; indeed, one who had
+"money in the bank and men in his toils," said elder women in the
+quarters.
+
+Then, in April, to Fort Frayne, had come this handsome young fellow
+Rawdon, with better looks, better manners, and even, as it seemed,
+better money, for Rawdon was lavish where Fitzroy was "near," and the
+favor of the young girl, who had toyed with the Englishman, turned from
+him to this unknown. Then the whole command went forth to war and to a
+summer of sharp work. Then with the late October, headquarters, band,
+and six troops had been transferred from Frayne to Cushing, close in to
+civilization. Then had come Fitzroy's new opportunity, with Rawdon left
+at Frayne. Then had come Rawdon himself; then the night of mystery; then
+the day of the storm, and when the skies above were clear again Rawdon
+was gone, no man knew whither, leaving a trail of suspicion,
+accusation, and a weeping, well-nigh desperate girl behind.
+
+And in this web of intrigue and mystery Bob Lanier had become deeply,
+even dangerously, involved. Ennis was sorely worried. It was to see
+Mayhew the two friends had come, and, lo, Mayhew had met them on the
+way, himself in trouble and perplexity.
+
+"Where did you say she was now?" Ennis heard the doctor ask, as they
+rejoined him.
+
+"She went to speak with Mrs. Stannard, but said ladies were there, so
+she came back a while ago. I could hear her crying in her room before
+she went the second time;" and poor Mayhew's head was drooping.
+
+"And you wish me to see her to-night?"
+
+"If you'd be so good, doctor. She'll soon be home. I was going over in
+search of her now."
+
+"Wait," said Ennis. "Listen!"
+
+There was a flurry among the revellers a few rods away. Two men had run
+toward the corner of the nearest barrack, looming black against the
+northward sky. Others could be seen hurrying after them. Then, _could_
+it be? Yes, sharp and clear came the sound of a shot from away over
+toward the hospital. Another nearer; another still nearer, and distant
+shouts, and then the blare of the trumpet.
+
+"Come on! It's fire!" said Ennis, and sprang in pursuit of the leaders,
+"Shoe," and Mayhew following. "It's fire!" went up the cry along the
+hillside. "Fire!" echoed the nearest sentry, letting fly the load in his
+rifle. "Fire!" shouted the few wakeful fellows in barracks, tumbling
+instantly every man from his bunk to his boots and into his ready
+clothes. "Fire!" yelled the sergeant-of-the-guard, as he tore in among
+his sleeping comrades. "Fire!" echoed the cry from barrack to barrack,
+as the men poured forth into the night, and then, as Ennis rounded the
+corner and came in full view of the wide open parade with the long line
+of quarters beyond, his heart leaped for his throat in wild dismay. "My
+God, lieutenant, it's _your_ house!" panted a racing trooper. "My God,
+and Bob's all alone!" sobbed Ennis, as he sped through the snow, for
+already from the front dormer and from the lower windows the flames were
+mounting high in the trail of a black volume of smoke, and over the
+crackle and roar of the fire, the rush and clamor of men, the thrilling
+alarum of echoing bugle and trumpet, there rose on the night air the
+scream of a girl, imploring instant aid, and this time at least there
+could be no doubt, for the cry was, "Save him! Save him!"
+
+Of the minutes that followed no man could give collected account. All
+Ennis saw as he came staggering round to the rear of the flaming furnace
+that once was a house, was a wild-eyed girl being led away by a group of
+sympathetic women, and a little group of men bundling a slender yet
+vigorously protesting form in a snow drift, where one or two others were
+being rolled and buffeted; while others still, with a keening Irishman
+in their grasp, were lugging him back to hospital; while Corporal
+Cassidy, with his hair singed close to his head, his face and hands
+seared and his clothing soaked, smoking, and a general wreck, was
+striving to evade his handlers and stand attention to the colonel, who
+for his part was bending over Bob Lanier just emerging from his third
+involuntary plunge in the drifts, and sputtering objurgations on his
+would-be benefactors.
+
+"In God's name, Lanier," almost wailed the colonel, as at last that
+young gentleman, likewise singed and scorched and soaked and dripping,
+yet preternaturally cool for one just out of a blazing hell, found his
+feet and faced his commander--"in God's name, why didn't you jump when
+they told you? There was nothing but snowdrifts below----"
+
+"There was a colonel coming," said Bob, with a grin of mingled anguish
+and satisfaction, "who held _that_ sort of thing to be breach of
+arrest."
+
+
+
+
+IX
+
+
+Few men slept the rest of the night for talking over the stirring scenes
+of that spectacular fire. Indeed, there had been a strenuous fight to
+keep it from spreading, and the Graysons' quarters next door were badly
+scorched, and the Graysons woefully scared, before the little bachelor
+hall had burned itself out. Big Jim Ennis had lost pretty much
+everything he owned except what he had on. Lanier was not much better
+off. As to the origin of the fire, Bob merely said that he had turned
+the lights low in the sitting-room, and, obedient to "Shoe's" orders,
+had gone up to his roost, too wrathful and amazed over what had occurred
+even to think of sleep--to think, in fact, of anything but the colonel's
+words. So absorbed was he, as he slowly undressed, he never noted the
+sounds from below until his room of a sudden seemed filled with smoke,
+and, throwing open the door, he was amazed to find the hallway ablaze,
+the stairs impassable. Running to his dormer window, he yelled fire at
+the top of his voice. Sentry Number Five heard and came running down
+along the back fence; saw the peril, let drive a shot and gave the yell
+that roused every one at the hospital--poor Rafferty, half crazed, half
+dazed, and by no means half dressed, coming leaping along among the
+first.
+
+And there at his back window, choking with smoke and tossing out
+clothing and other belongings, stood Mr. Lanier. Some men went searching
+for ladders up the line of back yards, the post hook and ladder truck
+being, of course, on the far side of the garrison. There being no
+extension and sheds to this little box, as to the larger quarters up the
+line, other men began shouting, and Lieutenant Grayson imploring Mr.
+Lanier to jump, for already the flames had burst through the windows
+below. Then came the episode the regiment laughed over, swore over,
+talked over, many a long year thereafter. To Grayson's appeal Bob's only
+answer was a calm and deliberate:
+
+"Give my compliments to the colonel, will you, and tell him that, my
+quarters being all ablaze, I'd like an extension of arrest?"
+
+Then Sumter and Stannard came in, tumultuous, and _ordered_ him down,
+and Blake and Curbit, and the rest of the card party, came tearing after
+them, and berated him for an absurdity, and implored him not to be an
+ass. And then a bright tongue of flame licked in through the transom
+behind him, and the door panels burst from the heat, and all the room at
+his back suddenly blazed with fire, and then went up the cry from that
+agonized girl, at sound of which Lanier started and strove to climb to
+the little window-sill, with a lurid sheet lapping down about his head,
+and then a brace of young Irishmen, Cassidy foremost, came scrambling up
+a human pyramid, smoking and singeing below them. They reached the
+blazing eaves and burst through the fringe of flame, dragging Bob forth
+and on to the edge, and then tottered all together into that blessed
+mound of snow beneath, fast melting in the glare of that fiery furnace.
+
+Then came the commander, and the swift running soldiers, and all the
+antiquated fire apparatus, and most of the families. Soon the hooks were
+locked in the blazing framework, and speedily the little bachelor den
+was torn into hissing and smoking fragments. Meantime Lanier and
+Cassidy, Blake, Horton, and nearly a dozen daring fellows who had risked
+their skins to save their lieutenant, had been led over to hospital to
+be cooled off and lotioned and bandaged and variously put to bed, and
+when at last not a spark could be found in the black, unsightly ruins,
+and even they had been buried under bushels of snow, the colonel and his
+men-at-arms went back to quarters, and many of the officers to the
+store, to talk it all over, especially what Bobby had said to Button.
+
+And thus were we brought to the morning of Thursday, the sixth since the
+eventful night when Miriam Arnold's shriek had alarmed the
+garrison--Miriam, whose voice had now been heard a second time, upraised
+in frantic dread and appeal, but this time for the young soldier who, on
+the previous Friday night, forgetful of his arrest, had rushed forth at
+her cry, but this night had to be dragged--Miriam who now lay sick from
+maidenly shame that in one wild appeal to save her lover she had so
+betrayed herself.
+
+With Thursday noon came resumption of telegraphic communication, and the
+long-stalled railway trains from east and west. With Thursday afternoon
+came "wires" from Arnold, the father, begging to know had his daughter
+started, and back went the electric message that she neither had nor
+could, nor would for a week--"full details by post." With Thursday
+evening came stacks of belated letters, "with whole bales of
+newspapers," said the stage driver, to follow, and with Thursday
+midnight, long after every one had gone to bed, there came a tapping at
+Major Stannard's storm door, and presently a fumbling at the bell knob,
+a clanging of the bell.
+
+"What now?" thought the sleepy major, as he scuttled down-stairs in
+slippers and dressing-gown. "Who's there?" he growled, as he unbolted
+the door. That fire down the line had made people nervous. There was no
+saying how it started.
+
+"It is Mayhew, sir," said a solemn voice. "I've come not hoping, only
+praying, I may find my daughter here."
+
+"Good God!" said Stannard. "Come in," and led forthwith his aged and
+trembling comrade within doors, seated him by the still glowing stove
+in the front room, and struck a light. In less than a minute Mrs.
+Stannard, too, had joined them, her kind blue eyes filled with tender
+pity and sorrow. She, at least, was not entirely unprepared. Poor
+motherless Dora had no lack of friendly counsel and fond, womanly
+sympathy when once she could be brought to lay her burden there. If only
+she had earlier sought that wise and winsome monitor! But Mrs. Stannard
+had not been at Frayne in the early summer, not until the major was
+assigned to station at Cushing had the good wife joined him, and
+meanwhile there had been no hand to guide, only a fond and passionate
+young heart. And now, with his gray hairs bowed in sorrow to the dust,
+poor Mayhew had come to tell his piteous tale. Ever since young Rawdon
+had gone with the paymaster she had been fitful and nervous. Ever since
+their coming to Cushing, four weeks agone, she had been watching,
+waiting, listening, often weeping, and when letters came for her, with
+the postmark of Fetterman or Laramie, Red Cloud or the cantonment in the
+Hills, he could not but note her feverish eagerness and her instant
+escape to her own room to read her treasure alone. Oh, yes, he knew they
+must be from Rawdon. He had liked the lad, knew there was good stuff in
+him, and he could not bear that fellow Fitzroy, who was a military loan
+shark, a man who fattened on the needs or weaknesses of his comrades. He
+hated to think of his bonny girl's losing her heart to Fitzroy. He owned
+he rather welcomed Rawdon's advances and rejoiced that she, too, seemed
+to prefer him.
+
+But--God! He had never looked for--this! Oh, where had she gone?--and
+why? He had found her at home and in tears after the fire. All morning
+long she had been in an agony of nervousness. Then that afternoon, some
+time, somehow, she got a message or letter, and then, kissing him and
+saying she would be better in bed, had gone to her room, but not to
+sleep. At eleven o'clock old Chloe's sobbing aroused him. He found it
+all deserted. Dora had disappeared, leaving not one word to comfort him.
+
+They lost no time, those men of the field and the frontier. Stannard was
+dressed and out in twenty minutes; had summoned Ennis, Field, and others
+among the young officers; had routed out half a troop and could have had
+the entire garrison, for few were the soldiers who would not search all
+night or work all day for good old Mayhew and his pretty daughter.
+Perhaps that was one reason why, until this night, so many maids and
+mothers among the sergeants' families envied and slandered her. Mayhew
+had been far from wise, and Dora, indeed, had none to guide. Kindly and
+cordially treated as he and she had been by the officers and their
+wives--being, in fact, superior socially to the Snaffle household, if
+not to certain others--there was yet this bar to hold them back: they
+dined and danced not with the "commissioned" element of the post whereat
+Mayhew was stationed. They were of finer clay than the people of the
+rank and file, and so, with the families of the forage and wagon-master,
+the chief packer and old Ordnance Sergeant Shell, they made up a little
+middle class of their own, when Dora's heart had gone out, ungrudgingly,
+to handsome, clever, educated George Rawdon, whom all men could see had
+been reared among gentlefolk, and who, as further fascination, was
+supplied from some unknown source with money which he spent with lavish
+hand.
+
+The moon was in the fourth quarter now, yet still bright enough to aid
+them, and up and down the creek bank went the searchers, probing every
+pool, searching every shallow. It was odd--or was it odd?--that for half
+an hour no man, no matter what he thought, went down and banged at the
+door of "C" Troop's stable--where in cozy quarters and solemn state,
+guarded by the sentries on either flank, slept that surly magnate among
+the non-commissioned officers--Fitzroy, the stable sergeant of Snaffle's
+troop. Whatever had befallen poor Dora Mayhew, it was not to join
+Cockney Fitzroy she had fled.
+
+Had she fled to join anybody? was the question that racked so many a
+heart, for, with the possible exception of gentle Mrs. Stannard, the
+girl had made no confidant. It was stanch old Chloe who would have it
+that her pet and pride from childhood, her solemn charge since the poor
+mother's death eight years before, had never left her father's roof to
+do harm to herself and break their hearts. If morning came without her,
+she surely had been lured away, and, if "Marss Rawdon" had really gone,
+who was there who, through love or fear or threat or artifice of any
+kind, _could_ lure her?
+
+It was this, full fifteen minutes after Lieutenant Field and two of his
+men had trotted off to town, that started old Stannard and big Jim Ennis
+down the valley from the veterinarian's, through "Suds-town," where
+girls and women were huddling and whispering at the news; through the
+hay and wood-yards, where the sentry challenged sharply, so often had he
+halted searching parties in the last ten minutes; past the little shack
+where dwelt the farriers and blacksmiths, many of them alight, for the
+story had gone sweeping; and so at last they came to the long cavalry
+stables, standing gable ends to the north, like so many companies in
+close column, and at the sixth of these, farthest from the bluff whereon
+stood the barracks and quarters, they stopped and banged at the door. No
+answer--even when the sentry came to their aid and hammered with the
+butt of his carbine. They went round and rattled at the window of the
+sergeant's room. Still no response, and at their beck the sentry yelled
+for the corporal-of-the-guard, who had followed down, expectant.
+
+"I'll have him out," said he, and ran round to the south end, and
+presently came back, panting but triumphant. He had roused the two
+stable orderlies. They would open up in a minute. They did, with much
+blinking of eyes and some demur, but stood abashed when the burly major
+strode in, big Jim Ennis at his heels. The latter hesitated not one
+second. His weight went in with the battering ram of that muscular leg
+and massive foot, and the sergeant's door flew open before them. The
+room was empty. Fitzroy and Fitzroy's furs were gone. Nor was that all.
+Snatching a stable lantern from the hand of one of the shaking grooms,
+Ennis swung it high aloft. Two empty stalls stood close at hand.
+
+"I thought so," said he, then grabbed the nearest orderly by the coat
+collar. "Who took Lieutenant Foster's sleigh and team," demanded he,
+"and how long ago?"
+
+"Sergeant Fitzroy, sir," came the answer, with a doleful whine, "just
+before the third relief, at half-past eleven."
+
+"No time to see the colonel now!" said Ennis. "Major Stannard, I've got
+to gallop into town, but a dozen men, if need be, should trail that
+sleigh."
+
+"Go it, boy," was the instant answer, "and I'm behind you."
+
+
+
+
+X
+
+
+On the principle that disaster ever demands its victim, the sentry of
+the second relief--the immediate predecessor of the soldier now on post
+at the north line of the stables--was stirred up at once and ordered to
+explain. Even as Stannard was hastening the movements of the men
+detailed to mount and trail the Foster team, even as Ennis was galloping
+town-ward on a mission of his own, Captain Langley, of the Infantry,
+officer-of-the-day, began his stern examination of the luckless
+guardian.
+
+Orders are orders. Even a stable sergeant could not take or send an
+animal out at night (except the building stood in danger of destruction
+by flood, fire, or tornado) save on written order of a commissioned
+officer and in presence of the corporal-of-the-guard, and Stoner, the
+sentry of the second relief, admitted he knew these were the orders, but
+"the fellers" had never supposed they applied to Sergeant Fitzroy, who
+did pretty much as he pleased. In fact, Fitzroy hitched up and drove
+away without so much as a word to him. He, the sentry, was too little
+surprised to think of ordering "Halt." Even as Langley drew from him the
+admission, the word came up that the squad had started hot foot on the
+trail. It led straight away to town.
+
+And the stable orderlies had sworn that Fitzroy started alone.
+Therefore, unless Dora Mayhew had circled the fort and joined him on the
+bleak eastward prairie, it was most unlikely she had gone with him, and,
+up to one o'clock, there was none to hint with whom, or how, except
+afoot, she could have gone. Then, however, came revelation. The sentry
+stationed at the northwest face of the post admitted having seen "a rig
+from town" making wide circuit clear around behind the fort on the
+westward "bench," which was swept almost clean of snow. It had kept well
+out beyond hailing distance, stood a moment or two up at the edge of the
+bluff, then whirled about and went the way it came. What hour was this?
+Just before they called off eleven o'clock. Why had he not mentioned or
+reported it? Well, he thought it might have been some of the officers.
+"They sometimes came out late and went in home the back way," whereat,
+in some confusion, Captain Langley dropped that phase of the
+investigation.
+
+By two o'clock that rig also had been trailed back to town, where it was
+lost in the tangle of wheel tracks. There Ennis and Field and several
+troopers, with one or two interested citizens, were in quest of tidings.
+There they were joined by Mayhew himself, who had one more hope. Dora
+had a friend, a few years older than herself, with whom she had been
+intimate at Fort Riley. They went daily to school together when
+children, and wept when parted. Now her friend was married to a
+conductor of the Union Pacific Railway, and living in town. It might be
+that Dora had gone to her.
+
+They found the house, and hammered at the door and lower windows, and
+succeeded only in waking a Chinese servant who said, "All gone; b'long
+Omaha," and refused further information. They went to the three stables
+in town, and all had "rigs" out, some of them two or three. None, to the
+proprietor's knowledge, had been to the fort. Most of them had gone to a
+dance at Arena, a cattle town six miles east, and it was high time they
+were returning, for now it was after three. "What's all the row about
+anyhow?" demanded the night watchman of one of these establishments.
+"There was that cockney sergeant fellow here along about midnight,
+asking questions and raising hell. The town marshal had a rumpus with
+him and went to bed mad." The half-dozen hangers-on about the railway
+station, and the roisterers at the one, open-all-night saloon were
+growing inquisitive, if not impudent. The station-master had gone home,
+but the lone operator to whom, one after another, Field, Ennis, and
+Mayhew had appealed, declared that no young lady had gone on Number Six,
+for the reason that Number Six hadn't gone and wouldn't go till 'long
+toward daylight. She broke down somewhere about seven o'clock at
+Medicine Bow.
+
+But Ennis and Mayhew came at him a second time, with a second question:
+Could he tell them anything of Mr. and Mrs. Osborn, Osborn being a
+conductor and Mrs. Osborn Dora's friend of whom previous mention is
+made? Had they gone to Omaha? No, for Mr. Osborn was round here early in
+the evening, and had to be here at six o'clock A.M. to meet and take
+Number Five over the Mountain Division. Then John Chinaman had lied,
+said poor Mayhew, grieving sore and quite ready to break down, but Ennis
+was spurred to new energy.
+
+"Keep your heart, old man," said he. "The more I think of this, the more
+I'm sure there's light ahead, and I'm going after it. Go to the hotel,
+lie down, and leave the rest to me."
+
+And still Jim Ennis felt by no means confident he could be in time. He
+knew the Mayhews only slightly. He had never before been stationed at
+regimental headquarters, had seen and known Dora only since their coming
+to Fort Cushing, and therefore had not learned to share Bob's honest
+admiration for her. She might be all Bob thought her, a loving child and
+a true-hearted girl in spite of her infatuation for this presentable
+young trooper whose antecedents nobody knew. Ennis had often marked him
+during the campaign and noted his regard for Bob, and felt kindly
+disposed toward him until mid September, when two troops were sent in
+to Frayne, with the pack train and orders to load up with rations and
+escort it back. Rawdon was missing from the column when it camped the
+first night out, on the return, and only caught them by a daring night
+ride through the Sioux country when they were two days' march beyond.
+His captain, Raymond, had sternly rebuked him and promised him further
+punishment when they reached the regiment, but Lanier had heard of it
+and interceded, thereby making Rawdon still more his friend. But now the
+heart of "Dad" Ennis was hot against him, for fear that what Barker said
+might all be true: that Rawdon had wrecked an old man's heart and home,
+and ruined an old man's beloved daughter.
+
+With just two troopers at his back, toward four in the morning, big Jim
+went spurring on through the dim moonlight, town and station far behind,
+following a meandering sleigh and wagon track across the wide, dreary
+upland, riding, as a rule, parallel with the railway, while such sleighs
+as tried the journey had evidently been making many a detour. Snow there
+was in abundance in the coulees and ravines, snow in sheets in the lee
+of every little ridge or hummock, but elsewhere the icy sod was swept
+hard and clean, and the sharp hoofs rang as though they struck macadam.
+Three miles out two "rigs" were passed, westward bound, filled with town
+folk who had been to Arena for the dance. Had they seen or heard aught
+of Mr. and Mrs. Osborn? he asked. No, they knew them well by sight, and
+would be sure to note them had they come to the dance. Five miles out a
+stage was encountered, loaded with exuberant revellers who had remained
+after the dance for a spree, and were now consumed with wrath because
+certain officers of the law from their own town, too, had hustled them
+out.
+
+"A hull sleighful of 'em--three or four anyhow--came over there with
+that cockney sergeant you fellers keep at the fort, lookin' for
+deserters. You after deserters? Well, here's--hic--hopin' you don't get
+'em."
+
+It was all Jim Ennis wanted to know. "Come on, men," he cried, and
+spurred ahead, his wondering troopers following.
+
+"Now, what the mischief is that man Fitzroy's game?" thought Ennis, as
+he pushed on through the bitter cold of the December morning. It had not
+been difficult to learn that the sergeant, after much search and inquiry
+in town, had started for Arena, taking with him, as it happened, two of
+the Rocky Mountain police, who had business there and were tired of
+waiting for the train. Ennis reasoned it was after Dora that Fitzroy had
+gone; that in his jealous misery he had kept watch upon her, had
+followed to town on hearing of her flight, had followed further, and
+this it was that gave Ennis the hope that she was accompanied by such
+worthy people as the Osborns. If that were so, it could mean but one
+thing. It was to join Rawdon, perhaps to be joined to Rawdon. Osborn had
+sent two messages by wire and received two early in the evening; Ennis
+had learned this through the operator, though the contents were
+withheld. Rawdon, probably, dared not come to Cushing City. There he
+might still be arrested on sight. Yes. Ennis had it now. Dora Mayhew had
+fled to Arena to meet and marry George Rawdon; Fitzroy had followed fast
+in hopes of blocking it.
+
+And just as the twinkling switch-lights of the little prairie station
+hove in sight ahead, there came a sound that startled him--the whistle
+of a railway engine not a mile behind--Number Six at last, and coming
+full tilt--the very train, perhaps, that they, the young couple, hoped
+and meant to take, and might have taken on their eastward way had not
+Fitzroy, keen-eyed, quick-witted, and vengeful, been there in time to
+bar the move.
+
+And then in the soldier soul of big Jim Ennis was born a strange,
+sudden, and somewhat unprofessional spirit of opposition. Starting out
+in the hope of finding and restoring to her father's roof the sorrowing
+fugitive, Jim Ennis veered right round to the purpose of succoring a
+maiden in distress. If marriage was Rawdon's motive in bidding her join
+him, then Rawdon was honest after all, and who was he or who was Fitzroy
+to stand in the way and stop it? No, by all the Arts of Peace and the
+Articles of War, Rawdon was right and d---- be the man that sought to
+check him.
+
+Five minutes later, with the big engine and train coming hissing and
+grinding to a stop at the platform, Ennis sprang from his panting horse,
+tossed the reins to one trooper, and, followed by the other, shouldered
+his way through a little knot of staring townsfolk and up to a group at
+the edge of the platform. A trim-built young fellow in civilian dress
+was struggling in the grasp of two detectives; a terrified girl was
+clinging to his arm, tears streaming down her face; a clerical-looking,
+elderly stranger was expostulating; a man in the cap and dress of a
+railway conductor was vehemently arguing with a stocky sergeant of
+cavalry, who seemed master of the situation, and greatly enjoying his
+own importance. A pale-faced young woman, whom the conductor of Number
+Six addressed as Mrs. Osborn, was imploring his aid, when, to the amaze
+of the sergeant, this big subaltern in boots and spurs bulged in between
+him and Conductor Osborn and demanded to know the nature of the trouble.
+
+"I've run down this man, at last, sir," gulped Fitzroy, flustered, but
+making valiant effort at control, "as you see, sir, only in the nick of
+time."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Ennis," cried Dora, throwing herself upon him and clasping his
+arm, "Rawdon has done no wrong. We are married. Here are our friends to
+prove it. _Why_ should they arrest him?"
+
+"Colonel's orders, lieutenant. Arrest him wherever found," said Fitz
+stoutly, "and I've a sl--stage here to take him back."
+
+"On charges of your own invention, Sergeant Fitzroy," said Ennis icily,
+"no one of which you'll ever prove. Have you any warrant for this
+man?"--this to the detectives.
+
+"None, sir. The sergeant said he was a deserter, running off with the
+doctor's daughter."
+
+"He's no deserter. He's on furlough by order of General Crook,
+travelling, I take it, with his own wife, and unless you want to burn
+your fingers to the bone, let go."
+
+"Then lieutenant," burst in Fitzroy, "he's a prisoner by order of
+Colonel Button----"
+
+"Then as senior officer on the spot I'll take charge of him; also,
+Sergeant Fitzroy, of you, and the sleigh you feloniously made way with.
+Stand aside, sir. Now, gentlemen, how about this train?"
+
+"Ordered right on, lieutenant, to meet Number Five at Beaver Switch."
+
+"Then it's a case of all aboard for those bound eastward. We'll hear the
+rest when you return from furlough, Rawdon"--for now the young man was
+trying to speak instead of seeking to speed away. "I did my best to be
+in time for the ceremony, Mrs. Rawdon," continued Ennis, gallant and
+impressive, as he swung her suddenly aboard, "but with my usual luck I
+lost the chance to kiss the bride."
+
+For answer she quickly turned, flung her arms about his neck, and her
+warm lips swept his cheek. "One for you, Mr. Ennis," she cried, and then
+again, "and this--for Mr. Lanier!"
+
+
+
+
+XI
+
+
+Friday again, and late in the day, and Bob Lanier's arrest lacked but a
+few hours of its first full week, and Bob was in bandages and bed in a
+sunny room of the hospital. Ennis, after a long night in saddle and a
+short "spat" with the colonel, was taking a much needed nap. Stannard
+and his wife had gone down to Doctor Mayhew's to meet Mrs. Osborn, who
+had come to spend the afternoon. Paymaster Scott was up and about, and,
+in his independent way, had been saying unrelishable things to Button,
+who was in most peppery frame of mind. A wire had come from department
+headquarters to say an inspector would follow. "Instead of ordering a
+general court to try Lieutenant Lanier, they have ordered a colonel out
+to try me, by gad!" said Button. "For that's just what it all amounts
+to."
+
+And of all colonels to investigate matters at Cushing, there wasn't one
+in the army Button would not rather have had than the very one who was
+coming--bluff, blunt, rasping old Riggs, best known to fame and Fort
+Cushing, as "Black Bill."
+
+"Why," said Button, to Scott, "this sending one field officer of cavalry
+to sit in judgment on the official deeds of another is nothing short
+of--of infamous, and I'm amazed at Crook's doing it."
+
+"It ain't Crook," said Scott, not without a little malicious delight in
+Button's disgust. "He's away up at Washakie, and of course his adjutant
+general don't want to act or even advise until he knows all about it.
+You've seen fit to charge Lanier with all manner of things, and I don't
+wonder headquarters are staggered."
+
+"But--_Bill Riggs_--to come and overhaul _my_ regiment, when it's
+notorious he never could command even a two-company camp without having
+everybody by the ears! Such men aren't fit to be inspectors!"
+
+Indeed, there was much to warrant poor Button's disgust. He had
+preferred most serious charges against Lanier. He had accused him of
+quitting camp on campaign, quitting his guard in garrison, quitting his
+quarters when in arrest, failing to quit himself of a money obligation,
+drinking and consorting with enlisted men, and in his letter of
+transmittal he had intimated that there were other misdeeds he might yet
+have to uncover. All, said Button, on the information of veteran
+officers and sergeants of the regiment--notably Captains Curbit and
+Snaffle, Lieutenants Crane and Trotter, Sergeants Whaling and
+Fitzroy--and now here were both medical officers, both of his majors,
+two of his best captains, seven of his subalterns, and nine-tenths of
+the women folk at Fort Cushing taking sides with Lanier and issue with
+him--their colonel and commander. And here, too, were Lieutenant and
+Mrs. Foster, highly connected, influential, wealthy, insisting that his
+most active and important witness, the unimpeachable Sergeant Fitzroy,
+had corrupted their coachman, run off with their sleigh, and ruined
+(this was Mrs. Foster) their horses.
+
+Foster, first lieutenant of Snaffle's troop, seldom on speaking terms
+with his captain, had discovered the deed at morning stables just five
+minutes before the aggrieved sergeant drove in with the missing property
+_and_ Lieutenant Ennis as escort. Foster was in a fury over it, the more
+so because Fitzroy had maintained, respectfully enough but most
+stubbornly, that the circumstances were such that he felt justified in
+making immediate use of any property under his care or charge, that he
+would explain everything to his captain and the colonel, but begged to
+be excused in the lieutenant's present frame of mind from arguing the
+matter with him.
+
+And the story Snaffle told Button before Foster could reach him went far
+to strengthen Fitzroy's position. Snaffle said that so far from
+Fitzroy's corrupting the coachman, the boot should be on the other foot,
+were Fitzroy corruptible--that Foster would find his coachman a
+double-dyed liar when he came to the truth of that runaway the night of
+the dance--that Foster's sleigh and carriage and driving horses had no
+right in a Government stable anyhow--were only there on sufferance
+(which was true, for Foster kept saddlers besides--all the law allowed
+him)--and that under the circumstances, when, as was well known, at
+least twenty officers and troopers on Government mounts had gone forth
+at night in violation of standing orders, without the commanding
+officer's knowledge or consent--all on the plea of rescuing Mayhew's
+daughter, Lieutenant Foster ought to be ashamed of himself for abusing
+Fitzroy for taking the sleigh in hopes of having a warm nest to fetch
+the poor girl home in as soon as he'd found her. "Sure, did Mr. Ennis
+expect her to ride back on his cantle on so bitter a night? Faith,
+Fitzroy was worth the whole pack of 'em put together, if they'd only let
+him alone."
+
+And that, at nine o'clock, when Ennis was sent for, was the colonel's
+way of looking at it. Moreover, he had a rasp up his sleeve for our
+massive young friend on half a dozen other counts.
+
+"In point of fact, Mr. Ennis, that girl has simply fooled the whole
+party and is probably laughing at all of you. A girl that will run away
+without a word or line to her father, and marry an out-and-out
+adventurer--a mere nobody--has neither heart nor head anyhow. And now
+you've interfered in a matter of discipline just as Mr. Lanier did, and
+I gave _you_ credit for better sense. You know I had ordered that
+fellow's arrest."
+
+Ennis took it all, all this and more, in grave silence and
+subordination. He would have gone without a word, but Button would not
+so have it. Button demanded his reasons, and began hitting back before
+Ennis had named even two. This brought on the "spat," as Barker
+irreverently described it, and left the colonel in no judicial mood in
+which to see Stannard, Sumter, and others, as see them he had to in
+course of the day.
+
+But flatly he swore that Sergeant Fitzroy should not go in arrest. It
+was only too clear they sought to make a victim of him.
+
+And so all Fort Cushing seemed in turmoil and trouble as the sun of the
+23d went out and "Black Bill" came in, yet that sun must have been
+potent, for Mrs. Stannard's face, as homeward she sped, after a long
+talk with Mrs. Osborn, was radiant with sunshiny smiles. "You're not to
+know anything yet, Luce, at least until you get it from Doctor Mayhew,
+for you never could keep it, and for a week at least it's got to be
+kept."
+
+"Well, one thing you _can_ tell," said the major, "that is, if you know,
+and put a stop to an awful amount of censure that poor girl's getting.
+Why did she leave no word for her father?"
+
+"Because she expected to be home in two hours;" and the reader can judge
+just how full and satisfactory must that answer have been.
+
+But were matters mending for Mr. Lanier? was the question still
+troubling Mrs. Stannard. Neither Kate nor Miriam had she seen since the
+night of the fire. Miriam Arnold was confined to her room. Kate Sumter
+would not leave her, and yet over these two devoted friends there still
+hovered a spell. The mutual trust and faith seemed shaken. The old
+confidence or intimacy was gone.
+
+Now, whatever Mrs. Osborn had told that so cheered Mrs. Stannard, it is
+certain the latter could not contain herself long, and that, even as
+the major was summoned, toward nine of the evening, to join the solemn
+conclave at the colonel's (where by this time Button had opened
+proceedings by giving "Black Bill" the best dinner a frontier larder and
+cellar afforded), she bustled over to the Sumters', was delightedly
+welcomed by her friend and neighbor, whose husband, too, had been called
+to council, and presently these two sages were in confidential chat.
+
+To them presently entered the captain, electric, bristling. He wanted
+the bundle of latest newspapers. They had not half read them, and
+Colonel Button was all eagerness to see some articles concerning the
+campaign about which Riggs had been twitting him--asking him whom he had
+subsidized at this late hour to rescue his reputation, etc. Riggs had
+seen three long, well-written letters in the great New York _Morning
+Mail_, obviously the work of a correspondent on the spot, an eye-witness
+to the scenes he had described, and these letters refuted the calumnies
+recently heaped on Button and his comrades--gave him, in fact, high
+praise for soldiership, bravery, energy, even though the writer owned
+himself by no means one of the colonel's circle, if, indeed, one of his
+personal friends and admirers. Only the Sumters, at Cushing, subscribed
+for the _Morning Mail_. Riggs had seen the paper at Omaha. It took a
+search of some minutes before even the first was found. Then Sumter's
+eyes danced as he read, and Mrs. Sumter exclaimed over another, and for
+the first time in a week sounds of cheer arose in that little home.
+Presently Mrs. Stannard read aloud a spirited, stirring paragraph,
+describing a dash led by Lieutenant Lanier, and then Sumter made a swoop
+for all three pages and said, "The quicker Button can see these the
+sooner he'll come to his senses," and begging pardon for the rudeness,
+took the papers and his leave and almost collided with Kate, who at
+sound of the name and the glad ring of the voices had crept down-stairs
+for the news.
+
+And so she had to come in and see Mrs. Stannard, and hear some few at
+least of the details of Dora Mayhew's romantic, runaway marriage, and
+while they were being told tattoo was sounded, and then Mrs. Stannard
+asked if she might not creep up-stairs and see Miriam; she thought she
+might cheer her a bit. This left mother and daughter alone together, and
+again, and even more painfully, Mrs. Sumter noted how sad and
+unresponsive was Kate at mention of Lanier.
+
+It must have been nearly an hour later when Sumter came hurriedly in,
+threw his furs off in the hall, and with troubled face re-entered the
+parlor. His wife rose instantly, laid her head upon his arm, and asked,
+"What has happened?"
+
+"A scene the like of which I never thought to hear of in this regiment.
+We had adjourned to the office. Snaffle had been drinking a bit and got
+angered and flustered when Riggs cross-examined him. One thing led to
+another, and finally in exasperation he blurted out, 'I'm sick of being
+called the accuser of Mr. Lanier. By God, I've defended him! I've hidden
+worse things than ever I told you yet, and now I'll stand it no longer!
+You twit me with spying and slandering. Then by all that's holy, you
+shall say here and now who's the better man. 'T was Lieutenant Lanier
+himself that leapt from the window this night a week ago--the back upper
+window of Sumter's quarters. That's how his hand was cut and torn, and
+I've got three men that'll swear to it!'"
+
+He broke off suddenly, for Kate had turned, flung herself from the room
+and into the arms of Mrs. Stannard. One long look into the sorrowful
+eyes of his wife, and Sumter quickly followed, and drew the sobbing girl
+from those kind arms into his own.
+
+"My child, my child," he said, "surely you did not _see_ him?"
+
+"No! No! No!" was the instant answer. "No!" again she sobbed.
+
+"Then tell me what it means, Kate, daughter. It is--I demand it!"
+
+"Oh, father, father--it was--it was what I _heard_--when she
+screamed--and fell?"
+
+"_What_ did you hear?"
+
+"The other voice--_his_ voice. It said plainly, 'Miriam, hush! Don't you
+know me?'"
+
+
+
+
+XII
+
+
+"Bob," said Mr. Ennis, sauntering in to his comrade's bedside the
+following morning, "I'm instructed to pay you a kiss."
+
+Lanier's bandaged head spun on the pillow. He had but one girl in his
+mind.
+
+"Wh--who?" he demanded.
+
+Ennis threw his head back and laughed. "Nine times out of ten when a
+fellow is asked, 'will you take it now or wait till you get it?' he's
+wise to take it now. If _I'm_ any judge, I should say you'd better wait
+till you can get it, which may be in less than a week."
+
+"Ennis, if you can quit being an ass long enough to tell me what you
+mean, and where you've been, I'll thank you. If you can't, I wish you'd
+get out. _Ugashe!_" concluded Bob, with a lapse into Apache and the
+pillow.
+
+"Well, it probably isn't just the kiss you were thinking of--no more was
+when I got it--but, Robert, my son and fellow soldier, it's my recorded
+conviction that the most enviable member of the regiment this day of our
+Lord is your twin trooper friend Rawdon. I saw him off on his wedding
+tour, and he _didn't_ have on your clothes."
+
+Lanier's head popped up in an instant--the one visible eye all eager
+interest. "_Where_ were they married? _When_ did they get off? Was
+Lowndes there?" were the questions that flew from his lips.
+
+"Arena. On Number Six. Don't know," was the categorical answer. "Rawdon
+brought the parson out from Omaha, and the Osborns gave her away. Of
+Lowndes I've seen nothing since the night you staked him at Laramie, and
+what I've heard of him you refused to listen to. Of that callow specimen
+of the effete and ultra-refined Back Bay District you've long since had
+my opinion. He's too good and gentle for this Western world of ours,
+Bob, and he and his shuddering kinsfolk suffer too much by
+contamination----"
+
+"Oh, shut up, Dad! His people _did_ wire him that his mother was
+desperately ill. They merely wanted to get him away from the campaign.
+He'd been gambling, the pesky little fool, with some of the Rawhide
+crowd, was all out of cash and dared not tell his guardian. That's all
+there was to it. Soon's he gets his money he'll square up--thought
+perhaps he _had_, since Rawdon had enough to marry on. Lowndes owed
+_him_ ten times what he owed me, I reckon."
+
+To them, thus engrossed in confidential chat, there suddenly entered the
+two doctors. "Black Bill," the inspector, it seems, had given notice
+that he must needs have speech with the culprit, if that bandaged,
+blistered, and unprincipled young man were in condition to see him.
+"Black Bill" and his host had been having a night of it. Button was in
+high fettle over the amazingly truthful and unlooked-for articles in
+the _Mail_, and as eager to know and reward their author as he had been
+to apprehend and punish the earlier detractor. Button had begun to
+"wobble," as Bill expressed it, in his spleen against Lanier until so
+suddenly "braced" by the truculent stand of Captain Snaffle, whose
+half-drunken words the previous night were by this time known all over
+the post.
+
+The matter was now in the hands of Colonel Riggs, however, and it was
+his to determine what further action to take. Snaffle had named as his
+witness Sergeant Fitzroy, Private Kelley (who, though drunk on duty, had
+not been so drunk, said Snaffle and Fitzroy, that he could not recognize
+an officer when he saw him), and the third witness, to the amaze of
+Barker and the derision of Ennis, when told of it, was no less a person
+than poor Tom Rafferty, Lanier's own "striker" and hitherto devoted
+henchman. And to the consternation of Stannard, Sumter, and others,
+Captain Snaffle had been able to back his words. Riggs sent for the two
+availables, Fitzroy and Kelly, and the two had declared they could not
+be mistaken; that they had heard Miss Arnold's scream, followed
+instantly by the crash of glass. Fitzroy admitted that he was at the
+moment at Captain Snaffle's back door; said he ran round to the Sumters'
+gate; that he distinctly saw the figure of a man in a soldier's overcoat
+and fur cap leaping and sliding down the roof, and that a moment later
+he grappled with it in the dark woodshed, dropping his hold only when
+angrily ordered to do so, the voice adding instantly, "I'm Lieutenant
+Lanier." Kelly was ready to swear to practically the same facts, though
+he "thought there was two of them," which, under the circumstances, was
+not to be wondered at. Fitzroy declared that a moment later Rafferty
+rushed to the spot, recognized the lieutenant, and by him was sternly
+ordered to leave. As yet Rafferty was in no condition to affirm or deny.
+The excitement of the fire had brought on a relapse, and the wild
+Irishman was wilder than ever, "raving-like," as the steward said, in
+the big post hospital.
+
+And these statements, presently, did Colonel Riggs lay before Lieutenant
+Lanier, in presence of Doctors Larrabee and Schuchardt, as well as
+Lieutenant Ennis. "I've known you three years, young sir," said he, "and
+I've believed in you from the first. I have reminded Sergeant Fitzroy of
+his previous allegations against Trooper Rawdon, as to the scuffle and
+assault, and, so far from showing confusion, Fitzroy promptly said,
+'Certainly, that took place barely half a minute later and within ten
+yards of the spot.' He says his whole idea first was to drive Rawdon
+from the scene, and prevent his finding his officer in so humiliating a
+plight. He says he sought in every way at first to shield the
+lieutenant, but when all these other facts came out about the cap, the
+clothing, the lieutenant's absence from his quarters, his lacerated
+hand, etc., there was no help for it. He finally yielded to the pressure
+of Captain Snaffle's questions and told the truth. Kelly miserably
+admitted his knowledge of it and when Rafferty came to his senses, he,
+too, was to be catechised."
+
+"Now, Mr. Lanier, there's the situation. Do you care to say anything to
+me, or would you prefer to take counsel?"
+
+And Bob Lanier leaning on his elbow, looked quietly up in the colonel's
+bearded face and answered:
+
+"Colonel Riggs, I reckon both those men think they're telling the truth,
+and I may have to prove they're not."
+
+"Do you mean--you _were_ there?" queried old Riggs, in genuine concern.
+
+"There, sir? Of _course_ I was there--quick as I could get there, but
+not quick enough by any manner of means."
+
+Riggs looked grave indeed.
+
+"You say you may have to prove it was not you. Don't you _know_ you'll
+have to--if these witnesses are further sustained?"
+
+"Fully, sir, and when my need is known there will be witnesses for the
+defense. The doctors tell me Rafferty may not come round in less than a
+week. When the time arrives I'll be ready."
+
+And that was the way it had to be left. That was the condition of
+affairs when the eighth, and final, day of Lanier's close arrest
+arrived. Longer than eight, according to law, the colonel could not keep
+him in. Sooner than eight more, according to Larrabee, the doctors could
+not let him out. Yet there came a compromise and a change. "The idea of
+Bob Lanier spending Christmas in hospital!" said Mrs. Stannard. It was
+not to be thought of. A sunshiny room on the ground floor of the major's
+big house was duly prepared, and thither just before sunset on Christmas
+eve our young soldier was piloted by Schuchardt and Ennis, making the
+trip afoot across the rearward space, yet being remanded to a huge easy
+chair and partial bandages immediately on his arrival.
+
+"Black Bill," with his incomplete report, had gone back to Omaha to
+further mystify the adjutant-general and to eat his Christmas dinner.
+The order for the court-martial hung fire until the preliminary
+investigation could be concluded. Fort Cushing set itself to enjoy the
+sweet festival as best it might, while such a problem remained unsolved.
+Veterinary Surgeon Mayhew had taken seven days' leave, an eastbound
+train, and at three P.M. the day before Christmas came a telegram from
+---- Arnold, Esq., of Standish Bay, Massachusetts, announcing that he
+would leave forthwith for the West, bringing his sister with him. The
+Sumters told Mrs. Stannard, and she told Bob Lanier.
+
+It has been said that this young gentleman was an outspoken fellow, with
+a hit-or-miss way of saying things when once his mind was made up, and
+by this time it would seem he had made up his mind.
+
+"Mrs. Stannard, if you think a girl could stand the sight of such a Guy
+Fawkes as this, I would give much to speak ten minutes to Miss Miriam
+Arnold."
+
+"You're _not_ a Guy Fawkes," said Mrs. Stannard, with fluttering heart.
+"You've lost something of your mustache and eyebrows, but very little of
+your good looks. Only----"
+
+"Only what?"
+
+"Why, it's going to be so much harder to see her _now_ than it was
+before--before she----" and Mrs. Stannard faltered.
+
+"Before she saw me playing Saint Somebody or other at the back window,
+and screamed? Nobody knows _I_ heard it except you, and you won't tell.
+Moreover, it isn't about _that_ that I have to speak."
+
+Mrs. Stannard's bonny face showed instant disappointment.
+
+"There's--there's another matter," said Bob, with trouble in his tones.
+
+"I so hoped----" faltered that arch match-maker.
+
+"So did I, Mrs. Stannard," said downright Bob, "but not with charges
+hanging over my head. First I've got to meet the enemy."
+
+And yet he wished to see and speak with Miriam, who not once had set
+foot out of doors since the night of the fire, whose sweet face flamed
+at every recurring thought of that incident, whose self-betrayal covered
+her with shame and confusion indescribable, who would give years of her
+young life if she could only escape from Fort Cushing and hide herself a
+thousand miles away. But not until that stern puritanical father should
+arrive was leaving to be thought of. A week agone and the tidings of his
+coming would have filled her with dread; now she heard them with relief.
+Father coming--and Aunt Agnes! Aunt Agnes, who never before had been
+west of the Hudson. Aunt Agnes, whose forebears had warred against
+witchcraft and woodcraft, against village crones and forest children,
+against helpless old women and stealthy young savages--all without mercy
+when delivered into their hands! Was it in partial reparation for the
+rapine, the swindling, and stealing dealt out by her Pilgrim forefathers
+to the Indian of the East that Aunt Agnes had become the vehement
+champion of the Indian of the West? President of a famous Peace Society
+was she, and secretary of the Standish Branch of the Friends of the Red
+Man, a race whom the original and redoubtable Miles had spitted and
+skewered and shot without stint or discrimination. And now was Aunt
+Agnes hastening westward with her brother, to reclaim their one ewe lamb
+from the wolf pack of the wilds, and incidentally to see for herself
+something of the haunts and habits of the red brother in whose behalf,
+these last six months, her voice had been uplifted time and again. It
+was the year of a great Indian war. The blood of hundreds of our
+soldiery had been shed, without protest from these of Puritan stock, but
+they shuddered at thought of reprisals. Aunt Agnes coming to Cushing!
+Aunt Agnes to meet the colonel and his "red-handed horde of ruthless
+slayers!"
+
+No wonder the Christmas day that dawned for Miriam Arnold in that
+stirring Centennial year bade fair to be the gloomiest of her life. Yet
+who can tell what a day may bring forth?
+
+Sumter came in, cheery and laughing, for the late family breakfast.
+Guard-mounting was long over, but he had been detained by the colonel.
+
+"It is almost comical," said he, "to see Button's delight in those
+letters in the New York papers. He's as curious now to know the author
+of those as he was furious at the supposed author of the others."
+
+"What others?" faltered Miriam Arnold, her eyes filling with strange
+apprehension, her face visibly paling.
+
+"Some bitter attacks on him that appeared in the Boston and Philadelphia
+papers about that night surprise of Lone Wolf's village--the one he
+accused Mr. Lanier of having started."
+
+"Accused--Mr. Lanier!" And Miriam Arnold, with consternation in her
+voice, was half rising from the table.
+
+"I had thought it best to say nothing to you about it, Miriam dear,"
+said Mrs. Sumter gently. "You had so many worries."
+
+"But Mrs. Sumter! Captain!" interrupted Miriam, wild-eyed. "Do you mean
+Colonel Button accused Mr. _Lanier_ of those letters?"
+
+[Illustration: "BUT DO YOU MEAN COLONEL BUTTON ACCUSED MR. LANIER OF
+THOSE LETTERS?"]
+
+"That was the backbone of his grievance against Lanier," said Sumter
+gravely, and intently studying her face. "Why?"
+
+"And he didn't--deny it? Didn't--tell what he knew?"
+
+"Denied it, yes, but refused to tell what he knew--said it came in such
+a way he could not tell. Why, Miriam, what do _you_ know?"
+
+For a moment it looked as though she were on the verge of hysterical
+breakdown. Kate sprang to her side and threw an arm around her, but with
+gallant effort she regained self-control.
+
+"I know _just_ who wrote those wicked stories, and I told Mr. Lanier;
+and I know--and I'm ashamed I ever _had_ to know--who first told them."
+
+
+
+
+XIII
+
+
+Stannard had been summoned to Omaha, much to Button's curiosity and
+disquiet. Mrs. Stannard, left temporarily widowed, was none the less
+radiant. A romance was unfolding right under her roof, and the heart of
+the woman was glad. Her patient was sitting up in spick and span uniform
+and a sunshiny parlor. Plainly furnished as were the frontier quarters
+of that day and generation, the room looked very bright and cosey this
+crisp December evening. Christmas had come and gone with but faint
+celebration, as compared with former years. There had been several
+callers, masculine and regimental, during the earlier afternoon, but now
+they were off for stables. There had been an influx of army wives and
+daughters, to wish Bob Lanier many happy returns, for this was his
+birthday. Shrewd woman, with all her gentle kindliness and tact, was
+Mrs. Stannard. She had sent word to all her cronies of the interesting
+event and suggested a call. More significance, therefore, would be
+attached to a neglect to an acceptance of the hint. Perhaps this is how
+it happened that just about four P.M., when most people were gone, Mrs.
+Sumter came quietly, cheerily, convoying her two girls, and presently
+Bob Lanier was smiling into the eyes of Miriam Arnold, whose hand he
+took last and clung to longest of the three.
+
+Not since the night of the fire had he set eyes on her. Not since the
+night of the dance had he spoken with her, and he was startled to see
+the change. Bravely though she bore herself, the flush that mantled her
+cheek was but momentary, and left her pallid and wan. Miriam looked as
+though she had been seriously ill. Kate Sumter had given him only
+hurried and almost embarrassed words of greeting. Mrs. Sumter, however,
+had extended both her hands in an impulse of loyal liking and
+friendship, and it is doubtful if Bob even saw the daughter's face.
+Certainly he never noted the lack of heart in her manner. His eyes had
+flitted almost instantly to Miriam Arnold's, and there they hung. A few
+minutes of swift, purposeless chat ensued, Mrs. Stannard and Mrs. Sumter
+doing most of it. Then, somehow, three women seemed to drift away and
+become engrossed in matters of their own over by the Navajo-covered
+lounge, and then Miriam lifted up her eyes and looked one moment into
+the young soldier's face.
+
+The bandages had been removed, though his left hand was still encased in
+a huge white kid glove, a discard from the hand of Ennis. Eyebrows and
+mustache had suffered much, and a red streak ran from the left temple
+down toward the neck, yet Bob looked fit and debonair and happy in
+spite of his weight of martial woes.
+
+"It's the first chance I've had to thank you for the dance we--didn't
+finish," said he, noting with a thrill the tremor of the little hand
+that fluttered for that moment in his grasp.
+
+"Do you think it a thing to be thankful for? I don't."
+
+"I wouldn't have lost it for a month's pay, to put it mildly, and it
+will take more than a month's pay to repair later damages," said he,
+trying to smile and be unsentimental.
+
+"How very much more than that you _may_ lose!" said she. "Do you think I
+could have danced with you if I had dreamed what--what you were doing?"
+
+"You were dancing like a dream," said he. "Do you mean I was dancing
+like a nightmare?"
+
+"You were doing what was sure to involve you in grave trouble, and--it
+wasn't kind to me, Mr. Lanier."
+
+"I'm all contrition for the anxiety it caused you, Miss Miriam, and for
+absolutely nothing else. I wish you to know that I did nothing unusual.
+Colonel Button was angry with me for a very different matter."
+
+One moment she was silent; then, with lips that quivered in spite of her
+effort--a quiver that he saw and that set his heart to bounding
+madly--with lowered voice she hurried on: "And that, too, involves me,
+or mine. And you"--then uplifting her swimming eyes--"you _would_ not
+tell."
+
+And then the barrier of his pride was swept away.
+
+"Miriam!" he cried, his hands eagerly seeking and seizing hers, only
+faintly resisting. "There was no _need_ to tell." He was standing facing
+her now, close to the curtained window, his back toward the twittering
+trio near the dining-room door and imperceptibly edging thither at Mrs.
+Stannard's suggestion of coffee. Was this prearranged? Bob never saw
+nor heeded. _She_ did, however, and well knew its meaning, and the woman
+in her, that thrilled and throbbed at sight of the passion in his eyes
+the worship in his face coquetting with her own delight would have torn
+herself away to follow them, but her little hands were held in a grasp
+against which she might struggle in vain. He was lifting them to his
+heart, and as he drew them he was drawing her. She had to come, her long
+curling lashes sweeping the soft cheeks, now once more blushing like the
+dawn. "Oh, Mr. Lanier," he heard her murmur, as though pleading and
+warning. One swift glance he tossed over his shoulder at the last form
+vanishing through the doorway, then his dark eyes, glowing and
+rejoiceful, fastened on hers, and quick and fervent came the next words:
+"There is only one thing that need be told--that _must_ be told, because
+I've just been brimming over with it all these weeks" (ah, how the
+bonny head was drooping now, but drooping toward him), "and now I can
+keep it back no longer. Miriam, Miriam, I love you--I love you! Have you
+nothing to tell me?"
+
+One instant of thrilling suspense, then with a sob welling up from her
+burdened heart, the barrier of her pride and reserve went as his had
+gone a moment ago. "Oh, you know--you _know_ it! Who _hasn't_ known it
+since that awful night?" she cried, and then found herself folded,
+weeping uncontrollably, almost deliriously, in his arms, his lips
+raining kisses on the warm, wet cheek. A moment he held her
+close-wrapped to his heart, then gradually, yet with irresistible power,
+turned upward the tear-stained, blushing, exquisite face, so that he
+could feast his eyes upon her beauty, then with joy unutterable, his
+lips sank upon the soft, quivering mouth in the first love kiss she had
+ever known, and their troubles vanished into heaven at the touch.
+
+
+Mrs. Stannard, you were a jewel and a general. Now, how about the major?
+
+"For conference with the Judge-Advocate of the Department," read the
+order that summoned him, and from that conference forth went our doughty
+dragoon in search of conquest. "It is understood," said the officials,
+"that you know the circumstances under which Lieutenant Lanier became
+responsible for the money borrowed at Laramie by or for that young Mr.
+Lowndes, also that you know him." There were other matters, but that
+came up first. Stannard knew and was quite willing to set forth with a
+plain-clothes member of the Omaha force on a mission for and from
+headquarters.
+
+In a derby hat and civilian suit of the fashion of '72, the latter much
+too snug for him, our squadron leader of the Sioux campaign looked
+little like a trooper as he sauntered with his detective companion into
+the lobby of the Paxton a few minutes later, and listened to his
+modernized tale of the prodigal son. It was all known to the police.
+Lowndes had run through the purse and patience of his Eastern kindred
+some two years before. Lowndes had been transported to a cattle ranch
+near Fort Cushing in hopes of permanent benefit, but speedily neglected
+the range for the more congenial society of the fort. He was well born
+and bred. He was made free at first at the mess, but wore out his
+welcome. He went on the campaign for excitement and got much more than
+he wanted. He took to gambling among the scouts and packers and
+sergeants, for the officers had soon cold-shouldered him. But he was a
+college man, a secret society man, as had been Lieutenant Lanier before
+entering the Point. Since the campaign Lowndes had been going from bad
+to worse; had gambled away the money sent him by his relatives, and
+they were now sorely anxious about him. Moreover, he was needed as a
+material witness for the defense in the case of Lieutenant Lanier, and
+would answer no letters to his post-office address. He hadn't been near
+the ranch in nearly a month, hadn't been seen about Cushing City since
+the blizzard; was believed to be somewhere in this neighborhood in
+disguise.
+
+And even as the story was being told, there came bounding down the broad
+stairway from above, a slender, well-built youth, in whom the
+civilization of the East was stamped in the stylish, trim-fitting
+travelling suit with cap to match, in the further items of natty silken
+scarf and the daintiest of hand and foot covering. It was the erect,
+jaunty carriage that caught the major's eye. In build, bearing, and gait
+the approaching stranger was Bob Lanier all over. He came straight
+toward them, and was tripping lightly, swiftly by when Stannard sprang
+to his feet.
+
+"Rawdon!" he cried, voice and manner at once betraying the soldier and
+the habit of authority and command. It was as imperative as the crisp,
+curt "Halt" of veteran sentry, and effective as though backed by
+levelled bayonet.
+
+But if Stannard for an instant looked for demur, resistance, attempt to
+avoid, or even a trace of confusion on the part of this transmogrified
+trooper, the idea as quickly vanished. A wave of color, it is true,
+swept instantly to the young fellow's temples, but the sudden light of
+recognition in his handsome eyes was frank and fearless. Quickly he
+whirled about, courteously he raised his cap, instinctively his heels
+clicked together as he stood attention to his squadron leader of the
+summer agone.
+
+"I beg the major's pardon," said he. "I did not expect him here, and had
+never seen him in civilian dress."
+
+And now the detective, too, was on his feet, and curiously noting the
+pair.
+
+"You're on furlough I understand, but I heard--my wife said--you were
+in Chicago."
+
+"Mrs. Stannard was right, sir. My wife and her father are there now,
+visiting my sister. Doctor Mayhew told me of the charges against
+Lieutenant Lanier, and that is what brings me back at once."
+
+"Going back at once?" began the major, mollified, yet mystified. "I
+presume you know more of these matters than any one else."
+
+"With possibly two exceptions, sir. I hope to nab one of them here."
+
+"Lowndes?" queried Stannard.
+
+"Lowndes," answered Rawdon.
+
+"Then you're just the man we want."
+
+
+That afternoon as the Union Pacific express stood ready at the Union
+station for the start, there boarded one of the sleepers a burly,
+thick-set, bluff-mannered man in huge fur overcoat, close followed by
+two younger companions. One of these latter, erect and graceful in
+bearing, alert and quick in every movement, with clear-cut and handsome
+features, was dressed with care and taste, evidently a man accustomed to
+metropolitan scenes and society; the other, a youth of probably his own
+age, though looking elder, was sallow, shabby, with a dejected
+down-at-the-heel expression to his entire personality that told
+infallibly of failure and humiliation. At a sign from their leader he
+dropped dumbly into a section, settled himself next the frosty window,
+with his head shrunk down in his worn coat-collar, and his slouch hat
+pulled over his eyes.
+
+"Better pull off that overcoat and make yourself comfortable, Lowndes,"
+said the younger man. "You've a long journey ahead."
+
+Whereat a tall, spare, elderly gentleman in the adjoining section slowly
+lowered his newspaper and turned half round, while a tall, spare,
+elderly, sharp-featured woman beside him, in prim travelling garb,
+sprang from her seat and brushing the burly man aside, precipitated
+herself upon the shrinking object in the corner.
+
+"Mortimer Watson Lowndes!" cried she. "Where on earth have you been?"
+
+For answer Mortimer Watson bowed his flabby face in his hands and wept
+dismally.
+
+Two days later the colonel's office at Fort Cushing was the scene of a
+somewhat remarkable trial. It had no force in law, yet was held to be
+conclusive. There was no array of uniformed judges sitting, by order, as
+a general court-martial. The tribunal consisted, in point of fact, of a
+single man, acting as judge, jury and attorney, to wit, "Black Bill"
+Riggs, Inspector-General of the Department of the Platte. To the
+unspeakable disgust of most of the officers, and the outspoken
+disapprobation of many of their wives, only those closely concerned in
+or connected with the case were invited to be present. Certain others
+who had just happened in, thinking to hear the proceedings, were,
+indeed, invited to leave.
+
+Colonel Button, as post commander and principal accuser, was, of course,
+at his usual desk. Colonel Riggs, his jealously regarded rival, was
+seated at a little table, whereon was much stationery and a stack of
+memoranda. Lieutenant Lanier, somewhat pale but entirely placid,
+occupied a chair to the left of that table, with Captain Sumter, as his
+troop commander and counsel, by his side. Captain Snaffle was in support
+of the post commander to cross-question if he saw fit. Barker, the
+adjutant, was present, as a matter of course. A headquarters clerk sat
+facing Riggs, prepared to take notes, and the trim orderly stood outside
+the closed door. Three or four people in civilian garb sat awaiting
+summons in the adjutant's office across the hall, and Sergeant Fitzroy,
+with trouble in his eyes and wrath in his heart, was flitting uneasily
+about in the domain of the sergeant-major.
+
+"If you are ready, Colonel Button," began Riggs, with elaborate
+courtesy, "I am, and let me briefly say that I have seen Trooper
+Rafferty at the hospital, also certain other men named by Captain
+Snaffle; but in order that all parties may be given opportunity to hear
+and to examine, and at the request of Lieutenant Lanier, who desires the
+fullest investigation and publicity, I have invited you and the captain
+to hear what I consider the really valuable evidence. Will you call in
+Trooper Rawdon?"
+
+Snaffle's face was a sight when the door opened and there entered a very
+self-possessed young man, in stylish and becoming civilian dress, who
+nevertheless stood bolt upright, with his hand raised in salute.
+
+"Hwat's he mean by coming here in 'cits'?" said Snaffle, in hoarse
+whisper, to his commander.
+
+"Yes, Colonel Riggs; if this man's a soldier, why isn't he in uniform?"
+
+With perfect respect, at a nod from Riggs, the newcomer replied: "My
+uniforms, and other belongings of mine, were taken from my trunk in town
+during my absence."
+
+"You could have borrowed one," said Snaffle truculently.
+
+"I told him he need not," retorted Riggs. "And now, gentlemen, we'll
+waste no time trying to worry the witness. Mr. Rawdon, you _were_ a duly
+enlisted trooper, I believe. Take that chair."
+
+"And am still, sir, as far as I know."
+
+"But your discharge is ordered, as I understand it."
+
+"It was applied for and recommended, and General Whipple told me in
+Chicago a few days ago it was settled; but that would have made no
+difference, sir. I should have been proud to wear the uniform until
+officially discharged."
+
+Riggs wheeled in his chair. "Colonel Button, it has been fully explained
+to this--man, and to the next, that what they tell us here is to be
+just what they would swear to before a court. You can decide for
+yourself on hearing it whether you wish them to swear to it or not. Now,
+Rawdon, tell us how you came to enlist."
+
+"As the representative of three newspapers, in Chicago and the East.
+They were anxious to have an Indian campaign, and the life of an
+enlisted man, described as it really was. I joined a squad of recruits
+for this regiment right after the news of the Crazy Horse Battle on
+Powder River."
+
+"Do you still hold that job?"
+
+"No, sir;" and there was a twitch of the muscles about the corners of
+the mouth suggestive of amusement.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I failed to--give satisfaction. Only scraps of my letters were
+published."
+
+"What did they want?"
+
+"Criticism principally, and confirmation of the stories of abuse and ill
+treatment of soldiers by their officers."
+
+"Were your letters never published?"
+
+"Three of them, eventually, after the campaign--in the New York _Morning
+Mail_."
+
+Whereupon Riggs spun in his chair and rejoicefully surveyed Button, who
+sat like a man in a daze, staring, opened-eyed, at the witness. For the
+life of him Sumter could not suppress a chuckle.
+
+"Then, as I understand it, you were favorably impressed with the
+life--and conditions?"
+
+"In spite of hardship and privation, yes, sir; and because I found
+complete refutation of the stories about the officers, both as regarded
+their dealing with the Indians and with their own men."
+
+"Were there any persons with the command who knew you and your mission?"
+
+"Two, sir, as it turned out. Trooper Cary, who enlisted at the same time
+I did, and a civilian, Mr. Lowndes, who recognized us at Fort Frayne. We
+were at college together. He and Cary became very intimate toward the
+last, and yet I think they kept my secret in spite of our falling out."
+
+"Do you care to tell us why you fell out?"
+
+"I prefer that Mr. Lowndes should do that. He and Cary had been chums in
+college days, and though we were in the same society I did not know them
+then as I do now."
+
+"You had trouble with Sergeant Fitzroy at first, did you not?"
+
+"Almost from the start, sir."
+
+"We have heard his version. What is yours?"
+
+Rawdon's frank face clouded and colored one moment, but the eyes never
+flinched.
+
+"It was partly on account of the lady who is now my wife, and partly on
+account of--money. Fitzroy is an out-and-out usurer, and has a dozen
+sergeants in the regiment in his debt and under his thumb, Captain
+Snaffle's first sergeant among them."
+
+"It's a lie!" said Snaffle.
+
+"It's the truth," said Riggs, "and I have other proofs. You will curb
+your tongue and your temper, Captain Snaffle, if you please. Go on,
+Rawdon."
+
+"I had reason to believe he was squeezing Doctor Mayhew. I had learned
+to love Mayhew's daughter. I had a little money laid by, and was getting
+a good salary. I made Doctor Mayhew take enough to free himself, and won
+Fitzroy's hate on both accounts."
+
+"You are accused of assaulting him the night of the 16th. What of that?"
+
+"I did not even see him or speak to him. I had been in town in the
+afternoon, arranging for our marriage. Doctor Mayhew would not hear of
+it until I had got my discharge, but we had decided to be married
+Saturday morning, and to go East that afternoon, as important business
+called me. Mr. Lowndes will tell you that he owed me much money. I had
+lost my position as correspondent, needed the cash, and pressed him for
+it. He had promised faithfully to have it ready, but ready it was not. I
+knew of his relatives in Massachusetts and urged him to telegraph, but
+he said he could get some of it, at least, at the fort. So I drove him
+and Cary out in a sleigh, left them at the store, and, circling the
+fort, spent two hours with Miss Mayhew. Then getting uneasy, as they did
+not come, drove round back to the store just in time to see Lieutenant
+Foster's sleigh going like the wind to town, and found Rafferty in
+frantic excitement. He said there was hell to pay. The lieutenant was in
+arrest. Lowndes and Cary had run away with some of his clothes. There'd
+been a shindy up the row, and just then a soldier friend came running.
+'Skip for your life, Rawdon,' said he. 'There's been robbery at Captain
+Sumter's, and Sergeant Fitzroy swears it was you, and that you've struck
+him and assaulted him. The colonel orders you arrested wherever found.
+The patrols are out now!' There was no time to explain. I lashed my
+team to town, caught Lowndes in cavalry overcoat and cap, the fool, and
+with not a cent to his name. I gave Cary a note to Miss Mayhew, which he
+never delivered, and took Lowndes with me on Number Six at 11.40."
+
+"Then you were not at Captain Sumter's that night?"
+
+"Nowhere near it, sir."
+
+Snaffle's eyes were fairly popping from their sockets. Hadn't he said
+all along it was Lanier?
+
+"Now, another matter," continued Riggs. "That night at Laramie of which
+you told me. These gentlemen will be interested."
+
+"There was nothing remarkable in that. I had heard of the same thing
+being done at West Point. I heard in the nick of time of the order to
+the officer-of-the-day to inspect for Lieutenant Lanier. I imagined that
+something very serious would happen to him. I knew he'd gone to the
+post with Lowndes, and why. So, with my apologies now to the lieutenant,
+I slipped round to his tent and into his blankets."
+
+"Did the lieutenant know of it--or of the reason?"
+
+"Never, so far as I know. I doubt if he knows it now. Lowndes told me
+the lieutenant--before he entered West Point--was a member of our
+fraternity. That was enough."
+
+"And so far as I am concerned," said Riggs, "that is enough. Have you
+gentlemen any questions to ask?"
+
+"Not--now," answered Button slowly. "But I desire personally to see--the
+witness--later."
+
+
+
+
+XIV
+
+
+One more witness appeared before this informal court that memorable day,
+and with him, as prearranged, the tall, elderly civilian who had arrived
+with Stannard and his party from the East. Mr. Arnold came in, hat in
+hand, bowing gravely and profusely, with a very puzzled look in his
+face.
+
+"Thank you for coming, Mr. Arnold," said Riggs, with bluff civility.
+"You have met these gentlemen--Colonel Button, Mr. Barker, Mr. Lanier,
+Captain Sumter." He pointedly omitted Snaffle, to whom, none the less,
+Mr. Arnold bowed as ceremoniously as to each of the others who had risen
+at his entrance. "Pray take this chair, sir. As I have explained to you,
+Mr. Lowndes, your nephew could not be compelled to testify before a
+military court, and need not make public admission here of what he told
+us at Rawdon's demand during our journey hither. I hope this is fully
+understood."
+
+Mr. Arnold cleared his throat and beamed benevolently about him. The
+occasion seemed propitious, and a moral lesson appropriate, and he
+began:
+
+"My unhappy nephew realizes, with, I trust, genuine contrition, that he
+has been the cause of grave trouble, not only to us, his kindred in the
+East, but--er--to you military gentlemen in the West. He has, prompted,
+as we must admit, by Mr.--Mr. Rawdon, made a clean breast of his
+lamentable conduct, and has promised Mr. Rawdon to repeat every word of
+it--er--to Colonel Button, but, as his----"
+
+"Then we'll waste no time," said Riggs impatiently. "We'll have him in,
+and I can catch the afternoon train. Orderly, call Mr. Lowndes."
+
+"Er--I was about to remark," proceeded Mr. Arnold, "that if
+any--er--suit for damages, or--er--recovery of money should be in
+contemplation, we desire----"
+
+"Don't fear, sir. Nobody's going to sue for damages. What we want is the
+quashing of all charges against this young gentleman, who has been made
+to suffer abominably. Ah, come in, Mr. Lowndes. Sit down, sir. You have
+met everybody here. Now, as speedily as possible, we'll finish this
+matter, and in four hours we'll be off for home."
+
+It was but a dejected specimen of a college-bred man that sank into the
+chair in front of Riggs and faced him with pallid cheek and somber eyes.
+One look he gave at Bob Lanier, a furtive, forlorn glance, which met no
+recognition whatsoever. Lanier looked him over with indifference that
+bordered closely on contempt, but gave no other sign.
+
+"Mr. Lowndes," said Riggs abruptly, "there is no need of going over the
+entire story. I'll ask you to answer certain questions. Who was your
+earliest friend in this regiment?"
+
+The dreary eyes turned once more toward Bob, and the nervous hands
+started the slouch hat in swifter revolution.
+
+"Mr. Lanier, sir."
+
+"How came that?"
+
+"I knew he was of my college fraternity before I entered college, and I
+showed him my pin and certificate."
+
+"That insured a welcome, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes, sir. He--he made me at home in his quarters--and tent."
+
+"Shared the best he had with you--home, food, drink, even clothes and
+money, I'm told."
+
+The flush deepened in the dejected face.
+
+"It is all true, sir."
+
+"Yet you quarrelled with him during the campaign."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I lost money gambling, and he wouldn't lend me any more."
+
+"Did you ever pay what he had lent you?"
+
+"Not--yet, sir."
+
+"Even after your quarrel did he not aid you?"
+
+"Yes, at Laramie. I didn't seem to have any friend left by that time,
+and had to go to him for help when they wired me to come home."
+
+"In point of fact, he enabled you to get one hundred dollars at
+Laramie?"
+
+"Yes. I gave my note and he gave his word."
+
+"What did you do with the money?"
+
+"Tried to win back some that I had lost, at poker, and lost most of what
+I had raised. I suppose I'd have lost all of it if Rawdon hadn't caught
+me playing and pulled me out."
+
+"You owed him still more?"
+
+"Nearly two hundred dollars, sir."
+
+"Did you go home?"
+
+"I couldn't; I had only enough to bring me to Cushing, and they wouldn't
+send me any more. I had to go to the ranch and stay."
+
+"Did you try to earn any money?"
+
+"Yes, sir, writing about the campaign. Rawdon lost his position because
+he didn't send what they wanted, so I thought I might. The editor didn't
+know me, and asked for references, so I sent my stories to--to Mr.
+Arnold and my aunt. She often wrote for the papers."
+
+"Is that the way the Boston and other papers came to publish those
+scandals at the expense of Colonel Button?"
+
+"She dressed them up a good deal and made it worse than I described,"
+faltered Lowndes.
+
+"Er--let me explain, gentlemen," interposed Mr. Arnold, who had been
+twitching in uneasiness. "My sister is of a very sympathetic nature, and
+her heart has long been wrung by the injustice meted out to the Indian.
+When this unhappy boy wrote those--er--descriptive letters she had no
+reason to doubt their entire truth. Indeed, her conviction was that he
+was concealing, or glossing over, worse things."
+
+"He seems to have later supplied you with worse things, Mr. Arnold. For
+instance, I will ask you what was his final explanation of his need for
+money?"
+
+"He begged me to send him two hundred dollars at once, saying he would
+be disgraced if he could not pay Lieutenant Lanier, who had won it from
+him at cards."
+
+"Mr. Lowndes," said Riggs, "did Lieutenant Lanier ever win a dollar from
+you?"
+
+"Never, sir." And now the miserable head went down into the hot and
+feverish hands, and the silence in the room became something oppressive.
+
+Riggs let him rest a minute, then went on. "Now, then, in your own way,
+tell us what happened that night of the 16th."
+
+For a few seconds there was silence. Then, suddenly uplifting his head
+and looking at no one, Lowndes desperately plunged into his narrative.
+"I--I--was mad, I suppose, with debt and misery, and I began to drink.
+Rawdon told me he _must_ have the money. My uncle had flatly refused to
+send me more. I got desperate. There was left me only one way, and that
+was through my cousin Miriam. I knew she was out here, and she--she had
+always been my best friend in my troubles at home. We'd almost been
+brought up together until they sent me out here. She didn't know where I
+was. They didn't wish her to know. But I knew if I could see her she
+would help me.
+
+"Rawdon had changed into citizen's clothes in town, and I had pawned my
+overcoat, so he lent me his cavalry overcoat and a fur cap, drove me and
+Cary out to the fort, and left us at the store, promising to join him at
+Doctor Mayhew's in an hour. We were chilled from the ride, and drank
+more. Rafferty told me Mr. Lanier was officer-of-the-guard, and
+everybody else was at the dance. We filled Rafferty up, for Cary'd made
+up his mind he was going to Rawdon's wedding in 'cits' instead of
+soldier clothes, and he was bent on borrowing a suit of Lieutenant
+Lanier's, even though they would hardly fit him. He swore he'd return
+them the next day, and Rafferty let him have them, and he put them on in
+the lieutenant's back room. Then he and I went up the rear fence and
+caught sight of Number Five--Trooper Kelly. Cary knew him and went ahead
+to 'fix things' with him, as he said. Kelly had seen us come out of
+Lieutenant Lanier's back gate, and was suspicious. Cary, to quiet him,
+told him he was with Lieutenant Lanier--that we were helping Rawdon get
+ready for his wedding. He made Kelly drink to Rawdon's happiness, and
+drink three or four times, and finally left him with a half full flask
+up the row toward Major Stannard's. Then we went to Captain Sumter's.
+Kelly told Cary the servants were in at Captain Snaffle's. The door was
+open. Cary watched below, while I hunted for my cousin's room. I found
+it easily. I knew they had sent her money, and orders to come
+home--uncle had written me as much. I found her desk. I knew it well of
+old, and then, to my horror, I heard her voice, and in a second she was
+in the room. She gave one awful scream, though I tore off my cap and
+begged her to know me, but she fell in a faint. Others were coming. I
+broke out of the back window, slid and scrambled down the roof to the
+shed and so to the ground. I heard men come running, so I dove into the
+coal-shed, where the sergeant grabbed me in the dark and I--had to make
+him let go, and--said I was Lieutenant Lanier. Later I crawled through a
+hole in the fence and started for the store, scared out of my wits.
+Right at the next gate I crashed into two men, grappled and fighting.
+We all three fell in a heap. I picked myself and cap up and ran again;
+caught Cary at the store just jumping into a sleigh, and we lashed those
+horses every inch of the way, left them at a ranch gate, and ran to the
+station. The train was a few minutes late. Rawdon presently came, and he
+took me to Omaha, as I begged him, for I didn't know what could or would
+be done to me if I was caught. He, too, had to get away or be thrown
+into the guard-house, and that--that's about all."
+
+"You have that overcoat with you yet, I believe--that cavalry coat."
+
+"It's all I have had to wear, sir," was the rueful answer, as, rising,
+he took the garment from the arm of his chair and laid it upon the
+table, with the yellow lining of the cape thrown back, exposing a rent
+or gash, whereupon Captain Sumter arose, took from an envelope a sliver
+of yellow cloth, and fitted it into the gap. "This," said he, "I found
+on the hook of the storm-sash, and this," he continued, laying beside it
+a rusty sheath knife, "was later found under the snow, close under the
+dormer window." Then turning the overcoat inside out, he displayed on
+the back lining in stencil the name "Rawdon."
+
+"And now," said Riggs, "we will hear the accused."
+
+"It isn't necessary," began Button, turning in his chair. "I have heard
+more than enough----"
+
+"It _is_ necessary, Colonel Button, if you please, for my satisfaction
+as investigator. Of course Mr. Lanier is not obliged to speak, but a few
+matters remain to be cleared up. There is yet the time-honored problem
+of 'who struck Billy Patterson,'" and Button subsided.
+
+"The matter is quite simple," said Lanier. "I went direct from the
+dancing room to my quarters, not even stopping for my overcoat. I was
+chilled when I got there. The fire was low, and I went back to call
+Rafferty. He didn't answer, so I had to lug in some fuel. His overcoat
+hung in the kitchen and I put that on, and just as I opened the back
+door there came the scream from up the row. Fire was the only thing I
+thought of, and I saw others running toward Captain Sumter's as I
+started from the back gate. Then a man rushed past me, going the other
+way, and then the next thing somebody sprang out from Captain Snaffle's
+back yard, tripped me, and I went headlong. I was on my feet in a
+second, but he had me round the neck, ordering me to surrender. I
+wrenched loose and let him have two hard ones, right and left, before he
+clinched again. Somebody else collided with us. We all went down. The
+last man was up first and ran away, with the first cap he could reach,
+and I followed in an effort to overtake him, knowing by that time it
+wasn't fire, but robbery. Then when I realized no life was in danger, I
+remembered I was in arrest, dropped the chase, and went straight to my
+quarters the way I came. Both hands were bruised and left badly cut. I
+am sorry, of course, to have struck Sergeant Fitzroy, but the language
+he used was vile, and it seemed to me the only way to convince him I was
+_not_ Trooper Rawdon."
+
+"Colonel Button, have you any questions to ask?" demanded Riggs, as
+Lanier concluded.
+
+"Why didn't you tell _me_ this?" demanded Button.
+
+"I should have been glad to, colonel. Indeed, I tried to the last time I
+was in the office," was the deferential reply.
+
+"Well, gentlemen," said the colonel, as a parting shot, "between us we
+seem to have stirred up a pretty kettle of fish." Yet in that culinary
+maelstrom even Snaffle disowned either responsibility or complicity. He
+always _had_ said Lanier was a perfect gentleman.
+
+And so ended Bob's arrest and most of our story. Riggs went back with
+his report that very afternoon. Rawdon lingered for a word with Cassidy,
+Quinlan, and poor remorseful Rafferty; then followed, unhampered even by
+his arch enemy Fitzroy, who slipped away to the stables three minutes
+after the close of the conference. But he was not even there when, along
+in the spring, Mr. and Mrs. Rawdon came out for a visit to Doctor
+Mayhew. Like Rawdon, he had received his discharge. Unlike Rawdon, there
+was serious objection to his reenlistment. Even Snaffle dare not "take
+him on" again.
+
+The snows lay long and deep in the ravines and hollows. It was not until
+mid-May that the poor victims of the blast and blinding storm were
+uncovered, and the bodies of the missing were found, save that of
+Cary--Cary, who, having been given up for lost, turned up most
+unexpectedly the very day that Fitzroy, applicant for reenlistment, was
+summarily turned down. But Cary came not of his own volition. He marched
+with a file of the guard. Cary's story was simple enough. Rawdon and
+Lowndes had hardly got away on the train when Sergeant Stowell and his
+party came searching. Cary hid. He was still half drunk. Some one told
+him of Kelly's arrest, and charged him with that and with running off
+the Fosters' sleigh. He dared not face the music. He forgot his precious
+missive to Dora Mayhew until next day. Then the storm held him. Not
+until the fire night did he summon up courage to sneak home. He had no
+money left and could buy no more liquor. He stole into Lanier's back
+door to return the civilian suit and recover the cavalry blouse and
+trousers left hanging in Rafferty's room. He could hear the lieutenant
+moving about overhead. He had to strike a light; he struck several
+matches; found the clothes, slipped out of the "cits" and into his own.
+He was cold and numb. He knew there was liquor on the sideboard in the
+middle room. The craze was on him, and he risked it. He struck more
+matches and threw the burning stumps to the floor, drank his fill, then
+stumbled away, intending to give himself up to his first sergeant for
+absence without leave. Back round by way of the store and the east front
+he went, but before he could reach the barracks came the appalling cry
+of fire--Lanier's quarters! His doing beyond doubt, and now, in dismay
+and terror, he fled from the post. Some ranch folk took him in next day,
+and cared for him awhile, then sent word to the fort. Poor Cary had
+Lanier to plead for him before his trial, but three months' hard labor
+was the least the law would allow. He was still "doing time" when his
+happier friend of college days came back with his sweet young wife.
+
+By which time, too, another wedding was announced as near at hand. Only
+two days did Mr. Arnold and Aunt Agnes allow Miriam in which to prepare
+for the homeward journey, but it is safe to say that in that brief time
+their views of frontier life and people had undergone marked amendment,
+for they had found an old expounder of their faith in the post chaplain,
+for one thing, and many surprising facts as to officers, men, and
+Indians for another. There came a bright wintry afternoon, at the fag
+end of the year, when the station platform held a lively little assembly
+waiting for the east-bound express. The colonel and his wife were there,
+the former by no means the blood-thirsty warrior of the elder's
+imagination. The Stannards had come in, and the Sumters, Kate, and "Dad"
+Ennis, the chaplain, and both doctors, and all these surrounded the
+brother and sister and held them in cheery converse, while Bob and
+Miriam sauntered, self-centred, away.
+
+There was a sheltered, sunshiny little nook down the platform, between
+the baggage and express sheds, with a high, board fence at the back, to
+keep off the north wind and human intruders. They passed it twice in
+their stroll, but the third time turned in--it was so good to get out of
+the piercing wind--as well as out of sight.
+
+What wonders a few days of delight will do for a girl! The pallor and
+lassitude had gone. The soft eyes were brimming with bliss. The rounded
+cheeks had regained all their bloom. The sweet, rosebud mouth seemed all
+smiles and warmth and witchery, and Lanier's eyes were glowing as he
+drew her to his heart and gazed down into the depths of those uplifted
+to his.
+
+"That brute of a train has been late for a week," said he, "but to-day
+it comes on time. It is going to be a long, long wait for May. How does
+papa seem to take it now?"
+
+"Papa is quick to make amends when he has wronged--any one, and now he
+_knows_."
+
+"Well, so does Aunt Agnes, Miriam, yet _she_ doesn't approve."
+
+"Well, Aunt Agnes, don't you know--she's different. She's a good deal
+like other women I know. When she's placed somebody else in a false
+position, she thinks that person ought to be very sorry for her, and
+sympathize with her, for having been deceived and misled. She thinks you
+ought to say how sorry _you_ are."
+
+"How can I say I'm sorry when I'm so glad--_all_ glad?"
+
+"Well, then, there's Cousin Watson, don't you know? He was always her
+pet. He was brought up by a weak mother and a doting aunt, and she knows
+you don't approve of him."
+
+"Does she expect a man to approve of one who maligned him as Lowndes
+maligned me?"
+
+"You should see his earlier letters about you! Why, if I'd known
+anything of them I would never dared to meet such a paragon."
+
+"And yet, after all, he turned to and painted me black as an imp of
+Satan. What had I done but good to him? I never took or won a penny of
+his."
+
+A moment of silence, then the fond eyes looked up.
+
+"You won something he wanted and thought--_was_ his--he never had any
+sense. Won't you try to forgive him--for my sake--Bob?"
+
+His arms went round and folded her closely; his face bowed down to hers.
+There was a wordless moment, then the sound of a distant whistle, of
+nearer shouts of "T-r-a-i-n." The dark mustache, the unsinged side, was
+sweeping very, very near the soft curve of those parted lips.
+
+"What ransom will you pay?" he murmured. "I've not yet felt these arms
+about my neck. I've kissed you, heaven be praised, but, Miriam, have
+you ever kissed me?"
+
+"T-r-a-i-n! Train, train! You'll be left!" again came the shrill
+feminine appeals, and with them, approaching, unwelcome, unheeded
+footfalls. With sudden, impulsive movement she threw her arms about his
+neck and upraised her lips to his. One moment of silence, two seconds of
+bliss, then "Dad" Ennis's voice, barely a dozen yards away: "Come forth
+into the light, you wanderers!" There was barely time for Bob's fervent
+words:
+
+"If I couldn't forgive him after _that_, I'd deserve a dozen weeks'
+arrest."
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LANIER OF THE CAVALRY***
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #19507 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/19507)