Update for 76813HEAD main

author: pgww <pgww@lists.pglaf.org> 2025-09-04 02:22:02 -0700
committer: pgww <pgww@lists.pglaf.org> 2025-09-04 02:22:02 -0700
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+      The Colonel's Daughter | Project Gutenberg
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+</head>
+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76813 ***</div>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowe20 x-ebookmaker-drop">
+  <a rel="nofollow" href="images/cover.jpg">
+    <img class="w100" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="">
+  </a>
+</figure>
+
+<div class="transnote chapter p4">
+<a id="top"></a>
+<p class="noindent center TN-style-1 bold">Transcriber’s Note</p>
+
+<p class="noindent center TN-style-1">The cover image was restored by Thiers Halliwell and is granted to the public domain.</p>
+
+<hr class="r10">
+
+<p class="noindent center TN-style-1">See the <a class="underline" href="#TN">end</a>
+of this document for details of corrections and other changes.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<div class="container">
+  <div class="box">
+    <p class="noindent center bold">
+    <span class="small smcap">CAPT. CHARLES KING’S</span>
+    <br>
+    <span style="font-size: 130%;">Popular Military Novels</span>.
+    </p>
+
+    <hr class="r10">
+
+    <p class="noindent small bold" style="margin-bottom: 0.2em;">THE COLONEL’S CHRISTMAS DINNER,</p>
+    <p class="noindent x-small bold right" style="line-height: 10%; margin-bottom: 1.2em;">and Other Stories. 12mo. Extra cloth. $1.25.</p>
+
+    <p class="noindent small bold" style="margin-bottom: 0.2em;">CAPTAIN BLAKE.</p>
+    <p class="noindent x-small bold right" style="line-height: 10%; margin-bottom: 1.2em;"><span style="margin-right: 3.5em;">Illustrated. 12mo. Extra cloth. $1.25.</span></p>
+
+    <p class="noindent small bold right" style="margin-bottom: 0.2em;"><span style="margin-right: 1.2em;">THE COLONEL’S DAUGHTER.</span></p>
+    <p class="noindent x-small bold right" style="line-height: 10%; margin-bottom: 1.2em;"><span style="margin-right: 2.8em;">Illustrated. 12mo. Extra cloth. $1.25.</span></p>
+
+    <p class="noindent small bold right" style="margin-bottom: 0.2em;"><span style="margin-right: 2.0em;">MARION’S FAITH.</span></p>
+    <p class="noindent x-small bold right" style="line-height: 10%; margin-bottom: 1.2em;">Illustrated. 12mo. Extra cloth. $1.25.</p>
+
+    <p class="noindent small bold" style="margin-bottom: 0.2em;">STARLIGHT RANCH, and Other Stories.</p>
+    <p class="noindent x-small bold right" style="line-height: 10%; margin-bottom: 1.2em;"><span style="margin-right: 9.0em;">12mo. Cloth. $1.00.</span></p>
+
+    <p class="noindent small bold right" style="margin-bottom: 0.2em;"><span style="margin-right: 1.5em;">KITTY’S CONQUEST.</span></p>
+    <p class="noindent x-small bold right" style="line-height: 10%; margin-bottom: 1.2em;">12mo. Extra cloth. $1.00.</p>
+
+    <p class="noindent small bold" style="margin-bottom: 0.2em;">LARAMIE; or, The Queen of Bedlam.</p>
+    <p class="noindent x-small bold right" style="line-height: 10%; margin-bottom: 1.2em;"><span style="margin-right: 11.0em;">12mo. Cloth. $1.00.</span></p>
+
+    <p class="noindent small bold" style="margin-bottom: 0.2em;"><span style="margin-left: 1.0em;">THE DESERTER, and FROM THE RANKS.</span></p>
+    <p class="noindent x-small bold right" style="line-height: 10%; margin-bottom: 1.2em;"><span style="margin-right: 8.0em;">12mo. Extra cloth. $1.00.</span></p>
+
+    <p class="noindent small bold" style="margin-bottom: 0.2em;">TWO SOLDIERS, and DUNRAVEN RANCH.</p>
+    <p class="noindent x-small bold right" style="line-height: 10%;"><span style="margin-right: 9.0em;">12mo. Extra cloth. $1.00.</span></p>
+
+    <hr class="r10">
+
+    <p class="noindent center small">J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, Publishers,</p>
+    <p class="noindent center x-small smcap">PHILADELPHIA.</p>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowe35">
+  <a rel="nofollow" href="images/frontis.jpg">
+    <img class="w100" src="images/frontis.jpg" alt="">
+  </a>
+  <figcaption>
+    <p class="noindent small" style="justify-content: center;">“She paused abruptly upon the threshold, and for an instant simply stared at them.”</p>
+    <div class="attl">&#x2003;[<i>Frontispiece.</i>]</div>
+    <div class="attr">[See page 92.]&#x2003;</div>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap p3 x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<h1 class="p2"><span style="font-size: 120%;">THE COLONEL’S DAUGHTER;</span>
+<br>
+<span style="font-size: 45%;">OR,</span>
+<br>
+<span style="display: inline-block; font-size: 85%; margin-top: 0.9em;">WINNING HIS SPURS.</span>
+</h1>
+
+<p class="noindent center p4 b4 bold"><span style="font-size: 90%;">BY</span><br>
+<span style="font-size: 115%;"><span class="smcap">Capt.</span> CHARLES KING, U.S.A.</span></p>
+
+<hr class="r10">
+<p class="noindent center small bold">WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold">A. F. HARMER.</p>
+<hr class="r10">
+
+<p class="noindent center small p4 bold">PHILADELPHIA:</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold">J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY.</p>
+<p class="noindent center b4 bold">1892.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p class="p4">&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="r10">
+<p class="noindent center small bold">Copyright, 1882, by <span class="smcap">J. B. Lippincott &amp; Co.</span></p>
+<hr class="r10">
+<p class="b4">&nbsp;</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p class="noindent center bold small p2">TO</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold">MRS. JAMES B. RICKETTS,</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold x-small" style="margin-top: 1.3em;">WHO,</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold small" style="margin-top: 0.9em;">WHETHER SHARING THE LOT OF WOUNDED PRISONER,</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold x-small" style="margin-top: 1.3em;">OR</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold small" style="margin-top: 0.9em;">GRACING THE HIGHEST CIRCLES OF SOCIETY,</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold x-small" style="margin-top: 1.3em;">HAS BEEN</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold small" style="margin-top: 0.9em;">THE DEVOTED WIFE TO ONE,</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold x-small" style="margin-top: 1.3em;">THE</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold small" style="margin-top: 0.9em;">FAITHFUL FRIEND TO MANY A SOLDIER,</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold x-small" style="margin-top: 1.3em;">THIS</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold small b2" style="margin-top: 0.9em;">ARMY STORY IS DEDICATED.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    PREFACE.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="preface">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson</span> is responsible for
+the statement that “Spartans, stoics, heroes, saints,
+and gods use a short and positive speech.” This may
+account for the fact that there are no conversations
+worth reading in this entire story.</p>
+
+<p>The spontaneous wisdom and eloquence that animate
+the characters of Bulwer and Disraeli to the
+habitual and familiar use of language outrivalling the
+diction of Richelieu; the colossal attainments of the
+natives neighboring Chattanooga, as set forth in St.
+Elmo, and discovered (by aid of the unabridged) in
+their off-hand chats; the wit and sparkle of that phenomenally
+delicious couple, Tom and Bessie, who irradiate
+not only “One Summer,” but every season in which
+they may be encountered,—all will be found wanting
+herein. My people simply talk, as people in the line
+of the army <em>will</em> talk,—most prosaically.</p>
+
+<p>When it comes to portraying life in the staff, as opposed
+to existence in the fighting force, needless to say
+some other pen must be employed than that of</p>
+
+<p class="right" style="font-size: 105%;">THE AUTHOR.&#x2003;</p>
+
+<p class="left small">&#x2003;November, 1882.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[3]</span></p>
+
+<p class="noindent center bold" style="font-size: 200%;">THE COLONEL’S DAUGHTER;</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold small">OR,</p>
+<p class="noindent center bold b2" style="font-size: 140%;">WINNING HIS SPURS.</p>
+
+<hr class="r10">
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak p2">
+    CHAPTER I.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">“Sergeant-Major!”</span></p>
+
+<p>“Sir-r-r!” and the rasp and rattle of a hastily-moved
+chair preceded but an instant the appearance of a
+soldierly form in the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>“That Prescott mail’s late again to-day?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, sir; been late every time last three trips.”</p>
+
+<p>The sergeant-major clips his words as close as his
+cropped hair and uses no superfluities. Having said
+so much he waits, mutely “standing attention,” for his
+superior’s next remark. The latter is dreamily contemplating
+a pair of rather shapely feet perched on the
+desk in front of him, and tapping the boot-toes thereof
+with a long ruler. Finally he <span class="nowrap">queries,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Think that man Finnegan’s been drinking again?”</p>
+
+<p>“Looks like it, sir; but can’t say. Horse shows hard
+riding every night when he gets in; but you can see
+him for six miles up the valley, and he comes at an easy
+lope all the way from the Point.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[4]</span></p>
+
+<p>The adjutant slowly lets down his long legs, quits
+his chair, takes from its case a signal-service binocular
+and saunters to the open doorway leading to the parade.
+His subordinate remains a moment, in his invariable
+attitude, at the door of the inner office, then, finding
+himself addressed no further, steps back quickly as he
+came.</p>
+
+<p>Leaning against the post of the narrow piazza in
+front, the adjutant blinked his eyes in unwilling deference
+to the blazing sunlight and gazed out towards the
+north.</p>
+
+<p>Before him, straight away, lay a level barren of
+gravelly earth, brown and desolate: no sprig of grass,
+no sign of shrub or tree; the parade of Camp Sandy,
+in the year of our Lord 187-, was as bald as the head
+of the commanding officer. Midway between the office
+and the glistening white line of picket-fence that
+spanned the northern limit of the garrison a lance-like
+staff shot upward into the burning vault of heaven,
+and from its summit hung motionless the heavy folds
+of blue and scarlet and white, the symbol of Yankee
+supremacy in the midst of surrounding desolation. It
+hung aloft as though paralyzed with wonderment at its
+unlovely <span class="nowrap">companionship,—</span></p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza small">
+      <div class="verse indent0">“It hung in the heat like some bright dead bird,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent1">And the air was so still you could hear the tramp</div>
+      <div class="verse indent1">Of the pacing sentry all over the camp.”</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Bounding this arid surface on right and left were two
+long lines of adobe buildings. Those on the eastern
+side, with their broad piazzas and mansard-roofs, indicating
+in greater pretence the homes of the officers of
+<span class="pagenum">[5]</span>the command; those on the left, low, one-storied, and
+colorless as the dun hue of the parade itself, the quarters
+of the men.</p>
+
+<p>Beyond the former, a thousand yards away, rose a
+turreted palisade of conglomerate shale and yielding
+sandy earth that shut out wall-like all view to the east.
+At its foot rolled the shallow stream from which the
+post derived its sole supply of water. It never seemed
+to rain at Camp Sandy, though torrents might be descending
+in the mountains that shut it in. To the west,
+beyond the line of barracks, lay, in the same colorless
+clods of adobe, the cavalry stables,—the quartermaster’s
+“corrals,”—and beyond them tumbled heaps of foot-hill
+rolling higher and higher until, in the near distance,
+they rose a thousand feet above the plateau and
+joined the long ridge of mountain-chain that stretched
+down, claw-like, from the grand range of the California
+Sierra. Northward the eye roamed over a valley
+hemmed in towards the setting sun by dark, pine-covered
+mountains, while on the other side, vivid, dazzling,
+scintillating in the blazing rays, lay the barren
+yet brilliant cliffs of the Red Rock country. The
+winding fringe of cottonwood in the valley depths—a
+lively green contrasted with the sombre hue of all
+nature near it—marked the course of the stream, and
+far, far to the north, plumb under the spot where
+the pole-star glowed at night, a snow-capped peak
+glistened and shimmered through the heated air, the
+one gleam of blessed coolness vouchsafed in the entire
+picture.</p>
+
+<p>Still holding his binocular in his listless hand, the
+adjutant lounged in the shade of the porch, and gazed
+<span class="pagenum">[6]</span>drearily over the scene before him. Save the occasional
+lizard, darting about the sun-baked parade, no sign of
+life or motion greeted the eye. Along “officers’ row”
+every blind was tightly closed against the blazing west.
+One or two sleeping forms could be detected along the
+shade-line of the opposite “quarters”; but even at the
+guard-house the sentry had been drawn inside, and was
+pacing the narrow corridor in front of the barred windows,
+through which swarthy, hungry-eyed Apache
+faces were doubtless glaring out in miserable hatred of
+their captors.</p>
+
+<p>It was a cheerless scene, and in face and form, expression
+and attitude, there could be detected on the
+part of the one visibly wakeful being a thorough appreciation
+of its dreariness. Tall, “six feet two in his
+stockings,” lithe and thin in flank, but with massive
+shoulders and powerful limbs, the adjutant’s form would
+have enraptured the life guardsmen of England. Clad
+in the coolest of white duck and flannel, every line of
+his frame was patent to the observer, and the head and
+face were fitting accompaniment. Eyes of darkest hazel,
+a straight, slender, broad-nostriled nose, a mouth firm
+and clear-cut under the curling moustache, chin and
+jaw square, resolute, and clean-shaven, forehead broad
+and white, in odd contrast to the bronze that spread
+over face and neck, hair that might have been dark
+and wavy in boyish days, but now close-cropped to the
+shapely head, the adjutant was well termed among his
+comrades a “splendid-looking fellow.” Yet at this
+moment the whole face was marred by its expression
+of utter weariness and discontent.</p>
+
+<p>Turning sharply with a disgusted snap of the case,
+<span class="pagenum">[7]</span>he looked at the thermometer hanging well back in the
+<span class="nowrap">shade,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“One hundred at 5 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span>! Well! not so bad as yesterday,
+but hot enough for Tophet. What <em>in</em> Tophet
+did we ever take this hole from Mexico for anyhow?”
+is the muttered comment that falls from his lips. “An
+ape or a Greaser is the only thing on two legs fit to
+live in this infernal Arizona, and yet, by gad, here’s
+old Pelham going to bring his wife and daughter out
+to join.”</p>
+
+<p>Something in the absurdity of this last idea provoked
+a smile upon the face of Mr. John Truscott, adjutant
+of Uncle Sam’s <span class="nowrap">—th</span> regiment of cavalry, and while
+he did not give way to soliloquy his thoughts ran somewhat
+as follows:</p>
+
+<p>“She’s the girl” (she being, of course, Miss Pelham,
+the daughter aforementioned) “the youngsters have all
+been raving about for the last two years. Just finished
+school in New York, but spent her last two summers
+at West Point, and had no end of adorers in the graduating
+class. I half fancy Glenham to be one of her
+victims. Almighty good thing for her and the old
+folks if he <em>is</em>, for the Fates have blessed him with infinite
+lucre, and those three boys of Pelham’s have
+drained him poor as—as, begad, as I am. Wonder
+what she’s like anyhow? You never can tell from
+what these young fledglings say. Good lord! how
+long it is since I’ve had a glimpse of a pretty face, or
+anything civilized!”</p>
+
+<p>Mechanically, Mr. Truscott turned once more northward,
+and, adjusting the glass, took a long survey of
+the valley and the point where the road disappeared
+<span class="pagenum">[8]</span>among the mountains. This time, with better success,
+his practised eye noted the faintly visible whiffs of dust,
+rising at intervals beyond the cottonwoods, yet four
+miles away.</p>
+
+<p>A sudden clatter of hoofs came rapidly up the slope
+in rear of the office from the south, and a horse and
+rider plunged into space by his side.</p>
+
+<p>“Mail in yet, Jack?” shouted a fresh cheery voice,
+and the sunburnt, bright-eyed young face of the horseman
+beamed down upon the adjutant.</p>
+
+<p>“Nary,” is that official’s inelegant but terse reply.
+“Coming though, I think,” he adds, as he notes the
+shade of disappointment creeping over the features of
+his interrogator. “Where have you been?” he asks.
+“You must find riding hot work such a day as this?”</p>
+
+<p>“Can’t help it,” replies the junior, swinging lightly
+to the ground. “Old Catnip says those herds have got
+to be visited by the officer of the day at least once before
+stable-call, and I made it late as I could. You
+look bored to death, Jack.”</p>
+
+<p>Now, just why every officer in that garrison should
+invariably address Mr. Truscott as “Jack” is one of
+those mysteries which has puzzled metaphysicians.
+Some profound thinker has recorded as the result of
+his observations that a man hailed by his fellow-men
+by his Christian name may be beloved, but is always
+“blind to his own interests.” The two fit into one
+another after a fashion, for it usually happens that the
+man “blind to his own interests” is apt to be the most
+unselfish and considerate fellow imaginable, and as
+such is apt to be popular, and, in army circles, to have
+“troops of friends” until, in his blindness, he stumbles
+<span class="pagenum">[9]</span>into a scrape, when it is curious to mark how quickly
+the “Jack” gives place to the distant surname, and the
+friends dwindle to few. Mr. Truscott <em>was</em> popular,
+but it rose from no pronounced “blindness to his own
+interests.” He was generous, even lavish, in his way,
+but with all the fact of an acknowledged intellectual
+superiority over his comrades, and the record of being
+a splendid soldier and a “thorough-bred” gentleman,
+the best explanation of his popularity, perhaps, is to
+be found in the remarks of Captain Tanner on the subject.
+“I like Truscott,” said he, “because in the
+eight years I’ve known him he has never spoken ill of
+a man behind his back, and because he holds a woman’s
+name as sacred.” The knot of officers to whom this
+opinion was delivered contained no dissenter. Yet Mr.
+Truscott had his enemies. A certain uncompromising
+“hit-or-miss” way of doing his duty, and coming down
+hard on delinquents, had stirred the rancor of more
+than one of his brethren, who, negligent or ignorant
+themselves, had no patience with his sternly military
+system, and, having been rapped over the official
+knuckles by the commanding officer, they would gladly
+have seen the adjutant deposed from his influential
+position. Nor was it among his own sex that Mr.
+Truscott had acquaintances who were not all well-wishers.
+In the utter isolation of that distant station those
+ladies of the regiment who had followed their husbands
+in their exile (and perchance brought unmarried sisters
+with them) had, or fancied they had, little else to talk
+of than the affairs of the garrison and of their neighbors.
+Possibly that very trait which so aroused the
+enthusiasm of Captain Tanner, “that he held sacred a
+<span class="pagenum">[10]</span>woman’s name, and could not be brought to speak ill
+of one,” was the very thing which rendered him unbearable
+to some three or four of their number. For
+how inexpressibly stupid in the eyes of one woman is
+the man who cannot be induced, for her entertainment,
+to criticise another!</p>
+
+<p>Treating them one and all alike with a certain grave
+courtesy and gentle deference, he trod metaphorically
+upon the sweeping trains of both Mrs. Raymond and
+Mrs. Turner, and in the observance of a strict neutrality
+had at one time or other given offence to these rival
+belles of the garrison. “Why,” said Mrs. Raymond,
+“I merely hinted to him at the hop last week that Mrs.
+Curtis’s last dress from San Francisco must have been
+a frightful tax on her husband’s pay, and you know it
+was, and he drew himself into his shell in that awfully
+superior way of his and fairly snubbed me.” Now,
+Mr. Truscott was incapable of “snubbing” any woman.
+Grant-like, he fell back upon an inflexible silence when
+pressed for his opinion on matters of which he chose
+not to speak. But this passive rebuke was to women
+of Mrs. Raymond’s calibre as exasperating as an active
+“snub,” and in her feline way she resented it.</p>
+
+<p>Neither she nor her sisters in garrison cared to declare
+open war against the best-looking man and one
+of the best partners in the command. Besides, Mr.
+Truscott had a way of showing very delicate attentions
+to the ladies of the regiment, though distributing all
+such with a strict impartiality; for whether from hunting,
+a trip to Prescott, or the rare luxury of a “leave”
+in San Francisco, he seldom returned without an acceptable
+remembrance for each and every one. Then,
+<span class="pagenum">[11]</span>too, he had all the latest books and magazines. “He
+kept up his reading,” as the officers said, and his taste
+was indisputable. Younger officers went to him in
+their troubles and perplexities, sure of sympathy, and
+surer still of inviolable confidence; older officers, sorely
+against their will at times, consulted his opinions on
+matters wherein they should have been, but were not,
+thoroughly informed. But for his part, it was a circumstance
+of frequent remark that he never once was
+known to seek advice or sympathy, and never alluded
+to affairs of his own. Many and various were the
+theories advanced as to why Mr. Truscott, at the age
+of thirty, remained unmarried. Most of his brother-officers
+had taken unto themselves wives, and were as
+happy as is possible under such circumstances, but to
+all questions, however deftly put, bearing upon the
+matter, the adjutant replied with imperturbable gravity
+that he thought too much of the sex in the abstract to
+offer it anything so unworthy its acceptance.</p>
+
+<p>There were matrons in the regiment who looked
+upon him as a most eligible catch for a younger sister,
+and who had imported such sisters in days when the
+<span class="nowrap">—th</span> was stationed in climes more accessible for the
+avowed purpose of capturing the tall subaltern, but
+Jack appeared as serenely unconscious of their wiles
+as he did of the oft-thrown signal for flirtation from
+some of the giddy matrons themselves. Tradition had
+it that Mr. Truscott’s obduracy was due to a love-affair
+of long standing; that since the days of his graduation
+he had adored and been adored by a damsel far away
+in Massachusetts, and for a time it was known that
+delicate missives with a womanly superscription reached
+<span class="pagenum">[12]</span>him from that quarter; but, some three years before,
+he had gone East on a long leave of absence, and when
+the regiment received orders for Arizona had suddenly
+reappeared in their midst, older, graver, and at times
+very absent-minded, but never since had he sought
+further opportunity of going to “the States,” and his
+secret, whatever it might be, was buried in his own
+bosom. Wherever there are women there are apt to
+be audacious flirts, and many a time had some practised
+coquette baited her hook in the vain hope of getting a
+rise from the adjutant of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>. It would be a reflection
+on his sagacity to say that he did not see the
+fly, but he possessed the faculty of appearing so utterly
+obtuse as not to see it, and, whether real or assumed,
+his indifference was unmistakable. Nellie Blossom,
+the brightest, merriest, and withal the fairest girl
+known to military circles in the West,—the niece of
+one of the prominent officers of the department,—had
+actually been accused by the critical matrons of the
+garrisons of Prescott and Camp Sandy of having
+thrown herself at Jack Truscott’s head. But she had
+returned to San Francisco wiser if not sadder, and was
+last heard of flirting desperately with the artillerymen
+at Alcatraz and the Presidio, and when inquisitive
+Circes of Camp Sandy sought to probe Jack’s inner
+consciousness, they received for all answer an assurance
+that if he could admire any one as much as he did the
+ladies of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>, that lady was Miss Blossom.</p>
+
+<p>One day “Old Catnip,” as he was popularly termed,
+Colonel Pelham, as he was known officially, electrified
+the garrison of Camp Sandy by the information that
+Mrs. Pelham and his daughter Grace were coming out
+<span class="pagenum">[13]</span>to join. Now, it is a peculiarity of the ladies of the
+army that the simple announcement of a fact is as
+stimulative of conjecture and reflection as was the fall
+of Isaac Newton’s apple. There wasn’t a woman in all
+Camp Sandy who did not immediately set to work to
+fathom the motives of Mrs. Pelham in thus suddenly
+starting for such an utterly out-of-the-way place as
+Arizona; and there was not a woman in all Camp
+Sandy who by noon on the following day had not
+decided that she was coming to capture Lieutenant
+Arthur Glenham and his handsome fortune. Grace
+was a girl of sixteen at school when the regiment was
+hurried to the Pacific coast, and Mrs. Pelham had decided
+to remain in New York until her daughter’s
+education was completed. Each summer she had gone
+with her to West Point, where Grace had been an
+acknowledged belle among the cadets, and where frank,
+whole-souled young Glenham had most unequivocally
+shown himself an adorer. It was said that he had
+gone so far as to offer himself to Grace, saying humbly
+that “he wasn’t much to look at, but at least he could
+offer the woman he loved a home and an ample fortune.”
+Grace never told it to a soul, nor had she encouraged
+the boy, but a sharp-sighted mamma had noted every
+symptom, and speedily won from Glenham himself a
+statement of his prospects financial, and had bidden
+him hope as regarded his prospects otherwise. Meantime,
+jolly old Pelham had established his headquarters
+at Sandy, and his red face and bald head could be seen
+for an hour each morning at the office, after which they
+were invisible until sundown, when he reappeared on
+the veranda of his quarters ready to chat with any one
+<span class="pagenum">[14]</span>who came along, and was completely happy if three or
+four of his officers would consent to spend the evening
+and play whist with him.</p>
+
+<p>Glenham’s classmates had exchanged some sly witticisms
+when the order assigning him to Pelham’s regiment
+was received, and it was said at Sandy that the
+colonel eyed the young gentleman very sharply when
+he reported for duty. “Mr. Truscott,” said he, “I
+think that young fellow has some good points about
+him. Suppose you take him in hand and draw him
+out.” So it happened that Glenham had been welcomed
+to the adjutant’s quarters, and, as there were by no means
+houses enough to give each subaltern a “set” to himself,
+he had there remained to this day.</p>
+
+<p>It was Arthur Glenham himself who reined up at
+the adjutant’s office, and it was his cheery voice that
+accosted Truscott in eager inquiry for the mail.</p>
+
+<p>The two officers were a striking contrast. Glenham
+was short in stature, broad of shoulder, stout of limb,
+with a face almost as broad in proportion as his body,
+with merry laughing blue eyes, a large mouth, expanded
+in the perpetual grin which his perfect teeth
+rendered excusable, a face and form, in fact, indicative
+of the utmost good nature, if not of the utmost
+intellect. And Glenham was more than good-natured.
+He possessed a trait rare as is an unconscious manner
+in those men to whose grandsires wealth was unknown.
+His bounty was lavish, yet no comrade was allowed to
+feel that he was the victim of a special favor. As a
+consequence, young Arthur was frequently imposed
+upon by the rank and file of the regiment, who were
+incessantly coming to know “Would the loot’nint lind
+<span class="pagenum">[15]</span>me the loan of tin dollars till pay day?” and then, in
+emulation of Captain Costigan of convivial memory,
+going off to disburse the amount at the sutler’s store.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time Truscott noted the frequent appearance
+of the worst class of men in the command at the
+back door of his quarters; they invariably inquired
+for Lieutenant Glenham, and always wanted to see
+him alone. Truscott said nothing, but had no difficulty
+in divining the object of these visits. One day,
+however, the colonel was more conflagratory in temper
+than was customary; “I’m willing to put up with the
+pay-day spree,” was the warrior’s remark, after some
+indirect profanity, “but here’s the guard-house cram-full
+of the old topers of the garrison this morning, and
+the sutler swears he hasn’t trusted them a cent’s worth.
+Now where in blazes did they get their money?”</p>
+
+<p>Finding himself addressed, the adjutant replied that
+he “thought he could find out, and, furthermore, could
+put a stop to it in future.” Pelham stared hard at his
+subordinate for a moment, as though he half detected
+the fact of his entire knowledge of the source of supply.
+He longed to press the matter and extract further
+information, but in the calm gravity of Mr. Truscott’s
+manner he was vividly reminded of the experience of
+a former colonel of the regiment, and having been in
+the habit of declaring that it served the colonel right,
+he turned sharply on his heel and walked to his
+private desk. A moment more and his voice was
+heard, placid and low, “Very well, Truscott; you
+attend to it.”</p>
+
+<p>The story of this previous experience was an old one
+in the regiment, indeed, had been told all over the
+<span class="pagenum">[16]</span>Plains. Its former colonel was blessed with a wife,
+daughters, and as many unmarried feminine relations
+as Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B., and ordinarily half a
+dozen of them were his guests in garrison. His adjutant,
+a consumptive relic of the war, had won his undying
+gratitude by taking a sister-in-law off his hands,
+but, as he was compelled to bury that adjutant with
+military honors some six months afterwards, and subsequently
+to provide for both the fatherless and the
+widow, the benefit was but temporary. Then he summoned
+Truscott to headquarters, and appointed him
+adjutant <i>vice</i> the defunct brother-in-law. Truscott
+speedily showed consummate ability in the performance
+of his duties, but a correspondent lack of inclination
+for the delicate functions of his predecessor. Resisting
+all feminine wiles, he declined to spend his unoccupied
+hours in dancing attendance upon the sisters, cousins,
+and daughters, though always showing them scrupulous
+attention at the garrison hops; but there was one thing
+in which he utterly differed from the deceased, and in
+which he succeeded in winning the ill will of every
+woman in the colonel’s household, and, of course, before
+long that of the colonel himself. Nothing would
+induce him to talk to them of the affairs of any officer
+or lady in or out of the regiment, and no longer could
+they derive information from the man whose position
+enabled him to be “well posted.”</p>
+
+<p>This was outrageous. “The idea that the adjutant
+of my husband’s regiment is going to ignore <em>my</em> position
+is something I’ll not tolerate,” was the repeated
+remark of “<i lang="fr">Madame la Colonelle</i>” to her cronies in the
+garrison. “You’ll see that he cannot hold it a week.”
+<span class="pagenum">[17]</span>Naturally, in <em>less</em> than a week, Mr. Truscott, from a
+dozen different sources, received what “his friends”
+chose to denominate “warnings,” but he went on about
+his duties as usual, for the colonel had many soldierly
+qualities that he firmly respected. It pained him
+greatly to note the daily increasing coldness and injustice
+of the commanding officer, but he said nothing.</p>
+
+<p>One morning the storm broke. Something had gone
+wrong at the colonel’s. They were then stationed in
+Kansas, near a large railway town, and it was a source
+of much gossip that several of the young officers were
+frequent visitors during the midnight hours at places
+of varied entertainment in the vicinity, but none had
+been absent from any roll-call or duty. There are
+always one or two officers to tell the colonel of such
+affairs, and always ten or a dozen women to tell the
+colonel’s wife, which generally amounts to the same
+thing.</p>
+
+<p>On this particular morning the colonel’s face was
+wrathful, and he opened fire on his adjutant at once
+<span class="nowrap">with,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott, what officers were absent from reveille
+this morning?”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott promptly rose, stood like a statue before his
+colonel, and calmly replied, “None, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then you and they must have made almighty good
+time back from town. I am told you were playing
+poker at the Alhambra till after four this morning.”</p>
+
+<p>“So far as I am concerned your informant is mistaken.
+I was not out of the garrison, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>There were several officers sitting or standing about
+the room. Some slipped quietly out, unwilling to listen
+<span class="pagenum">[18]</span>to a conversation already so painful. Others remained,
+with attentive ears.</p>
+
+<p>“At all events you know who <em>were</em> there, and I
+expect you, as my staff-officer, to inform me.”</p>
+
+<p>“It so happens, colonel, that I do not know. I
+have not even heard.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I know that you <em>do</em> know who were playing
+cards in Captain Lapham’s quarters two nights ago, for
+you were seen coming from there at ten o’clock, and
+this was probably the same party.”</p>
+
+<p>“I was Captain Lapham’s guest on that occasion, as
+were the others, colonel; and now I must say emphatically,
+but with all respect, that I never heard of such
+a thing as its being the duty of the adjutant to keep
+the commanding officer informed of the movements of
+the officers off duty, but as such seems to be your view,
+I beg to be relieved at once.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are, sir, you are; and, had I listened to advice,
+you would have been long ago,” fairly roared the
+colonel. “Leave the office at once!” And, with the
+respect of every man in the regiment, Jack Truscott
+took himself back to his troop. Some time afterwards,
+over a year, promotions and retirements brought Colonel
+Pelham to the command of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>, and about
+the first thing he did was to send for Truscott and reinstate
+him in the adjutancy.</p>
+
+<p>From that day to this the colonel never regretted it,
+and it was with complete assurance that he left the
+matter of stopping the irregular supplies of the garrison
+to his staff-officer. Glenham’s open-handed liberality
+met with a sudden check, nobody knew why or
+how, for what passed between Truscott and himself was
+<span class="pagenum">[19]</span>never mentioned, but a report rapidly gained credence
+in Camp Sandy that Mr. Glenham had lost a great deal
+of money in unfortunate investments. Soft-voiced
+sirens inquired of Mr. Truscott whether Glenham had
+said anything to him about his losses, and on Mr.
+Truscott’s replying gravely that he had not, and merely
+bowing with equal gravity to the supplementary remark,
+“You know, as his room-mate and most intimate
+friend, I thought he probably would have told
+you. Of course, it’s a matter I would never think of
+mentioning,” the soft-voiced siren had retired in defeat,
+and conveyed her verdict to some chosen intimate that
+Mr. Glenham must have been speculating heavily, she
+“had been talking with Mr. Truscott, but don’t for the
+world say I said so,” etc. Consequently, when Colonel
+Riggs, the bluff old inspector-general of the department,
+dropped in at Sandy on his way from a hunt,
+and with his usual happy facility of hitting the nail
+on the head accosted Glenham with, “Hello, youngster!
+I hear you’ve been speculating and lost most of
+your money,” the boy was indignant, and in denying
+the statement <i lang="la">in toto</i> demanded the name of Colonel
+Riggs’s informant, so that in the course of the week
+there was an unpleasantness at Sandy, and Mrs. Turner
+lost one of her admirers. Between Truscott and Glenham
+there existed a firm friendship which nothing
+seemed to shake. The former was neither demonstrative
+nor outwardly warm in his manner to the younger
+man, but it was evident that he influenced him in
+everything,—his duties, his tastes, the employment of
+his time, and, though imperceptibly, in the selection of
+his friends and associates. On the other hand, Glenham,
+<span class="pagenum">[20]</span>in his impetuous and enthusiastic way, was wont
+to talk of Truscott and his admiration for him by the
+hour. So when it was noised abroad that Miss Grace
+Pelham was soon to arrive, and all the story of Glenham’s
+devotion to her was renewed, it was with much
+amazement and more incredulity that the ladies of the
+garrison heard Mr. Truscott’s answer of “Nothing,” in
+response to their eager queries as to what Glenham had
+ever told him about her.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[21]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER II.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Big</span> with importance was Mrs. Captain Raymond
+when the mail from Prescott finally came in on this
+hot September evening and there was placed in her
+hands a letter from no less a personage than “Lady
+Pelham,” as the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> was accustomed to designate the
+portly matron who shared the joys, sorrows, name, and
+much more than shared the stipend of the jolly colonel.</p>
+
+<p>Seldom was it that her ladyship saw fit to honor the
+lesser lights of the regiment with letters written in her
+august hand. “Never indeed,” said Mrs. Wilkins,
+who was not one of her ladyship’s satellites, “unless
+she has an axe to grind or wants chestnuts pulled out
+of the fire.” Mrs. Wilkins was rich in metaphor, but
+limited in elegance, and from the first had made an
+unfavorable impression on the new colonel’s wife; but
+none the less was Mrs. Wilkins eager to hear the purport
+of her ladyship’s communication, and so postponed
+her departure for tea, barely restraining her impatience
+until Mrs. Raymond had finished the eight closely-written
+pages and looked up, expectant of question.
+“What does she say about Grace and Mr. Glenham?”
+was the first propounded.</p>
+
+<p>“W—ell,” replied the recipient, slowly. “You
+mustn’t mention it to a soul, because she says I’m not
+to allude to it; but, as you were here when the letter
+<span class="pagenum">[22]</span>came, why, I can’t see how she can expect me to say
+that she did not mention the subject when she did; but
+you mustn’t breathe it. They are <em>not</em> engaged.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, of course I knew that all along,” persisted
+Mrs. Wilkins; “but what does she <em>say</em>?”</p>
+
+<p>And so after much interchange of solemn promises
+never to tell a soul or betray one another, Mrs. Raymond
+read to Mrs. Wilkins an extract pretty much as
+follows from the last page of her ladyship’s letter:</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I knew there was something else I wanted to
+speak about. You know Mr. Glenham, of course, and
+very probably you have heard some silly rumor connecting
+dear Grace’s name with his. Now let me assure
+you, my friend, there is absolutely nothing in it,—that
+is, of course, nothing definite. He was perfectly devoted
+to her at West Point, and evidently very much
+in love; but Grace is so young, you know, so perfectly
+childlike, that his marked attention seemed to make no
+impression upon her, and no child of mine shall ever
+be coerced in a matter of the affections. Such things I
+look upon as criminal in a mother. Of course with
+his fine character and attainments, not to mention his
+means, it might not be a bad match for Gracie, though
+she <em>could</em> look much higher. You have no idea how
+lovely the child has grown, and only I can say how
+utterly sweet and lovable a daughter she is; but she is
+very sensitive, and with regard to Mr. Glenham is painfully
+nervous at times about meeting him again. She
+gave him no encouragement at all, and assured me that
+her heart was untouched, but, as I say, she was very
+young and inexperienced, and no one can predict what
+may come of it. Now with your known tact it will
+<span class="pagenum">[23]</span>be an easy matter to give people to understand (without
+letting it be known that I wrote you) that there is no
+engagement, but that any allusion to the matter in
+Gracie’s presence would be prejudicial”—“Yes, she
+has written prejudicial, then scratched it out and written
+painful,” said Mrs. Raymond—“painful to her in the
+last degree. Some women are so heedless and others
+so malicious that it would be just like——” And
+here Mrs. Raymond stopped short with an embarrassed
+cough and “Well, that’s about all,” which Mrs. Wilkins
+did not at all believe, but went off homeward,
+confident that her ladyship had made a most uncomplimentary
+allusion to herself in the very line where
+Mrs. Raymond balked, which, in fact, she had.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t tell me any such stuff,” soliloquized the irate
+lady, as she banged the door of her own domicile
+behind. “That woman will bow down to and worship
+money wherever she sees it, and she’ll just make that
+girl marry him. See if she don’t.” And at an early
+hour that evening Lieutenant Wilkins made his appearance
+at the card-room down at the store, a circumstance
+that by this time had become the generally accepted
+signal at Sandy that the wind was in the east at “Castle
+Wilkins,” as that subaltern’s quarters were dubbed by
+the “society” of the post.</p>
+
+<p>To just how many more of her intimates that and
+other portions of her ladyship’s letter were read by
+Mrs. Raymond is not of sufficient importance to relate.
+That she had revealed the chapter on Grace to one was
+sufficient to insure its speedy transmission throughout
+the garrison, not perhaps with strict accuracy as to
+detail, but with those unavoidable embellishments with
+<span class="pagenum">[24]</span>which the sex succeeds at most times in quadrupling
+the proportions of any story.</p>
+
+<p>Mid-October came, and the blazing sun disappeared
+at an earlier hour behind the range to the west, and
+crimsoned and gilded the lofty battlements of Squaw
+Peak down the valley even as the evening recall from
+herd and fatigue duty was echoed from the mesa across
+the stream. With each succeeding day old Pelham
+waxed more jolly and jubilant, and huge were the
+preparations being made at the commanding officer’s
+mansion for the reception of her ladyship and the sole
+daughter of his house and name.</p>
+
+<p>“They sail from San Francisco to-morrow!” he
+shouted one evening to the knot of officers coming in
+from retreat roll-call, and waving the brown envelope
+of his dispatch, the colonel soon gathered his adherents
+about him. “They sail to-morrow. Come in everybody.
+Let’s drink their health and wish them God-speed!”
+And the glad-hearted veteran set before them
+the unaccustomed luxury of fruity Cucumungo wine,
+the nectar of Californian vintage, and clinked his glass
+with one and all in joyous recognition of their cordial
+good wishes.</p>
+
+<p>“I go all the way to the Colorado to meet them,”
+said he. “They will reach Yuma by Tuesday fortnight,
+and the general has given me his own teams and
+ambulance to bring them to Prescott, and there all of
+you who can must come up to the ball the staff are to
+give them. We’ll have lots of good times, and escort
+them down here in style.”</p>
+
+<p>Why was it that in his rejoicing the honest-hearted
+old fellow put forth his hand and rested it kindly on
+<span class="pagenum">[25]</span>young Glenham’s broad shoulder, and that he looked
+into the boy’s flushed and eager face with eyes suffused
+with unbidden tears? Every man in the party noted
+the fact, and even there some smiled significantly.</p>
+
+<p>That night Truscott turned over lazily in his bed,
+where he had lain for some time listening for the regular
+breathing, placid as a baby’s, that generally marked
+Glenham’s slumber. Then he hailed through the open
+doorway, “Glenham, I wish you’d go to sleep and
+snore; I miss my lullaby. I’ve fixed it all with Wilkins
+that he is to take your duty for a week, so that
+you can have all that time in Prescott when the Pelhams
+come. Now do go to sleep, and don’t toss about
+there any longer.” And without another word or
+caring to hear Glenham’s confused expression of thanks,
+Truscott turned his face to the wall again and was lost
+in his own reflections.</p>
+
+<p>Early in November the “Newbern” was telegraphed
+at the mouth of the Colorado, and Colonel, Mrs., and
+Miss Pelham were the guests of the commanding
+officer at Yuma. Six days more and, their long drive
+across the desert completed, they would be at Prescott.
+It did not require half an eye at Sandy to mark how
+eager, nervous, and absent-minded Glenham had become.
+It had been arranged that six of the officers,
+including Truscott and himself, were to leave for Prescott
+as soon as the Pelhams arrived there, and that as
+many of the ladies of Camp Sandy were to accompany
+the party to take part in the festivities at headquarters
+Grand times were anticipated. The staff of the commanding
+general were to give a ball in honor of the
+arrival of so noted an army lady as Mrs. Pelham and
+<span class="pagenum">[26]</span>so lovely an army girl as her daughter. Then the
+infantry officers of Fort Whipple were to give another,
+and there would be a series of dinner-parties, rides,
+drives, picnics, and possibly hunts in the neighboring
+mountains. The band of the infantry was daily practising
+the latest and most attractive music, imported
+from New York expressly for the occasion, and their
+energetically eccentric leader was grinning and capering
+and writhing himself into the verge of convulsions in
+his efforts to make them throw <i lang="it">espressione</i> into the
+waltz composed and most respectfully dedicated to her
+Excellenza Signora Colonel Pelham by her most humble
+and admiring servant Paolo Bianchinnetti. Bandmaster
+Paolo was always composing and dedicating waltzes to
+the ladies of the senior officers, and trusting to luck to
+secure the kindly graces of the younger ones, in which
+course he was wiser in his generation than many a
+native, for while the dancing subalterns swore at him
+for his execrable time, the elders swore by him, and
+they held the balance of power.</p>
+
+<p>The time was fast approaching. Captains Raymond,
+Turner, and Tanner, with their wives and the three
+young lady relatives who were to make up the party,
+were to drive in two large ambulances over the mountain
+roads to Prescott, while Truscott, Crane, and Glenham
+escorted them on horseback. The command of
+the post in Pelham’s absence had devolved upon Captain
+Canker, a martinet in his way, and a man whom a
+little brief authority would transform into a nuisance.
+The party was to start on Monday morning, and on
+Sunday night, after parade, Mr. Wilkins came to Truscott
+with an air of profound embarrassment. “Jack,
+<span class="pagenum">[27]</span>I’ve got to go to Prescott after all. Mrs. Wilkins has
+set her heart on going within the last ten days, and I
+cannot get out of it.” Truscott said not a word, so
+Wilkins stumbled painfully on, “I never wanted to go,
+and I know that it will disappoint Glenham, as I had
+promised to take his duties.”</p>
+
+<p>“You were to have taken his tour as officer of the
+day Tuesday, and to have attended his stable and company
+duties during the week,” said Truscott. “When
+did you decide to go?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not until this morning.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why didn’t you tell me then?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I thought Mrs. Wilkins would change her
+mind.”</p>
+
+<p>“When did you tell Captain Canker?” asked Jack,
+and a set look came into his face as he gazed straight
+into the eyes of the other.</p>
+
+<p>“I told him this morning, and he said it was all
+right.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s all I want to know,” said Truscott, and
+turning abruptly, he walked over to his office. Just
+as he expected, Captain Canker was seated there overhauling
+some late muster-rolls, and as Truscott entered,
+the temporary commander accosted him with, “Mr.
+Adjutant, you will notify Mr. Glenham that he cannot
+go to Prescott to-morrow as Mr. Wilkins is entitled to
+the preference, and he has decided to go.”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott replied, quietly, “Very good, sir,” and
+seated himself at his desk as though the matter were
+definitely settled.</p>
+
+<p>Now, Canker hated his colonel, who had on several
+occasions interfered with his harsh and arbitrary system
+<span class="pagenum">[28]</span>as troop commander; he heartily disliked, yet respected,
+Truscott, because he was the colonel’s loyal and
+trusted staff-officer, and he was at all times as discourteous
+and fault-finding with his second lieutenant, Glenham,
+as he dared be at a post where the colonel was
+always ready to listen to any appeal for justice, either
+from officer or man; but Canker was weak withal, and,
+finding that Truscott would ask no questions or express
+no opinion as to his action in Glenham’s case, he proceeded
+to do just what Truscott was morally certain he
+would do, defend it. “You see, Jack,” said Canker,
+“I must have at least two subalterns here this week. I
+would be very glad to oblige Mr. Glenham by taking
+stables, recitations, and the like, but we must have four
+officers for officer-of-the-day duty. If anybody were
+here to take his place, I would be delighted to let him
+go.” Truscott continued his calm occupation of conning
+over some company returns, and merely bowed in
+acquiescence, so Canker continued: “It is very disagreeable
+to me to have to interrupt so pleasant a programme,
+but you see yourself that we ought to have
+four officers for duty, do you not?”</p>
+
+<p>“Undoubtedly,” says Truscott, imperturbably. “We
+ought to have a dozen.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m glad you agree with me,” says Canker. “Mr.
+Glenham is prone to think me extremely exacting and
+capricious where he is concerned, and will be more apt
+to complain than ever.”</p>
+
+<p>“Doubtless he will be much disappointed,” says
+Jack; “but he will see the real reason as quick as the
+rest of us, and, as he would not think of asking any
+one else to give way in his favor, he will take it as it is
+<span class="pagenum">[29]</span>meant.” And the adjutant looks squarely at his superior
+as he says it.</p>
+
+<p>Canker doesn’t half like the ambiguity of the reply;
+but after scrutinizing the features of his junior in a
+quick, furtive glance, he says, <span class="nowrap">hurriedly,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Of course, certainly; but if any of the subaltern
+officers who are going were to remain here in his stead,
+then I would be willing to let Glenham go. However,
+I suppose every man has set his heart on attending
+those balls, and there will be no chance of that.”</p>
+
+<p>“Every man, to my knowledge, <em>is</em> very eager to go,”
+replies Jack, “but I presume I may say to Glenham
+that if some one of the lieutenants will stay and take
+his place, he can leave with the party at reveille.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, certainly, certainly,” replies Canker. And
+with that and the conviction that nobody will make
+any such quixotic offer, he presently says “good-night,”
+and goes off homeward.</p>
+
+<p>His footsteps are no sooner out of hearing than
+Truscott rises and strolls out upon the piazza. The silence
+of night has fallen upon Camp Sandy. The
+bright stars are twinkling aloft through the rare, cloudless
+atmosphere. Here and there along the company
+quarters a gleam of light streams out through open
+doorway or window upon the parade, and some half-dozen
+of the men are droning a sentimental ditty in a
+style uncultivated, but apparently satisfactory to themselves.
+Far across the parade, along officers’ row, the
+lights are more frequent, and an occasional burst of
+musical laughter, the soft tinkle of a guitar, and the
+deeper voices of some of the garrison beaux, floating on
+the still night-air, tell where the usual party has gathered
+<span class="pagenum">[30]</span>on some one of the broad piazzas for the evening’s
+ration of gossip and small talk. Truscott sticks his
+hands deep in his pockets, and, fixing his eyes on the
+toe of his boot, gives himself to solitary reflection.
+Two or three of the greyhounds rise, stretch, yawn,
+then come up to their friend and poke their cool muzzles
+against his wrists, and mutely plead for recognition.
+He draws his hands from their ambush, and bestows a
+few absent-minded pats upon their sleek heads, emboldened
+by which, two of the lithe creatures place
+their paws upon his breast and strive to lick his face.
+“Down, Hualpai! down, Verde!” he protests, as he
+brushes them off; then seeing their crestfallen looks as
+they slink away, he whistles them back, whereupon
+they come, bounding, and Truscott laughs to himself,
+as he covers their heads and flanks with hearty slaps
+of endearment. “Good boy, Wally! good boy, Verde!
+<em>You’d</em> miss me, at any rate. By Jove, I’ll do it!”
+Another minute and he stepped into the telegraph-office,
+took a couple of blanks from the desk, placed
+them in the ordinary brown envelope, closed it, then
+turned to the soldier <span class="nowrap">operator,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Corcoran, several officers will breakfast in the mess
+room at reveille to-morrow. Address this envelope to
+me, and bring it to me there at that time; do you understand?”
+and with that he left.</p>
+
+<p>Long before the sun came peeping over the Mogollon
+range (locally known as the Mogeyone) on the following
+morning, and even as the mellow notes of the
+cavalry trumpets floated upward with the flag through
+the balmy air, hailing the dawn with stirring reveille,
+a busy group, horses, mules, and men, were preparing
+<span class="pagenum">[31]</span>for the start from officers’ row. A large ambulance,
+with its frisky four-in-hand of sleek, well-fed mules,
+was loading up with baskets, satchels, and trunks in
+front of Captain Tanner’s quarters, another, similarly
+supplied and occupied, stood at the Raymonds’ door.
+In front of bachelor’s hall were the favorite “mounts”
+of Truscott, Glenham, and Crane, and those of the
+two orderlies who were to accompany the party. The
+orderlies themselves were busily strapping on the saddle-bags
+and ponchos of their leaders; for while it
+rarely rained at Sandy, as has been said, it might pour
+in torrents before they reached the Agua Fria. In the
+mess-room three or four officers in riding dress were
+hastily sipping their coffee, when Glenham, feverishly
+impatient as all could see, rose hurriedly from the table,
+and bidding the others make haste, strode to the door,
+and there bumped up against the telegraph operator.</p>
+
+<p>“For the adjutant,” said the latter, saluting and
+answering the inquiry in the lieutenant’s eye.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott received the brown envelope without a word,
+slowly opened and drew forth the contents, which he
+glanced over with a slight uplifting of the eyebrow,
+and then silently rose and walked off towards his office.</p>
+
+<p>“<em>Now</em>, what’s up?” said Crane. “Two to one that
+means that a scout’s to be sent out right away,—those
+cussed Tontos must be jumping the reservation
+again.”</p>
+
+<p>“If that were the matter the order would come to
+the ‘C. O.,’ not to the adjutant,” said Glenham; “but
+we can’t wait; it’s time we were off. I’ll hail Jack
+and see what’s the matter.” With that he called his
+orderly, who came up leading the lieutenant’s horse.
+<span class="pagenum">[32]</span>Glenham quickly mounted, and cantered across the
+garrison after Truscott, overtaking him at the office.</p>
+
+<p>The adjutant turned, and, without giving his friend
+time to question, held out his hand. “Glenham, you
+and Crane go ahead; I can’t leave now, but I’ll follow
+as soon as it is possible for me to get away. Just tell
+the orderly to leave my saddle-bags at the house and
+take ‘Apache’ back to the stable. Off with you, old
+boy,” as Glenham hesitated, “and good time to you;
+I’m going right to the telegraph-office.”</p>
+
+<p>“One second, Jack: nothing serious, is it?”</p>
+
+<p>“Nothing at all, Glenham; go ahead.”</p>
+
+<p>The ambulances, with cracking whip and plunging
+mules, were rattling out of the north gate; fluttering
+white handkerchiefs signalled “come on;” Crane and
+his party were mounting; the hounds, leaping, yelping,
+and excited, were rushing about the parade in anticipation
+of a chase up the valley. So with one uneasy,
+half-dissatisfied glance at his friend, Glenham suddenly
+struck spur to his horse, wheeled, and, with a wave of his
+hand, galloped off in pursuit. Truscott stopped at the
+door and gazed after the stout, bulky young knight,
+who “bobbed” clumsily in his saddle as he rode. A
+smile half amused, half sorrowful, stole over his face.
+“Poor Arthur, ten times three years in the riding hall
+couldn’t have made him a horseman.”</p>
+
+<p>Three hours later the commanding officer <i lang="la">pro tem.</i> sat
+in state to receive the report of the officer of the day.
+The trumpets were “turning off” the old guard, and
+two tall subalterns entered girt with sabre and precise
+in dress. Acknowledging the salute of the first, and
+reaching out his hand to receive the guard report book,
+<span class="pagenum">[33]</span>Captain Canker looked up in amaze at the familiar face
+and form of the adjutant, who calmly raised hand to
+cap visor and remarked, “I report as new officer of the
+day, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>Canker reddened and stammered for a moment, then
+hurriedly stuttered, “You are not required to perform
+guard duty, sir. It is Mr. Glenham’s turn. Where
+is he, sir?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well on his way to Prescott, captain. You were
+so good as to say that he could go if any one of the
+subalterns would remain and take his duties. I do
+that, sir.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[34]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER III
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Perched</span> aloft in the very summit of a glorious
+mountain range, yet nestling in the shelter of pine-covered
+heights sweeping in circle around it, watered
+by the purest and coldest of running streams, and revelling
+in an atmosphere bracing and clear as only a
+Sierran atmosphere can be, the little town of Prescott
+and the outlying post of Fort Whipple owed to nature
+all their attractiveness. They were embowered in a
+veritable oasis, for, whether from east or west, north
+or south, miles of desert sand or sterile and volcanic
+rock had to be traversed before the eye of the traveller
+rested upon the glad sight of something like civilized
+homes. In the days of which we write San Francisco
+lay three weeks’ journey away, and more than a month,
+unless one took a bumping trip to the railway by
+“buckboard,” was occupied in the devious route to the
+Atlantic States. Rugged miners, savage Apaches, root-grubbing
+Digger Indians, swarthy Mexicans, and prowling
+coyotes were the inhabitants apparently indigenous
+to the soil, but to prey upon their necessities those
+pioneers of civilization, the shop-keeping Israelites, had
+established the inevitable “slop-shop,” and those precursors
+of settlement, the scum and froth borne ever
+upon the outermost wave of the great tide of emigration,
+the bar- and gambling-hell-keepers, had planted
+<span class="pagenum">[35]</span>their vile booths around the plaza, and stood guard
+with self-cocking revolver over their stock in trade ere
+ever the outlines of that plaza were staked.</p>
+
+<p>A governor in course of time had been duly expatriated
+to look after the interests of the United States
+in this hopelessly turbulent neighborhood, and for some
+years twice the realized revenue was spent in keeping
+up communication with his exiled excellency. Eventually,
+as a means of recruiting a population fast killing
+itself off, to the no great detriment of society in general,
+but the undoubted jeopardy of the commercial interests
+of those merchants who had shipped their goods thither
+in hopes of fabulous profit, a few lodes were duly
+“salted” by experienced hands of Californian education,
+the inflammatory announcement was made that
+Arizona was teeming with mineral wealth, and gold,
+silver, copper, and iron could be picked up by the
+bucketful. A swarm of eager adventurers pushed in to
+try their luck, and having invested their last shilling in
+the attempt, were compelled to stick there and swindle
+others into coming and doing likewise, and finally it
+was brought about that three regiments and a brigadier-general
+of the United States army had to be scattered
+broadcast over this barren land to whip into subjection
+the Apache hordes, who looked with not undeserved
+hatred upon the original white invaders, and one of
+these regiments was so composed of horses and men as
+to comply with the generally accepted requirements
+which in this country entitle it to the designation of
+cavalry.</p>
+
+<p>Two years of sharp work and stubborn fighting in
+the mountains had won for the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> the peace they
+<span class="pagenum">[36]</span>were now enjoying, but had effected many important
+changes on their muster-rolls. Some of their best and
+bravest had been sacrificed in the thankless task, and
+bright hopes, buoyant, loyal, gallant hearts, lay buried
+under the worthless soil with no other honors than their
+comrades’ parting volley, no other notice than the pithy
+explanation of the yearly register in its list of casualties,
+“Killed in affair with Indians,” every bit as complimentary
+and gratifying to mourning widow or
+stricken parent as though it read “in pothouse brawl.”
+What though the regiment could tell (when it chose to
+talk of those things) of deeds of heroism that rivalled
+the blazoned records of the great war or matched the
+later knightliness of Beresford at Ulundi? What
+though in hand-to-hand encounter young striplings
+from the Point had won their spurs or received their
+death-wound, and dying had, like Philip Sydney,
+spurned the cooling drink craved in their burning
+agony that an humbler comrade, needing it more than
+they who could but die, might drink and live? What
+though in the proud, yet untold record of their campaigns,
+thirst and starvation, bitter cold and scorching
+heat, lonely death in a distant land, the torture of carriage
+through miles of mountain wilderness that festering
+wounds might receive the care only to be looked
+for days’ journey away, all were borne uncomplainingly,
+unflinchingly for duty’s sake? What though not one
+defeat had marred the wreath of hard-won conquests,
+that never had officer or man like craven Cary turned
+his back upon wounded friend or advancing foe?
+What mattered it that their general, himself as reckless
+in exposure as their hardiest trooper, sought again and
+<span class="pagenum">[37]</span>again the recognition their deeds demanded? An all-powerful
+if not all-wise Congress had decreed that
+Indian warfare was not war in the sense that permitted
+any honor or reward to be extended to its participants.
+As a Western and consequently friendly Representative
+once put it, a man might sit in an easy-chair through
+four years of a great rebellion, and without ever hearing
+the whistle of a bullet be “brevetted” all the way
+up from captain to major-general, but let him get shot
+into smithereens in hand-to-hand struggle with the
+Indians of our mountains and prairies, why, that wasn’t
+war said the Senate, and so the recommendations of
+the general and the nominations of the President went
+into the Congressional waste-basket, and except the
+copper-bronze medal worn by some few enlisted men,—an
+affair similar in appearance and presumably equal
+in intrinsic value to the old-fashioned cent,—the regiment
+had gone unrewarded.</p>
+
+<p>But peaceful times seemed to have come. Band after
+band of hostile Apaches had surrendered and been
+gathered on the reservations. Scouting expeditions
+became infrequent, visits began to be exchanged between
+the detached posts, and at department headquarters
+balls and “hops” were of weekly occurrence.
+The arrival of ladies from the States brought about a
+revival in the latent interest in Eastern fashions, feminine
+conversations became less intelligible to masculine
+ears, and feminine garments as noted at the dancing-parties
+became scant as to skirt and entangling as to
+trains. Those heroines who had gone into Arizona
+with the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> had originally astonished the Mexican
+señoritas by the balloon-like expansions of dress-goods
+<span class="pagenum">[38]</span>worn just below the small of the back, alluded to as
+<i lang="fr">paniers</i>, and maintained in position by “bustles.”
+Now it seemed that a new order of things was to come
+into vogue, and Mrs. Wilkins, an exponent in fashions,
+whatever she might be in linguistics, had already won
+enviable distinction by appearing at Sandy in what she
+assured her friends to be the “very latest style of
+<i>pol</i>linay.” The other ladies readily forgave the brief
+ascendency thus acquired in consideration of the sly
+merriment occasioned by her unconscious slaughter of
+the proper name.</p>
+
+<p>And so it happened that all was jollity in the Territory
+when Grace Pelham arrived at Prescott, and so
+it chanced that two nights after her arrival there were
+gathered from far and near, from Bowie, Lowell,
+Apache, and Grant, along the southern line of posts,
+from Yuma and Mohave, from all over Arizona little
+squads of officers and ladies, eager as children, after
+their long exile, to join in the festivities consequent
+upon the coming of her ladyship and the colonel’s
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p>The day of the staff ball had come. Every instant
+of Grace’s waking hours had been occupied with receiving
+visits, driving, riding, and dining. The delegation
+from Sandy went <i lang="fr">en masse</i>, at soon as the proper
+toilets could be effected after the rough and dusty drive,
+to pay its respects to madame and to loyally welcome
+the younger lady. Glenham, a radiant, intensified
+Glenham, was already there, and there the ladies and
+their lords left him when they retired to their temporary
+homes. “He’s simply dead in love with her,” said
+Mrs. Raymond to Mesdames Turner and Wilkins.
+<span class="pagenum">[39]</span>“Yes,” said Mrs. Wilkins, “and her ladyship’s dead
+in love with his money,” and somehow or other Mrs.
+Pelham was duly informed of the remark before the
+setting of a second sun.</p>
+
+<p>Glenham <em>was</em> dead in love with her. From morning
+till night he hung about the girl; he it was who secured
+the first ride, the only one before the ball; he who was
+accepted as her escort thereto; he who accompanied her
+to the croquet ground or band concert, who alone of the
+subalterns was invited to the general’s house to sit by
+the side of the sweet, fair guest and dine with them <i lang="fr">en
+famille</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s a put-up job,” said the slangy and sulky young
+fellows who were vainly striving to “cut in” and catch
+an unoccupied moment; but between them and the apparently
+unconscious object there ever interposed that
+placidly smiling, imperturbably watchful mother (“that
+confounded old tabby,” said Bay of Camp Cameron).
+It was all plain sailing for Glenham, all rock, shoal,
+and sand-bar for them.</p>
+
+<p>“But where’s Truscott?” said Colonel Pelham, suddenly,
+the morning of the ball; and with a pang of
+self-reproach, Arthur Glenham for the first time remembered
+that his friend was left behind. “A telegram
+reached him just as we were starting,” he explained,
+“and he said it would be impossible for
+him to start until later. He made us come on without
+him, but I surely thought he would be here last
+night.”</p>
+
+<p>“’Deed and you’re wrong there, Mr. Glenham,”
+broke in Mrs. Wilkins. “I can tell you the whole
+thing in a jiffy, colonel. With Captain Canker in
+<span class="pagenum">[40]</span>command there was no chance of little Glenham’s getting
+away, and it’s just my belief that Mr. Truscott stayed
+back in his place. Ah, Miss Gracie,” she added, mischievously,
+“there’s one young man that don’t come to
+his knees even for you.” After which graceful piece
+of <i lang="fr">badinage</i> the lady confronted Lady Pelham, and the
+two dames squarely met one another’s glance, the war
+began right there.</p>
+
+<p>In the silence that followed Glenham stood like one
+in a maze, the colonel turned sharply on his heel and
+left the room. Ray and Captain Tanner nearly collided
+with him in the hall, and came in upon the group
+wondering what old Catnip was damning that man
+Canker for this time.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour later Captain Canker, seated in the
+adjutant’s office at Camp Sandy, received a dispatch by
+telegraph in these words: “Department commander
+desires Lieutenant Truscott’s presence to-night, unless
+services urgently needed.” Canker ground his teeth,
+threw the paper to the adjutant, thrust his hands in his
+pockets, and strode to the door. There he turned and
+angrily spoke, “You can go, of course, but this is a
+damned piece of interference on somebody’s part.”
+Truscott glanced at the telegram and went on with his
+writing without a word.</p>
+
+<p>Canker walked away half across the parade, then
+stopped, pondered a moment, and returned. “Mr.
+Truscott, I can’t spare any more teams or men. If
+you go you must ride, and you cannot take your orderly.
+I don’t intend to allow government horses to
+be ruined by fifty-mile gallops while I’m in command,”
+and with that he was off.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[41]</span></p>
+
+<p>Truscott looked at the clock, sent a few lines to his
+servant, finished his work, and, as the noonday sun beat
+hotly down, with Sandy far behind, he crossed the first
+range and rode rapidly over into the gorge of Cherry
+Creek—alone.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[42]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER IV.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> ball was at its height. The well-waxed floor,
+on which the post quartermaster had lavished his finest
+boarding, and enthusiastic bachelor officers hours of
+individual supervision and personal effort, shone like
+satin, and rendered all but those who were thoroughly
+experienced vaguely nervous and reluctant about joining
+in the most solemn of square dances. Around the
+walls, draped with flag and guidon, and glittering with
+sabre and scroll-work, were interspersed dozens of
+lamps with polished reflectors. Candles and kerosene
+furnished all the illumination that sun or moon withheld,
+despite official edicts against volatile and explosive
+oils. Crude and warlike as may have been the
+decorations, never did the “swellest” German at Delmonico’s
+present much better music or any better
+dancing than was to be found at the large garrisons of
+the frontier, and certainly for genuine enjoyment an
+army ball yields the palm to no other. An army lady
+never becomes a wall-flower. She has this one compensation
+for marrying in the service. After two or
+three seasons in the great cities of the East even the
+prettiest girl becomes to society people <i lang="fr">passée</i>, and,
+once married, only when exceptionally attractive and
+brilliant does she continue to be sought as a partner;
+but, owing probably to the dearth of young and
+<span class="pagenum">[43]</span>unmarried ladies, the army wife retains all the hold she
+ever had upon bellehood, even increases it in many instances,
+and the bright and witty and dancing woman,
+though her children be tall as herself, never lacks for
+“attention.” As for the army girl, with any vivacity,
+with any pretensions to beauty or grace, she lives
+and moves a queen.</p>
+
+<p>And so the ball-room was filled with dancers; the
+sombre uniforms of the staff and the infantry, the
+gayer trappings of the cavalry, the aiguillettes of the
+aides-de-camp mingling with many an exquisite toilet
+that would have shone resplendent in the distant East.
+It was long after midnight, supper had been served,
+even the musicians, in detachments, had been fed and
+otherwise comforted, some few elders had slipped away
+and gone homeward, but the ringing music of “Le Roi
+Carotte” sent ten full “sets” through the figures of the
+Lancers, and compelled many a staid spectator to beat
+time with his feet. Many a group of lookers-on
+watched the spirited movement of the dance from corner
+and doorway, while out in the “club-room,” where
+numbers of the senior officers and non-dancing civilians
+from Prescott had gathered for a smoke, many a
+time had beaming Colonel Pelham to touch glasses with
+friend or comrade who came to congratulate him on the
+arrival of madame, and to say, with serio-comic earnestness,
+“By Jove, Pelham, if I were twenty years
+younger there would be another victim on Gracie’s
+list.”</p>
+
+<p>Well might they do her homage. Confessedly pretty
+before, Grace Pelham was simply lovely, radiant, to-night.
+Taller perhaps than many girls of her age,
+<span class="pagenum">[44]</span>yet not above the average height, with a form slender,
+willowy, and graceful, there was a queenliness in her
+bearing that distinguished her even in her girlhood.
+Perhaps this was due to the carriage of her royal head,
+for that was Gracie’s glory. Small and shapely, it was
+crowned with a wealth of soft shining hair, the richest
+hue of golden brown, shot with radiant lights and
+tints of reddish bronze. Who could tell its color?
+“Red, of course,” said Mrs. Wilkins at first sight.
+“Chestnut sorrel,” said Captain Turner, who loved the
+color as that of the mount of his company. “Golden
+bronze,” said Ray of Camp Cameron; and the “bonniest
+brown in the world,” said a poetical aide-de-camp.
+All about her pure white forehead and temples it clustered
+in shimmering little curls, each with a halo of its
+own. Thence, brushed smoothly back, it was gathered
+in one massive knot, mantling, yet disclosing the
+perfect shape of the head it graced.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza small">
+      <div class="verse indent0">“A thing to be braided and jewelled and kissed,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent1">’Twas the loveliest hair in the world, my pet,”</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p class="noindent">was poor Glenham’s constant thought of it, and all too
+soon that of more than one other.</p>
+
+<p>But Gracie’s glories ended not here. The dark eyebrows
+which spanned her forehead were full, boldly
+marked, yet but slightly curved, and underneath the
+brows, curtained with lids of purest white, shaded and
+fringed with lashes long, thick, and curling, were eyes
+so large, so soft, yet so ready to flash with merriment
+or sparkle with animation, that to look into their dark
+depths was enough to make more than one young fellow
+<span class="pagenum">[45]</span>long to see them melt with tenderness. Like her
+hair, Grace Pelham’s eyes were indescribable in color,
+for they too were shot with odd little gleams of golden
+light. “Yellow, you know; real like cats,” said Mrs.
+Wilkins, and yet those eyes were lovely. Lovely in
+the frank, fearless innocence of their gaze; lovely, in
+the truth and purity of soul that shone through every
+glance; lovely in the thought and earnestness of their
+expression; lovely despite the dash of yellow in their
+hazel brown; lovely enough to be declared her very
+best feature, unless the sweet soft mouth were excepted.
+Once before in his lifetime the narrator had seen such
+eyes as Grace Pelham’s, but not once a mouth like hers.
+Closed, it was the perfection of Cupid’s bow, so unerringly
+had nature stamped thereon the utmost grace of
+curve and line. Even the point in the short upper lip
+was as exact as though modelled from the marble of
+Praxiteles. Around the corners were clustered such
+shy little curves and ripples that—that looking was
+longing; and when Gracie smiled, white, even teeth
+flashed through their roseate frame-work. Her mouth
+was always an attractive feature, but simply exquisite
+in repose. <i lang="fr">Du reste?</i>—a fair oval face, a straight,
+“thorough-bred” nose, a delicately modelled chin with
+its faint suspicion of lurking dimple, a throat and neck
+white and soft and spotless, and hands and feet long,
+slender, the former at least fragile-looking and softly
+white. “Too thin and scrawny to my taste,” said Mrs.
+Wilkins, redundant in person as she was in criticism.
+“The sweetest girl in the army, Nellie Blossom not
+excepted,” said Lieutenant Ray, as he gazed at her
+through the canopied entrance to the ball-room, and
+<span class="pagenum">[46]</span>then sighing profoundly as he contemplated the mortgaged
+condition of his pay accounts, turned back into
+the club-room.</p>
+
+<p>Not a vacancy was there on Grace’s card that night,
+and though she showed no favor, kept no waltz or galop
+for one who might prove a better partner than another,
+she had engagements for every number from first to
+last before she had been half an hour in the ball-room.
+Glenham as her escort had seized upon the card, and,
+with boyish selfishness, scribbled his initials in five different
+places. Later in the night, finding new applicants
+for her hand who protested against being compelled
+to go home without one dance with the belle of
+the evening, she had laughingly summoned her cavalier
+and notified him that he must yield at least two
+of his claims in favor of the unprovided-for applicants,
+a thing that young Arthur most grudgingly acceded to.</p>
+
+<p>Waltz, lanciers, quadrille, and galop succeeded one
+another in rapid succession as the night wore on, and
+still even matrons and “chaperons” danced untiringly;
+still some new sweet strain from Paolo’s orchestra
+would call the half-wearied ones again to the glassy
+floor. There was marked diminution among the spectators
+at the windows where, earlier in the evening,
+dozens of the soldiers and the soldiers’ wives had gathered
+to feast their eyes upon the scene within. There
+was hardly an elderly man among the dancers, yet the
+sets continued full, and the spirit and movement untiring.</p>
+
+<p>It must have been late in the morning, past three
+o’clock, when, after a genuine romp through the merry
+figures of the army quadrille, the dancers hurried out
+<span class="pagenum">[47]</span>in couples to the club-rooms for a breath of fresh air
+and a sip of punch or lemonade, as tastes might demand.
+Among them strolled Grace with her partner,
+an aide-de-camp on the staff of the commanding general,
+and with him she stopped one moment at a table
+where Colonel Pelham, with three or four oldsters, was
+deep in a game of whist. The colonel looked fondly
+up into her sweet flushed happy face, and taking the
+hand she had rested lightly on his shoulder, pressed it
+to his cheek, as he <span class="nowrap">inquired,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Having a good time, daughter? Any of these
+boys dance any better than your father could fifteen
+years ago?” Whereat everybody laughed. “Fact,”
+he continued; “I wouldn’t mind trying a tilt with the
+majority of them now, except Ray or Truscott. How
+does Truscott dance, Gracie?”</p>
+
+<p>“I haven’t met him, father. Is he here to-night?”</p>
+
+<p>“Here!” exclaimed the colonel. “Why! <em>isn’t he?</em>
+General,” he cried, turning suddenly to another table,
+where, all alone, sat the chief; absorbed, as was his wont,
+in a game of solitaire. “General, hasn’t Truscott reported?
+I declare I had forgotten.”</p>
+
+<p>“Not to me,” said the chief, looking up with an expression
+of evident anxiety. “Where’s Wickham?”
+A soldierly, black-haired, black-bearded officer stepped
+quickly to him. “Wickham, didn’t you get reply to
+the dispatch to Sandy about Mr. Truscott?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, general. Truscott left the post before ten this
+morning.”</p>
+
+<p>Grace noticed a sudden twitch of the arm of the
+aide-de-camp on which her hand was resting. Looking
+quickly up, she saw him biting at the heavy moustache
+<span class="pagenum">[48]</span>which shaded his mouth, though his sharp, eager eyes
+were fixed upon the general’s face.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t understand it,” said Pelham, gravely. “It’s
+a long, rough, fifty-mile ride, but Truscott has often
+made it in ten hours.”</p>
+
+<p>“Pardon me, Miss Pelham,” quietly spoke the aide-de-camp.
+“There goes the waltz you promised Evans,
+and he will be tearing things to pieces in his efforts to
+find you if we don’t get back to the ball-room.” And
+with that he led her quickly away, talking laughingly
+but in three minutes he was back beside his chief, and
+a hurried conversation took place in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p>“No, gentlemen,” Colonel Pelham was saying, in
+answer to a suggestion from the card-table, “it’s no
+case of a lost shoe or a lame horse. Truscott never was
+known to lame a horse or to start with a loose shoe.
+Something has gone wrong, or he would have been
+here before ten o’clock, and now it’s half-past three.”
+Another minute, and after some muttered words with
+the general, Wickham and the aide-de-camp silently
+slipped out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>Even the Pelham ball (as it was long afterwards
+termed among the participants) had to come to an end
+some time. Yet it was after four o’clock when the last
+waltz found still a dozen enthusiastic dancers gliding
+about the room, and the performer on the double-bass,
+falling asleep to the droning accompaniment of his own
+music, was aroused by a kick to the consciousness that
+his comrades were playing “Home, Sweet Home,”
+while he was still sawing away at his part of “Künstler
+Leben.” From first to last it had been one glowing
+triumph for Grace, and her ladyship had listened with
+<span class="pagenum">[49]</span>pardonable and parental pride to many a tribute to her
+daughter’s beauty, her winning ways, and unaffected
+manner. Now, as fleecy wraps were being donned
+previous to venturing forth into the sharp morning air,
+Mrs. Pelham stood at the door of the dressing-room
+exchanging last good-nights with those who had lingered
+to the end. Of these were our Camp Sandy party, one
+and all indefatigable dancers, except Lieutenant Wilkins
+who had long since been snoring with his head on
+his arms in a sheltered corner of the card-room; but
+even the asperity of his better-half had melted under
+the genial influences of such music, such partners, and
+such punch, and for once she had spared him public
+reprimand; but the sight of her ladyship, smiling,
+portly, and majestic, showering confidential salutations
+upon her intimates and condescension upon the juniors,
+was, as she happily expressed it, “the red rag for my
+bull,” and once more the matrons met with a clash, and
+one incident occurred to mar the equanimity with which
+Mrs. Pelham had witnessed her daughter’s triumph.
+It had required no keenness of perception throughout
+the evening to note how thoroughly she had kept Grace
+and her partners under view; how eagerly she watched
+the devotion of Glenham; how frowningly the attentions
+of such ineligibles as Ray, Evans, Hunter, and
+the like had been regarded; for poor as those youngsters
+might have been in pocket, in point of personal attractions
+poor Glenham had little to offer in competition
+with them.</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, Mrs. Pelham,” said Mrs. Wilkins, halting in
+front of the colonel’s wife, “Miss Gracie has won all
+hearts to-night. I predict it won’t be long before we
+<span class="pagenum">[50]</span>have a grand wedding at this rate. Sure all the young
+fellows will be cutting one another’s throats if she
+isn’t married inside of the year.”</p>
+
+<p>Amazed at the effrontery of her manner, as well as
+stung by its fearlessness, Mrs. Pelham’s portly bosom
+swelled with wrath, and the color surged to her forehead.
+In the desperately hopeless effort of crushing
+her foe with an overwhelming hauteur, she <span class="nowrap">replied,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“It is to be hoped, Mrs. Wilkins, that my daughter
+will have too much character to rush into any such
+matrimonial gulf as you suggest. She will be guided
+by her parents, not by freak or fancy, and need be in
+no hurry.”</p>
+
+<p>“’Deed and you’re right, Mrs. Pelham; she’ll never
+be in a hurry so long as only such brainless boys as
+Glenham are allowed to approach her. But wait till
+men like Truscott step in. It’s her father’s own
+daughter she’ll be then, or I’m mistaken.” And a
+sarcastic laugh was the only rejoinder her ladyship had
+time to make before Glenham and Grace appeared at
+her side; but wrath was in her heart and vengeance
+plotting in her brain as she turned to her escort.</p>
+
+<p>It was so new to her to be braved and badgered this
+way by a woman vastly her inferior in social station;
+the wife of an officer, to be sure, but that officer but
+an old lieutenant of her husband’s regiment, a man
+who, having rendered his country good service during
+the war of the Rebellion, had thankfully accepted a
+second lieutenancy in the regular cavalry at its close.
+He and his sharp-sighted, razor-tongued wife had
+“joined” together in ’67, and long association among
+ladies of refinement and culture had only slightly
+<span class="pagenum">[51]</span>dulled the edges of her uncouthness; but she was a
+prudent, saving, and thrifty woman in her household;
+had been a far more valuable helpmeet to patient,
+plodding Wilkins than he knew, and, except when indulging
+in a fit of ill temper and consequent explosiveness
+of language, she kept his home in reasonable comfort
+and his children in excellent dress and discipline.
+Policy she had, and cared to have, none. She had
+some warm impulses; was a faithful friend in time of
+trouble or illness; had been a devoted nurse to young
+Gregg when he was down with the mountain fever, and
+to Plympton when he was slowly recovering from the
+wounds the pestilent Apaches had inflicted in the last
+fight he and her husband had had with them; but the
+moment another woman attempted to override or ignore
+her there rose in her bosom a spirit of resentment that
+overswept all bounds. She had neither education nor
+polish, but a faculty of saying just what she thought,
+and more too, and, to use her husband’s rueful admission,
+“She wasn’t afraid of the devil.”</p>
+
+<p>Still swelling with suppressed wrath was the colonel’s
+wife when Lieutenant Ray, with his cavalry circular
+(“cape” as they called it) thrown over his arm, re-entered
+and hastily approached her. Well he knew that
+had more than once that night looked askance
+at his attentions to Grace; possibly, too, he realized the
+importance of seizing upon the opportunity while it
+served, for his manner was deferential and courteous in
+the extreme as he bowed before her ladyship. “Colonel
+Pelham has been called off with the general, madame.
+I cannot imagine what is going on, but may I not have
+the honor of escorting you home?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[52]</span></p>
+
+<p>Now, here was a young man who properly appreciated
+her position, or his own inferiority, no matter
+which. So lately dared by one of her own sex, her
+ladyship’s ruffled feathers were smoothed by the tone
+of deference with which the diplomatic Ray made
+tender of his services. Her flushed features unbent in
+a smile of patronizing (matronizing?) consent, and,
+with a sweeping and comprehensive good-night bow to
+the throng, she accepted the subaltern’s arm and majestically
+left the hall.</p>
+
+<p>Gracie lingered, with Glenham flitting impatiently
+about her. There were so many good-nights to be said,
+so many repetitions of “Just the loveliest ball ever
+known,” so many projects for rides or drives and dances
+when they had had time to get over this one, though
+there was not a belle present who did not profess her
+entire ability to start right on and begin all over again,
+but at last the group broke away, and in a few moments
+Arthur Glenham was leading his sweet partner up the
+winding path towards the general’s house, and not a
+soul was within earshot.</p>
+
+<p>Brilliantly the stars were gleaming in the rare purity
+of the Sierran atmosphere. Cold and calm and glittering
+they shone down upon the dark pine-crested
+heights, and upon the dim valley in which sleeping
+town and outlying cantonment lay nestled. High aloft
+the studded girdle of Orion hung resplendent in the
+zenith, while farther west, from the lowering front of
+the great Bull, Aldebaran, radiant in his isolation, shone
+sparkling through the silent skies. Eastward, fringing
+the tumbling, ragged outline of the hills, a grayish pallor
+overspread the firmament, but left in deeper shade
+<span class="pagenum">[53]</span>all objects at their base. Here and there along the
+spur of foot-hill glimmering lights betrayed the homes
+of the officers, and lower down, midway across the valley,
+a broad yellow glare shot athwart the high road
+from the doors of the post-trader’s, opened at that late
+hour presumably for the benefit of the drivers and
+hangers-on who had conveyed the guests from Prescott,
+but probably more to the benefit of the trader himself,
+for Arizona whiskey is of the vile vilest. The last
+wagon-load had rolled away towards town, the beat of
+hoof and rumble of wheel dying in the distance full
+ten minutes ago, and still those enticing doors stood
+open, evidence of further patronage, yet no sound came
+from the usually noisy bar- or card-room. All was so
+still that the cry of the sentinel’s “Half-past four-o’clock
+and a-a-all’s well” rang through the frosty air
+like notes of clarion.</p>
+
+<p>Along the opposite ridge the dim night-lights at the
+hospital had given place to some unwonted illumination.
+Glenham and his companion strolling slowly up the
+path must have marked it, had she known how unusual
+a feature these lights were at Whipple, had he marked
+anything but the beauty of the sweet face that enchained
+his eyes. For a moment they paused midway up the
+steep and looked back towards the now deserted ball-room
+“whose lights were fled.” It lay in a little valley
+midway between them and a line of low one-storied
+buildings on the rise beyond. Oh, Glenham, where
+were your eyes that you noted not the lights moving
+rapidly to and fro among them, the offices of the adjutant-general
+and aides and the telegraph station? Where
+were your eyes that you saw not, still farther beyond,
+<span class="pagenum">[54]</span>the line of windows in the cavalry quarters, or down
+in the valley of the stream itself, the flitting lanterns
+in the stables and corral? Poor boy! he saw nothing,
+thought of nothing but the face and form beside him,
+the glorious eyes that had haunted his dreams for two
+long years. The pair had stopped one brief moment
+to look around at the scene they had so lately left, and
+she, noting how he had no eyes for aught but her,
+marking with woman’s quick intuition the silence that
+had taken possession of him, dreading the avowal she
+knew must be trembling on his lips, strove to move
+on again, and broke nervously into speech, but he resisted
+the gentle effort, and looking up she met his
+gaze. With an intensity of longing she had never
+dreamed of seeing Glenham’s blue eyes were fastened
+passionately upon her face, drinking in her beauty.
+With a quick, impulsive movement he seized the
+slender hand that had lain upon his arm, and eagerly,
+brokenly, almost sobbingly, the words burst from his
+<span class="nowrap">lips,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Grace! Gracie! I can wait no longer. You know
+I love you; you <em>must</em> know it. Haven’t you one word
+of hope for me after all this long time?”</p>
+
+<p>No time to hesitate now, no backward look or step,
+the plunge was taken; the words that, come what might,
+could never be forgotten, were spoken irrevocably. All
+along she had known they must be said, though in
+many a gentle way she had striven to give him to
+understand how hopeless it was, and now she must
+meet the words and, all too late, turn them back.
+Looking quickly into his quivering face, yet making
+no effort to disengage the hand he clasped so tightly as
+<span class="pagenum">[55]</span>almost to crush, her answer came like a cry of pain,
+“Oh, Mr. Glenham! I have tried so hard to avert
+this. I had hoped, almost prayed, you had forgotten
+what—what you told me at West Point.”</p>
+
+<p>For a moment no further word was spoken. She
+could hear the heavy beating of his heart, the gasping
+sob that rose to his lips, as, in dumb misery, his head
+fell upon his breast.</p>
+
+<p>“If it had been a thing I could write of, I would
+have tried even harder to explain to you why it could
+never be,” she presently went on gently, almost caressingly,
+her tone was so full of sympathy and sorrow.
+“You remember, don’t you, that I told you two years
+ago, when you first spoke of—of this, that, though I
+did like you, it could only be like?”</p>
+
+<p>Mutely he bowed his head, then releasing her hands
+he clasped his own, and leaned drearily against the little
+tree that stood beside the path. Then once again his
+head drooped upon his breast, and, with sudden movement,
+he covered his face with his hands, and next
+great sobs shook his young frame. Distressed beyond
+measure, alarmed at his violent grief, Grace knew not
+what to do. The tears were streaming from her own
+eyes as she stretched forth her hands, and, clasping
+his wrist, strove to turn him towards her. “It breaks
+my heart to see you suffer so, and yet I have no words
+to comfort you. Oh, Arthur, I never deserved such.
+I never thought it possible. Why <em>did</em> you not believe
+me when I told you then? Surely, I have not let you
+cherish this feeling for me.”</p>
+
+<p>Almost roughly he shook her hand away, and started
+up. “I’m not reproaching you,” he said. “You could
+<span class="pagenum">[56]</span>not crush it out if you had tried ten times as hard;
+but Grace, Grace, I could not help hoping. You were
+so young then; your mother——No! I couldn’t
+have crushed it even if she had not——”</p>
+
+<p>“She! my mother!” broke in Grace. “How do
+you mean, Mr. Glenham? Mother could never have
+induced you to believe other than what I told you.”</p>
+
+<p>But Glenham had no time to reply; a quick, springy
+step was heard approaching. In the dim light a soldierly
+form came swinging into the path, and, catching
+sight of the white “burnouse” which enveloped Grace’s
+throat and head, Lieutenant Ray stopped and held out
+his hand.</p>
+
+<p>“Just in the nick of time, Miss Pelham. I’m off
+to join my troop fast as horse can take me. That you,
+Glenham? We’ll probably meet again then. All you
+Sandy fellows are ordered out. The Tontos have
+jumped the reservation. Good-by, Miss Pelham. If
+you miss the tassel of your fan to-morrow don’t think
+you lost it, I stole it an hour ago.” And with that
+he bounded down the path.</p>
+
+<p>Even as he disappeared a ringing trumpet-call pealed
+stirringly through the air the well-known signal,
+“Boots and Saddles!” and Glenham started from his
+attitude of utter despondency with an exclamation of
+almost fierce delight: “Thank God for that,—for anything
+of the sort!” And, dashing his hand across his
+eyes, the boy turned hastily up the path, leading his
+startled companion by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>“Tell me what it means, Mr. Glenham,” she said,
+as soon as she could recover breath.</p>
+
+<p>“More fighting and scouting, I suppose. I hadn’t
+<span class="pagenum">[57]</span>hoped for anything half so good,” he added, biting
+savagely at his lip.</p>
+
+<p>Two horses, held by an orderly, stood in front of the
+general’s quarters, and the door opening suddenly gave
+exit to the aide-de-camp who had been one of Grace’s
+devotees during the night. Springing down the steps,
+he swung into the saddle before he heard Glenham’s
+hail.</p>
+
+<p>“You’ll find Turner and Raymond over at Wickham’s
+office,” was all he had time to say. “They’ve
+got the orders for Sandy,” he called back as he disappeared,
+followed by his orderly.</p>
+
+<p>“Then it’s good-by, Grace,” said Glenham, slowly,
+as they ascended the steps. His voice was harsh and
+constrained, stern and harsh it sounded to her, but he
+was struggling against his deep emotion now, and the
+soldier in him rebelled at the betrayal of weakness.</p>
+
+<p>On the porch he stopped, still not looking in her
+face: “I don’t know when we’ll meet again. I did
+not mean to risk and lose all so soon, but—but I was
+a fool, I suppose. You let Ray have that tassel, give
+me this glove. It isn’t much to ask now.”</p>
+
+<p>It was Grace’s turn to be wellnigh weeping. Despite
+her efforts the great tears were coursing down her cheeks,
+and she could not trust her voice to utter a word. The
+sight of his suffering, the utter dejection of his tone
+and mien, were too much for her nature, always sympathetic,
+always gentle.</p>
+
+<p>“Just one word, Grace,” he said, as he suddenly
+turned and seized her hands. “You say I must not
+hope. I’m going now without another plea. Tell me
+the truth, is there any man for whom you do care?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[58]</span></p>
+
+<p>And her eyes, tear-dimmed, yet sweet and truthful,
+looked fearlessly up in his face. “No, Mr. Glenham,
+no.” He bent low over her hand, pressed it to his lips,
+and turned suddenly away. “No,” she cried, “no one
+whom I even like as I do you.” He would have
+turned once again to her, but the door opened suddenly,
+a broad light streamed out upon the porch, and Grace
+Pelham, her face flushed and wellnigh bathed in tears,
+confronted Jack Truscott.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[59]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER V.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Twenty</span> miles up the valley above Camp Sandy lay
+the agency of the Indian reservation, and for some
+time previous to the date on which our story opens a
+young cavalry officer of large experience among the
+Apaches had been doing the double duty of commanding
+the Indian scouts and acting as agent for the six
+or seven thousand aborigines then being fed and clothed
+at the expense of the government. Of course, there
+had been, previous to his time, an actual (<i lang="la">bonâ fide</i> was
+almost written) Indian agent, one of the factors of that
+mysterious and complicated piece of cabinet-ware known
+as the Bureau, but, though this was before the halcyon
+days of Schurz, even the Department of the Interior
+could not close its eyes to the convincing proofs of the
+peculations which he had been so injudicious as to strive
+to keep entirely to himself, and so, having proved a
+doubly unprofitable servant, the Bureau was not unwilling
+to cast him out, whereupon he showed signs of
+insanity, was placed under medical care, and escorted
+back to his home in Massachusetts under the guidance
+and at the expense of Uncle Sam, the method of his
+madness subsequently manifesting itself in the realization
+that had he been discharged on the spot he would
+have been compelled to pay his own way. Then there
+was an interregnum. Even Indian agents could hardly
+<span class="pagenum">[60]</span>afford the trip to Eastern Arizona, the journey to San
+Francisco and thence by sea or desert to the Colorado,
+and thence by “buckboard” to the mountains, costing
+more for self and family than one could possibly hope
+to save in a year without getting found out. “If it
+were not for those d—d army officers,” said one of
+these shrewd financiers, “a man might live like a gentleman
+even in Arizona.” But the commanding general
+had for years of his life been dealing with Indians,
+and his maxim was to fight like blazes when
+fighting had to be done, teach them to dread the power
+of the Great Father, but to promise and insure fair
+treatment when they surrendered. The general had
+promised these Apaches fair treatment, and was bound
+to see his promise carried into effect. This led to his
+keeping an eye on the agents, and that led to the agents
+hating him worse than one of their own inspectors,
+which, after all, is a mild way of putting it. Nearly
+all the Arizona agents about this time were doctors of
+something or other, and bore the title if for proficiency
+in no other art, science, or profession than that of
+“doctoring” returns, and when this particular doctor
+was taken crazy and home (where he took to lecturing
+on the wrongs of the red man, and to himself the contributions
+of the charitable), the general was empowered
+to name a <i lang="la">pro tempore</i> agent, and sent Lieutenant
+Stryker of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>. Stryker was well known to all
+the Apaches as a fearless young chief who had thrashed
+them many a time, and the one thing an Indian respects
+is bravery when combined with force. As a
+consequence there was peace and propriety on the reservation.
+Stryker kept rigid account of the warriors
+<span class="pagenum">[61]</span>under his control; there was little or no straying away
+from the limits, the few settlers began to take courage
+and let out their stock to graze, new “ranches” began
+to spring up in the deep valleys, and all promised
+well until the arrival of another “ringster” from the
+East relieved Stryker of his duties, and the Indians of
+restraint. Still there had been no outbreak; the road
+between Prescott and the valley of the Sandy, though
+lying dangerously near the Apaches, was considered so
+safe that the mail-carrier rode to and fro without escort,
+and small hunting-parties scoured through the
+mountains without meeting a “hostile”; but for some
+weeks past unpleasant rumors had been in circulation,
+and for three or four days the agent had been sending
+down to Sandy sullen-looking specimens of the tribe,
+with the request that they be confined in the guard-house,
+among the murderers and worst characters of
+their brethren lodged therein. The guard reported
+that they were holding frequent pow-wows in the
+prison room, and that when out at work under the sentinels,
+occasional attempts had been made by them to
+steal knives, scrap-iron, and any odds and ends of
+metal that could be sharpened and used. Stryker had
+been sent to the southern part of the Territory, and
+none of the officers at Sandy knew anything of the new
+agent. The surgeon at the reservation, however, had
+twice been down to the post, and on both occasions had
+displayed keen anxiety as to the condition of affairs.
+He even asked Colonel Pelham to come up and take a
+look at things, saying that at the rate he was going on
+the agent would precipitate a mutiny in less than a
+fortnight,—he was arresting and ordering into confinement
+<span class="pagenum">[62]</span>some of the best and most influential Indians on
+no pretext whatever, and what was worse, said the doctor,
+“he is making them believe it is by your order or
+that of the general.” Pelham had decided to lay the
+whole matter before the department commander in a
+written communication,—but the result was as yet unknown,
+as the general could not interfere with the proceedings
+of an officer of the Interior Department, and
+could only “forward” the statement with a strong indorsement,
+in which case it generally resulted in being
+pigeon-holed among the musty files of the Bureau, and
+the informant was the only one who got into trouble.</p>
+
+<p>And so it happened that the solitary ride on which
+Jack Truscott had set forth proved an eventful one.
+Along towards two o’clock in the afternoon he had
+stopped to water his horse at a little spring well over
+towards the valley of the Agua Fria, loosening the
+girths and easing the saddle a while to rest his pet
+“Apache.” The horse was a noble specimen of his
+race, tall, sinewy, almost gaunt in build, but with powerful
+limbs, an eye full of fire and intelligence, and the
+tapering, sensitive ears of the purest breed. Truscott
+stood with his left arm thrown negligently over the
+withers, stroking the glossy mane, and softly patting
+the sturdy neck of his friend, all the while talking
+caressingly to him, while “Apache,” having indulged
+in a dozen long-drawn swallows, was now, with uplifted
+head and dripping muzzle, taking a leisurely survey of
+the scene preparatory to another dip. Satisfied apparently
+with the tranquillity of his surroundings, he
+was about to return to the sparkling water at his feet,
+when the leaves were stirred by a faint, rustling breeze,
+<span class="pagenum">[63]</span>and suddenly he threw up his head and with dilated
+eye and nostril gazed fixedly into the thicket near him.
+Next he gave a start, snorted as though alarmed, and
+sprang back towards the road. Truscott’s quick hand
+was on the rein in an instant, while with his right he
+as quickly unslung the Henry rifle, that swung, Arizona
+fashion, athwart the pommel, still speaking gently,
+soothingly to his horse. “Steady, boy! steady, old
+man! you don’t scare as a rule; what do you see,
+sir?” and with his rifle at ready the adjutant backed
+slowly from the thicket, stepped to the near side of his
+horse, and then deftly reset and “cinched” his saddle.
+Still “Apache” quivered with strong excitement, and
+Truscott, keeping his eyes fixed on the quarter from
+which his alarm seemed to come, led back to the road;
+there he stopped to consider. “Apache” still stamped
+and snorted, a thing he had never been known to do
+under ordinary circumstances, and his conduct was a
+puzzle. He had seen, smelled, and chased bears without
+special emotion before, and no other beasts of prey
+were to be found around Sandy,—rattlesnakes were
+plenty, but not a whit did “Apache” mind them, but
+the one thing he hated was an Indian. Could it be
+that Indians were crouching in the tangled brushwood
+back of the spring?</p>
+
+<p>Truscott slung the reins over a stumpy little cedar,
+cocked his rifle, and, bending low, stepped over the
+brook and, parting the interlacing branches, forced his
+way through the bushes. Something wet and slimy on
+his hand caused him to raise it to the light, and he found
+it stained with blood. Close examination showed fresh
+gouts of blood on the leaves and twigs on either side,
+<span class="pagenum">[64]</span>then came a little patch of sunlight, a mere break in
+the thick tangle of shrubbery, and there, stripped,
+gashed, mutilated,—two arrows still sticking out from
+the brawny back showing the shots were from the rear,—lay
+the corpse of Finnegan, the mail-carrier; horse
+and equipments, arms, ammunition, clothing, and boots,
+all but the ghastly life-ridden frame, gone. Further
+search revealed the soldier’s blouse and shirt, so hacked
+with knives and stained with gore as to be useless even
+to an Indian, while among a pile of rocks were scattered
+the letters and papers of the mail for Sandy. Five
+minutes more and Jack Truscott was speeding down
+into the valley to the west, sparing neither spur nor
+word, and “Apache,” nerved to excitement, was making
+the best time known to Arizona records.</p>
+
+<p>The winding, rocky road lay for a distance under
+hanging cliffs and boulders, and Truscott, bending low
+over the pommel with his Henry advanced on the
+right, peered warily ahead at every turn. A few miles
+farther, down in the open valley, lay a ranch where
+travellers and teamsters were accustomed to rest and
+refresh themselves and their cattle. The next turn
+would bring him in view of the valley and the ranch
+itself, and with keen anxiety he gazed as “Apache”
+bounded over the road. Another moment and the
+bend was reached, the valley lay before him, and plainer
+than ever before there stood the ranch, a glare of flame,
+while a thick cloud of smoke, black and heavy, floated
+slowly into the air. Never drawing rein he darted
+ahead; he knew that a party of cavalrymen from the
+post were out repairing on the line of the military telegraph,
+that they were on the western side of the range
+<span class="pagenum">[65]</span>and could not fail to see the conflagration down in the
+valley; he knew that a few strides more would bring
+him to the point where the road and the telegraph line
+lay side by side, for the latter had been strung across
+country by the most direct route, and between the Agua
+Fria and the Sandy ran far south of the winding highway.
+The sergeant in charge of the party was an
+Irishman who bore an enviable name for bravery and
+efficiency in Apache warfare, and Truscott felt sure that
+he and his men would not be far away when there was
+need of his services. “Two to one the sergeant has
+seen that fire long before this, and he and his men are
+well on their way,” was his reflection as he galloped on.</p>
+
+<p class="b1">He was among the foot-hills of the western slope
+now; the road dipped and twisted among the spurs,
+sometimes in plain view two miles ahead, sometimes
+not a dozen yards. At a sharp bend “Apache” suddenly
+swerved violently to the left, and Truscott reined
+op alongside the smouldering remains of a wagon, near
+which, gashed and hacked with savage fury, lay the
+body of a Mexican teamster. The cattle had disappeared,
+driven off to the northward as the trail indicated,
+but examining the ground, Truscott saw to his
+joy the fresh imprint of a score of horse-shoes, crossing
+the road from the south, evidently in pursuit. Once
+more “Apache” felt the spur and darted west along the
+road,—once more his rider came into view of the ranch,
+and saw with satisfaction that while the sheds and “corral”
+were a mass of flames, the home of the station-keeper
+was still safe. The one thing now was to find
+the sergeant and his men and hie to the rescue. Truscott
+lost no time by following the trail; he knew well
+<span class="pagenum">[66]</span>that before this the flames had been seen, and the troopers
+were taking the shortest line across country towards
+the point of danger, if, indeed, they were not already
+there. Five minutes more and now a gently-sloping
+stretch of road, only a mile or so, lay between him and
+the ranch, and then—hurrah! off to the right he saw a
+little squad of blue jackets bounding over the slopes
+with carbines advanced, and Jack’s voice rang out
+through the still air, “This way, this way, sergeant;
+make for the road!” and never drawing rein, he spurred
+ahead. Now he could hear the crackling of the flames,
+and every now and then the report of a rifle. Another
+moment, and scurrying off towards the reservation he
+caught sight of a party of some twenty Indians, running
+for dear life, throwing away the plunder they had
+picked up, clinging to the tails and manes of the few
+horses their luckier comrades had secured; away they
+were going, caught in the very height of their devilment,
+no time to palaver or parley, their hands still
+stained with rapine and murder,—the cowardly curs
+had suddenly caught sight of the little band of rescuers,
+and their first impulse was flight. Truscott
+turned in his saddle, waving his broad-brimmed hat to
+the men spurring along behind him, “Head ’em off,
+men; spread out to the right!” and in another instant
+“Apache’s” hoofs thundered through the burning corral,
+past the scorching ranch, whose beleaguered occupants
+found time to cheer with delight as they dropped their
+rifles to rush for buckets and water, out through the
+open court beyond, splash through the rivulet, scramble
+up the bank on the other side, and Truscott was
+in full view of the chase. But horses were wellnigh
+<span class="pagenum">[67]</span>exhausted now, and eager though the riders might be,
+it was pitiful to hear the gasp and groan with which
+the steeds made answer to the spur. The mounted Indians
+were plainly seen striking at their comrades, who,
+clinging to their mounts, impeded their flight, and some
+of the troopers, trusting to luck, had opened a long-range
+fire at the pursued. But “Apache” kept on, fire,
+mettle, endurance, and speed, all were combined in his
+glorious race, and almost before he realized it Truscott
+found himself closing in upon the stragglers.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowe20">
+  <a rel="nofollow" href="images/i052alt.jpg">
+    <img class="w100" src="images/i052alt.jpg" alt="">
+  </a>
+  <figcaption>
+    <p class="noindent small center" style="justify-content: center;">“With vengeful eye, drove shot after shot.”</p>
+    <div class="attr">Page 67.&#x2003;</div>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p style="clear: both;">Throwing away the arms they dared not stop to use,
+two Indians flung themselves flat upon their faces on
+the sward; but another, wheeling quickly, knelt, aimed.
+Truscott bent low upon his horse’s neck, and the harmless
+flash of the savage’s rifle was answered by a surer
+shot that sent a bullet crashing through the tawny,
+naked breast. Then there came another report, sharp
+and ringing, close at hand, and with it poor “Apache”
+wavered, staggered, plunged headlong to his knees and
+rolled in agony upon the turf. Truscott alighted, cat-like,
+on his feet, but quickly knelt to avoid the hurried
+missiles sent back at him by the scattering foe. He
+ground his teeth in bitter rage as he saw his favorite
+lying there in his death-struggle, and with vengeful
+eye drove shot after shot at his slayers, and not till the
+sergeant and his men could reach him did he know or
+realize that the blood was streaming down his left arm,
+and that an arrow had torn a deep rent under the
+shoulder-strap.</p>
+
+<p>There was no further pursuit: horses were exhausted,
+and few white men afoot can catch an Apache; but
+four of the tribe had paid the forfeit of their crimes
+<span class="pagenum">[68]</span>and lay weltering along the trail. Slowly the victors
+returned to the ranch, where the owner, a sturdy Norwegian,
+and his good wife, with eager volubility, poured
+forth their thanks for the timely rescue, and brought
+water and bandages for Truscott’s shoulder. One or
+two bucolical-looking Swedes were still dashing water
+against the adobe walls, as though the now smouldering
+ruins of the corral-sheds could communicate flame to
+dried mud, while in one of the rooms two teamsters,
+badly wounded but worse scared, were stretched upon
+the floor groaning lustily in their distress. Close by
+the corral lay two more Tonto “bucks,” who had presumed
+too much upon the easy victory over single and
+unprepared victims, and had ventured with reckless
+confidence in their overwhelming force to attempt a
+rush upon the stout-hearted ranchmen. Olson hurriedly
+told the story of the raid as known to him: how, long
+before noon, a small party had strolled in to beg for
+something to eat, and were noticed peering about at the
+interior of the ranch; how his wife had snatched away
+a rifle one of them had taken and was eagerly examining;
+how, later in the day, a trapper rode by from the east,
+saying he had seen numbers of ’Patchie tracks among
+the hills and didn’t like the looks of things; and
+finally, how, after two o’clock, the two teamsters had
+come tearing in on one horse saying that the Indians
+had attacked them in the cañon among the foot-hills,
+and they had to flee for their lives, then came the
+Indians themselves. He “thought there must have
+been a hundred of them,” some dressed in soldier
+clothes, some on horseback, and he and his people had
+run for the house, which they placed in as defensible a
+<span class="pagenum">[69]</span>state as they knew how, and fought them back like
+heroes, according to the good man’s story, though, from
+the fact that few of the Apaches had fire-arms, and only
+two of them breech-loaders (which they had secured
+at the expense of poor Finnegan and the Mexican that
+morning) and that the household was still quivering
+with excitement, Truscott concluded that their relief
+at his appearance was the most genuine portion of the
+entire exhibit. The Apaches had not made a very
+determined assault, and the besieged would hardly have
+held out against one.</p>
+
+<p>It was not probable that another attack would be
+made that afternoon. The sun was well down towards
+the west by this time, and Truscott decided, as soon as
+he could rest his weary horses, to push in to Prescott
+with the news. A wagon was filled with straw, in
+which the wounded teamsters were carefully laid. Two
+of the cavalry horses, refreshed by a two hours’ halt
+and a hearty feed, were harnessed in, and, leaving the
+sergeant with two men at the ranch as guard, the adjutant
+and a little party of three “effectives” set forth at
+sundown with the wagon-load of wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The road was rough, the night, though still and
+starlit, was dark in the deep pine forests through which
+they rode after leaving the Agua Fria. Off to the
+northeast the signal-fires of the Indians told the story
+of the outbreak, and the highway was deserted. It
+was near three o’clock in the morning before Truscott
+reached the post, turned over his wounded to the care
+of the hospital steward, and went to headquarters to
+make his report. The ball was still in progress, and
+the strains of gay music fell upon his ear as he climbed
+<span class="pagenum">[70]</span>the slope towards the offices. Lights were burning in
+the telegraph-room, however, and here he found the
+operator clicking away at his instrument “My God!
+lieutenant,” said he, springing up; “we’ve been mighty
+anxious about you. The Apaches have raided the
+valley,—just got the news from Sandy half an hour
+ago, and particulars are coming in every minute. Hold
+on one second until I tell Sandy you are here.”</p>
+
+<p>Stiff, chilled, and tired, smarting with pain from his
+torn shoulder, Truscott sank into a chair; his thoughts
+drifted back over the events of the day, but lingered
+with keen, and even bitter sorrow on “Apache’s” death.
+For three long years he had been Truscott’s one pet,
+his pride and delight. He had borne his rider gallantly
+that day over hill and dale, rock and rill, a wild
+rush to the rescue; he had distanced all competitors;
+was the only horse “in at the death,” thought poor
+Jack, and as he recalled that mute appeal in the
+glazing eyes of his favorite, and recalled too that not
+once before death put an end to his misery had there
+been a chance for a single caress or word, not one sign
+to his faithful charger of the love in which he held him,
+Jack’s pale, set face grew paler, there was an odd quiver
+about the stern lines of his mouth, and a gathering film
+in the tired eyes he so hastily covered with his hand.
+Quick steps came bounding up the pathway, across the
+narrow piazza, and Colonel Wickham entered with the
+aide-de-camp. “Well, what’s the latest? Have they
+heard from Truscott?” was his immediate question.</p>
+
+<p>The operator motioned towards the sitting figure with
+one hand, while the right kept busily clicking its message,
+and Truscott, rising, stood before the questioner,
+<span class="pagenum">[71]</span>who eagerly grasped his hands. “Safe, Jack, thank
+God!—but you’re hurt! Where did you run across
+them? D—n it, what a time to ask questions! We’ve
+had an awful scare about you. Sit down again, man.
+Here, Bright, run down to the club-room and bring
+me some whiskey.” The aide was off without a word,
+and by the time he returned with the required stimulant
+Wickham, who never used it himself, but knew
+when it was needed for others, had told Truscott that
+at midnight a despatch had come from Sandy saying
+that raiding-parties of Indians were in the valley, and
+that all the settlers had taken refuge at the post. “The
+general said to keep the thing quiet until we received
+further particulars, and sent orders to have the cavalry
+at Camp Sandy out at daybreak on the trail. From
+midnight up to half-past two reports came of the
+Apaches being in force along the valley, but not until
+half an hour before had anything indicated that they
+were west of the range. Then a ranchman from the
+Agua Fria had ridden post-haste into the quartermaster’s
+corral saying that Olson’s ranch had been
+burned and his family slaughtered; that lots of teamsters
+had been killed; and then we thought of you. I
+hurried off a message to Canker, who replied that you
+had left the post about ten o’clock, and he ‘feared you
+had gone alone.’ Then the general ordered ‘G’ company
+out at once, and the men are stirring up now.
+All the time though we were trying to keep the thing
+quiet so as not to spoil the Pelhams’ ball, but just five
+minutes ago old Catnip and that lovely daughter of his—By
+Jove! Truscott, there’s a girl to make your head
+swim—came at the general with point-blank questions
+<span class="pagenum">[72]</span>about you, and I don’t see how we could have kept it
+much longer.”</p>
+
+<p>Then Truscott briefly reported the facts as known to
+him. Bright, the aide, went off to notify the general,
+and came back saying that the general begged Truscott
+to come at once to his quarters, and there Jack found
+an anxious group, consisting of the department commander,
+Colonel Pelham, and three or four captains of
+the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>, and after warm greetings and congratulations
+the adjutant again recited tersely the story of his ride.
+The general listened intently, never interposing word
+or query until it was finished, then it came. “How
+did you happen to have no orderly?” and though for a
+brief instant Truscott hesitated and looked embarrassed,
+he replied gravely that “an orderly had not been considered
+necessary, everything had been so quiet for
+months past,” and his comrades at least felt pretty
+certain that in virtually taking upon himself the responsibility
+Jack Truscott was shielding a man who
+would have lost no opportunity of hurting his defender,
+could he have done so. The general’s orders were
+prompt. The cavalry officers from Sandy were directed
+to make immediate preparations to return, escorted
+thither by the troops then saddling, and with hurried
+farewells they went off to attend to the matter. At
+the general’s request the colonel and Truscott remained.
+“The ladies must all wait here at Prescott,” he said.
+“Let Canker and ‘the boys’ have this tussle to themselves,
+Pelham, they will scatter and whip them back
+in short order. You and Truscott must wait here a
+day or two. Now, first thing, Truscott, I want your
+shoulder looked after. You are to stay with us. The
+<span class="pagenum">[73]</span>doctor will be here in a moment, and I’ll show you your
+room.” Truscott begged to be excused; he knew that
+the house was full of the fair sex, or would be as soon
+as they returned from the ball. Even then their
+silvery voices and laughter could be heard on the walk
+outside, and the adjutant was far from indifferent to
+his personal appearance. Just now, covered with dust
+and his uniform stained with blood, his face haggard
+with pain and fatigue, he would have much preferred
+going off to his bachelor comrades; but even as he was
+attempting to enter his protest the door opened, and
+Mesdames the General and Pelham, escorted by Lieutenants
+Hunter and Ray, came sailing in. “Pretty
+men you are to desert your wives in this way,” vociferated
+the portly partner of the general, all in a good-humored
+glow after her pull up the hill. “Pretty
+men to——Why, Jack Truscott! When did you
+get here? Why, you’re so pale—and all blood—are
+you wounded? What’s happened?” And so, hurriedly
+and disconnectedly, this good lady—“the warmest-hearted
+woman in the army,” the Arizona exiles used
+to call her—poured forth question, sympathy, and welcome
+all at once upon her prime favorite, the adjutant
+of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>.</p>
+
+<p>“Now don’t bother Truscott,” the general vainly interposed.
+“The doctor’s coming, and I want his shoulder
+dressed, or he’ll be having fever in it;” but his
+better half could not be suppressed, and over again,
+quietly and smilingly, Jack strove to tell something of
+the day’s adventures, but failed signally, because by
+this time both dames were popping questions at him
+quicker than he could singly answer either. Ray and
+<span class="pagenum">[74]</span>Hunter stopped only long enough to grasp his hand,
+and learn from their colonel that their companies were
+under orders, when they hurriedly left. The tramp of
+hoofs and jingle of Mexican spurs was heard in front,
+staff-officers came quickly and quietly in, received their
+instructions as quietly from the low-voiced general, and
+were off in a moment about their business. Pelham
+seated himself to write a few words of caution to Canker,
+who was a reckless and impetuous campaigner,
+whatever might be his disagreeable qualities, and Truscott,
+breaking away from his female inquisitors, had
+just stepped to the door to intrust this despatch to
+Bright, when he came face to face with Grace. It was
+almost a collision. Truscott stopped short, bowed low,
+and with a courteous “Pardon me,” held the door open
+for her to pass. Grace bent her flushed and tearful
+face, sweeping one quick, furtive glance from under
+the long lashes at the tall soldier, stepped into the hall,
+and hearing many voices in the parlor, darted up the
+stairs to her room, there to bathe her eyes and collect
+her startled thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>Finding Bright already gone, Truscott carried the
+despatch to headquarters, gave it to Captain Turner,
+and then, feeling weak and weary, returned slowly to
+the general’s. The tear-stained face of the graceful
+girl who had swept past him at the doorway had by no
+means escaped his attention. He knew well that it was
+Grace Pelham, felt thoroughly satisfied that the footsteps
+bounding away into darkness as he came out
+upon the piazza were those of Glenham, had quickly
+decided that it was more than probable the latter would
+not care to see him just then, and so had not called
+<span class="pagenum">[75]</span>after him, and saved himself a fatiguing trip. Returning
+to the parlor, he was seized by his colonel.
+“<em>Now</em>, Truscott, I want to introduce you to my daughter.
+Never mind your dress, man; I <em>want</em> her to see
+what my fellows have to go through. She’ll like you
+all the better, or I’ll disown her.” And, pale and half
+faint, Jack was led up to the group of ladies, and in
+another moment was looking down into the most glorious
+eyes he had ever seen, into a fair frank face that
+met his gaze with an expression of earnest interest and
+concern, while a slender white hand cordially greeted
+his nervous palm, and a gentle voice exclaimed, “It
+doesn’t seem possible that you and I have never met
+before, Mr. Truscott; father’s letters have made me
+feel as though I knew you.” What man would not
+have thought her welcome both gracious and graceful?
+What mamma, with ambitious projects of her own,
+would not have shown alarm? Lady Pelham barely
+gave Jack time to offer any response before she burst
+in with, “Now, Grace, Grace, Mr. Truscott is utterly
+exhausted; too much so to talk, and (with cheerful
+irrelevance) I know that your father and he have a
+dozen things to attend to.”</p>
+
+<p>“Not a bit of it,” said the colonel. “He sha’n’t do
+another stroke of work to-night. I want him to get
+to bed, but, first of all, to meet Grace. Ah, Truscott,
+she could ride ‘Apache,’ I’ll warrant you.”</p>
+
+<p>Grace, looking up into the calm features of her new
+acquaintance, marked a sudden change, a deeper pallor,
+a knitting of the tired brow, and a nervous twitching
+at the corners of the mouth. “Miss Pelham’s riding
+is something the last year’s graduates never tire of
+<span class="pagenum">[76]</span>talking about,” he answered; but she thought only of
+the pang that seemed to shoot across his face, and
+eagerly <span class="nowrap">spoke,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“You must be suffering from your hurt, Mr. Truscott.
+Surely you ought to see the surgeon,” and this
+at once brought the general’s energetic lady to the rescue,
+even Mrs. Pelham promptly joining in the sympathizing
+chorus. Jack was remanded to his room,
+whither the general himself insisted on accompanying
+him; the doctor, already summoned, was soon on hand,
+and the ladies Pelham were left alone. Without a
+moment’s hesitation madame took her daughter’s hands
+in hers, looked searchingly into her face, and <span class="nowrap">said,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Grace, you have been in tears. Has Arthur Glenham
+spoken to you?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, mother.”</p>
+
+<p>“My darling child, I knew it!” And the maternal
+arms were thrown about the slender form, and an anxious
+kiss was pressed upon the pale forehead. Then,—“And
+you answered him?”</p>
+
+<p>Grace paused a moment. She well knew her mother’s
+ambition, and her love for all the good that money
+can bring. She knew how hard she had struggled,
+planned, pinched, and saved that she, her one daughter,
+the very apple of her eye, should never lack for
+even the luxuries of life. She loved her tenderly, yet
+those half-spoken words of Glenham’s had given rise
+to a painful suspicion. She raised her eyes to her
+mother’s face, and <span class="nowrap">replied,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“I do not love him. I could not accept him, mother.
+I have tried not to encourage this avowal. Have you
+ever spoken with him? You surely have not let him
+<span class="pagenum">[77]</span>keep this delusion. I told you at West Point it
+was useless.”</p>
+
+<p>“Grace, my daughter, think a moment what you
+are doing. He is a gentleman. He loves you devotedly.
+He can place you above any possibility of want or care
+in this world. You may never have such another
+opportunity. Why, my child, were your father to die
+to-morrow you would be penniless. Your brothers
+could do nothing for you. Is it possible you can be
+blind to our position?”</p>
+
+<p>Slowly Grace Pelham drew herself from her mother’s
+arms and stood thoughtfully before her. “Do you
+expect me to marry a man whom I merely like?” she
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>“But why can’t you love him?” broke in her ladyship,
+impatiently. “It will come soon enough, Grace;
+you are too sensible for mere romance. Why, to-night,
+when I saw you enter in tears, my heart was thankful.
+I thought of course they were due to anxiety and distress
+at his sudden summons to join his company. <em>Why</em>
+were you crying, I should like to know?”</p>
+
+<p>“At his emotion. He seemed so—so—— <em>Mother!</em>
+answer me: had you given him cause to hope that I
+loved him?”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Pelham hesitated. She knew her daughter’s
+spirit, her keen sense of honor; she strove to find an
+answer that might evade the issue, yet satisfy the scruples
+of her child, but Grace’s clear eyes were fixed upon
+her face. She reddened, then almost pettishly broke
+<span class="nowrap">forth,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Of course I did not absolutely encourage him, but
+I did say you were too young to know your own mind,
+<span class="pagenum">[78]</span>and I’m sure I hoped you would come to your senses
+by this time. Grace, it is undutiful in you to question
+me like this. I’m sure I acted for the best, and he deserves
+better treatment at your hands.”</p>
+
+<p>Grace Pelham pressed her hands upon her temples.
+Less than a year ago, and again, less than six months,
+when their coming to Arizona was first discussed, her
+mother had told her that she had never spoken of the
+matter to Mr. Glenham; and now—for one moment
+she looked wonderingly, wistfully, into the flushed and
+angry face of the elder lady, then, with one half-stifled
+cry, “Oh, mother!” she fled to her own room.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour afterwards—a half-hour spent in bitter
+tears—she heard her father enter the adjoining room,
+and address his better half in his usual cheery tone:
+“It wasn’t the wound that made Jack Truscott so miserable.
+His pet horse was killed under him in the
+fight, and he never said a word about it. Why, Dolly,
+you look used up. What’s the matter?”</p>
+
+<p>And Dolly replied in melodramatic grandeur,
+“Hush!”</p>
+
+<p>Fatigue, excitement, distress, all had spent their force
+on Grace Pelham. Gentle sleep soon came to soothe
+her troubled spirit, but, mingling with her last thoughts
+those words floated through her drowsy brain, “His
+pet horse was killed under him, and he never said a
+word about it.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[79]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER VI.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Meantime</span> there had been the mischief to pay at
+Sandy. Captain Canker, as we have seen, was irate at
+the defeat of his little scheme for the “discipline” of
+his subordinates. It was some consolation to discover
+that Glenham had escaped the toils only at the expense
+of Truscott, who, thought Canker, would be far more
+missed at the ball than the officer whose going he had
+originally interdicted. Then when the telegraphic summons
+reached him which virtually made it his duty to
+send Truscott up to Fort Whipple, he was chagrined
+and disgusted beyond expression. There was an implied
+censure in the words “unless services are urgently
+needed” which indicated to him that the general thought
+his detention of either Glenham or Truscott a piece of
+arbitrariness (“not so much that as contrariness,” explained
+Colonel Pelham afterwards) and unwarranted
+by the circumstances as known to him the night before
+the start. But Canker, like many a better man, was
+judged subsequently by the light of events that he
+could not then have known, and, unlike many a better
+man, received support and sympathy in place of censure.
+Now that two of the colonel’s favorites had
+escaped him, Canker bethought him of a third victim,
+the regimental quartermaster. This officer, a gentleman
+who had grown old in service, was already gray
+<span class="pagenum">[80]</span>and rheumatic, who habitually walked with a cane when
+he walked at all, had originally been appointed to his
+staff position because, said the then commanding officer,
+“He isn’t good for anything else.” He had, nevertheless,
+proved a very efficient and valuable quartermaster,
+and had for some years performed the varied and intricate
+functions of that office without having added much
+to his own comfort, but a great deal towards the comfort
+of others. There is never a time on the frontier
+when the dames of the garrison, from the lady of the
+commanding officer down to the widow of the late Private
+Moriarty (who still hangs on to her husband’s old
+company for sustenance), are not besieging the post
+quartermaster with some plea or other,—a partition to
+be put up here, a chimney repaired, glass put in, a new
+coat of paint in the parlor, a storm-door like the
+colonel’s, a new stove like the one you gave Mrs.
+Major, or a wash-biler an’ findher like Mrs. Mulligan’s.
+They are always pestering him for something. The
+great depot of Jeffersonville does not contain the volume
+of stores that could be asked for by the women of
+a four-company post in one winter; there is never enough
+of any one item to go round, and always more applicants
+than there are coal-scuttles; somebody has to be
+refused, and frequently fifteen or twenty somebodies,
+and then nothing under heaven can save that quartermaster’s
+reputation. The patience of Job (without his
+boils), the meekness of Moses, and the resources of
+Rothschild might help that functionary in his desperately
+hopeless task of satisfying a whole garrison, but
+they couldn’t do it long. The more you give some
+women the more they demand, and the annual
+<span class="pagenum">[81]</span>appropriation for the purchase of army stores and supplies
+could readily be distributed among the laundresses of
+any one regiment (in the days when we had those blessings)
+without satisfying their cravings for more. It
+isn’t always that they really need the article demanded,
+they simply want something that some other woman
+hasn’t, so that she may want and cannot get it, and the
+rule is general, being by no means confined to the sturdy
+wives of the rank and file, but applicable to the ladies
+whose garments they weekly washed and mutilated at
+New York prices. God help the nervous, sensitive, or
+irritable man who has to take these duties on his
+shoulders; not one in a hundred could long maintain
+a mental balance, let alone the financial ditto.</p>
+
+<p>But Bucketts was no such martyr. He had been a
+colonel of volunteers, was shot through the leg in the
+Wilderness, and hobbled into the veteran reserves, thence
+into the infantry of the line as a second lieutenant, and
+had succeeded only in getting a modest bar on his shoulders
+when the consolidation of ’71 took place and wellnigh
+stranded him. Thrown upon the unassigned list,
+he would have had small chance of retention but for
+the fact that the “Benzine Board” speedily made more
+vacancies in the cavalry than in the rest of the arms of
+service combined, and very properly, said the slow
+going infantry and artillerymen, we should profit by
+the fastness of you horsemen which has rendered promotion
+a possibility. And so several score of semi-invalided
+and semi-mustered-out footmen, dozens of
+whom had never straddled a horse in their lives (and
+to this day are objects of wonderment to their men when
+they “get into saddle”), became full-fledged cavalry
+<span class="pagenum">[82]</span>officers. Bucketts accepted the situation like a man,
+came out and joined the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> in Nebraska when the
+Union Pacific was being built, his baggage consisting of
+one trunk and three baskets of champagne. “Gentlemen,”
+said he, “I understand that a cavalry officer who
+is thrown has to set up the wine for the crowd. The
+law of the land has made me a cavalryman, but all the
+Congressmen from the Capitol to John Chamberlin’s
+couldn’t make me a horseman. There’s my credentials:
+pitch in, and let up on me hereafter!” Bucketts was a
+popular man from that day. Whereas Canker, who
+entered the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> at the same time and under precisely
+similar circumstances, barring the wound, seemed to
+imagine that his new commission as captain of cavalry
+carried with it all that the name implied, and that he
+became an authority on horses and horsemanship without
+further qualification. Profound discretion in the
+selection of his “mounts” had enabled him thus far to
+escape the ignominy of a “throw,” but he never rode
+or could ride a horse twenty-five miles without laying
+that horse up chafed and sore for days afterward, yet
+he was incessantly punishing his men for faulty horsemanship.</p>
+
+<p>Bucketts had not done a particle of guard duty for
+three or four years. His office duties were constant,
+and when not at his desk he would bestride a fat, easygoing
+little saddle-mule and amble about the post with
+a green-lined sun-umbrella hoisted over his head and
+blue-glass shades for his eyes, and thus keep track of
+the improvements and the working-parties; he gave
+his whole attention to his legitimate work, and was
+rarely called upon for any other; but this time Canker
+<span class="pagenum">[83]</span>concluded, in his own language, to “give Bucketts a
+whirl.”</p>
+
+<p>“My compliments to the quartermaster,” said he to
+the orderly some hours after Truscott left the poet,
+“and say I want to see him.”</p>
+
+<p>There had been a time when Bucketts and he were
+on intimate terms, had wellnigh concluded an alliance
+defensive and offensive on their entrance into the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>,
+because they thought that their new comrades would
+be apt to slight or snob them in some way; but Bucketts
+had speedily won his way into the affections and respect
+of the officers of the regiment, a thing which Canker
+never succeeded in doing, and he hated Bucketts and
+called him a “bootlick” behind his back because of his
+better fortune. They had drifted apart, and were only
+on terms of ordinary garrison courtesy, but Canker
+never lost an opportunity of endeavoring to worry
+Bucketts in some way, and generally got the worst of
+it, since Bucketts, without trying at all, could stir up a
+company commander a dozen times a day. However,
+Canker had the whip-hand now and meant to use it.
+It was just the time of day when the quartermaster,
+having completed the rounds of the post, was wont to
+send his mule to the corral, get out of his collar and
+cuffs into an easy old alpaca duster, and with a palm-leaf
+fan in one hand, and, not unfrequently, a comforting
+beverage of his own composition in the other, to
+spread himself upon a wicker settee in the cool retreat
+of his own parlor and doze away an hour in a noonday
+siesta. “I’ll spoil his nap anyhow, d—n him!” gritted
+Canker between his teeth, “and I’ll partly pay off old
+Catnip into the bargain.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[84]</span></p>
+
+<p>Poor old Bucketts rose with a sigh as the orderly delivered
+his message, and having arrayed himself in his
+cool white blouse, he took his cane and umbrella and
+stumped slowly and painfully along officers’ row in the
+blazing heat until he came to Canker’s quarters, knocked
+and entered. “Mr. Bucketts,” said the temporary commander
+(Bucketts was a brevet major, and generally so
+addressed; but Canker had not a brevet, even in the
+volunteer service, and ignored everybody else’s when
+he could), “you will have to do officer-of-the-day duty.
+The colonel has seen fit to deprive me of the services
+of the adjutant this morning, and now I have nobody.
+You will have to act as adjutant, therefore, attend stables
+with Company A, run your own work, and go on
+as officer of the day.”</p>
+
+<p>Bucketts merely bowed acquiescence, and looked serenely
+undisturbed. Knowing his man, the communication
+was by no means unexpected. Indeed, before
+leaving, Truscott had asked him to attend to these very
+matters, and had sent a note to Canker informing him
+that the quartermaster would do so. Canker had an
+undoubted right to send for the latter and satisfy himself
+of the understanding, but if it had put the staff-officer
+to no inconvenience there would have been no
+solace to his wounded self-importance. Bucketts’ unruffled
+urbanity only served to irritate him the more.
+“Anything further, sir?” asked the quartermaster after
+a pause, in which Canker had been pettishly tossing
+about some papers on his desk. “Yes, sir. Mr.
+Bucketts, when you come into the presence of your
+commanding officer you should wear your uniform: it
+is not respectful to appear as you are dressed.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[85]</span></p>
+
+<p>“This is exactly what I wear every day in Colonel
+Pelham’s presence, captain; he knows that I have to
+be out much of the day in the hot sun, and it has
+grown to be a custom here,” replied Bucketts, coloring
+slightly, but speaking calmly notwithstanding his sense
+of annoyance.</p>
+
+<p>“That don’t excuse it, sir,” said Canker; “Colonel
+Pelham has ideas of discipline which differ materially
+from mine. When I am in command it will not be
+permitted. That will do, sir.” And Bucketts, mad
+enough to hammer his superior’s features into pulp,
+which he could readily enough have done, stomped
+sadly off to his lonely quarters. So kindly and courteous
+himself, so ready to oblige, so considerate in all
+his relations with others, he nevertheless was keenly
+alive to any slight or injustice; and that a man who
+was in every way his mental inferior should take this
+method of despitefully entreating him was a hard thing
+to bear. But then that is one of the blissful features
+of army life.</p>
+
+<p>Bucketts’ misery was not one to lack for company.
+Too indignant to seek consolation in his customary nap,
+he was about to return to his office, when the doorway
+was darkened by the entrance of the officer of the day,
+one of the subalterns who had not been included in the
+Prescott party. He looked hot and ill tempered.</p>
+
+<p>“Bucketts, lend me your mule; my horse is out at
+herd with the rest of them, and that d—d man, Canker,
+has sent me orders to go out at once and visit the
+herd guard. What’s got into him, anyhow?”</p>
+
+<p>“Take the mule if you like, but don’t ask conundrums.
+He sent for me just now and rode over me
+<span class="pagenum">[86]</span>rough-shod for not being in uniform. I’m mad enough
+to take a drink. Have one?”</p>
+
+<p>The junior assented, and, pending the arrival of the
+quartermaster’s mule, the two officers discussed their
+toddy and the vagaries of their temporary post commander.
+Ten minutes spent in this occupation had
+partially blunted the edges of their grievances, and they
+were prepared to look with more equanimity upon
+matters in general, when the orderly trumpeter suddenly
+darted into the room.</p>
+
+<p>“Commanding officer’s compliments, sirs. Wants
+to see you both,” and was off like a shot.</p>
+
+<p>“Now what new devilment is he devising?” said
+Bucketts, ruefully, pulling off his “working-dress”
+and preparing to get into the hot uniform he had to
+wear. Before he could complete the change, however,
+there was a quick, sharp step along the piazza, and
+Canker himself appeared.</p>
+
+<p>“Never mind your blouse now, Bucketts; it’s business
+this time. Here, Mr. Carroll, get your herds in
+quick as a flash; take a dozen men with you, armed;
+I’ll look out for your guard and prisoners; the Tontos
+have jumped the reservation!”</p>
+
+<p>What change in tone and manner! Ten minutes
+ago, peevish, querulous, almost complaining, and entirely
+unjust, Captain Canker had disgusted his subordinates.
+Now, quick, animated, a soldierly ring in
+every word, his whole bearing commanded their respect.
+Many a time before had his comrades noted this
+odd trait in his character. The presence of danger, the
+chance of a fight, the excitement of active service
+wrought an instant change in the very nature of the
+<span class="pagenum">[87]</span>man—and in the thoughts of his officers. A moment
+before they were ready to hammer him, now eager to
+support and obey.</p>
+
+<p>Carroll picked up his sabre, and started across the
+parade on the run. Canker and Bucketts followed as
+rapidly as the latter could stump his way while listening
+to his senior’s recital of the news. Two ranchmen
+living up the valley had just come in to say that the
+Indians had swooped down and driven off their horses
+and cattle soon after noon. Then, before they had
+half told their story, a teamster came tearing in to the
+post from the Prescott road, his horse wounded, saying
+that the foot-hills were swarming with Apaches, and
+begging for ammunition. At the guard-house Canker
+ordered the sergeant to call in at once all the working-parties
+of the Indian prisoners, and himself inspected
+the locks and fastenings of the room in which some
+particularly hard cases were confined. Meantime, Carroll,
+with a dozen or more of the men, had hastened
+off to the westward, among the hills and ravines, to
+search for and bring in the herds, while throughout
+the barracks the men were quickly and without confusion
+buckling on their “thimble-belts” and revolvers,
+and gathering, carbine in hand, along the company
+parades. The civilians who had come in with the
+news were surrounded by an eager group, and were
+enlarging upon their experiences of the morning, when
+suddenly a shot was heard down under the bluff towards
+the post garden, where many of the Indian prisoners
+were kept at work during the day. It was quickly
+followed by another, then half a dozen sputtering shots,
+and some men over by the hospital, which commanded
+<span class="pagenum">[88]</span>a view of the low ground, were seen excitedly running
+towards the quarters, and could be heard shouting that
+the prisoners were breaking away. Canker seized a
+carbine. “Take command of ‘A’ company, Bucketts,
+and stay here. Come on, you other men;” and away
+he went at a rush, with half the command at his heels.
+Sure enough, the prisoners were loose. Running like
+deer, half a dozen of the lithe, swarthy fellows could
+be seen a thousand yards away, “streaking it” over the
+sandy bottom towards the foot-hills, others dashing
+towards the river, while here and there through the
+sage-brush and cactus, puffs of blue smoke shot out
+from carbine-muzzles indicated the slower pursuit of
+the astonished guard. Canker swore with rage. There
+would have been no earthly chance of recovering his
+charges, when suddenly, in a great cloud of dust and
+with the thunder of half a thousand hoofs, the herds
+of two of the companies came sweeping at full speed
+around a low hill towards the west, and, skilfully
+guided by the troopers in charge, bore down direct
+upon the corrals. “Mount! quick as you can, all of
+you!” he shouted, and signalling to the corporal in the
+lead of the herds, he threw himself upon his horse,
+quick as the other could vacate the saddle in his favor,
+and, carbine in hand, and calling again to his men to
+follow, he tore off towards the chase.</p>
+
+<p>Bold horsemen there were in the old days at Sandy.
+There were men that day who threw themselves without
+either saddle or bridle upon their horses’ backs, and
+trusted to voice, leg, and instinct to guide them. Others,
+less confident, bridled their chargers, but none stopped
+to saddle. In five minutes a hundred horsemen were
+<span class="pagenum">[89]</span>scattered over the valley in pursuit of the escaping
+Indiana. Man after man they were run down, seized,
+and dragged back, most of them taking it as good-naturedly
+as though the escapade had been a mere
+school-boy lark devised for the entertainment of the
+garrison. Three or four were savage and sullen; only
+two made any resistance. Poor devils! they had nothing
+to fight with, and only one had been shot by the guard.
+Canker at first had furiously ordered his men to fire
+everywhere, but Mr. Carroll and some of the sergeants
+had quietly cautioned those nearest them to hold their
+shots or aim high. It was an easy matter to overhaul
+and recapture so helpless a foe, and shooting them down
+in cold blood was something the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> did not believe
+in. Canker himself thought better of his order as soon
+as he saw that his men were masters of the situation,
+and revoked it, so that the firing ceased entirely. In an
+hour all but five men were returned to the charge of
+the guard now strongly reinforced, and sending his
+prisoners back to the garrison, the commanding officer
+resumed the search for those still missing.</p>
+
+<p>Up the stream-bed, through the willows, east, west,
+and north over the arid valley, the troopers scoured in
+knots of two or three, Canker riding to and fro, encouraging
+or swearing as occurred to him most expedient;
+and so another hour passed away. The men
+were widely scattered by this time, and it must have
+been towards five in the evening when there came from
+a gorge in the foot-hills, fully eight miles above the
+post, a sudden rattle of fire-arms. Instead of slackening
+after the first few seconds it increased, and Canker,
+pausing but an instant to listen, turned an attentive
+<span class="pagenum">[90]</span>ear to the veteran first sergeant, who rode on his left at
+the moment.</p>
+
+<p>“That’s no overhauling prisoners, captain; that’s a
+fight,” said he.</p>
+
+<p>“Come on, then!” shouted Canker, and putting
+spurs to their horses, and signalling to all the men in
+sight, they dashed off in the direction of the firing.</p>
+
+<p>It was a fight, sure enough. Far over among the
+foothills to the west, Lieutenant Carroll, with three or
+four men, had found traces of some of the fugitives.
+Following slowly as they could find further signs, they
+had at last come in sight of the chase, and way in a
+winding gorge or cañon had pushed in pursuit, when,
+without the faintest warning, a volley of rifles and
+arrows brought them to a sudden halt, and one of the
+men dropped from his saddle. To rein about and
+shout to his men to dismount and get under cover
+among the rocks was the work of an instant, and turning
+loose their horses, which would only have hampered
+them there, they scrambled half-way up the hill-side
+among a lot of loose boulders, and rapidly opened fire
+on the ambuscading Apaches. In three minutes they
+were joined by others of the command, and in five,
+Carroll felt justified in ordering an immediate rush
+upon the position of the enemy, some of the mounted
+troopers endeavoring to get around on their flank and
+rear. No especial order was observed. Every man
+took a hitch in his belt and a firmer grip on his carbine,
+and somebody said, “Now then, fellers!” the
+generic title by which the regular cavalryman invariably
+addresses or speaks of his comrades, and with that the
+fifteen or twenty blue-jackets had “bulged ahead,” as
+<span class="pagenum">[91]</span>Carroll reported, and Canker, galloping in on his
+staggering charger, found his command skipping up the
+rocks like young rams, and the Apaches rapidly disappearing
+among the thickets of pine, scrub-oak, and
+juniper with which the mountain-side was covered.
+Horses were there of no avail, and the agility of the
+sinewy Indians far more of a power than our men could
+contend with. Pursuit was useless, and before dusk
+Canker had his mounted men hunting for the loose
+horses, while his courier galloped in to the post to
+summon the surgeon and the ambulance. Four of our
+men were struck and two seriously wounded, and, to
+his rage and mortification, Canker could not show a
+dead warrior to offset his losses.</p>
+
+<p>It was in a very unpleasant frame of mind that he
+rode back to the garrison that evening. Five of his
+prisoners had escaped, four of his men were crippled,
+several horses gone. A general outbreak of the Apaches
+had evidently taken place. He had practically been
+confronted by them most of the afternoon. Their
+movements and the attempted escapade of the prisoners
+were doubtless concerted. So far they had very much
+the best of it, and what <em>could</em> he report to department
+headquarters?</p>
+
+<p>At the north gate the quartermaster, with a grave
+and anxious face, was waiting for him.</p>
+
+<p>“Captain Canker, Truscott has not reached Prescott,
+and Finnegan isn’t in.”</p>
+
+<p>Canker turned white as a sheet, and with a stifled
+groan covered his face with his hand. “Come to the
+telegraph-office,” was all he said, but that was an
+anxious night at Sandy.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[92]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER VII.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Lady Pelham descended upon the household
+the day after the ball, the sight which met her eyes in
+the general’s parlor was not one to add either to her
+placidity or her ordinarily reliable appetite. Mr. Truscott,
+with his uniform blouse thrown loosely over the
+injured shoulder, was ensconced in an easy-chair near
+the west window, and at the instant of her ladyship’s
+entrance was looking earnestly up into the fair face of
+her daughter, who, for her part, was looking as earnestly
+down into the bronzed features of the adjutant,
+while her slender white hand was clasped about a goodly-sized
+envelope and letter. Considering the fact that the
+pair had been acquainted less than twelve hours, it must
+be conceded that her ladyship had cause to look surprised.
+Not another person was in the room when she
+opened the door and entered, breaking in upon this
+interesting <i lang="fr">tête-à-tête</i>.</p>
+
+<p>She paused abruptly upon the threshold, and for an
+instant simply stared at them. Truscott courteously
+rose, though with evident effort, and bade her a calm
+good-afternoon. Grace turning and seeing the expression
+on her mother’s face flushed crimson, and yet
+moved quickly to her, and dutifully raised her lips to
+the maternal cheek with a gentle, “I hope you rested
+well, mother.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[93]</span></p>
+
+<p>“<em>Very</em> well, thanks,” was madame’s stately reply.
+“You have all had lunch, I presume. Is nobody at
+home, pray?”</p>
+
+<p>She was still smarting under the sting of last night’s
+interview. She had been detected, she felt sure, in a
+piece of out and out equivocation, to call it by its most
+innocuous title, and detected by her only daughter.
+True to human nature, she was incensed at her daughter
+for having discovered her falsehood, and longed for a
+pretext to excuse or warrant an exhibition of parental
+displeasure, and here it was. Unwelcome as the sight
+would have been at any other time, there was something
+absolutely greedy in her reception of the circumstance
+now. Her daughter’s kiss was unreturned, a frigid
+and unbending acceptance was all she vouchsafed her.
+Civility demanded that she should inquire as to the
+state of Mr. Truscott’s wound, but her ladyship was
+not disposed to be civil, and in her wrath at what she
+chose to consider her daughter’s undutiful conduct she
+decided to include under the ban of her censure the
+adjutant himself, who was in no way responsible. A
+very distant salutation, therefore, was her response to
+his courteous greeting. Seeing which, he as calmly
+resumed his seat, and became absorbed in the contemplation
+of some objects on the road in the valley
+below.</p>
+
+<p>As for Grace, who never in her life had concealed a
+thought or had a secret from her mother, this assumption
+of displeasure on her ladyship’s part startled at
+first, then wounded her with its utter injustice. Ten
+words would have explained the situation, but now she
+felt that anything like explanation was a self-humiliation
+<span class="pagenum">[94]</span>totally uncalled for; besides, there was really
+nothing in the situation that demanded anything of
+the kind. That is to say, not to the portly and peevish
+matron, who, without further word to either, swept
+through the parlor into the adjoining dining-room,
+whence her voice was presently heard requesting that
+solace to femininity—a cup of tea.</p>
+
+<p>But the reader will want an explanation beyond
+doubt, and very humbly at your feet is it laid.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott had slept but little. The excitement of
+the previous day, the irritation of his wound, poor
+“Apache’s” death, and his anxiety about the next
+move of his comrades, all tended to restlessness. At
+nine to the morning the surgeon had come in and
+dressed his shoulder, finding Jack out of bed and
+already half attired. After a few questions he spoke
+gravely and decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m not going to condemn you to staying in bed
+all day, Truscott, you will be better sitting in the
+parlor; but, no matter what turns up, you are not to
+quit this house; you are on sick report and under
+my charge. Of course I know you are fidgeting to
+get down to Sandy after the command, but Colonel
+Pelham is not going, and you shall not go.” Truscott
+frowned but made no reply. The doctor went on with
+his sponging and his calm talk: “I saw the general fifteen
+minutes ago; he is waiting for news from Sandy
+and asked after you. Canker and his people started
+up the valley at daybreak, and the cavalry from McDowell
+and here are to work right over to the Mogollon
+range. The chief says that in four days most of the
+renegades will have slipped back to the reservation,
+<span class="pagenum">[95]</span>and only a few scattered bands will be out; but, by
+Jove! it was a miracle that you got through.”</p>
+
+<p>Then the doctor and Truscott had breakfasted together.
+The general and Colonel Pelham had dropped
+in to see him and charged him to keep quiet, and then
+gone over to headquarters. No one else appeared; the
+ladies were all asleep aloft. Some of the Sandy party
+had called at the door eager, probably, to hear any news
+the ladies of the general’s household might have, or to
+retail that which they had heard, but, informed by the
+servant that no one was down, had reluctantly retraced
+their steps. All headquarters and Fort Whipple seemed
+to be sleeping off the effects of an all-night dance and
+jollification so far as Truscott could judge, but he could
+not see the busy life over at the offices and in the
+corrals, and so moped and read and fidgeted about the
+parlor until noon, without a soul to speak to and relieve
+his anxiety. As a consequence he fretted infinitely
+more and had less actual repose than if he had
+been in the saddle and on his way back to join his
+comrades on the war-path; but that is always the way.
+A man may be worrying his heart out with eagerness
+and anxiety to be in his proper place among his
+troopers, and some old woman of a doctor says, “Now
+stay in-doors and keep perfectly quiet if you want to
+pull out of this.” How in the mischief, thought Jack,
+can a fellow be expected to keep perfectly quiet, or
+approximately quiet, at such a time? And then he
+almost swore to think that since nine not a man at the
+office had thought enough of him to send him word of
+the latest news from Sandy. There was not an orderly
+or a male servant about the premises, and Jack, pacing
+<span class="pagenum">[96]</span>feverishly up and down the floor, was just determining
+on mutiny and a sortie when the rustle of dainty skirts
+was heard upon the stairs: light footsteps came dancing
+down. Jack stopped short, and the door opened. For
+the second time Grace Pelham confronted Mr. Truscott.</p>
+
+<p>“Which is it, good-morning or good-afternoon?” she
+blithely inquired, coming forward with frankly extended
+hand. “How is your shoulder? tell me that first,” she
+hastily added, looking up into his face; for the hand
+which had taken hers for one brief second was hot and
+dry, and the bronzed face was flushed.</p>
+
+<p>“Afternoon, I should say, if not evening or day
+after to-morrow. The morning has seemed interminable,”
+he answered.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes; and you have been growing feverish with
+every minute, I fear. Has the doctor been here?”</p>
+
+<p>“He has; but the doctor I most need is your respected
+father, my colonel. In fact, Miss Pelham, for the first
+time in my acquaintance with that officer I have been
+tempted to upbraid him savagely. He promised to
+send me news from Sandy three hours ago, and here
+it is after one o’clock and not a word.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then there is no news,” replied Grace, very calmly
+and with a half superior smile.</p>
+
+<p>“I accept the implied rebuke in all humility,” said
+Truscott, smiling, despite his worries, at the queenly
+decision of her words. “I am unworthy to hold my
+position another day, and shall resign the adjutancy in
+<em>your</em> favor.”</p>
+
+<p>“All the same you are anxious for news, and so am
+I. Possibly there is a way of relieving us both. Will
+you promise to sit down in that big chair and look at
+<span class="pagenum">[97]</span>pictures or read the papers for fifteen minutes? Will
+you promise?” she repeated.</p>
+
+<p>“Solemnly,” said Jack, and subsided into the seat
+nearest the window. The next instant he bent eagerly
+forward and half rose. “Confound it, she’s going herself!”
+For, throwing a light circular over her shoulders,
+the girl had quickly left the house, and was even
+now briskly stepping down the broad walk towards
+headquarters. Truscott watched the graceful, slender
+form until it disappeared from sight, and then watched
+the spot where it disappeared for full five minutes.
+He was not given to soliloquy. I never knew a man
+that was,—novels by the thousand to the contrary notwithstanding,—but
+what he would have said, had he
+said anything, was, “Glenham, you are a lucky man.”</p>
+
+<p>Near headquarters Grace encountered two or three
+officers of infantry, one of whom eagerly went in search
+of Colonel Pelham, who promptly appeared and led
+his daughter into the general’s office. “She says Truscott
+is fretting himself into a high fever,” he explained
+to the chief, who had risen to greet her cordially, “and
+that she, too, wants to know how matters are going
+down at Sandy.”</p>
+
+<p>“You can tell him that he must have scared the tribe
+out of their wits in yesterday’s fight,” said the general.
+“They seem to be scattering in every direction.”</p>
+
+<p>“Give him this, daughter,” said the colonel. “A
+courier just brought it half an hour ago. It is Canker’s
+letter to me with full particulars, and tell him he
+is to keep quiet or I’ll put a sentinel over him. You
+go and be the sentinel,” he added fondly, and with her
+infantry friends as escorts Grace returned to the house.
+<span class="pagenum">[98]</span>Truscott, watching at the window, saw the quartette as
+they hove in sight, and instinctively pushed back his
+chair. “Confound those fellows!” he thought. “Of
+course she will ask them in, and I’m in no mood for
+talk with any of them.” With that he slipped off to
+his own room. Two minutes after he heard voices on
+the piazza, the hall-door opened, and Grace Pelham’s
+breezy tones fell upon his ear. “I know I ought to
+ask you in, but I won’t. Mr. Truscott will defy the
+doctors and insist on having a talk with you all, whereas
+he is ordered to be perfectly quiet. Forgive me, won’t
+you?” Then pleasant good-afternoons, a swish of
+skirts and pit-pat of feet along the hall, the noise of
+opening the parlor-door. Then a “Why!”—then
+silence.</p>
+
+<p>For the first time that day Truscott’s step was
+springy as he hastened back to the parlor. “Bless her
+heart,” he thought, “she is as wise as she is pretty.
+Glenham, you are a mighty lucky man.” And somehow
+his step faltered and his face clouded a trifle as he
+reappeared before her.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott, you have broken your arrest.”</p>
+
+<p>“I confess it,” he said. “The sight of your escort
+was too appalling. Forgive me for ever having doubted
+your tact, but I’ll never do it again. I did not see how
+you could discharge them at the door.”</p>
+
+<p>“Utterly specious and unsatisfactory. Go back at
+once to your limits.” Jack returned to the chair.
+“Sit down.” Jack obeyed. “Now listen to your instructions.”
+And with that she stood threateningly
+over him, and with mock gravity delivered the general’s
+message. Then that of the colonel with reference to
+<span class="pagenum">[99]</span>the sentinel being posted over him, until she came to
+recollect the injunction, “You go and be the sentinel,”
+whereat the conclusion of her message lost suddenly its
+truculent character and she faltered. <em>Was</em> it a blush
+that suddenly mounted to her temples? Watching her
+intently he was sure he saw it, but she recovered her
+self-poise instantly. “And now, sir, here are despatches
+from the commanding officer at Camp Sandy
+which you are to read, mark, and pigeon-hole, I suppose.”
+And still holding them in her right hand, she
+approached the arm of his chair with impressively uplifted
+finger. “But now that I am going to leave you
+in peace, remember that you are a prisoner. If you
+want anything——” And here her ladyship entered.</p>
+
+<p>Jack had received his admonition with becoming
+gravity, as indeed it had been delivered. <em>Very</em> becoming
+he thought as, after the brief scene with madame,
+Grace hesitated for an instant at the parlor-door. She
+had announced her intention of leaving him alone,—she
+did mean to go. She had not been in the room
+with him more than sixty seconds when her ladyship
+appeared and saw fit to assume an air of tragic displeasure
+at so finding her. Now, knowing that she
+had been misjudged, the spirit of the woman was
+aroused. Truscott sat there with the despatch folded
+in his listless hand, looking not at it, but at her. Five
+minutes before this he was all impatience to get the
+particulars of the fight near Sandy. Here was the
+letter, and he did not open it; his eyes and his thoughts
+followed Grace, who had paused and was steadfastly
+gazing after her mother into the dining-room. Her
+hands were clasped before her, the fingers tightly
+<span class="pagenum">[100]</span>interlacing, and her bosom rose and fell rapidly once or
+twice. Something hot and dry seemed to catch in her
+throat. She turned abruptly towards him once more
+and met his earnest gaze, then without another word
+quickly withdrew her eyes, the long lashes sweeping
+down over her cheeks, bent her head, and hurried
+from the room. Truscott heard her ascending the
+stairs; he listened to her light footfall overhead, heard
+her close the door of her room, and all was still except
+madame’s clinking knife and fork in the adjoining
+room. The letter still lay in his hand, but he did not
+open it. Once more he turned his eyes to the window
+and gazed thoughtfully out over the shallow valley
+towards the pine-crested heights on the western side;
+full five minutes he sat thus, then madame’s chair made
+a discordant noise upon the floor, her voluminous skirts
+rustled in premonition of her coming; he started,
+opened Canker’s letter, shook himself into attention,
+and began to read in earnest as she re-entered the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>Even that potent mollifier, tea, seemed to have failed
+in its office on this occasion. What woman is so hard
+to placate as she who knows herself to be in the wrong?
+Mrs. Pelham was in a most unenviable mood as she
+returned to the parlor. Her sleep had been unrefreshing,
+her morning toilet unaided by Grace’s deft fingers.
+She had repelled her daughter’s affectionate advances
+on her first appearance, and been discourteous, if
+not downright rude, to Mr. Truscott. Now she chose
+to consider herself aggrieved because her hostess, the
+general’s wife, was still sleeping the sleep of the just
+and the clear of conscience in her own room, while she,
+<span class="pagenum">[101]</span>Lady Pelham, was left without a soul with whom to
+sympathize or squabble. It would have been balm to
+her troubled spirit just now to have had one or two of
+her cronies at hand, and with them to have dissected
+the toilets and characters of the ladies attending the
+ball. Even comparative strangers would not have
+been unwelcome, for that feminine freemasonry which
+puts most of the sex on terms of interesting ease with
+one another when discussing the absent would soon
+have created a distraction for her gloomy reflections.
+But she was practically alone. Truscott merely looked
+up and bowed gravely, then returned to his reading.
+She did not fancy going up-stairs and possibly meeting
+Grace. She did not care to disturb her hostess. She
+had nothing to occupy her in the parlor. She would
+have been glad to talk with Truscott and satisfy herself
+as to this reputed intractable; her curiosity was
+piqued by all she had heard of him; but it was evident
+that he had noted her discourteous greeting, and that
+now any advances towards conversation must come
+from her: he was not the man to be cajoled one minute
+and dropped the next; but she was still too rancorous
+to stoop to conciliation, so she stood a moment
+tossing the cards and notes on the centre-table, and
+carelessly examining the inscriptions thereon, then she
+marched out on the piazza and majestically paced up
+and down, sniffing the bracing air and keeping keen
+watch for any ladies who might appear along “Headquarters
+Row.” Late as many, if not most of them,
+had slept, she knew full well that the interest and excitement
+attendant upon the sudden departure of the
+cavalry officers for the field would soon bring them
+<span class="pagenum">[102]</span>together to discuss the probabilities, and presently there
+appeared, leading her little daughter by the hand, poor
+Mrs. Tanner, “like Niobe, all tears.”</p>
+
+<p>Among some of her companions this gentle lady was
+held pretty much as Mrs. Major O’Dowd, of blessed
+memory, regarded that poor, weak-spurted Amelia, and
+like Amelia there wasn’t a man in the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> who would
+not have leaped to her defence. She had married early,
+had lost the darling of her heart—a winning blue-eyed
+baby girl—in the stirring days when the regiment was
+clearing the way for the transcontinental railways, and
+her dearly-loved husband was constantly with his troop
+scouting over the prairies, while she, lonely and heart-sick,
+watched over the cradle of their little one in the
+humble log hut which had been assigned them as quarters.
+Her agony when that baby was taken from her,
+her dumb, patient suffering when the regiment was
+ordered to Arizona and she had to bid farewell to the
+little grave under the cottonwoods (poor Tanner had
+lifted her in his arms, finding her white hands firmly
+clutching the bunch-grass on the tiny mound), the wistful,
+far-away gaze in her soft eyes all through that tedious
+and dreary journey, none of the officers had ever
+forgotten; nor had they forgotten her constant efforts
+to appear bright and cheerful, especially to her husband,
+whose heart was sorely wrung with their loss,
+yet, stubborn and manlike, strove to hide its wound
+under the guise of unwonted brusqueness of manner,
+sometimes even to her.</p>
+
+<p>And then the night of that dreadful storm on the
+Pacific, when they were off the coast of Lower California,
+and not a soul on board the laboring steamer
+<span class="pagenum">[103]</span>believed that day would ever dawn upon them, how
+calm and brave and serene she was! while, if regimental
+traditions were reliable, Mesdames Turner and others
+whom we won’t mention had behaved like lunatics,
+and made consummate nuisances of themselves. Somehow
+that storm-night on the old “Montana” was never
+a popular reminiscence with the ladies of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>. It
+<em>could</em> not be, since no man of their acquaintance could
+ever be induced to omit some such remark as, “By
+Jove, what a little heroine Mrs. Tanner was!” when
+alluding to it. They had always spoken of her rather
+pityingly up to that time. “So daft about her husband
+and that baby, you know; she can’t think of anything
+else.” But that night she had serenely taken care of
+other women’s olive branches while their husbands were
+on deck helping the ship’s officers, and they themselves
+were indulging in hysterics or lamentations. Not all,
+be it understood. There were three brave women there
+that night, but two of them are so fortunate as to have
+no place in our story, and to have had the good luck
+not to be stationed with regimental headquarters at
+Sandy when all those most unpleasant episodes—but
+this is anticipating. The ladies of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> respected
+Mrs. Tanner,—they could not help respecting
+her,—but all the same they levelled their little slings of
+malice and all uncharitableness whenever they were in
+conclave among themselves, and whenever they dared
+at other times, for they could not forgive it in her that
+the officers to a man should refer to her as the bravest
+and pluckiest and sweetest-natured little woman in the
+regiment. They could not be expected to forgive it in
+her that she absolutely held herself aloof from all
+<span class="pagenum">[104]</span>garrison gossip or small talk, that she was always courteous
+and kindly, always bright and cordial to those who
+sought her society; but she had no intimates, as women
+define them, except her husband, and feminine confidences
+were with her unknown. A devoted wife, a
+rapturously loving mother to the little ones who had
+come to partially replace the idolized first-born, she made
+her home her sanctuary, and his, and there peace and
+happiness, if ever they are permitted to abide with us,
+reigned perennially.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Tanner was not the utterly weak-spirited woman
+her sisters would have made her out to be. Though
+she preferred to shine in the pure light of her own fireside
+rather than in the glare of garrison society, and in
+her retiring way was far more apt to hide her light
+under a bushel than to permit its radiance to be seen
+abroad, those who knew her well soon discovered that
+she was far better informed, far <em>deeper</em> than the average
+army woman, that she had cultivated and refined tastes,
+that she was not plain by any means, for, when interested,
+her face would light up vividly, and her eyes
+were lovely whether in animation or repose. Her
+features, despite their habitual pallor, were delicate and
+regular, her hair soft and brown and wavy, and her
+voice—ever that matchless gift in the woman who wins
+and would hold the queendom of her home—low and
+sweet. The ladies of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> had long since abandoned
+their sly allusions at her expense when speaking to their
+husbands or the men who knew her. Green subalterns,
+just joining, were disposed at first to keep at a distance
+from her, and were wont to dance attendance for their
+year of “plebe-hood” at the skirts of other ladies her
+<span class="pagenum">[105]</span>seniors in years but juniors in manners. She never
+sought to attract anybody.</p>
+
+<p>Now, one would suppose that such a woman was
+above suspicion, and that so pure, so chaste, so retiring
+in thought and act, she at least would escape calumny.
+But once, just once, a strange thing had happened, and
+over and over again had the ladies of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> rolled
+it with their tongues, pulled it out of shape, twisted
+and tortured and, some of them, swearing that they did
+not believe, believing had gone so far as to transplant
+the story to alien soil and let it grow like a weed in the
+luxuriant gardens of other regiments. During the first
+year after they came into Arizona the heroine of the
+“Montana” had noted an odd, half-hesitating manner
+on the part of the ladies of the infantry and the staff
+on receiving her; some had failed to call. Finally
+Tanner had noticed it, and not until he questioned her
+did she admit that she was struck by the circumstance.
+Tanner tried to fathom it, but found that his brother
+officers fought shy of the question. Truscott was his
+stand-by ordinarily, but Truscott and he were not at
+the same post for some time after entering the Territory;
+indeed, the entire regiment was in the field scouting
+and fighting through the Apache-infested mountains,
+and in all the anxiety and distress experienced by the
+ladies in garrison while the regiment was in daily conflict
+with the savages, and in the excitement and incidents
+of the campaign, the affair faded from the mind
+of the people generally, and nothing more was said or
+done on the subject for quite a little while.</p>
+
+<p>But the story was a serious one, and in a very few minutes
+Mrs. Pelham was to be made acquainted with it in
+<span class="pagenum">[106]</span>all its details. How mach better, therefore, not to tell
+it here, but to wait and let those innate romancers, the
+ladies of her coterie, tell it themselves! As yet there
+was but slight acquaintance between Mrs. Pelham and
+Mrs. Tanner, the former, however, had been greatly
+impressed, shrewd society woman that she was, by the
+perfect manners and gentle ways of the little lady; had
+admired her at the ball the night before, and was disposed
+to “cultivate” her, as the expression goes. At
+this moment, however, Mrs. Tanner would have been
+glad to avoid an interview. The captain had left her at
+sunrise hurrying back with his comrades to join their
+commands at Sandy, and she, late in the day, had
+started out to give her little girl a needed airing when
+she met a soldier of her husband’s troop, who had
+come back with despatches and brought her a few pencilled
+lines from him. Their loving tenderness and the
+allusion he made to a little locket which he always
+carried in his breast,—a locket containing a golden curl
+from the bright head sleeping under the sod in far-away
+Kansas,—these combined had overcome her self-control,
+and as she retraced her steps and strove to
+reply to the light-hearted prattle of her little one, the
+tears were streaming from her eyes, and it was thus she
+encountered the glances of the colonel’s wife.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it, Mrs. Tanner?” said that lady, by no
+means unsympathetically, as she hastened down the
+steps to greet her. “No ill tidings, I hope; you look
+so distressed. Do come with me and rest awhile; there
+is no one here.” And, taking her hand, she led the
+young mother to the piazza.</p>
+
+<p>Hurriedly thanking her and striving hard to control
+<span class="pagenum">[107]</span>her emotion, Mrs. Tanner assured Lady Pelham that
+there was no real cause for her apparent distress,
+apologised in fact for her weakness, and presently
+succeeded in leading the conversation to the ball of
+the night before and to Grace herself. On these topics
+the ladies were getting along admirably when little
+Rosalie, playing about the balcony, suddenly exclaimed,
+“Oh, mamma, mamma, here’s Uncle Jack!” and turning,
+Mrs. Tanner caught sight of Mr. Truscott seated
+close to the parlor-window and smiling greeting to the
+child. She rose instantly, walked to the window, and
+finding it impossible to hear his reply to her inquiries,
+and in response to his beckoned “Come in!” she returned
+to Mrs. Pelham, saying, “I had not hoped to
+find Mr. Truscott able to sit up; may I go in and see
+him?”</p>
+
+<p>“Why—certainly—I suppose so,” replied madame,
+not very cordially, however, for she did not relish the
+evident pleasure with which the younger lady accepted
+the prospect of quitting her society for his; but Mrs.
+Tanner never noticed the change in tone, and, taking
+Rosalie with her, entered the house. She had hardly
+closed the hall-door when three ladies appeared, issuing
+from the adjoining quarters of the adjutant-general, and
+came briskly down the path, all smiles and salutations,
+to greet her ladyship. In another minute Mrs. Raymond,
+Mrs. Turner, and the wife of one of the staff-officers
+were seated in cosey conversation with Mrs.
+Pelham, chatting as gleefully as though separation from
+their lords were an every-day affair, and not at all to
+be deplored beyond the conventional, “So horrid, you
+know; and now I suppose the infantry ball will be
+<span class="pagenum">[108]</span>abandoned entirely.” Then came inquiries for Grace,
+and lavish praises of Grace’s beauty and bearing. Both
+ladies of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> were evidently bent on making as
+favorable an impression as possible on the colonel’s
+wife, and their Fort Whipple friend as a consequence
+was allowed small share in the chatter. In the midst
+of the talk the hall-door opened, and as they rose expectant
+of receiving Miss Pelham there reappeared
+Mrs. Tanner and Rosalie.</p>
+
+<p>“Why, good-afternoon, Mrs. Tanner; I’d no idea
+you were here,” was the greeting of the three. Mrs.
+Tanner pleasantly responded to their salutations, inquired
+if they had heard any news from the detachment,
+briefly told them of the note she had received from her
+husband, and then turning to Mrs. Pelham bade her
+good-morning, left some message for Grace, and excusing
+herself to all for hurrying home she and Rosalie
+went smilingly away.</p>
+
+<p>“What a charming little woman!” said her ladyship
+after a pause, during which all four pairs of eyes had
+followed the two out of earshot.</p>
+
+<p>“Sweet,” said Mrs. Turner, reflectively.</p>
+
+<p>“So gentle and ladylike,” said Mrs. Raymond.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ve always admired her so much,” said their companion.
+Then came a pause.</p>
+
+<p>“It is a perfect mystery to me how any one can help
+liking her,” said Mrs. Raymond, softly and slowly.
+Another pause.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I <em>always</em> did,” said Mrs. Turner, dreamily
+gazing across the valley.</p>
+
+<p>“And I supposed everybody did,” said Mrs. Pelham,
+looking very intently at her two “subordinates,”
+<span class="pagenum">[109]</span>who thereupon became more intently interested in some
+distant objects, waiting with well-assured shrewdness
+to be drawn out by farther questioning.</p>
+
+<p>“Has she been in to see Grace?” asked the staff lady.</p>
+
+<p>“No,” replied her ladyship, promptly. “She went
+in to see Mr. Truscott.”</p>
+
+<p>Instantly Mrs. Raymond and Mrs. Turner exchanged
+glances of much significance, which Mrs. Pelham was
+as quick to observe, and which, as soon as satisfied that
+she had observed, the two ladies discontinued and again
+became absorbed and preoccupied in manner.</p>
+
+<p>The other lady said “Oh!”</p>
+
+<p>Now, there are dozens of ways of saying “oh,” each
+eminently expressive of some different idea or emotion.
+This one was eminently expressive of, “Well, of course
+it’s her own business, but if <em>I</em> were in <em>her</em> place,” etc.,
+and then there was a general lull of at least three
+seconds in the conversation. Just enough had been
+said, indicated, and acted to pique her ladyship’s curiosity
+to the utmost. She readily divined that any one
+of the three ladies could impart interesting information,
+and as all sat silent, as no attempt had been made by
+any one of them to change the subject of conversation,
+it was evident enough that all she had to do was to
+start them and the story, whatever it was, would speedily
+be at her service. There <em>are</em> women in the army, thank
+God! who at such a crisis would have calmly and decidedly
+led the talk into another channel and virtually
+have declined to be made the recipients of a garrison
+scandal, but their number is not legion, and Lady Pelham
+is not of their number.</p>
+
+<p>The silence was broken by her.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[110]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Why, I hope there is no reason why I should not
+like Mrs. Tanner. Is there, Mrs. Raymond?”</p>
+
+<p>“No indeed. Far from it—only——” said that
+politic lady, beginning vehemently and concluding
+with vague and hesitating manner, indicative of anything
+but triumphant confidence.</p>
+
+<p>“If anything is not as it should be, surely <em>I</em> ought
+to know it,” persisted madame, slowly and impressively;
+“and surely, Mrs. Raymond, my friends ought not to
+keep me in ignorance.”</p>
+
+<p>This being precisely what both Mrs. Raymond and
+Mrs. Turner thought, and exactly what both expected
+Mrs. Pelham to say at this juncture, a little further
+coquetting with the subject became appropriate.</p>
+
+<p>“Indeed, Mrs. Pelham, there isn’t anything,—that
+is, <em>I</em> never believed it; and it’s something I never can
+<em>bear</em> to think of, and have <em>never</em> alluded to,” said Mrs.
+Raymond, and actually at the moment she believed her
+own assertion.</p>
+
+<p>“Mrs. Turner, it is evidently a matter you all know.
+Is there any reason (majestically) why <em>I</em> should not be
+informed?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, dear, no! Mrs. Pelham,” replied Mrs. Turner,
+“only it’s a thing I never would have mentioned for
+the world. Even now I can’t believe it; and when I
+heard it at the time, <em>you</em> know, Nellie (appealingly to
+Mrs. Raymond), I said it couldn’t be true. She was
+too thorough a lady, and then he had never——”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I know, dear,” broke in Mrs. Raymond, “and
+so did I, and how it ever got out I <em>never</em> could imagine.
+I know Captain Raymond was furious when he heard
+that Mrs. McGinty, of the infantry, speak of it, and
+<span class="pagenum">[111]</span>he said it would be a bad day for the gossips if it ever
+reached Truscott’s ears.”</p>
+
+<p>“Truscott! Mr. Truscott!” exclaimed Lady Pelham,
+now all agog with curiosity. “Pray what had
+he to do with it?”</p>
+
+<p>And then, little by little, in fragments, and with
+mutual assistance, promptings, and suggestions, but
+never without such comments as, “You know I can’t
+believe it, although——” and, “He has never shown
+her any more attention than he has anybody else, except——”
+etc., etc., the direful story came out.</p>
+
+<p>Divested of its feminine embroidery, it amounted,
+substantially, to this: Truscott had been first lieutenant
+of Tanner’s troop in the old Kansas days, and when in
+garrison, which was seldom, had shown a decided fondness
+for spending his evenings at the Tanners’ quarters;
+he “messed with them,” as the army expression goes,
+in the days when only two companies of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> were
+stationed at Fort Harker, and he did not find the society
+of the infantry officers altogether as desirable as it subsequently
+became.</p>
+
+<p>He used to write frequently to them after he was
+made adjutant and joined headquarters, especially after
+the baby died, and all this seemed natural enough.
+When the regiment was ordered to Arizona, Captain
+Tanner’s troop went with the first detachment, leaving
+Kansas early in December. Truscott did not arrive
+in Arizona until some months after they did. Tanner
+with his company was out on a scout, and she, with
+her new mite of a baby, was at Camp Phœnix when
+Truscott unexpectedly appeared at the post and went,
+within an hour of his arrival, to call upon her, and
+<span class="pagenum">[112]</span>Mrs. Treadwell, rushing in unceremoniously as next-door
+neighbors will, was stupefied to find Mrs. Tanner
+sobbing in Jack Truscott’s arms. She could have sworn
+she was looking up in his face and kissing him as she
+entered the hall and saw them through the half-opened
+door. Now, in justice to Mrs. Treadwell, who was
+the wife of one of the prominent field-officers of the
+regiment and a most worthy woman, let it be recorded
+that for an entire fortnight she kept the thing to herself.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott was at the post four days, and during that
+time had otherwise shown no more attention to Mrs.
+Tanner than to the other ladies, and <em>possibly</em> not a soul
+would ever have heard of this affair but for the fact
+that a nurse-maid employed by Mrs. Tanner was suddenly
+discharged about this time for good and sufficient
+reason, and was furnished transportation to the nearest
+town. Servants were scarce and high in Arizona, and
+the Abigail had no difficulty in finding immediate employment,
+and in informing her new mistress, the wife
+of a large contractor, that the reason of her leaving
+Mrs. Tanner was that she couldn’t stay in a house where
+there was such goings on as she had seen between her
+and the adjutant. Thus started, the story attained in
+less than no time colossal proportions and soon reached
+Camp Phœnix. Mrs. Treadwell was told confidentially
+by another lady of the servant’s story, and was asked
+point-blank whether she had ever noticed anything,
+which, being a next-door neighbor, she might have
+done, and, the lady being her most intimate friend,
+Mrs. Treadwell imparted her secret.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it was that the story gained the solid foundation
+<span class="pagenum">[113]</span>that first was lacking, but once surely grounded there
+is no telling to what heights an army story may not
+soar. It fairly flew about from post to post, and women
+who had never seen anything out of the way in the
+friendship of the Tanners and Truscott before now recalled
+a dozen suspicious circumstances they never could
+account for. This explained her agitation at Yuma on
+receiving a letter in his handwriting. This was why
+she never could listen to any of the stories in circulation
+about other people’s frivolities. This was why he was
+so set against gossip and small talk, and finally a dozen
+ladies of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> had settled in their own minds that
+that artful little Mrs. Tanner was actually the cause of
+his broken engagement. How they wished they knew
+the girl’s name!</p>
+
+<p>Nor was it a story confined to the fair sex. Such
+worthies as Mrs. Wilkins and others had speedily imparted
+it to their husbands and to the men who were
+jealous of Truscott; and Canker, Crane, Wilkins, and
+others of that ilk had stealthily discussed it among
+themselves, but had been cautious enough to say nothing
+about it to Truscott’s friends or to Tanner’s. One
+night, however, Mrs. Turner, in the exasperation of
+some trivial matrimonial squabble, stung by a most injudicious
+though very just comparison drawn by her
+liege lord between her conduct and Mrs. Tanner’s, had
+burst forth with, “Mrs. Tanner, indeed; if you knew
+what I know about that woman you would not dare
+insult me by comparing me with her!” whereat honest
+Captain Turner was thunderstruck, and then very flatly
+told his wife that he had heard too many garrison stories
+laid at her door, and warned her that there was
+<span class="pagenum">[114]</span>one woman she had better not asperse, and that was
+Mrs. Tanner.</p>
+
+<p>Oh, foolish and short-sighted mortal! What greater
+provocation could he give the wife of his bosom? In
+a minute she had accused Mrs. Tanner, and that “paragon
+of yours, Mr. Truscott,” of half the sins in the
+Decalogue, and was ready to prove it. “Ask Mrs.
+Raymond, ask Mrs. Wilkins, ask Mrs. Anybody,”
+flashed the indignant lady in response to the pishes
+and pshaws and trashes with which he greeted her vehement
+recital, till finally both had lost utter control
+of their tempers, and Captain Turner had clinched the
+nail of his domestic enormities by slamming out of the
+room with the parting remark, “Well, my dear, if you
+have known all this of Mr. Truscott for the last six
+months, your eagerness for his society and attentions is
+utterly unbecoming, to say the least,” and very properly
+she would not speak to him for a week afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>All the same, Turner was seriously discomfited; he
+thoroughly liked Truscott and he loved his regiment,
+was proud of its name and its record, proud of the
+honor of its officers and of their ladies. In her fury
+Mrs. Turner had told him that those two names, Truscott’s
+and Mrs. Tanner’s, were bandied about all
+through the Territory. He didn’t believe it, but something
+had to be done if such were the case. He didn’t
+want to go to the colonel with the story, for then there
+would be an awful row. He did not want to go to Truscott,
+for then he would have to give his authority, and
+the chances were that in tracing the thing to its foundation
+there would be no end of snarls and entanglements,
+and if any man was found to have had a word
+<span class="pagenum">[115]</span>in the thing, why, the Lord be merciful to us, thought
+Turner—Truscott or that man would have a military
+funeral, and we’re having too much of that now. Raymond
+was away and he couldn’t consult him; as for
+the others, the only man at headquarters whom he felt
+willing to talk to was old Bucketts, and Bucketts had
+blocked the whole game by sharply declining to hear a
+word on the subject “I don’t know; I don’t want to
+know. Whatever it is, it’s a d—d infamous lie, and I
+won’t listen to it!” said the quartermaster hotly. It
+seems he had overheard Canker and Wilkins one evening,
+had just caught enough of their conversation to
+get the drift of it, and had thereupon burst upon their
+startled ears with such a “tongue-lashing” as even their
+wives did not often devote to them. Just what to do
+Turner could not imagine, but, as has been said, the
+all-engrossing excitements of the campaign soon drove
+the matter out of his thoughts, and when that was
+over the ladies had apparently dropped it. Then Major
+and Mrs. Treadwell had been promoted to another
+sphere of duty and left Arizona, and up to this day
+neither Tanner, Truscott, nor Colonel Pelham had ever
+heard a word of the story. As for Mrs. Tanner, it
+soon became evident even to her detractors that her
+general character and conduct would absolutely render
+them liable to the imputation of deliberate slander.
+The men would listen to no repetition of their statements.
+The contractor’s wife, who with the nurse had
+started the story, had both fallen into the further disrepute
+to be expected of them, and Mrs. Treadwell, the
+one reliable though only partial witness, was now two
+thousand miles away. And so the story only smouldered
+<span class="pagenum">[116]</span>for two or three years, and even when, a few
+months before the coming of her ladyship, the Tanners
+had been transferred with their troop to regimental
+headquarters, and several ladies watchfully waited to
+note the bearing of Truscott and Mrs. Tanner towards
+each other, the sharpest eye could detect no difference
+between the grave courtesy with which he always
+treated her in public and that which marked his intercourse
+with all the rest.</p>
+
+<p>As for other indications, he perhaps was more frequently
+at Tanner’s at dinner or tea than elsewhere,
+but always with Tanner, and it must be confessed that
+the situation was rather disappointing.</p>
+
+<p>All this or most of it, and much more than some
+parts of it, Mrs. Pelham listened to with politely
+veiled avidity, and when finally she had extracted all
+the information possible from her three not unwilling
+witnesses (once started they outrivalled one another in
+volubility), she carefully expressed her conviction that
+though there might have been something very imprudent
+some years past, it was all over and done with
+now. “And so we won’t tell any one of this conversation,
+will we?” was the parting injunction to the
+ladies of her “suite” as the appearance of Colonel
+Pelham, sturdily tramping up the walk, warned them
+that it was time to change the subject. Then as that
+gentleman manifested no desire to remain with them,
+but immediately inquired for Truscott and went in to
+see him, the ladies, finding other subjects of trivial interest
+compared with the one they had so wellnigh
+exhausted, concluded to leave.</p>
+
+<p>But tell it Mrs. Pelham did, and mercilessly, and soon</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[117]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER VIII.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Notwithstanding</span> his prophecy that Canker and
+the boys would whip the renegades back into the reservation
+in two or three days, the general determined to
+go down to Sandy and take a hand himself. All that
+day he had fidgeted about the office dissatisfied with
+the meagre reports that came, and the more that came
+the more it looked as though Canker’s brief administration
+of command had not been felicitous. At five
+o’clock in the afternoon he quietly appeared at the
+house, and without telling Colonel Pelham of his intention,
+was making his characteristically brief preparations
+for the start when the colonel caught him in
+the act, and very positively announced that he would
+go too. Mrs. Pelham had protested, of course, but
+there were some things in which she could not move
+her lord, and this was one of them. “There, now,
+Dolly,” he said, “that will do. I’ve only ten minutes
+in which to get ready and no time for argument.
+Where’s Grace?” So Grace came with ready hand to
+her father’s assistance, asking no questions and evidently
+regarding his decision as eminently proper and
+incontrovertible.</p>
+
+<p>Her ladyship would fain have button-holed the
+general himself and importuned him not to let the
+colonel go, but, once before in her life, such a performance
+<span class="pagenum">[118]</span>on her part had come to the ears of her ordinarily
+placid and even-tempered husband, and his remarks
+anent that piece of petticoat interference had been a
+revelation. Indeed, nothing but tears, contrition, and
+a solemn promise on her part never, never to do such
+a thing again had saved her from consequences more
+serious than a marital lecture; but this was a long time
+ago, so long that her resolution never to do so again
+had been modified by the mental reservation of “when
+there is a possibility of being found out.”</p>
+
+<p>The general, indeed, had not intended to take Pelham
+with him, yet was secretly glad to have him return
+at once to Sandy. “Things worked better when he was
+there.” And so it resulted that by six o’clock that
+afternoon Jack Truscott found himself left alone in a
+household of ladies.</p>
+
+<p>To say that he was downright unhappy over the
+circumstance would be more than so gallant and courteous
+a man as Truscott would say himself, but to say
+that he, on the contrary, was not, would be a wide
+departure from the truth. He knew nothing of his
+superior’s plans until the ambulance drove up to the
+door, and the sight of the general’s favorite aide in his
+well-worn and well-known scouting costume sent Truscott’s
+pulse up to one hundred and twenty at a bound.</p>
+
+<p>Stepping into the hall, he met Grace with her father’s
+cloak and Navajo blanket in her arms. “We are stealing
+a march on you, Mr. Truscott,” she smilingly remarked,
+glancing over her shoulder at the colonel
+himself, who came waddling after her down the stairs.
+Shall it be recorded? Truscott’s eyes, full of surprise
+and pain, even of reproach, had not so much as a glance
+<span class="pagenum">[119]</span>for her; he answered not a word, but mutely stood
+questioning his chief.</p>
+
+<p>“I couldn’t help it, my dear boy; don’t look as
+though I had deserted you,” that warm-hearted gentleman
+had hastened to explain. “I only knew fifteen
+minutes ago that the general was going, and I decided
+to slip off and run down with him. I knew just how
+you’d feel, Truscott, and hadn’t the heart to tell you.
+Confound it, man, I’m only going to Sandy, not into
+the field, and if you’ll only keep quiet you will be able
+to come down yourself in less than a week.”</p>
+
+<p>“Has anything gone wrong?” asked Truscott.</p>
+
+<p>“Nothing at all. Only the general wants to look
+after things himself, and can do so more readily at
+Sandy than here. I’ll leave Mrs. Pelham in your
+charge, and you in Grace’s. Think you can keep him
+in subjection, daughter? He is tractable enough ordinarily,
+but just now he wants a steady hand.”</p>
+
+<p>Then the general came forth, followed by his philosophical
+wife, who was amiably assuring Lady Pelham
+that this was a thing she wouldn’t mind after six
+months in Arizona. “I’ve grown so used to it as
+never to be surprised at his waking up and starting off
+somewhere in the dead of night.”</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes more and the ambulance had rattled
+off down the hill, leaving the three ladies and Truscott
+a silent group on the piazza,—Grace looking sad and
+anxious, madame melodramatic, Truscott very pale and
+quiet, and their hostess alone cheery.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, now, I won’t have any moping,” she said.
+“We’ll get everybody up here this evening and have
+lots of fun. Jack Truscott, you shall have twenty
+<span class="pagenum">[120]</span>nurses. Grace, all the infantry boys will be here on
+your account. Come, let’s go in and order tea. I’m
+hungry as a dozen bears.”</p>
+
+<p>Early in the evening Truscott managed to slip away
+from the noisy party assembled in the parlor and sought
+his own room. He excused himself to his hostess on
+the plea of fatigue, and she, big-hearted woman that
+she was, and knowing full well that his heart was anywhere
+but in the glee and merriment and music and
+twaddle going on, covered his retreat very successfully.</p>
+
+<p>Later she went to his door with some comforting
+drink of her own manufacture, found him sitting up
+and pretending to read, and later still, noting the interest
+with which Grace had inquired for him, she placed
+some delicate custard in her hands, saying, “Take it to
+him; he’ll like it.”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott heard the light footsteps he had already
+learned to recognize coming along the hall, then a pause
+at his door, and presently a timid, fluttering little knock.
+“Come in,” he said.</p>
+
+<p>The door slowly opened, and there stood Grace upon
+the threshold smiling and with a suspicion of heightened
+color in her face. He rose to greet her, but she protested.
+“Don’t get up; I was asked to bring this to
+you,” with the slightest emphasis on the “asked.”
+Nevertheless he stepped to the doorway, took the custard
+from her hands, and then, leaning against the
+door-post, stood looking down at her.</p>
+
+<p>“Miss Pelham, are you in a merciful mood?” he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>“I! Unquestionably. Why not?” And the earnest
+eyes looked frankly up in his face.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[121]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Then you will grant me absolution for a sin of
+omission,” he said, smiling. “The sight of my chief
+starting for the war-path startled me into a rudeness
+towards you.”</p>
+
+<p>“In that you did not answer an utterly unimportant
+remark of mine, I suppose. As you <em>ought</em> to have discovered,
+Mr. Truscott, I claim to be a soldier’s daughter,
+and do not expect to be considered at such a time.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then you are a marvellous exception to the rest of
+your sisterhood,” said Jack, with an emphatic impulsiveness
+very unusual in him.</p>
+
+<p>“Indeed, Mr. Truscott? Is that your opinion of
+our sex? How did you ever succeed in winning the
+name of being so very gallant and courteous, I wonder?
+I thought you the champion of all the ladies of the
+regiment. I’m sure they do; and what <em>would</em> they say
+if your treachery were known?” she added, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>“I am at your mercy,” he replied. “Betray me and
+I am ruined. Thank you for bringing this to me, and
+good-night. Don’t let me keep you from the fun.”</p>
+
+<p>A ring at the door-bell, and the servant admitted a
+tall sergeant of cavalry. “A despatch for Lieutenant
+Truscott,” they heard him say. Truscott called to him
+to come thither, and as he opened the envelope Grace,
+not knowing why, but anxious for any news, remained.</p>
+
+<p>Leaning against the casement he slowly read the
+message, and Grace patiently stood looking up into the
+pale, clear-cut face.</p>
+
+<p>“This will be welcome news to Mrs. Tanner,” he
+said, presently, “and I would like her to know it to-night.
+Is she here?” he asked Grace.</p>
+
+<p>“Mrs. Tanner? No. She has not been here at all.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[122]</span></p>
+
+<p>“She never had heart for fun of any kind when he
+was in the field, Miss Pelham, and this will greatly
+relieve her anxiety. His company is ordered to remain
+at the agency on guard for a few days; the others
+have gone across into the Red Rock country. Take
+this over to Captain Lee’s quarters and ask that it be
+shown to Mrs. Tanner at once, sergeant, then come back
+to me,” he said; then turning again to Grace, “Late as
+it is I think she will still be awake, and this news may
+put her to sleep.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am so glad for her sake. She seems so very
+lovable a woman. They have all been extremely pleasant
+to me, but there was something especially winning
+in her manner, and I like her greatly. <em>You</em> know her
+very well, do you not?” asked she, still looking frankly
+up in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>“Better than any of the ladies, I think,” he replied.
+“May I ask how you so readily divine my friendships?”</p>
+
+<p>“I had heard that you were very warm friends. It
+was Mr. Glenham who told me—I think.” (You
+knew, Grace, and it wasn’t like you to hesitate there.)</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, yes,—Glenham,” he repeated, while for the
+life of him he could not repress a mischievous merriment
+on noting how at the mention of the name she
+had faltered, and, under the steady glance of his eyes,
+colored red an instant after. “Glenham has doubtless
+been a most efficient means of strengthening your acquaintance
+with the regiment, but I warn you against
+his enthusiasm; you will come expecting to find us
+models of genius and geniality, and will be all the
+more bitterly disappointed.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[123]</span></p>
+
+<p>“He certainly glories in his regiment, Mr. Truscott,
+and, as one of his heroes, you ought not to disparage
+his opinions.”</p>
+
+<p>“Grace dear, I want you,” at this juncture was heard
+in solemn and remorseless tones from the other end of
+the hall. Grace started like the guilty thing she certainly
+was not, and beheld the matronly form of her
+ladyship rigidly posed at the parlor-door. There was
+something indefinably, gratingly disagreeable about her
+voice and manner, that intangible something that a
+woman can throw into her tones as expressive of the
+extreme of displeasure, and yet be able to subsequently
+and triumphantly establish that you have no grounds
+whatever for saying so.</p>
+
+<p>“Good-night, Mr. Truscott,” said Grace. “Please
+let me know when you send any despatch to the valley.”
+Then seeing her mother still stonily, severely awaiting
+her, she did just what she would not have done had
+she felt herself unwatched,—turned, held out her slender
+hand, and said, warmly, “I <em>do</em> hope you will have a
+good night’s rest and feel ever so much better to-morrow.
+Good-night,” and then walked briskly off down
+the hall, looking calmly into her mother’s face. That
+lady contented herself for the time being with ushering
+her erring daughter into the parlor. It must be admitted
+that the latter had delayed much longer at Truscott’s
+door than the delivery of a plate of custard could
+possibly warrant, and that her present attitude towards
+her mother was not as dutiful and loving as it might be.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour afterwards, when the guests of the
+evening had gone home and the ladies were preparing
+to abandon the parlor, Truscott himself appeared at
+<span class="pagenum">[124]</span>the doorway. Her ladyship was at the moment indulging
+in some slight refreshment in the dining-room.
+He held a large despatch envelope in his hand. “Miss
+Pelham, you desired me to let you know when I had
+opportunity of sending word to the valley. It seems
+that the sergeant is to start at daybreak to ride in search
+of Captain Canker’s command, and I am sending a
+few lines by him. He will be glad to take anything
+you have.”</p>
+
+<p>“To Captain Canker’s command? Thank you, Mr.
+Truscott. I do not know of any one with him. It
+was to father I wanted to write.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, pardon me,” said Jack. “I’m sorry, but the sergeant
+will cross the valley way to the north of the post,
+and won’t be apt to see any one from there. I thought
+it possible you might wish to send a message after some
+friends in the field column.”</p>
+
+<p>“I believe not,” she answered. “Who is there with
+him to whom I owe a message?” she asked, laughingly.</p>
+
+<p>“I can simply answer for it that there are six or
+eight who would be most happy to receive one,” said
+he, with an odd relapse into his regimental manner
+of somewhat stately courtesy. “May I be the transmitter?”</p>
+
+<p>“Evidently he is thinking of Mr. Glenham,” said
+Grace to herself, and a strange shade of annoyance
+swept over her. His change of manner too struck her
+at once.</p>
+
+<p>“Is it the customary thing in Arizona for us non-combatants
+to send sustaining and encouraging messages
+to the front?” she coolly inquired. “If so, put
+<span class="pagenum">[125]</span>me down for anything that may occur to you as at
+once brilliant and to the point. Mr. Truscott, that
+smile is satirical, and you plainly mean to indicate that
+<em>then</em> it would be recognised at once as not my message.”</p>
+
+<p>“Miss Pelham, I am no match for such acuteness.
+Are you repenting having shown mercy half an hour
+ago?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not quite, but that very superior smile is an aggravation,
+I confess. Now, who is there to whom you
+supposed I wanted to send a message? Answer that.”</p>
+
+<p>“Let me answer by saying that Messrs. Glenham,
+Hunter, and Dana are by this time with Captain Canker,
+and that Mr. Ray with his company will have
+joined him to-morrow. I name them as young gentlemen
+any one of whom would be charmed by a message
+from you, and two of them I have heard absolutely
+raving about you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Now you expect me to ask which two, do you not?
+But I decline. Mr. Ray I never met until three days
+ago, though I have heard of him, and have wanted to
+know him ever since father joined the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>. The
+others I knew when they were cadets. Mr. Hunter
+has already distinguished himself. Has Mr. Glenham
+been engaged?”</p>
+
+<p>“Is not that a matter on which your own sex would
+be better informed than I?” he asked, wilfully and
+mischievously.</p>
+
+<p>She replied almost coldly.</p>
+
+<p>“The question is utterly unworthy of you, Mr.
+Truscott. I mean, and you know I mean, to ask has
+Mr. Glenham been in action?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[126]</span></p>
+
+<p>“She must know perfectly well whether he has or
+not,” thought Jack, but gravely replied, “No. Glenham
+says that it is his ill luck. He has had a few
+scouts, but the Indians have kept out of his way as
+yet. My note is to him. You might inspire him.”</p>
+
+<p>“And Mr. Ray?” she queried.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Ray is a hero of many engagements, martial
+and matrimonial, and I am bound to say that it isn’t
+his fault that he has escaped with so little danger. He
+has received more recommendations for brevets for the
+one and more ‘mittens’ for the other than any man in
+the regiment. I testify to the first as custodian of the
+records, to the second on his own frank statements.
+Ray says that he has been refused at least once a year
+ever since he graduated.”</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Ray is unusually candid. Is it to him you
+suggest my sending a message?”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not presume to suggest anybody. You desired
+to be informed when I had a chance of sending a
+messenger to ‘the valley,’ and I was so much in error
+as to fancy that you might want to send a message to
+some one in the command. Then my sympathies being
+with the possible recipient made me obtrusive. I
+really beg pardon, Miss Pelham.”</p>
+
+<p>Stepping to the door he quickly summoned the sergeant,
+handed him the package, “Give it to Lieutenant
+Glenham,” he said, and then returning to her with
+a quiet smile on his face, “So it goes without a pleasant
+word for him after all, Miss Pelham.”</p>
+
+<p>“Certainly,” said Grace. “Mr. Glenham would be
+surprised, to say the least, at receiving any message
+from me.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[127]</span></p>
+
+<p>For an instant, only an instant, an expression of
+pain, even incredulity, shot across his face. Brief
+as it was, looking steadfastly into his eyes, she saw it
+and it stung her. But he recovered himself and
+promptly, pleasantly spoke.</p>
+
+<p>“Then it seems that I have twice to ask pardon.
+I’m glad my first offence did <em>not</em> offend, and shall
+strive to make amends for my second.”</p>
+
+<p>What Grace would have said cannot be told. Once
+again there suddenly appeared before them her ladyship,
+re-entering from the dining-room with her hostess.
+Once again the measured tones of her voice
+broke in upon their interview. “Well, Mr. Truscott,
+I thought you left us two hours ago to seek repose?”</p>
+
+<p>“I did, Mrs. Pelham,” replied the adjutant, with
+calm civility, “and found it.” And then, apparently
+inviting further remark, he stood looking seriously down
+into her flushed features. She began to hate him from
+that minute, but then it was the most natural thing in
+the world that she should do so.</p>
+
+<p>At that instant there came a knock at the front door,
+and a servant handed in a note. “For Lieutenant
+Truscott,” he said, “and there is no answer.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why, Jack,” said the general’s wife in her straightforward
+innocence of all possible harm, “that’s Mrs.
+Tanner’s writing. What is she sending for at this time
+of night? I hope Rosalie isn’t sick. She can’t have
+bad news either. What is it?”</p>
+
+<p>“With your permission, then, I’ll open it,” said he;
+and with Mrs. Pelham’s eyes glaring upon him he
+calmly glanced over the lines. “Nothing wrong,” he
+continued. “She merely writes to thank me for sending
+<span class="pagenum">[128]</span>word of Tanner’s detention at the agency.” And
+yet madame could have sworn that where the strong
+light from the hall-lamp fell upon the page in his hand
+the distinctly saw the words, “God bless you, dear
+Jack.” And so she did.</p>
+
+<p>For three days after this event the confinement and
+monotony of his life would have told on a man stronger
+than Truscott. No news came from Canker’s command,
+no especial tidings from Sandy. He had much fever,
+and was confined to his room many hours each day.
+When he did appear Grace was not visible. His hostess
+brought kind inquiries from her each day, and he frequently
+heard her blithe voice in the hall or mingling
+in the hum of conversation in the parlor. On the
+third day, while the doctor was dressing his shoulder
+and congratulating him upon a release from confinement
+that morning, his hostess, who had been unremitting
+in her care of and attentions to her favorite
+subaltern, came to the door to ask the doctor if she
+could not take Mr. Truscott in town for a drive. Receiving
+his permission, she was off in a moment, and
+presently came back delighted. “Jack,” she whispered,
+“I am going to take Grace, too. Her ladyship is out
+of the way, and Grace has just got back from band
+practice. Ain’t we in luck?”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott expressed due enthusiasm, and in a few
+minutes the trio were bowling along the smooth road
+to Prescott. The bracing air, the bright sunshine, the
+rapid motion, perhaps too the very sweet face and dainty
+form of Grace Pelham seated so near him, all tended
+to bring brightness to his eye and color to his wan
+cheek. Looking critically at him as he sat opposite
+<span class="pagenum">[129]</span>her, conversing with her <i>chaperon</i>, Grace decided that
+he was an undeniably handsome man. But he spoke
+very little to or with her, and this seemed odd to the
+general’s lady. Match-makers as her sex are by every
+instinct of their being, she had already determined
+that here was the very girl she wanted to see married
+to her friend. Rumors of Glenham’s devotion had of
+course reached her, but she had virtually scouted all
+ideas of the kind. Her ladyship, Mrs. Pelham, had
+twice or thrice waxed confidential and shown an inclination
+to speak of him and of Grace in conjunction,
+so had other women, but the lady would not listen.
+“Don’t mention him in the same breath,” she exclaimed
+to Mrs. Wickham and to Mrs. Wilkins, to
+the latter’s huge delight. “She has more brains in
+her little finger than he in his whole good-natured
+head.”</p>
+
+<p>Somebody went so far as to say that she had pitched
+into her husband, the general himself, for inviting
+Glenham to dine with them <i lang="fr">en famille</i> before the ball.
+“It’s as good as giving her dead away, and I don’t believe
+she likes it at all,” was what she did say, and the
+chief had absolved himself by explaining that Mrs.
+Pelham herself had requested it. This had mollified
+madame to a certain extent, but increased the dislike
+she had already begun to feel for that lady.</p>
+
+<p>She was determined to bring them together, and
+so, on arriving in town, had bounced out of the Concord
+wagon (which answered all her purposes as well as
+a landau) and saying she merely wanted to look in at
+two or three shops, had precipitated upon her unprepared
+companions a <i lang="fr">tête-à-tête</i> which neither had
+<span class="pagenum">[130]</span>expected and yet to which each was by no means disinclined.</p>
+
+<p>From all that he had heard, Truscott had been led
+to suppose that, if not actually engaged, it was more
+than probable that Miss Pelham and his friend very
+soon would be. Consequently, when he confronted
+her the morning after the ball, her face bathed in tears,
+just having parted from her lover as he set forth on
+his hurried, probably dangerous duty, Truscott had
+many reasons for supposing that the rumors were true,
+and that it was not altogether a loveless match, as the
+ladies would have made it, on her part. Else why
+should she have been so distressed at parting? He
+had been unfeignedly glad to believe she did care so
+much for him. He knew well how Glenham loved
+her, though the subject had never been mentioned between
+them. Glenham, indeed, had more than once
+given shy indication that he would not mind confiding
+the whole story of his hopes and fears to his friend,
+but Truscott never invited confidences and preferred
+not to be made a recipient in this case. Everything
+Grace said or did attracted him from the first moment
+of their meeting up to the time of his sending that
+letter to Glenham. He liked, admired, and was beginning
+to feel a warm interest in her, when she calmly
+looked him in the face and said, “Mr. Glenham would
+be surprised at receiving any message from me.” “It
+was all very well in her to decline sending a message,”
+thought Jack, “but why should she attempt to—why
+should she desire to deceive me? It’s none of my
+business, of course; but it isn’t what I had hoped for
+Glenham.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[131]</span></p>
+
+<p>As for Grace. We have seen that she did not care
+for Glenham, and was distressed by his avowal. No
+woman wants to be considered attached to a man for
+whom she feels nothing more than a friendly interest.
+She saw in Jack Truscott a knightly soldier. She had
+heard of him for two years as the model officer of the
+regiment, her father’s stand-by and stanchest friend,
+and when she met him he was bleeding from a recent
+fray in which all knew he had borne himself most gallantly.
+She saw him, even in his fatigue and suffering,
+gentle, patient, courteous. She heard of his bitter
+grief in the loss of his favorite horse, and, thorough
+horsewoman herself, she had warmly sympathized with
+him in that sorrow. She had been able to serve him
+in his anxiety and loneliness the very day of their first
+meeting—then—then she had been made to suffer on
+his account, to bear her mother’s injustice because of
+her interest in him, and then—and now—he believed
+her engaged to or in love with Arthur Glenham.</p>
+
+<p>Given these conditions and a heart absolutely free
+before, a somewhat romantic streak somewhere in her
+composition, and an enthusiastic love for all that was
+soldierly and knightly in man, it must be admitted that
+it only needed the strenuous opposition of parents or
+circumstances to render any woman liable to fall in
+love. And now Grace Pelham was being opposed in
+what she deemed a perfectly proper and justifiable
+interest in Mr. Truscott. She was being reminded in
+every look from the maternal eye that she was expected
+to concentrate her thoughts on Mr. Arthur Glenham.
+She——Oh, well, why dissect the situation further?
+She probably would have indignantly repudiated the
+<span class="pagenum">[132]</span>idea that already she was falling in love. Far be it
+from the writer to assert anything of the kind, but one
+thing is certain: she did not want him to think her
+engaged to or in love with his friend, Mr. Glenham,
+and was worried and perturbed in spirit that he evidently
+did think so. More than that, she had begun
+to read him well enough to realize that he considered
+her virtual denial of Glenham as disingenuous, and this
+stung her to the quick. Now she had an opportunity
+of talking uninterruptedly with him, but how was she
+to introduce such a subject? Time was short. It was
+he who broke the silence.</p>
+
+<p>“You have not been riding since I came, Miss Pelham.
+When am I to have the pleasure of seeing you
+in the saddle?”</p>
+
+<p>“Indeed I don’t know. Everything was broken up
+by the regiment’s rush to the field. We have been so
+anxious I have hardly cared to ride, and—shall I be
+humble and confess it?—nobody has asked me since
+the ball. Don’t the staff or infantry officers ride?”</p>
+
+<p>“Some of the youngsters do, very well,” said Truscott.
+“Possibly ‘mounts’ are not to be had.”</p>
+
+<p>“But Mr. Glenham rode a very nice horse, and we
+were to have gone again day before yesterday,” she said,
+“and he told me that both the horses we used were regimental
+horses.”</p>
+
+<p>“They are off in the Mogollon range somewhere by
+this time, but when you get down to Sandy you shall
+ride all you can desire. We have just the very nicest
+kind of a ‘mount’ for you there, a quick, nimble little
+bay full of style and action, plenty of fire, too, and I
+do not believe a horse at Sandy can catch him. Glenham
+<span class="pagenum">[133]</span>wants to buy him provided the company commander
+will part with him.”</p>
+
+<p>“To whose company does he belong?”</p>
+
+<p>“Captain Tanner’s,” answered Truscott. “You will
+easily win him over to your cause, for he worships a
+woman who rides well.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then Mrs. Tanner must want to keep the horse:
+she rides, of course?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, Mrs. Tanner never rides. It is one of the
+sorrows of her life, I think; she gave up all attempts
+some years ago.”</p>
+
+<p>“What a pity! An army woman who cannot ride
+loses half the joy of being in the cavalry; but, does no
+one besides Mr. Glenham ride the horse you speak of?”</p>
+
+<p>“A trumpeter boy of Tanner’s troop ordinarily, and
+Tanner won’t let the ladies at Sandy ride him at all;
+their hands are too uncertain, he says. As for Glenham
+or any of our heavy weights, he would not permit
+it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then how did you and Mr. Glenham decide he
+would be just the mount for me?”</p>
+
+<p>“Ray did that, I believe; he doesn’t ride over a
+hundred and forty, and has a very light hand, light as
+any girl’s on the bit, and Tanner would let him have
+his whole stable. When your coming was first announced,
+and the young officers commenced telling of
+your riding at the Point, they decided on having a
+suitable horse for you. Ray came up from Cameron
+on a scout, and he picked out ‘Ranger,’ and last week
+Glenham was in despair because there was no suitable
+side-saddle, and the colonel said it would be some time
+before yours could arrive.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[134]</span></p>
+
+<p>(“Always ‘Glenham’ or ‘they, the young officers,’”
+thought Grace. “Am I so far beneath him that he
+could not afford to take any part in these preparations?”)</p>
+
+<p>“You have never ridden ‘Ranger’ yourself, then,
+Mr. Truscott?”</p>
+
+<p>“Three or four times, possibly, just to try him and
+teach him a little better manners than he would be apt
+to learn from his ordinary rider, the trumpeter.”</p>
+
+<p>“Will he stand the skirt, do you think? That
+seems to be the great objection at first to a spirited
+horse.”</p>
+
+<p>“Very well; he has been practised with a trailing
+blanket and then with Mrs. Tanner’s old skirt.”</p>
+
+<p>“And Captain Tanner—or was it the young officers,
+as you say, who took all these precautions in my behalf?
+Pray whom am I to thank?”</p>
+
+<p>“Nobody, Miss Pelham. They all look upon a young
+lady who would resign the sweets of civilization to come
+out to us as a being for whom no degree of devotion
+can be too great.”</p>
+
+<p>“Now, Mr. Truscott, that is all very gratifying, too
+good to be true, perhaps, and I mean to cross-examine
+you a moment. You say ‘they all,’ referring, I suppose,
+to the ‘young officers’ aforementioned. Now tell
+me to whom you refer; I had been led to suppose that
+of the four companies at Sandy, Mr. Glenham, Mr.
+Crane, and Mr. Carroll were the only young officers,
+the other lieutenants being on leave or staff duty, or
+detached in some way, or like Mr. Wilkins, married
+and settled down; and Mr. Crane being neither young
+in years nor exhibiting anything like the faintest
+<span class="pagenum">[135]</span>desire to make my acquaintance, the number seems limited.
+<em>Who</em> were <em>they</em>?”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott laughed merrily, and looked frankly down
+into the bright face before him. “You are too analytical,”
+he said. “I shall have to stop and consider
+the weight of every word when talking with you.
+You see I included Ray, Hunter, and Dana in the list
+with Glenham, because they all took a hand when at
+the post.”</p>
+
+<p>“Which must have been very seldom, if at all, for
+Mr. Hunter and Mr. Dana both told me they never
+got a chance to come to headquarters, and were so eager
+to do so.”</p>
+
+<p>“Undoubtedly they are now,” said Truscott; “but
+they looked upon it as purgatorial before.”</p>
+
+<p>“Still you don’t answer my question, and you compel
+me to riddle your statements. It finally must be
+reduced to the melancholy fact that Mr. Glenham was
+the only one at Sandy who took an interest in my
+coming. I am not exacting. I had looked for nothing
+of the kind, but when you say ‘all the young officers,’
+and allude to such numbers being engrossed in preparation,
+you must admit my right to disappointment
+either in them or my informant when I find there
+is only one. Furthermore, you have not once had the
+grace to confess yourself one of the interested.”</p>
+
+<p>“That would simply have been presumption. I
+alluded to the young officers.”</p>
+
+<p>“And Mr. Ray, who graduated but one year behind
+you, and is said to be one year older, why include him
+and exclude yourself, unless truth compelled you to
+the admission that you had no earthly interest in the
+<span class="pagenum">[136]</span>matter? Mr. Truscott, you have taught me a lesson,
+but you leave me in no further doubt. It is evident
+that I am to thank Mr. Glenham for all the training
+of my horse (O Grace, what a subterfuge!), and that
+the others were merely accidentally interested.”</p>
+
+<p>“Miss Pelham, you overwhelm me with the consciousness
+of my neglect. Glenham has so devoted
+himself to the matter that no efforts of mine could
+have competed with his, and yet, I assure you, he will
+require no thanks other than your pleasure in the general
+result.”</p>
+
+<p>Grace Pelham was ready to stamp her pretty foot at
+this juncture. Anything or anybody so utterly imperturbable
+as her new acquaintance she had never met.
+She shrewdly suspected that poor Glenham had never
+so much as attempted to mount the new horse, and that
+it being Mrs. Tanner’s skirt that was employed, Jack
+Truscott himself had taken charge of that part of the
+lessons. Womanlike, she longed to extract the admission
+from his lips, but he would admit nothing. Then
+came their jolly hostess, bundle-laden, and then, to her
+dismay, Mrs. Wilkins with a party of friends from the
+post, in a vehicle similar to their own.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott removed his forage-cap in salutation, and
+Mrs. Wilkins’s unmodulated tones straightway filled
+the plaza. “Is it you, Mr. Truscott, and you, Miss
+Gracie?” (“Confound the woman!” thought Jack,
+savagely biting his moustache, “how dare she call her
+that?”) “Faith, I thought it was time you were getting
+him out in the air. You look like a ghost; have
+you any news from the boys, pray? It’s time we
+were hearing from them, I’m sure. How is your
+<span class="pagenum">[137]</span>mother, Miss Pelham? I’d call to see her, but I never
+feel like talking when the regiment is out scouting”
+(here Grace’s eyes sought Truscott’s, and found them
+brimming over with merriment. They had some
+thoughts in common, then), “but I’ll be over to-night
+or to-morrow; you and he won’t miss me, I’ll be
+bound. Go on, driver. Good-by all!” And off she
+rattled, triumphant.</p>
+
+<p>“Jack Truscott,” said their matron, impressively,
+“do you know what I would do with that woman if
+she were in my regiment, if I had one? I’d appoint
+a day for prayer and humiliation, and——What are
+you laughing at? You know you detest the ground
+she walks on.”</p>
+
+<p>“Being Arizona soil, there is no harm in that, madame;
+but were harm to come to Mrs. Wilkins the
+spice of life at Sandy would be snatched away. To
+me she is invaluable.”</p>
+
+<p>Bowling briskly along the smooth, hard road, they
+were soon again within the limits of the military settlement
+and in sight of headquarters. Grace Pelham,
+baffled in her effort to extract from Mr. Truscott some
+admission that he had been instrumental in the training
+of her horse, and feeling vaguely that she had not
+succeeded in penetrating the armor of reserve with
+which he was surrounded, determined on a final sally.</p>
+
+<p>Turning to the general’s wife, she broke <span class="nowrap">forth,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott has mystified me completely. He
+tells me of a capital horse awaiting me at Sandy, and
+endeavors to make me believe that a number of young
+officers, as he calls them, have had him in training for
+some time.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[138]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Young officers, indeed!” burst in her friend.
+“When I was there with the general, three weeks ago,
+the <em>young</em> officers were watching Mr. Jack Truscott
+himself. He was cavorting round on that very bay,
+with somebody’s old skirt, or a blanket, almost every
+day.”</p>
+
+<p>Grace had won her point, but had no time for remarks
+on the subject. The ambulance whirled up to
+the general’s quarters, and there on the piazza stood
+Mrs. Pelham with her hands full of letters.</p>
+
+<p>“Mail for everybody but me,” she remarked, as the
+ladies, scoffing at the idea of accepting assistance from
+a one-armed man, sprang out, and then jocularly offered
+to assist Mr. Truscott. “Grace, you will want to run
+and read yours at once, I know.” And she ostentatiously
+handed a little note to her. “These, madame,
+are yours.” And their hostess turned away to peer
+into the envelopes of her letters and wonder who could
+have written them. Then Mrs. Pelham turned to
+Truscott with a small packet of letters, “And these
+for you. I know <em>that</em> handwriting to be Ralph’s;
+would you mind opening it at once and letting me
+know how he is?”</p>
+
+<p>The topmost letter in Truscott’s package was post-marked
+San Francisco, and addressed, in a dashing,
+bold hand. He recognized it at once as coming from
+Ralph Pelham, his colonel’s second son; and, with
+Mrs. Pelham’s eyes eagerly searching his face, he
+slowly opened and commenced to read. He had never
+received a line from young Pelham before in his life,
+and, though knowing him well, was surprised at the
+mere sight of a letter from him. Even as he opened
+<span class="pagenum">[139]</span>the envelope he noted the keen anxiety in Mrs. Pelham’s
+face, and it put him on his guard. The first
+line was enough to test his nerve, but he glanced down
+the page, coolly turned the leaf and read the next, then
+very gently and courteously addressed her ladyship:
+“He seems in capital health, madame. You were not
+anxious about it, I hope?”</p>
+
+<p>“Who, mother?” asked Grace, rejoining them at
+this moment and fearing that her father was spoken of.</p>
+
+<p>“Merely a—not your father, Grace, so you need not
+worry. He is perfectly well, as this letter will show
+you,” replied madame, hurriedly.</p>
+
+<p>Grace took the letter her mother handed her, and
+with one glance in Truscott’s face, a look in which
+inquiry was blended with surprise, turned and left
+them.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott,” said Mrs. Pelham the instant they
+were again alone, “I did not know Ralph wrote to
+you. He—he has been somewhat wild at times, and I
+fully expected a letter from him to-day, but the letter
+is to you. His father is very anxious about him, and
+only yesterday wrote me that he wished Ralph were
+here again instead of in San Francisco. The colonel
+says you had so good an influence over him. Mr.
+Truscott, tell me if anything has gone wrong with my
+boy.”</p>
+
+<p>And Jack Truscott, looking steadily down in the
+anxious face before him, <span class="nowrap">replied,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Nothing that I know of, and nothing shall that I
+can avert. This letter is about a matter of business
+in which I am interested. You should see the letter,
+but it concerns others besides myself.” And Lady
+<span class="pagenum">[140]</span>Pelham, relieved in mind yet vaguely feeling that
+something might be extracted by dexterous cross-questioning,
+was compelled to drop the subject. She
+thanked him somewhat hesitatingly, looked as though
+she longed to ask still more, but drew aside and watched
+him as, with a grave bow, he entered the hall and
+went to his own room.</p>
+
+<p>There Truscott seated himself by the window, and
+this time slowly read the following letter:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right" style="margin-right: 3.0em;">
+  “<span class="smcap">San Francisco</span>, November 15.
+</p>
+
+<p>“<span class="smcap">Truscott</span>,—Just what you warned me against has
+come to pass. You made me promise that if I got
+into the scrape I would write at once and let you know.
+God knows I don’t know another soul to whom to turn.
+It is for five hundred dollars this time, and I’ve given
+my note at thirty days. You see, they know my people,
+feel sure of their money, and would rather have
+the interest on it than the cash. But they don’t know
+what I know,—that father is drained dry; that Grace’s
+outfit the mother insisted on her having and this tremendous
+pull of a journey have strapped him completely.
+Four months ago he wrote me sadly enough
+not to draw for a cent, and things were booming then.
+I had been doing first-rate. Consolidated Virginia
+brought me in eight hundred dollars in a week. To
+be sure, Best and Belcher knocked most of it out of
+me, but the other fellows in the office were wild over
+the New Nevada, and, Jack, I raised the money for
+the margins, and it’s gone—utterly gone.</p>
+
+<p>“What am I to do? Why do you wish me to write
+you? I cannot meet this. I see nothing for it but a
+<span class="pagenum">[141]</span>bullet or a bolt to the mines, where I can change my
+name with my shirt and hire out as a day laborer. The
+brokers will show me up to the firm and the situation
+be swept from under me instanter.</p>
+
+<p>“If you mean that you can get Glenham to let me
+have five hundred dollars at once to meet my note I
+will give you my word to stick to my desk, to live <i lang="fr">en
+retraite</i>, and not to speculate or gamble a cent until it is
+paid. Glenham has two or three thousand idle in the
+bank here I know; but, my God, I can’t ask <em>him</em> for
+money, and hardly know him at all. But father must
+not know, and above all Grace. She would scorn me
+if she knew I had accepted a cent from him, and she
+is right. Yet it is that or ruin, Truscott, and—you
+helped me when I was in Arizona last year—for God’s
+sake, for father’s sake, who trusts you so, keep my
+secret, and if you see a way to help me, believe in my
+resolution. Wire or write at once.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 10.0em;">“Yours,</span><span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 5.0em;">Ralph Pelham</span>.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Truscott sat with pale, stern features, his eyes fixed
+on vacancy, the letter resting on his knee. He heard
+the voices of the ladies in the hall, the rustle of feminine
+skirts past his door, the tinkle of the luncheon-bell,
+but he did not stir. A year previous Ralph Pelham
+had spent a month in Arizona with his father,
+had been thrown frequently into Truscott’s society, and
+had soon learned to look up to him in every way.
+Pelham was only twenty-two, full of spirit and buoyant
+with hope, a handsome, cheery, reckless fellow, who
+had all the attributes of a mother’s darling and a father’s
+torment. The colonel loved his boy, but shrank from
+<span class="pagenum">[142]</span>exercising much control over his movements. He knew
+the youngster had his full share of youthful frivolity,
+had cheerfully paid his boyish debts, and had shaken
+his head at some college extravagances; but Ralph was
+the “brightest” of his sons, every one said, and beyond
+doubt the most indulged. A very good position had
+been secured for him in a business house in San Francisco,
+his salary was fair, his prospects fairer, and all
+had promised well. Truscott, however, had heard
+from the boy’s own lips in the confidence resulting
+from an escapade of the previous year that he had, in
+common with other young men in his station in life, a
+mania for getting rich in a hurry and without the
+equivalent of labor. The fever of speculation was
+raging all over the Pacific coast. Fortunes were being
+made every week and lost every day. During a brief
+stay there Ralph Pelham had fallen in with some acquaintances
+whose haunt was Montgomery Street, had
+tried his luck on “margins,” and with ease and astonishment
+had realized a few hundred dollars,—just
+enough to inspire him with wild visions of wealth and
+grandeur, and to send him on his way to visit his father
+with an unaccustomed plethora of funds, and a concomitant
+inflation of conceit and business airs that
+vastly entertained the officers of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>. The money
+was soon spent and lost; more was needed, for Truscott
+found his young friend deep in the toils of “draw-poker”
+on returning to Sandy from court-martial duty. The
+colonel had just advanced the boy a quarter’s allowance,
+and he dared ask for no more, and Truscott insisted on
+becoming his banker. “I make no conditions whatever,
+Pelham,” he said, “but, don’t play with those fellows,
+<span class="pagenum">[143]</span>unless you really want to throw money away.” And
+Pelham had played no more at Sandy, where the scouts,
+the quartermaster’s employés, the traders, and occasionally
+one or two of the officers were to be found in the
+nightly game down at the store. But this strengthened
+his trust in Jack, and steadied him a great deal, and
+before he left he manfully told his father of the circumstance,
+begging him not to show Truscott that he knew
+it, and the old soldier had forgiven his young prodigal,
+provided him with money for his return to San Francisco,
+and Truscott suspected that the truth was known,
+because of the fatherly way his colonel had of speaking
+to him for some time after, but they never alluded to
+the matter.</p>
+
+<p>And now young Pelham was in a far more serious
+difficulty. Truscott read those lines again.</p>
+
+<p>“And above all Grace. She would scorn me if
+she knew I had accepted a cent from him, and she is
+right.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then Ralph, too, was certain there was an understanding
+or something like it between his sister and
+Glenham,” mused Truscott, and again the worn, tired
+look settled on his brow, and as he mused there came
+along the hall the quick, light step he was growing to
+know so well, the rustle of skirts that sent already a
+thrill to his heart, a light tap on his door; he sprang
+up, dashed his hand across his forehead, thrust the letter
+in the breast-pocket of his blouse, and strode to the
+doorway. There stood Grace with a tiny tray in her
+hands, a light luncheon and a cup of fragrant tea
+thereon.</p>
+
+<p>“We thought you too tired perhaps, or too busy, to
+<span class="pagenum">[144]</span>come to the dining-room, so I was sent with this,” she
+said, smiling brightly. He bent and took the tray from
+her hands and placed it on the table in the room, thanking
+her as he did so, and stepping quickly back to her
+side.</p>
+
+<p>“I brought it myself,” she continued, smiling archly
+and mischievously, “in partial payment of a kindness
+and attention you would not confess. It was you who
+trained my horse, sir, and you strove to conceal the
+fact. Mr. Truscott, I don’t know how to thank you.”</p>
+
+<p>The frank, glorious eyes were gazing up into his;
+the sweet, mobile features, all smiles and sunshine,
+were turned towards him, her soft white hand toying
+with the fringe of the Indian tobacco-pouch that hung
+on the door-post. It was long since Truscott had
+looked upon a vision half so fair, and, despite himself,
+look he did earnestly, seeing which her eyes fell, a
+quick flush rose to her white forehead, she turned to
+go, but he recovered himself.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t attempt to thank me,” he said. “Ride with
+me once or twice when we get to Sandy, and I will be
+more than repaid.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ride with you! Indeed I will—gladly.” And
+with that she was gone.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott stood gazing after her as she disappeared
+through the parlor doorway. There she had glanced
+quickly back: their eyes had met, she smiled brightly,
+but never stopped. For a full minute he stood there,
+then with a half-stifled sigh rising to his lips he turned
+to re-enter the room, when a white object on the floor
+at his feet caught his eye. He bent, picked it up, and
+bore it to the light. It was a dainty handkerchief,
+<span class="pagenum">[145]</span>and in one corner was embroidered the simple name
+“Grace.”</p>
+
+<p>With bowed head he stood a few moments holding
+it in his hand, thinking intently, his eyes fixed upon
+the name. Then he took Ralph’s later from his
+pocket, read it once again, and softly repeated to himself
+the closing words, “For God’s sake, for father’s
+sake, who trusts you so, keep my secret, and if you see
+a way to help me, believe in my resolution.”</p>
+
+<p>“For God’s sake, for father’s sake. Yes,” he whispered,
+“for Grace’s sake I’ll help you, and then—and
+then—may God help me.”</p>
+
+<p>And when Ralph Pelham’s letter was replaced in the
+breast-pocket of Truscott’s uniform his sister’s handkerchief
+lay between it and the wearer’s heart.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[146]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER IX.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>“<span class="smcap">She</span> is no more engaged to him than I am, Jack
+Truscott, and you may take my word for it. More
+than that, it is my belief she has no interest in him
+whatever,—never has had, and that all the talk of this
+match is due to Lady Pelham’s manœuvring. The
+wish is mother to the thought.”</p>
+
+<p>So spoke the general’s wife the evening of the drive,
+and Truscott listened with outward calm, but with
+emotions far from placid. He had not seen Grace since
+their brief conversation, and, the ladies being out at
+tea, had spent several lonely hours. During the afternoon,
+however, he had visited the telegraph-office, and
+a despatch worded as follows was already in the hands
+of his anxious correspondent in San Francisco:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>“<span class="smcap">Ralph Pelham</span>, Occidental Hotel, San Francisco.</p>
+<p>&#x2003;“Rely on Glenham. All fixed. Letter by mail.</p>
+<p style="margin-left: 10.0em;">“<span class="smcap">Truscott.</span>”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Now considering the fact that Glenham was miles
+away in the mountains, with no possibility of communication,
+it may be considered a piece of assumption
+on Truscott’s part to make such positive use of his
+name. Truscott, however, though well knowing that
+his friend would be prompt to respond to any call he
+<span class="pagenum">[147]</span>might make upon him, had no intention of putting
+him to the test.</p>
+
+<p>Some two years previous, after an extended consultation
+with some business friends in San Francisco,
+Truscott had placed his savings in the hands of a firm,
+one of whom he knew well and trusted. His wants
+were few in Arizona, his habits methodical, and from
+time to time he had added from his pay to the original
+amount. These were matters of which he never spoke
+to anybody, but the investment had proved moderately
+remunerative. The growing business of the firm led
+to further enterprises, and Jack’s money, with his entire
+consent, had been devoted with other funds in
+their hands to the purchase of a mining claim in Nevada,
+which gave promise of a profitable yield when
+properly developed. Already the firm had sent three
+successive offers to Truscott to purchase his stock at a
+tempting “rise,” but he had no need for money at the
+moment and decided that he preferred to hold on. The
+promise of the investment was quite as good as any
+other in which he could embark. Glenham for a while
+had placed ten times as much money in the hands of
+the same firm, but had declined to invest in the very
+purchase in which Truscott was interested. “I don’t
+know enough about mining ventures to risk it,” he
+said to Truscott, showing him the prospectus and the
+familiar letter-head of the firm. “What do you think
+of it, Jack?”</p>
+
+<p>“If you have money you don’t know what to do
+with, it might be put there as well as anywhere, but
+you know I never advise any one in a matter of this
+kind.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[148]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Well, what would you do yourself?” persisted
+Glenham.</p>
+
+<p>“I never had so much money at my disposal, but it
+seems to me that it is poor policy to take it from a safe
+though slow investment to put it where you may lose
+the whole lump in no time.”</p>
+
+<p>Glenham inferred that Truscott had no confidence in
+the new scheme, never dreamed that he had invested
+his all therein (“Why tell him?” thought Jack, “he
+will then be sure to go in full tilt, and if we are
+swamped hold me accountable”), and had concluded to
+try elsewhere; but the firm held, as Pelham had stated,
+a few thousand dollars of his money, and within a
+week from the receipt of Truscott’s despatch young
+Ralph was relieved in mind by the arrival of a letter
+which, with one other, Truscott had written that very
+afternoon. It ran somewhat as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>“<span class="smcap">Dear Pelham</span>,—On presentation of yourself and
+this note at Rundell, Stearns &amp; Co. you will find five
+hundred dollars at your disposal. You know Stearns,
+I think: simply give him a receipt for the cash as
+voucher.</p>
+
+<p>“Glenham is off on a hurried dash after Apaches,
+but the matter was easily arranged. I think it would
+be just as well <em>not</em> to write him any thanks, but to stick
+close to your work and resolution, and don’t worry
+over the matter. Preaching is abhorrent to me, and
+experience, though expensive, a far better teacher.</p>
+
+<p>“Your letter reached me by the hand of Mrs. Pelham
+herself, and excited her anxiety. I assured her
+you were well and in no trouble, as she imagined.
+<span class="pagenum">[149]</span>(Mental trouble was not allowed to count.) May I
+suggest that frequent letters to her or to Miss Pelham
+would be the easiest way of dispelling their anxiety
+and averting the possibility of cross-questioning me?
+No one should know of this transaction, and I can
+assure you that Glenham, who is a noble fellow, will
+not breathe it to a soul. My reasons for suggesting
+that you say nothing farther to him are cogent, but too
+many for explanation here. Be guided by me, however,
+I will make all due acknowledgments.</p>
+
+<p>“Were I to attempt to tell you of the sensation created
+by the arrival of Miss Pelham this letter would
+require extra postage, and I regard letters of that
+length as an imposition on friendship. The colonel is
+at Sandy. I am on escort duty with the ladies, and
+expect to join him next week.</p>
+
+<p>
+  <span style="margin-left: 10.0em;">“Yours sincerely,</span><br>
+  <span style="margin-left: 12.0em;">“<span class="smcap">John G. Truscott</span>.”</span>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>This letter, as was stated, was posted with another
+addressed to his business friend in the city:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right" style="margin-right: 3.0em;">
+  “<span class="smcap">Fort Whipple</span>, A. T., November 28, 18—.
+</p>
+
+<p>“<span class="smcap">Dear Stearns</span>,—Mr. Ralph Pelham will call upon
+you in person for five hundred dollars, which please
+pay him and charge to my account. If necessary, dispose
+of sufficient stock to cover it. Your voucher will
+be his receipt.</p>
+
+<p>“I have reasons for preferring that he should regard
+this as coming from Mr. Glenham (who would not have
+to sell), and desire you to consider the affair as strictly
+confidential.
+</p>
+
+<p>
+  <span style="margin-left: 10.0em;">“Very truly yours,</span><br>
+  <span style="margin-left: 12.0em;">“<span class="smcap">John G. Truscott</span>.”</span>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[150]</span></p>
+
+<p>Late that night the ladies had returned from a quiet
+tea-party at Captain Lee’s, Grace and her hostess enthusiastic
+over the lovely, winning ways of Mrs. Tanner,
+Lady Pelham, to their perplexity, maintaining on that
+subject an attitude of austere, even mysterious noncommittalism
+(for which word the writer desires to
+apologize). Grace had been speedily summoned aloft
+by her mother, so that when Jack entered the parlor
+only his hostess was there.</p>
+
+<p>“You ought to have been with us,” she said. “Grace
+Pelham sang, and sang sweetly. See here, Jack Truscott,
+you need not be so sublimely indifferent to that
+young lady. I don’t like it. I warrant you never saw
+many sweeter or brighter girls.”</p>
+
+<p>“I never saw any,” replied he, briefly.</p>
+
+<p>“Then why do you stand aloof, I’d like to know?
+One would suppose you had no appreciation of what
+was attractive in woman.”</p>
+
+<p>“My dear lady, is there not such a thing as having
+too much? What sense is there in losing one’s head
+over a girl already bespoken?”</p>
+
+<p>And then it was that his friend gave utterance to the
+words at the head of this chapter.</p>
+
+<p>Overhead he could hear voices in colloquy; one, unmistakably
+that of her ladyship, was so loud and emphatic
+that an occasional word could be distinguished;
+the other, subdued and gentle, was indistinguishable.
+Evidently, too, the conversation was not placid. Mrs.
+Pelham’s somewhat ponderous tread made the lightly-built
+army-ceiling quiver and crackle as she paced
+rapidly to and fro.</p>
+
+<p>“What in the world is she storming about to-night?”
+<span class="pagenum">[151]</span>said the lady. “I shall confide to you, Jack, that your
+colonel’s wife strikes me as being a tartar.”</p>
+
+<p>A door overhead opened, closed, tones again became
+muffled, and Jack Truscott and his hostess sat staring
+in blank amazement in each other’s face, for in the
+brief instant in which the chamber-door had been ajar
+her ladyship’s voice, angry and unguarded, was distinctly
+audible to both,—to all in the house in fact.</p>
+
+<p>“—and Mrs. Tanner is not a fit person for a daughter
+of mine to——” And here, in the language of the
+Congressional reporter, the hammer fell; to be literal,
+her ladyship banged the door.</p>
+
+<p>For a minute the occupants of the parlor were
+aghast. Then Truscott calmly stepped to the hall-door
+and closed it.</p>
+
+<p>“She may open the ports and fire another volley,” he
+said, “and I don’t care to hear her, even by accident.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well!” said his companion. “Listeners never
+hear any good of themselves; but I never expected to
+live to hear evil of Mrs. Tanner. She is my ideal of
+a perfect wife and mother. What do <em>you</em> think?”</p>
+
+<p>“My acquaintance is not extensive,” he replied, deliberately;
+“but in the army or out of it I know of
+no one truer, purer, or nobler. Now, if you will excuse
+me, I am going to bed. Good-night.”</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Grace did not appear at breakfast.
+“Had a headache,” said her mother in response
+to inquiries. Soon afterwards, as Truscott started forth
+for a stroll with the doctor, she inquired if he intended
+going to the office, and requested him to post a letter.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you happen to know where Mrs. Treadwell is
+stationed now, Mr. Truscott?” she asked.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[152]</span></p>
+
+<p>“At Fort Hays, I think. Colonel Treadwell was
+in command there last month.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then this address is right,” she remarked, handing
+him the letter and narrowly watching his features.</p>
+
+<p>He glanced at the superscription, bowed in acquiescence,
+and turned away.</p>
+
+<p>As a specimen of feminine ingenuity that letter deserves
+to take rank. This is a chapter of letters thus
+far. Here is her ladyship’s:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>“<span class="smcap">My dear Mrs. Treadwell</span>,—Though we have
+not met for years, I hold in warm remembrance the
+days when we were stationed together at Sedgwick, and
+the kindly relations which then existed” (which was
+more than the recipient of the letter could do, for she
+could not bear Mrs. Pelham). “I write in haste, and
+know well that you will be surprised at my writing at
+all; but duty as a mother compels me to appeal to you
+for information on a very delicate subject, and I trust
+you can relieve my mind. You may not have heard
+that Grace and I have recently ‘joined’ the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> here
+in Arizona, and naturally I am most anxious that she
+should be well guided in the selection of her friends
+and associates.</p>
+
+<p>“Among the ladies who at first made a most favorable
+impression was Mrs. Tanner, whom, I am told,
+you knew well at Camp Phœnix. She seemed everything
+that was desirable, but I regret to have to say
+that <em>circumstances</em> have occurred which seriously affect
+my opinion of her, and among other stories which <em>late
+events</em> have revived is one that you at Camp Phœnix
+found her and Mr. Truscott alone in her parlor during
+<span class="pagenum">[153]</span>Captain Tanner’s absence in the field, and saw them in
+a most indelicate and questionable a—well, I cannot
+write what was told me (in the strictest confidence);
+but knowing you as I do, a woman who never was
+known to say an unkind or a slanderous thing, it impressed
+me most painfully and powerfully to be told
+by ladies whom I believe in that you had positively
+made this statement. If it be true, I beg you to tell
+me <em>exactly</em> the truth; for Grace’s sake I <em>must</em> know.</p>
+
+<p>“The colonel, Captain Tanner, and all the officers
+are in the field except <em>Mr. Truscott, who is here, and she
+also</em>. You know he is still adjutant of the regiment,
+and Colonel Pelham must be in utter ignorance of this
+affair or he would not regard him as he does. Pray do
+not ask me for any particulars. Simply tell me what
+you know, and please consider this letter as inviolably
+confidential. I have no heart to write any news, for
+this wretched affair fills me with anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>
+  <span style="margin-left: 10.0em;">“Your attached friend,</span><br>
+  <span style="margin-left: 12.0em;">“<span class="smcap">D. de Ruyter Pelham</span>.”</span>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>And this was the letter Jack Truscott carried over
+to the office and dropped in the mail-box this bright
+November morning. A fortnight more and it was in
+Mrs. Treadwell’s hands, and a constrained and reluctant
+answer was despatched to Arizona; but long before that
+reply could reach Mrs. Pelham at Sandy it was possible
+for the very complications to occur which she most
+ardently desired to frustrate. That very night there
+came a despatch from Colonel Pelham pronouncing the
+road safe and practicable, and the next morning Truscott
+was convoying the ladies of Camp Sandy, now
+<span class="pagenum">[154]</span>reinforced by Mrs. and Miss Pelham, down to the
+valley wherein lay their frontier home. Three large
+ambulances carried the party, a small guard of soldiers
+went along for appearance’s sake, and without event of
+material importance the journey was safely effected,
+and Grace Pelham made her <i lang="fr">début</i> at Camp Sandy,
+little dreaming of the months of mingled happiness
+and serene content, of doubt and utter misery, that lay
+before her.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[155]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER X.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Without</span> event of material importance, it has been
+said, the journey from Prescott to Sandy was effected.
+Yet the journey was not devoid of interest.</p>
+
+<p>For two or three days previous Mr. Truscott had
+seen little or nothing of Grace Pelham. He had been
+stunned by the angry words that both he and the
+general’s wife had overheard when Lady Pelham’s
+door was opened for that one brief instant, he had
+pondered over them that night after going to bed, and
+the more he thought the more his blood boiled within
+him at the idea of this coarse, imperious woman daring
+to speak so shamefully of his gentle little friend.
+Next morning Grace did not appear at all, as we have
+seen, and it was all Truscott could to do to behave with
+common civility to her ladyship. As for their hostess,
+it must be confessed that she absolutely snubbed Mrs.
+Pelham on two or three occasions, kept out of her way
+as much as possible, and when the time for starting
+came she kissed Miss Pelham warmly and affectionately,
+begged her to come up and spend the Christmas
+holidays with her, but not a word of invitation did
+she extend to her mother. “Good-day, Mrs. Pelham,
+I trust you have enjoyed your visit,” was all she
+vouchsafed her ladyship, and that lady readily
+<span class="pagenum">[156]</span>comprehended that she had offended her hostess, and, true
+to nature, hated her accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>Only in company had Truscott met Miss Pelham
+since that night until the morning of their start. Then
+he suddenly encountered her alone, he returning from
+a visit to the corral to inspect the condition of the
+ambulances that were to convey the party to Sandy,
+she from the infantry quarters on the other side of the
+garrison, whither she had been to say good-by to a
+baby pet of hers, the daughter of one of the officers
+here stationed.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott greeted her cordially and complimented her
+upon such very early rising. Her reply was a nervous
+and embarrassed platitude, and she hurried along with
+bent head and downcast eyes up the very path which
+she and Glenham had taken the night of the “Pelham
+Ball.” All her old frank, bright manner had disappeared;
+she would not even look at him. Stung to
+the quick by her evident wish to avoid him, he
+presently raised his forage-cap, and turning at a side-path,
+<span class="nowrap">said,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Pardon my not escorting you home, Miss Pelham;
+there are some matters I must arrange before we can
+start.”</p>
+
+<p>Then for an instant her eyes met his, she faltered
+when she marked the pain and surprise in his face.
+She almost held out her hand to him, but as though
+suddenly recollecting herself, simply bowed, said in a
+low tone something that sounded like “Good-b—morning,
+Mr.——” and scurried away up the path
+like a frightened fawn. With a sadder brow than we
+have yet seen in Truscott he turned aside, and by a
+<span class="pagenum">[157]</span>circuitous route regained the house, where he found
+them all at an early breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour afterwards and they were off. Mrs.
+and Miss Pelham and her ladyship’s homesick maid
+occupying one ambulance, Mesdames Turner, Raymond,
+and Wilkins another, while Mrs. Tanner with
+Rosalie and one of the young ladies from Sandy were
+bestowed in a third,—Captain Tanner’s own; for Tanner
+was a man of substance, and had money enough to
+buy out the rest of the regiment, Glenham perhaps excepted.
+A fourth ambulance contained a small guard
+of infantry-men, while two or three trailers, left behind
+in the rush for the Apaches, the mail messenger,
+and two scouts, who had come in with despatches, accompanied
+the party as escort.</p>
+
+<p>Amid the fluttering of handkerchiefs and cheery <i lang="fr">au
+revoirs</i> the party rattled off, cracking whips and whistling
+drivers sending the lively little mule-teams along
+at a spanking gait. Truscott paused one moment to
+hold out both hands to his kind hostess and with something
+of a tremor in his voice to say farewell. She
+looked up in his face and seized the outstretched hands,—“Jack,
+don’t you worry. <i>It’ll come out all right yet,
+and I know it.</i>” He turned quickly, mounted his
+horse, and, with a wave of the hand, cantered off down
+the slope after his convoy.</p>
+
+<p>The journey to the Agua Fria was accomplished
+without incident. It was a dismal party that rode in
+her ladyship’s vehicle. She was in execrable humor
+herself, ready to snap at anybody. As a consequence
+Grace sat silently and wistfully gazing out on the pine-covered
+heights, the maid was in tears most of the way,
+<span class="pagenum">[158]</span>and Lady Pelham, echoing the sniffling from the front
+seat, sniffed at her smelling-salts, and finally inquired
+for the sherry-flask. Twice or thrice at difficult parts
+of the road Grace saw Truscott, seated on his horse,
+cautioning the driver of each ambulance as in turn
+they came to the spot, but ordinarily he was well to
+the front, and only at sharp curves of the road could
+she catch sight of him, the guard ambulance being just
+in front of them. Then she looked with all her eyes,
+for well as he looked at all times it was in the saddle
+Jack Truscott was at his best. She worshipped fine
+horsemanship, and never had she seen anything to
+equal the grace and ease of Truscott’s. Half angry at
+herself, she yet could not withstand the fascination that
+kept her gaze fixed upon him at every opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>Before the sun reached the meridian Truscott conducted
+his train into the court of Olson’s ranch, and
+politely notified her ladyship that here they would rest
+an hour and then push on. The ladies were assisted
+from the ambulances, and were welcomed with much
+red-faced embarrassment by Mrs. Olson, who showed
+them into her best rooms. The ladies of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> she
+knew well. They had often stopped with her, but the
+stony grandeur with which her ladyship glared around
+the bare walls and rude furniture, sniffing at everything,
+overawed and upset her completely. None the
+less did she hasten to sacrifice her pet chickens and
+produce the freshest eggs, in order that the ladies who
+were so grand in her eyes might be regaled with the
+best her larder could command.</p>
+
+<p>Something like twenty minutes had the ladies been
+resting and chatting among themselves when Truscott
+<span class="pagenum">[159]</span>came striding up from the corrals, whither he had been
+to superintend the refreshment of his horses and mules.
+Seeing him approach, Mrs. Tanner quietly laid her
+sleeping Rosalie upon the bed, rose and went out to
+meet him. Two or three of the ladies exchanged
+glances, then looked at Mrs. Pelham. Taking Truscott’s
+arm, Mrs. Tanner walked with him slowly
+through the ranch-yard, past the corrals, and, with the
+eyes of every woman in the party except Grace’s upon
+them, they strolled up the bank of the stream, and
+were soon out of sight from the windows.</p>
+
+<p>“Come with me a moment,” said Mrs. Pelham, abruptly,
+to her daughter, who rose without a word and
+followed her mother out into the court and around the
+corner. The elder lady silently pointed up the stream,
+and Grace, looking, beheld Mrs. Tanner leaning on
+Truscott’s arm, and both of them, some three hundred
+yards away, were walking farther. Another moment
+and they disappeared from sight around a little
+knoll.</p>
+
+<p>Then Lady Pelham slowly turned, and impressively
+the words fell from her lips, “Grace, what did I tell
+you?”</p>
+
+<p>When, half an hour later, Jack Truscott extended
+his hand to assist Miss Pelham to her seat in the ambulance,
+as he had been assisting the others, she passed it
+without notice, seized the door frames with both hands,
+and with the agile spring of the mountain deer popped
+up into her place. Truscott calmly closed and fastened
+the door, nodded to the driver, and away went the
+Pelham equipage.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was setting behind the great range to the
+<span class="pagenum">[160]</span>west, and the ambulances had halted for a moment at
+a point where the road wound around a precipitous
+ledge, when Truscott rode up to the door of the Pelham
+equipage, and, pointing far down in the valley
+below and some miles to the south, quietly remarked,
+“Mrs. Pelham, there is Camp Sandy,” then rode on
+to the head of column. Eagerly gazing, Grace could
+see rows of what looked like toy-houses painted a dismal
+brown, but Mrs. Pelham was cross and tired, and
+the sherry had been a little too strong or too frequent,
+or both, she did not care to look. An hour more and
+Grace was in her father’s arms, while her gracious
+mother was turning up her nose at the parlor furniture.
+Soon afterwards, Grace, delightedly examining
+her own dainty little room, heard her father’s voice
+hailing from the piazza <span class="nowrap">below,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Truscott! oh, Truscott! that you?”</p>
+
+<p>A voice from the darkness out on the parade <span class="nowrap">replied,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Yes, colonel.”</p>
+
+<p>And Grace stood still—yes—to listen.</p>
+
+<p>“Been to dinner or supper yet?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not yet, sir; I’ve had several things to attend to.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then come and take high tea with us.”</p>
+
+<p>“I would with pleasure, sir, but—I’ve promised Mrs.
+Tanner.”</p>
+
+<p>A tap at Grace’s door, and her ladyship swept in.</p>
+
+<p>“You heard that, I suppose. How much confirmation
+do you require, may I ask?”</p>
+
+<p>And all that evening Grace Pelham was feverishly
+gay.</p>
+
+<p>The general, it seems, had gone out into the Mogollon
+<span class="pagenum">[161]</span>after the troops; he had spent a day at the agency with
+Tanner, and then, on his renowned saddle-mule, had
+struck eastward for the trail leading to the Colorado
+Chiquito. Every hour the renegades were sneaking
+back into their limits, and the next day were begging
+around camp as persistently as ever and with that childlike
+expression of innocence and utter lack of guile in
+which the Apache excels. In the brief conversation
+Colonel Pelham had enjoyed with Truscott after tea,
+when the latter had betaken himself to the office and
+was working away by candle-light, the adjutant learned
+that the entire command was on its way back, having
+had only one or two unimportant brushes with the
+Indians, who had scattered all over the Territory on
+finding themselves pursued by so large a force. Then
+the colonel went back to his quarters to enjoy the unaccustomed
+luxury of the society of his wife and daughter;
+but Truscott remained at his desk “straightening
+out” the regimental papers until long after midnight.
+Grace Pelham, going to her room after a long, loving
+talk with her father, had thrown open her window and
+stood there gazing out into the starlit night. Way
+across the dark parade she saw towards her right the
+dim lights of the guard-house. She knew it to be
+such, because, even as she gazed, there came from that
+point the prolonged call of the sentry, “Nu-mber One.
+Ha-lf pa-st twelve o’clock.” Then way beyond, over
+towards the corrals, a shrill Hibernian tenor responded
+for Number Two, and added, “A-a-ll’s w-ell!” and so
+the watch-call went the rounds, echoing back from the
+foot-hills until it again reached the guard-house. Grace
+thought it lovely. But what was that brilliant light
+<span class="pagenum">[162]</span>off to her left? She could make out the outlines of a
+low one-story building that seemed to stand by itself,
+and from two windows broad beams of light streamed
+forth and illuminated the parade. Hearing her father’s
+step on the stairway, she called him in. “I’m so interested
+in it all, father; the sentries have just been
+calling off. Now that’s the guard-house over there;
+but what is this bright light here to the left?”</p>
+
+<p>The colonel peered over her shoulder. “That! It’s
+the adjutant’s office, and that confounded Jack Truscott
+is sitting up there at work when, with his shoulder,
+he ought to have been in bed long ago. By Jove, I’ll
+go and send him!”</p>
+
+<p>Then he turned, took her in his arms, and looked
+proudly, fondly, down into the sweet upraised face.</p>
+
+<p>“I wonder if you dream, my little girl, what a joy
+it is to your old father to have you here? God bless
+and guard you, my child!” With that he kissed tenderly
+her white forehead, and the next minute she
+heard him tramping across the parade to the office.
+She was about to close her blind, when the sound of
+hoof-beats and voices coming into the garrison from
+the north attracted her attention. At rapid lope the
+riders came, and in a moment flashed into view in the
+lights from the adjutant’s office. Then came her
+father’s cheery <span class="nowrap">voice,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Why, Ray, is that you? You, too, Glenham?
+Welcome back, boys!”</p>
+
+<p>Then she heard Truscott’s deep baritone and Ray’s
+and Glenham’s mingled greetings, and the “old fellows”
+and hearty slaps on back and shoulder with which
+the comrades of the frontier are wont to welcome one
+<span class="pagenum">[163]</span>another; and then she did close her blind, and for a
+while sat there in the darkness thinking, thinking.</p>
+
+<p>Two days more and the entire command was once
+more in garrison. Rough, stubbly beards were shaven
+off, ragged hair trimmed to soldier style, scouting-rigs
+were stowed away, and on the following Sunday morning
+six fine troops of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> formed line, mounted
+and in full dress, for inspection. The band, too, had
+returned from a visit to the southern posts of the Territory,
+and for three days the rank and file had been
+cleaning, polishing, and scrubbing generally, for “Old
+Catnip” was a stickler for drill, discipline, and neatness
+in every particular.</p>
+
+<p>Much of the time the officers had been occupied superintending
+the overhauling of the barracks and stables,
+but such hours as Captain Canker would allow him
+Arthur Glenham had spent at Grace’s side. <em>Was</em> it
+hope that fathered the thought, he wondered, or was she
+really more gracious, more encouraging in her manner
+towards him? Mrs. Pelham was everything that was
+delightful to him, inviting him there to tea, affording
+him frequent opportunity for uninterrupted interviews
+with Grace, and eagerly inquiring how soon Ranger
+would be ready for the promised rides. Tanner, too,
+had come in with his troop, and Ranger had been duly
+inspected and delightedly praised by Grace, but the
+captain preferred that she should not ride until after
+the general inspection. Of Truscott the ladies at Colonel
+Pelham’s saw nothing except at a distance. He
+spent all his time at the office, and in going thither or
+returning to his quarters kept way out in the middle of
+the parade, for he lived at the extreme northern end of
+<span class="pagenum">[164]</span>officers’ row, and the colonel’s house was at the other
+end. Officers old and young and all the ladies had
+called to welcome the Pelhams to Sandy, but just as
+at Prescott, when Ray, Hunter and other ineligibles
+attempted to converse to any length with Grace, the
+“confounded old tabby” would swoop down upon them
+and monopolize the talk herself.</p>
+
+<p>Oh, how superb the sight was to Grace when, early
+Sunday morning, the whole command appeared in full
+uniform, the martial-looking helmets with their long
+horse-hair plumes, the bright colors of the stripes and
+facings, the blue and gold and glittering sabres of the
+officers, and the handsome equipments of their steeds!
+She stood on the piazza watching it all,—officer after
+officer mounting in front of his quarters and trotting
+off to join his troop. (Of course, Glenham came down
+the line to exhibit himself and his beautiful horse to
+her before joining his captain.) Then the four stately
+non-commissioned officers, the guard of the standard,
+each with his war chevrons and his bronze medal for
+bravery, rode up in line and received their charge from
+her father’s hands. Then came the stirring adjutant’s
+call, and the thrilling burst of martial music from the
+band, and troop after troop rode steadily into line; and
+then from the right there came at full gallop a stalwart
+form she had grown to recognize instantly in any dress.
+The horsemanship was unmistakable, and still at full
+gallop on his powerful black charger he darted out to
+the front until midway to where the colonel sat on old
+“Rappahannock,” when with sudden halt and wheel
+he reined about, and at the deep, ringing baritone, that
+resounded along the line, the sabres flashed in air, and,
+<span class="pagenum">[165]</span>again wheeling, his own sabre rose and was lowered in
+graceful salute. Grace Pelham gazed with all her eyes,
+eagerly interested in everything, but then the ladies
+who had seen that sort of thing a hundred times
+gathered around her, and she saw no more of the ceremony
+that so delighted her.</p>
+
+<p>Disappointed as she was at the interruption of her
+view of the inspection, Grace found it hard work to
+be cordial and courteous to her visitors. Ordinarily
+on each occasions the ladies swarmed about Captain
+Turner’s quarters, which, bring opposite the centre of
+the line when formed, afforded the best point of observation.
+Mrs. Turner with great self-complacency used
+to attribute this gathering to her powers of entertainment
+and conversation, and talked and chattered like a
+magpie; but on this particular Sunday, seeing Grace
+alone on the piazza of the commanding officer’s house,
+the meeting adjourned and proceeded <i lang="fr">en masse</i> to entertain
+her with garrison platitudes, Mrs. Wilkins being
+by no means the least voluble. As a consequence, when
+the jovial colonel rode up to the piazza after the dismissal
+of the command, his face all aglow with the unaccustomed
+exercise, and called out in his cheery way,
+“Well, daughter, what do you think of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>?”
+she replied, with an air of serio-comic disappointment,
+“I could see nothing of them, father, except (<i lang="it">sotto voce</i>)
+the ladies.”</p>
+
+<p>“Confound those women!” growled the colonel. “I
+might have known they would spoil the whole thing,
+and I particularly wanted you to see the regiment.
+Your mother isn’t visible yet, I suppose. She never
+did care for anything connected with my profession
+<span class="pagenum">[166]</span>except the pay accounts,” he added to himself, with a
+weary sigh. Then he and Grace went in to breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>Late that afternoon two grimy-looking, shaggy-bearded
+men, accompanied by Mr. Truscott, appeared
+at the colonel’s door, and were promptly ushered into
+the parlor, where Lady Pelham was yawning over a
+novel (for which the writer of this gives her full absolution)
+and her husband was snoozing on the lounge
+with a handkerchief over his face. In response to
+Truscott’s courteous bow, her ladyship rose from her
+chair, stared for an instant at the uncouth-looking
+bipeds who stood uneasily at the door, then, with an
+indignant “Well, I declare!” and without noticing
+Truscott in the least, she swept majestically into the
+adjoining room, slamming the door behind her.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel woke with a start, and for an instant
+gazed stupidly at his visitors.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s up, Truscott?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Fanshawe and Craig have come in to report, sir;
+they bring important news,” replied the adjutant.</p>
+
+<p>“Fanshawe, hey! Craig, too! Good! Sit down,
+boys. What news do you bring?”</p>
+
+<p>The taller of the two cleared his throat, while the
+other, “his pardner,” slowly twisted his old slouch hat
+in his hands and looked to his senior to do the talking.
+Wiping his face with a faded red bandanna, then stowing
+it away in the breast of his buckskin hunting-shirt,
+Fanshawe, with a voice like a cracked bassoon, began.</p>
+
+<p>“We’ve treed ’em, colonel. There’s three big rancherias
+out yet. We follered ’em down from nigh Chevlon’s
+butte into the Tonto basin. There’s two on ’em
+there somewhere, close in under the Black Mesa, nigh
+<span class="pagenum">[167]</span>the head o’ the creek. The other band cut loose and
+seemed to go over to the Chiquito. Craig and I wanted
+to go in farther and find just where they were, but old
+Kwonahelka and Charley,—Washington Charley, you
+know, colonel; Araháwa ’s his ’Patchie name,—they
+dasn’t resk it; so we come back. If the gin’ral will
+send out a couple of troops now, with fifteen days’
+rations and ’Patchie-Mohave scouts, I reckon he can
+gobble the Tonto basin crowd, and it’ll only take a
+small detachment to corral the outfit that slid out over
+towards the Chiquito; there can’t be more’n forty bucks
+among ’em.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where are Kwonahelka and Charley?” asked the
+colonel, after a moment’s thought.</p>
+
+<p>“Right outside, sir,” said Fanshawe. “We didn’t
+like to bring ’em in.”</p>
+
+<p>The colonel nodded to Truscott, who quickly stepped
+into the hall and signed to the two Apache Indians
+squatting on the piazza. They silently rose and entered
+the house.</p>
+
+<p>An exclamation of “Goodness!” caused Truscott to
+glance to the head of the stairs. There stood Grace,
+her eyes opened in wonderment “What strange creatures
+are those, Mr. Truscott?” she asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Apache scouts, Miss Pelham.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, <em>may</em> I come down and see them?”</p>
+
+<p>“Most assuredly,” he answered.</p>
+
+<p>So down she came, pausing irresolutely at the door
+until her father, catching sight of her, called out,
+“Come in, come in, Grace. You’ve never seen our
+Apaches. Gentlemen,” he continued, turning to Fanshawe
+and partner, “this is my daughter, just arrived
+<span class="pagenum">[168]</span>in Arizona.” Whereat Fanshawe and partner arose in
+bewilderment and awkwardness and bobbed their heads,
+and grew redder under the bronze which desert suns
+and winds had painted on their faces.</p>
+
+<p>Grace bowed and smiled a pleasant welcome, not
+knowing what to call them, and being quite uncertain
+as to whether she ought to shake hands or not.</p>
+
+<p>“This will all interest Grace,” said her father, at
+once. “Truscott, you explain the situation to her.
+Now I want to question these aborigines.”</p>
+
+<p>And so, despite herself, Grace was thrown into confidential
+relations with the man she had been trying to
+avoid, and yet—and yet—whom she had caught herself
+watching from her window, or gazing over at the
+midnight lights in his office, a dozen times in the last
+four days.</p>
+
+<p>She colored, then turned and became absorbed in contemplation
+of the Indians, strange objects indeed to her.
+Their swarthy features, glittering, bead-like eyes; their
+coarse, matted black hair, for all the world like a Shetland
+pony’s mane and forelock, falling in masses like
+an immense “bang” over their foreheads and down to
+the eyes in front, hanging in tangled clumps to the neck
+behind; their slender but sinewy legs and arms; their
+rude dress,—not an ornament or a patch of paint, things
+she supposed inseparable from the red warriors, no
+gracefully-draped blanket, no eagle’s-feather war-bonnet,
+none of the accessories she had supposed were
+always to be seen with the Indians. But here were two
+noted men of their tribes,—Kwonahelka, a chief of the
+Apache-Mohaves; Araháwa, sub-chief and interpreter
+of the Apache-Yumas,—and dirty white cotton turbans,
+<span class="pagenum">[169]</span>shirts, and breech-clouts, with substantial moccasins,
+constituted their costume.</p>
+
+<p>Araháwa had once been taken to Washington,—hence
+his nickname,—and having been kept some time
+at San Francisco, had picked up a little English, not
+unlike the “pidgin-English” of the Chinese. It was
+“Charley” whom the colonel was now questioning.</p>
+
+<p>“But what I want to know is, whose bands are these
+down in the basin?” said he, impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>“Mebbe so Deltchay; mebbe so ’Skiminzin; no can
+tell,” replied Charley, volubly.</p>
+
+<p>“Ask Kwonahelka; he knows,” said Fanshawe. So
+Charley and his associate held a brief confab, in which
+much gesticulation was used on both sides. Finally
+Charley turned.</p>
+
+<p>“Kwonahelka he say ’Skeltetsee by Mogeyone.
+’Skeltetsee got plenty Tonto.”</p>
+
+<p>And so the strange colloquy went on, and Grace, her
+curiosity getting the better of her reserve, finally turned
+to the silent soldier by her side and inquired, “What
+<em>does</em> it all mean, Mr. Truscott?”</p>
+
+<p>“Briefly this,” he replied, still keeping his eyes fixed
+on Charley. “There are still some hostile Apaches
+scattered over the country to the east of us, and these
+scouts were sent to discover their lair if possible. They
+have succeeded in tracing three of the bands, and have
+come in to report.”</p>
+
+<p>“And what will be done now?” she anxiously inquired.</p>
+
+<p>“Their report will be telegraphed to the general at
+Prescott, and then, probably, scouting-parties will be sent
+from here to hunt them to their holes and fight it out.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[170]</span></p>
+
+<p>Grace’s face paled visibly. She was about to speak,
+when Glenham entered the room, and, barely glancing
+at the others, addressed himself to <span class="nowrap">her,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Everything is ready now, Miss Gracie. Tanner has
+given me Ranger. Will you ride with me to-morrow?”</p>
+
+<p>And as she answered, “Gladly, Mr. Glenham,” a
+close observer could have seen a contraction of the
+brows and a twitch of the muscles about Jack Truscott’s
+stern, set mouth, but his eyes were fixed upon his
+colonel’s face.</p>
+
+<p>A moment more and that gentleman rose. “Well,
+that settles it,” he said. “Come to the office, Truscott,
+and bring them along.” And so Grace and Glenham
+were left alone.</p>
+
+<p>That evening the colonel sent his orderly with his
+compliments to Captain Canker, and the information
+that he, Canker, should command at dress-parade. And
+taking Grace’s arm in his as the adjutant’s call sounded,
+and the companies came marching out to the line dismounted,
+he strode up beyond Turner’s quarters, grimly
+declining the dozen invitations to “come and sit down
+on our piazza,” and led his daughter out beyond the
+chattering groups to a point in the parade whence she
+could witness the ceremony undisturbed. She gazed
+with pride and delight at the long solid line, the
+six companies standing at parade-rest as the band—a
+glorious band the old <span class="nowrap">—th</span> had in those days—“trooped”
+down the front and back to its place on the right.
+Then came the stirring “retreat” upon the trumpets,
+the roar of the evening gun, the fluttering folds of the
+great garrison flag to the ground as though its halliards
+were shot away; and then from the distant flank the
+<span class="pagenum">[171]</span>same deep, glorious voice rang along the line, and the
+tall, soldierly form came stalking out to the front.
+She could not take her eyes off him, but watched his
+every movement,—quick, agile, yet erect and stately.
+She marked the vehement contrast between his rich
+voice and Canker’s reedy twang as the latter put the
+battalion through the manual; but when the officers
+closed on the centre, and some sixteen of them came
+marching to the front to the stirring music of “<i lang="fr">En
+Avant</i>,” and as one man saluted the commanding officer,
+she could not but see that in stature, carriage, grace,
+and dignity there was not his peer among them.</p>
+
+<p>“Grace,” said her father suddenly, “I’ve got the
+finest adjutant in the United States army, and he is as
+noble a man as he is a soldier.” She looked up in surprise,
+for his voice trembled, and tears had started to
+his eyes. He had received a letter that day from Ralph
+and had not shown it to them, but he struck his cane
+sharply upon the stony ground, tossed his head, and
+was all joviality when, as though with one accord, the
+officers came crowding around Grace to welcome her to
+her first parade. All but one; Truscott went straight
+to his quarters.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[172]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XI.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Soon</span> after guard-mounting on the following morning,
+Arthur Glenham, faultlessly attired, cantered down
+officers’ row to Colonel Pelham’s quarters, dismounted
+and gave his horse to the orderly. Almost at the same
+moment Captain Tanner’s pigmy trumpeter appeared
+with Ranger, and it needed but half a glance to detect
+the fact that in that precious pair, boy and horse, the
+devil of mischief was abnormally developed. “Kid,”
+as the boy was called by the entire command, had a
+rollicking Irish eye that twinkled with fun. Ranger
+was similarly provided with organs of sight that rolled
+restlessly about in their sockets, while his nervous legs
+and pawing hoofs, his incessantly tossing head, gave
+conclusive evidence that he was ripe for any devilment
+that chance might afford him. The Kid rolled off the
+bare back of his pet and saluted Glenham, with a half-suppressed
+grin on his freckled “mug.” I crave pardon
+for the slang, but “face” could never apply to the
+broad, flattened mouth, the turned-up, utterly Hibernian
+nose, and the shock-headed appearance generally of the
+worst young scamp in the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>. His colonel, his captain,
+and the adjutant were the only men in the garrison
+to whom the Kid looked up with anything like awe, or
+even with great respect, and as he rolled his quid of
+tobacco over with his tongue and “stood to horse” as
+<span class="pagenum">[173]</span>he grinningly saluted Mr. Glenham, he presented small
+show of that deference expected from the rank and file
+towards a superior; perhaps he was thinking of the
+many five- and ten-dollar bills with which the lieutenant
+had accommodated him, and what an ass the
+lieutenant must be if he ever expected to get them back.</p>
+
+<p>Grace had accepted the invitation to ride about five
+o’clock on the previous afternoon. Before tattoo, consequently,
+every lady along the row was duly informed
+of the fact, and as a matter of course all household
+duties were suspended as the horses came up, in order
+that the ladies aforesaid might see the mount and start.
+Even Mrs. Tanner was taking the air on her piazza,
+which was only two doors away from the colonel’s, and
+Mesdames Raymond, Turner, and Wilkins had gathered
+around Mrs. Canker, who lived next door, and who
+was not ordinarily one of the society circle at the post,—a
+retiring disposition, an absolute indifference to anything
+or anybody except her husband and children, and
+rather plain, homely ways, rendering her “Well,—rather
+uninteresting, you know,” as Mrs. Turner put
+it. A knot of officers had gathered some distance
+farther away.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Grace appeared upon the colonel’s piazza,
+and all eyes far and near were fixed upon her. “Heavens
+and earth!” exclaimed Mrs. Wilkins, “a chimney-pot
+hat in Arizona!”</p>
+
+<p>In Arizona or out of it, ’twould be hard to find a
+lovelier picture than was Grace Pelham that morning.
+The short, jaunty silk hat with its mite of a veil, the
+stylish, perfectly-fitting New York habit, the dainty
+gauntlets, all combining to make a costume that set off
+<span class="pagenum">[174]</span>her exquisite face and slender form to admirable advantage.
+After her came a servant carrying her English
+saddle and bridle, which had arrived but a day or
+two before. And now came the onerous task of equipping
+Ranger. Grace could not bear the looks of the
+heavy, clumsy cavalry bit and bridle, and had decided
+to use her own from the start.</p>
+
+<p>“Please have this put on him first, Mr. Glenham,”
+she said. And obedient to her wish he took the dainty
+tan-colored bridle with its burnished steel bit and
+chains and signalled to the Kid to slip off Ranger’s uncouth-looking
+head-gear, and then proceeded himself
+to replace it with the other. It is one thing to slip off
+a bridle, another to put one on. Ranger, accustomed
+only to the dingy regulation deformity, snorted suspiciously
+at the brilliant and novel-looking affair that
+Mr. Glenham was cautiously raising towards him; he
+eyed it askance, and then, notwithstanding the firm
+hold of the young officer’s broad hand upon his forelock,
+Ranger threw up his head. This brought Glenham
+on tiptoe, increasing his difficulties and vexation.</p>
+
+<p>“Come here, trumpeter,” he called, “and hold his
+head down while I get the bridle on.”</p>
+
+<p>The Kid darted forward with unusual alacrity, and
+simultaneously Ranger started and commenced to back,
+dragging Glenham with him. The more rapidly the
+Kid approached the more did Ranger recede. The
+Kid made a spring as though to catch him, Ranger
+made a corresponding jump, shook free his head, then,
+with a most hilarious leap into mid-air, he let drive his
+heels at some imaginary foe, and, with a snort of malicious
+delight, dashed off around the parade, leaving
+<span class="pagenum">[175]</span>Glenham puffing, blowing, and discomfited, and the Kid
+grinning in malignant enjoyment of the catastrophe.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Glenham! He ran back to the piazza, dropped
+the bridle at Grace’s feet, and saying, “Please don’t be
+impatient; I’ll have him back in a minute,” clambered
+into his saddle, and, striking both spurs into his
+horse, went sputtering off in pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>The neighboring ladies instantly came to condole
+with Grace; the group of officers remained as they
+were, and, after the manner of their kind, indulging
+in hearty and pitiless laughter at poor Glenham’s discomfiture,
+except Ray. Ray came running down to
+the party, now gathered on the colonel’s piazza, and
+laughingly raising his cap to Grace, exclaimed, “Never
+mind, Miss Pelham, we’ll soon have him back,” then
+he turned on the Kid, who, with his hands in his pockets,
+was bending nearly double in the contortions he
+resorted to to keep him from roaring with laughter.
+But the look in the lieutenant’s eye straightened him
+up in an instant. Out went the quid; out came the
+hands; together came the heels with a snap, and with
+a half-scared and demure countenance the Kid “stood
+attention.”</p>
+
+<p>Ray stepped close to the youngster, and in a low,
+savage tone spoke quickly, “You young whelp, you
+know perfectly well you drove that horse loose. Go at
+once to my sergeant, tell him to send two men out after
+Ranger, and you bring me my horse bareback quick as
+a flash. Off with you now!”</p>
+
+<p>And the Kid, well knowing Mr. Ray’s energetic way
+of dealing with his own black sheep, darted off full
+speed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[176]</span></p>
+
+<p>Meantime, Mr. Truscott was in his quarters at the
+other end of the row, changing from the full-dress uniform
+he wore at guard-mounting to the “undress” of
+the day. He was never known to whistle in his life,
+but he had a way of singing softly to himself as he
+dressed, sometimes as he wrote or worked, but of late
+no song had escaped his lips. To Glenham his manner
+had been more gentle and brotherly than ever, but
+there was none of the old familiar talk between them.
+Glenham spent his evenings at the colonel’s, came home
+late, and found Jack in bed and, to all appearances,
+asleep, while during the day the latter was always at
+the office.</p>
+
+<p>Very sad and pale looked Mr. Truscott as he slipped
+into his sack-coat; then the rush of hoofs burst upon
+his ear, and with a face suddenly blanched he sprang to
+the door. A sigh of relief, a fervent “Thank God!”
+escaped him as he caught sight of Ranger, unencumbered
+with either saddle or bridle, tearing out of the
+north gate, while Glenham came lumbering after.</p>
+
+<p>“That d—d young Paddy scared him off!” he
+almost sobbed to Jack as he thundered by. Quickly
+mounting his own great charger, who was pulling excitedly
+away from the orderly, Truscott soon overtook
+Glenham down on the flats below. Ranger still far
+ahead and making for the foot-hills, where the herds
+were grazed during the day.</p>
+
+<p>“He’ll go right up that broad cooley, Glenham.
+You take this one to the left. I’ll chase and drive him
+over towards you, then head him in towards the post,
+and we’ll nab him at the stables.”</p>
+
+<p>With that he was off: his fresh, magnificent horse
+<span class="pagenum">[177]</span>sweeping way out to the right <i>beyond</i> Ranger’s trail,
+and Glenham, implicitly obeying Jack’s directions,
+plunged into the mouth of the narrow valley or ravine
+before him, and still urging his steed to his best efforts,
+was soon separated by the ridge to his right from all
+sight of the chase.</p>
+
+<p>By this time Ranger, finding himself no longer
+closely pursued as he was in the garrison, condescended
+to hold up for a minute and look back on his trail.
+The horse and rider with whom he had been delightedly
+playing fast and loose for some five minutes had
+disappeared entirely, and that big black horse he had
+been so accustomed to following on battalion drill and
+the tall rider at whose voice he daily wheeled into column
+without waiting for pressure of leg or rein from
+his own little rascal of a rider,—why, <em>they</em> were riding
+<em>away</em> from him! And genuine equine surprise and
+disappointment he gazed after them. It was more than
+he could stand, and in another moment, with a piteous
+neigh, he galloped off in pursuit. This being precisely
+what Truscott expected, he slackened his pace
+and reigned slightly to the left; next he dove into a
+little ravine, and here dismounting and drawing the
+reins over his horse’s head, he calmly lay down on the
+turf, and his steed went to cropping the scant herbage.
+A minute more and Ranger, with another eager neigh,
+reached the bank, and catching sight of his comrades,
+stopped short, then gingerly trotted down close to them,
+as though to inquire what the mischief they meant by
+trying to avoid him in that unfriendly way. Then, as
+neither Truscott nor his horse took the faintest notice
+of him, he lounged up alongside his brother quadruped
+<span class="pagenum">[178]</span>and, sniffing for a moment at his nostrils, set his ears
+back and aimed a vicious little snap at his nose. With
+his back to the pair, Truscott slowly and indifferently
+arose, and, drawing in his rein, raised the black’s head
+and brought him close to his right side, quietly patting
+his head and neck. Ranger followed as before, bent
+his head to sniff again at the nostrils of the black, and
+found his forelock held in the iron grasp of the half-concealed
+biped, who had reached quietly over the
+black’s neck and nabbed him.</p>
+
+<p>Then Truscott mounted, and, firmly holding his prize
+on the off side, rode slowly back towards the garrison.
+One of Ray’s men with a lariat met him half-way in.
+Truscott knotted the rope carefully about Ranger’s neck,
+sent the man up the ravine to recall Glenham, and continued
+on his way until close in under the plateau.
+There he stopped and waited for his friend. He could
+have saved time, and a good deal of it, had he galloped
+in, leading Ranger by the lariat, but he waited. Glenham
+came bumping along presently, all gratitude and
+perspiration. Truscott handed him the rope, saying,
+“Hold him firmly, old boy.” Glenham rode up the
+hill and, amid the applause of the ladies, into the garrison
+with his prize. Truscott rode under cover of the
+hill to the rear of his quarters, and there dismounted.</p>
+
+<p>Nearly half an hour had been lost. Glenham was
+nervous and full of vexation. Grace too was a trifle
+annoyed by the half-patronizing, half-sympathetic remarks
+of the swarm of ladies, but their occasional
+criticisms of Glenham’s awkwardness aroused her sympathy
+for him, and made her unusually gentle, almost
+tender, in her manner to him. The deft hands of Mr.
+<span class="pagenum">[179]</span>Ray speedily adjusted saddle and bridle, and he obligingly
+stood at Ranger’s head while Glenham bunglingly
+assisted Grace to mount. With any skilful hand she
+could fly up like a bird. Then, without further delay,
+they turned and started up the row, Grace patting
+Ranger’s neck and endeavoring to make friends.</p>
+
+<p>But that ingenuous quadruped had not half had his
+spree out, and was ripe for more. The first thing he
+discovered was that instead of a huge bar of crooked
+iron in his mouth he was champing a slender rod of polished
+steel. No clumsy curb-strap chafed his jaw, and
+the light hand on the rein had not yet made him acquainted
+with the glittering chain that hung there,
+ready to do as good, even better, service than the strap.
+Then there was no pressure of muscular legs on both
+sides; that struck him as something utterly out of the
+usual line. Revolving these things in his mind, he
+concluded it worth while to experiment with this unknown
+rider. They were close to the end of the row,
+and here, right in front of the doctor’s quarters, next
+to Truscott’s, stood a group of six or seven officers. Six
+or seven caps were simultaneously raised, and that was
+all the excuse Ranger wanted. Stopping short, he
+strove to whirl about, but Grace’s practised hand kept
+him faced to the front. Failing in that effort, he commenced
+to back, and a sharp cut of the whip was his
+reward. Stung by the blow, he sprang into air and
+came down “stiff-legged,” but with no effect upon the
+seat or temper of his fair rider. Then he backed again,
+and received another lash. Enraged at a punishment
+he neither understood nor had ever known, he shook
+his head, backed again, and would almost have gone
+<span class="pagenum">[180]</span>upon his haunches, when suddenly a firm hand was
+laid on the rein, and Grace, flushed, vexed, and wellnigh
+defeated, looked down into the calm features of
+Mr. Truscott.</p>
+
+<p>“Pardon me, Miss Pelham,” he said. “I think I
+have just what you need here. Ranger doesn’t know
+a whip, but he <em>does</em> understand the meaning of the
+spur.”</p>
+
+<p>With that he produced from the inner pocket of his
+blouse a pair of little silver spurs. “These look like
+toys,” he continued, “and I bought them as such, but
+they are really very effective, as you will find. Stand at
+his head, orderly. Permit me, Miss Pelham.” And
+stepping to her side he raised the skirt of her riding-habit,
+quickly and deftly adjusted one spur to her
+slender boot, then hung the other on the off-side of
+her pommel. “The straps are old and weak, and may
+break, so you had better have both,” he explained, then
+was about to step back, when speech returned to her.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, <em>thank</em> you, Mr. Truscott, ever so much! Now
+I <em>know</em> I can manage him. This is very thoughtful of
+you, and I’ll return them to-night.”</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t think of it,” he answered; “you will need
+them on many a ride, and besides, I know you will win
+them.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then take my whip,” she impulsively cried, and
+tossing the slender toy with its wrist-loop of dark blue
+ribbon to him, she gathered her horse, the orderly
+stepped aside, her barbed heel drove firmly into Ranger’s
+flank, and, obedient to the sting he knew, he
+sprang forward, and in an instant bore his fearless
+rider, guided by her firm hands, through the north
+<span class="pagenum">[181]</span>gate, around the long curve of the road and down the
+slope until even hat and veil disappeared from view
+below the edge of the plateau. An instant after, Glenham
+likewise shot out of sight, his forage-cap popping
+up twice before its final occultation.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott’s face wore a very anxious look as he slowly
+returned to his quarters, closed his bedroom door behind
+him, and, stepping to the window, lingeringly
+examined the pretty toy she had thrown to him. It
+was of English make, slender and delicate, but of the
+very best material and workmanship, fit accompaniment
+to the perfect saddle and bridle his appreciative
+eye had marked as he adjusted her spur. The silver-mounted
+handle bore a simple inscription, “Grace, from
+Father.” He gazed longingly at the name, thinking,
+he could not help it, of the many times her soft, slender
+hand had closed upon it; then suddenly turning, he
+stepped to the wardrobe, paused one instant to press
+the handle to his lips, hung it by its loop way back
+in the dark recess, and abruptly hurried from the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>On the piazza stood Ray, with clouded brow, gazing
+through a binocular up the distant road. Hearing
+Truscott’s step, he turned.</p>
+
+<p>“See anything of them?” asked Truscott, shortly.</p>
+
+<p>“Not at this moment. They’re behind that belt of
+cottonwood, going like blazes. There they are now!”
+he added, suddenly. “I hope to God that Glenham
+will have sense enough to make her stick to the road.
+The horses can’t stand the pace much longer in that
+heavy sand.”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott took the glass and looked. “All right so
+<span class="pagenum">[182]</span>far,” he said, after a pause, still keeping the glass at
+his eye.</p>
+
+<p>“Truscott, what do you think of that bit?” asked
+Ray, abruptly. “She rides better than any woman I
+ever knew; but if that blackguard of a horse should
+bolt—you see I never thought of her riding him with
+anything but the cavalry curb.”</p>
+
+<p>“Nor I,” said Truscott. “The bit is all right;
+unless—you remember the trick he used to have of
+catching the branch in his teeth?”</p>
+
+<p>“By heaven! yes. And with these straight English
+curbs he could do it as easy as lying.”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott took out his watch, and with a start exclaimed,
+“I ought to have been at the office half an
+hour ago, and here comes the colonel’s orderly after
+me now. Ray, what are you going to do this morning?”</p>
+
+<p>“I was going to write up the record of that last court,
+but d—d if I can now. Going out Ranger will do
+well enough, probably. It’s when he gets his head
+turned homewards that stampedes me. If he <em>should</em>
+bolt above the bend, where the road runs along the
+creek, why, it’s as crooked as Oakes Ames, and he’d
+dash over some of those banks——”</p>
+
+<p>“Take your horse,” broke in Truscott,—“take your
+horse and go out beyond the four-mile bend anyhow.
+Yes, orderly, say to the colonel I’m coming at once.”</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes after Ray was speeding up the valley,
+and Truscott was at his desk in the office. To his
+colonel’s surprised and almost hurt “You are very late,
+Truscott,” he replied very gently, in a voice that shook
+a little, “It was almost unavoidable, colonel; I will
+<span class="pagenum">[183]</span>explain it all when we get through.” And good old
+Pelham asked nothing more.</p>
+
+<p>Now to follow Ray. As he bounded along over the
+flats, taking short-cuts wherever he could, he had time
+to think over the situation, and did not half like it.
+Ever since the night of the ball at Prescott he had
+carried with him the tassel of Grace Pelham’s fan,
+and Glenham knew it; more than that, Glenham
+had become cool and constrained in his manner towards
+him. It will be remembered that Ray had carried off
+the tassel just as he was hurrying to join his troop, and
+from that time to this he had not been back to his own
+station, Camp Cameron. During the brief campaign
+his troop had been attached to Canker’s command, and
+around the bivouac-fires at night the young officers,
+frequently talking over the ball, could not refrain from
+speaking in terms of enthusiastic admiration of Miss
+Pelham’s many attractive and lovely qualities, Ray
+being by long odds the most outspoken, while poor
+Glenham, with his heart burning with love for her,
+sat silently apart, puffing nervously at his pipe. He
+could not speak of her himself,—it was torture to him
+to hear them talk of her. It seemed like profanation
+to hear her name mentioned under such circumstances,
+though every word spoken was in genuine admiration
+and respect. Ray had been quick to notice this, and
+being a warm-hearted fellow, full of consideration for
+other people despite his recklessness as regarded himself,
+he it was who had privately suggested to his
+comrades the propriety of discontinuing the subject.
+“You can all see how wretched it makes Glenham,—poor
+devil! I know how it is myself, so let’s quit it,
+<span class="pagenum">[184]</span>fellows,” and quit it some of them did. But Crane
+and Carroll were possessed with malice and all uncharitableness,
+and Wilkins was not a gentleman, and
+this trio saw fit to disregard Ray’s request. They
+were glad of a chance to worry Glenham, and for two
+evenings after the others had agreed to avoid the
+subject in Glenham’s hearing these worthies had delightedly
+encouraged one another in keeping up sly
+allusions to the fact that as Miss Pelham and Truscott
+were all this time at Prescott together it would doubtless
+be an engagement by the time they got back. It
+was a significant fact that they selected such times as
+Ray was absent from the circle, looking after his herd
+guard, as he always did before turning in at night, to
+indulge in this luxury. Turner and Raymond were
+always early to bed, and, rolled their blankets under
+the trees, heard nothing of it. Canker did not interpose.
+Hunter and Dana were boys just out of “the
+Point,” and stood a little in awe of these older campaigners;
+but Ray ranked all the subalterns present,
+they knew and trusted him, for he had been one of
+their instructors in tactics and horsemanship at the
+Academy, and so the second night when he returned
+to the camp-fire Dana called him to one side and told
+him that Glenham had taken his blankets and gone
+off out of earshot and of the remarks of the trio on
+both nights while he was away. Ray blazed with
+wrath a moment, then he strolled unconcernedly back
+to the fire telling Dana to remain where he was, and
+in the most dulcet tones imaginable said, “Oh, Crane,
+Carroll, just come with me a moment, will you?” And
+ignoring Wilkins entirely, he led them, wondering, to
+<span class="pagenum">[185]</span>where Dana stood among the pines, out beyond the
+sleeping group of soldiers into a little open space in
+the dear moonlight, and there he turned and faced
+them.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Crane, I address my remarks particularly to
+you. Mr. Carroll has but recently joined, and has not
+learned our ways yet. You have been <em>with</em> us for
+years. You never have been, probably never <em>will</em> be,
+<em>of</em> us. It seems that despite the discovery that our
+thoughtless talk about Miss Pelham greatly distressed
+Mr. Glenham, you have not only persisted in, but have
+added to this means of annoying him. One moment.
+Mr. Crane; let me finish, and then you may have the
+floor as long as you like (there was something silvery
+sweet in Ray’s voice and manner just here). <em>Gentlemen</em>
+who detect what we detected abstain from the possibility
+of giving pain or offence that cannot be resented,
+as Mr. Glenham cannot resent this. Cads and blackguards,
+Mr. Crane,—<em>cads</em> and <em>blackguards</em> continue to
+affront and annoy so long as they think they can do so
+unmolested.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do you mean to insult me, sir?” fiercely demanded
+Lieutenant Crane.</p>
+
+<p>“Just as you please about that, Mr. Crane,” said
+Ray, with all the placidity of a parson. “Mr. Dana
+is witness to my remarks. <em>They</em> certainly can be resented,
+and you are at liberty to take any steps in the
+matter your fancy may suggest. We march at seven
+to-morrow; there will be abundant light and time beforehand.
+Mr. Dana will receive any message you may
+choose to send. And now, Mr. Carroll, let me as a
+man who would like to be your friend suggest that, as
+<span class="pagenum">[186]</span>
+you are just commencing your career in the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>, that
+you cut loose from the society of men who are apt to
+lead you into trouble; your participation in this matter
+doubtless arose from inexperience and bad example.
+Come, Dana. Good-night, gentlemen.” And with that
+he turned to go.</p>
+
+<p>Crane sulkily muttered some foul language as he
+stood glaring after Ray, and once more the latter faced
+him.</p>
+
+<p>“Puppies, Mr. Crane, snarl and snap at the heels of
+men before whom they grovel and cringe. If you have
+anything to say, say it now while we are face to face,
+otherwise be silent, or add whelp to what I have already
+called you.” And Ray stood squarely confronting his
+bulky antagonist. But Crane knew his man too well.
+He muttered something about only having been in fun,
+not meaning to hurt Glenham’s feelings, etc., to which
+Ray replied with some asperity and much <span class="nowrap">contempt,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Then let there be no more of it, unless you want
+this night’s conversation and the fact that you did not
+seek an officer’s reparation published through the regiment.”</p>
+
+<p>This put an abrupt stop to Glenham’s nightly annoyances;
+he knew not to what influence to attribute the
+change, he vaguely felt that Ray had something to do
+with it, and yet <em>that</em> hurt him, for he knew that in the
+breast of his scouting-jacket Ray carried the tassel of
+her fan, and all that he had ever won from her was
+the glove he wore next his heart. Poor boy! He was
+very miserable throughout that brief raid, and when
+the order came to make for home and, when one day’s
+march away, he received reluctant permission to gallop
+<span class="pagenum">[187]</span>ahead, it was with absolute dismay that he heard that
+the general had directed Ray’s troop to be retained at
+Camp Sandy, where Colonel Pelham wanted to gather
+as many companies as possible for battalion instruction.
+So Ray’s and “G” troop were ordered to go into
+camp on the plateau behind the men’s quarters, and
+Ray was sent ahead with him to make the necessary
+preparations. Then Colonel Pelham liked Ray immensely,
+so Glenham had always heard, and just as
+soon as Ray could resume his uniform, which he had
+left at Prescott, he appeared at the colonel’s, and had
+been a very frequent caller during the few days preceding
+this of the ride. It worried Glenham, and, boy
+that he was, made his manner to Ray very distant and
+cold.</p>
+
+<p>All this occurred to Ray as he sped up the valley.
+“I must not join them,” he thought, “and even if
+they should meet me ’twould be awkward. He would
+be ass enough to think I was watching or spying.”
+And so, perplexed and dissatisfied, Ray passed among
+the sharp turns and along the stony road-bed at Four-Mile
+Point, and after much twisting and turning, rode
+out from under the cottonwoods and willows, and there
+lay before him, winding up a gentle slope to the northwest,
+some five hundred yards of smooth and unobstructed
+road, the old road to Prescott as it lay in ’71—making
+its first rise from the valley to climb the mountain
+chain to the west.</p>
+
+<p class="b1">“All well so far, thank God!” he muttered to himself,
+and then bringing his steed down to a walk, he
+rode slowly up the slope, pondering over the next step
+to be taken. “They won’t be apt to go much higher
+<span class="pagenum">[188]</span>up the valley,” he said to himself. “She would like
+to make the most of her ride, no doubt, and gallop a
+good deal. They did gallop up along here,” he continued,
+as his practised eye marked the hoof-tracks in
+the sand; “but once over that ridge, Glenham will
+want to go slow and spoon. There is no decent ford
+to take a lady over for five miles along the Sandy
+above here. No; they’ll come back this way. Now,
+how the devil can I excuse my presence?” And thinking
+thus, some distance below the ridge Ray checked
+his horse and stopped still. Once on the crest, he
+knew that he and his horse could be seen from far up
+the valley. “I never felt so like a sneak in my life,”
+he thought. “I’ve more than half a mind to go back;
+but then Truscott—No, by Jove, I’ll stick.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowe30">
+  <a rel="nofollow" href="images/i188fp.jpg">
+    <img class="w100" src="images/i188fp.jpg" alt="">
+  </a>
+  <figcaption>
+    <p class="noindent small center" style="justify-content: center;">“‘All right, Miss Gracie! Let him come!’”</p>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p class="p1">Oh, well for many a loving heart, well for sweet
+Grace Pelham, well for them all was it that the quickest,
+surest light-horseman in Arizona stood to his post that
+day! Looking back down the slope, he marked the
+point around which the road suddenly turned out of
+sight; marked the jagged rocks over which the Sandy
+went tumbling and frothing to the willow-fringed
+shallows below; marked how the road seemed to end
+right there, to <em>lead</em> right there into the jaws of destruction.
+“D—n the man who engineered this road!”
+he says, aloud, and then, no longer irresolute as to his
+course, he turns to go on up the slope, when—God!
+what is that sound that blanches his cheek? The
+sputter of gravel, the fierce, terrible rattle and clatter
+of runaway hoofs. All in a second it flashed upon
+him just what to expect. All in a second there rushed
+into view upon the ridge a sight that froze the blood
+<span class="pagenum">[189]</span>in his veins. Ranger, his head high in air, the bit
+in his teeth, dashing blindly, madly towards him, and
+Grace—Grace, hat and veil gone, her beautiful hair
+streaming behind her, still firmly maintaining seat and
+rein, but powerless to control the wild rush of her
+steed,—horse and rider came flying down the slope,
+down towards the pitiless rocks and surges that lay but
+that short five hundred yards away. <em>Now</em>, Ray,
+Where are you? Oh, never fear for him! Pluck and
+skill and grit, coolness and nerve were never lacking
+when Ray stood by. Quick as a flash he reins his
+horse to left about. Quick as a flash the spurred heels
+strike home, and with the shout of “Go, you scoundrel!”
+ringing in his startled ears, Ray’s horse springs into a
+charge down the slope, <em>leading</em> Ranger by half a dozen
+lengths. Well over to the left of the road his rider
+guides him, looking warily ahead and noting with satisfaction
+that no boulders or heavy stones mar the track.
+Then, cool and steady, he turns in the saddle and waves
+his hand to her with cheery shout, “All right, Miss
+Gracie! Let him come! Give him his head!” She
+cannot distinguish the words, but her glorious eyes
+brighten, and she smiles bravely back. Ranger is
+gaining with every stride. The racer of the regiment,
+he is furious at being led. Again Ray urges on his
+fresher steed. No use to close in on Ranger now; he
+would simply swerve off to the right and, once on the
+turf, leave all behind him until he plunged into some
+of the pits or sloughs along the flats. A hundred yards
+more and the road dives under the steep bank which
+shuts it close to the boiling water; but then, O God!
+how short a span beyond is that terrible turn, those
+<span class="pagenum">[190]</span>frightful rocks! With every stride is Ranger gaining.
+Nearer they come to the sheltering bank. Warily
+Ray lowers his right hand behind his thigh, and with
+head half turned watches the crazy brute tearing up
+closer to his flank. Now the bank is rising on their
+right. Now Ranger’s head is close on his quarter, opposite
+his shoulder, almost opposite his horse’s head.
+<em>Now</em>, Ray! And like flash of feathered arrow the
+gauntleted hand comes down on the curb, and a grasp
+of iron is laid on Ranger’s mouth. Well he knows
+the hand. There follow a few ineffectual plunges, and
+then, with much crashing of gravel and hoof, panting,
+heaving, foaming, he is brought to a halt,—ten yards
+from the turn! Then Ray looks at Grace. She is
+trying to say something, trying to smile, but the reins
+drop from her nerveless hands, the words falter on her
+lips, the smile dies away, and, white as a sheet, she is
+reeling in her saddle. Quick, quick as ever, his right
+arm is thrown around her waist, and he lifts her from
+her seat, swings to the ground on the <i>off</i> side of his
+horse, then, as he would carry a child, he bears her to
+the bank of the stream, lays her gently at the foot of
+a tree, fills his cap with water, which he sprinkles on
+her face, then, as she starts and gives a little shuddering
+sigh, he kneels close beside her, lifts her tenderly on
+his arm till her head rests upon his shoulder, and then
+with the same old foraging head-gear he fans and at
+the same time liberally besprinkles the sweet, pale face.
+Ah! what is he calling her? What is he saying to
+her as the glorious eyes slowly open? Why do the
+heavily-fringed lids close so quickly? And that faint
+color that surges up to cheek and brow, what brings it
+<span class="pagenum">[191]</span>there? What means this picture that bursts upon the
+eyes of Glenham, who reins up beside them in an agony
+of fear? Ray looks blithely up.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s all right, Glenham. No harm done; just a
+little faint. Gallop in and bring out the ambulance,
+there’s a good fellow.”</p>
+
+<p>And, sick at heart, Glenham goes.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[192]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XII.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Meantime</span>, the colonel and Truscott remained at
+their desks in the office, the former occasionally addressing
+some question to his silent subordinate, and
+then going on in his methodical way with his letters.
+From time to time the sergeant-major or a clerk would
+enter with a fresh batch of papers, which would be
+noiselessly deposited on the adjutant’s desk, and those
+already signed were as quietly removed, and in the adjoining
+room, where the clerks were busily at work,
+made ready for the mail.</p>
+
+<p>At last, as eleven o’clock drew nigh, the colonel
+appeared to have completed his writing, and, with a
+stretch and yawn, rose and strolled over to Truscott’s
+desk.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t you think it strange we have no answer from
+the general about those scouts?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, sir,” replied Truscott, rising. “But you know
+that Sieber is still out. He may be waiting for his
+report.”</p>
+
+<p>“All he says is this,” said the colonel, hunting first
+in his coat-pockets, then among the papers on his desk,
+and picking up finally a telegraphic despatch: “‘Hold
+Fanshawe, Craig, and the Indian scouts at Sandy until
+further orders;’” and in order to read he had stepped
+to the window looking out on the parade. “Have you
+<span class="pagenum">[193]</span>any idea when Sieber will be in?” he asked. “By
+Jove! I believe the chief will come down again himself.
+Even the telegraph is too slow for him. Truscott,” he
+continued, while waiting for reply to his own question,
+“you cannot be well. I never saw you so white and
+haggard, and the circles under your eyes haunt me.
+’Pon my word, I think you need medical advice, or rest,
+or change, or something. I thought you looked ill
+enough yesterday, but this morning it’s worse.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is nothing serious, colonel. I’ve been sitting up
+late and smoking too much, I fancy. There was a vast
+deal to be done when we got back, and I could not let
+the work go.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is why we see so little of you at the house, I
+suppose,” said Pelham. “You must try and come in
+often. Jack—I—well—I never knew how to speak to
+you about it, but that wild boy of mine has recently
+written me something of what you have been to him.
+He hasn’t told me all, he says, but he has told me
+enough to make me very grateful, as his mother would
+be too if she knew the influence for good you have over
+him; but he shrinks from letting her know anything
+of his scrapes, or Grace either. I don’t know how to
+thank you, old fellow, but—let us see more of you. I
+want you to know Grace.”</p>
+
+<p>He had put his hand affectionately on Truscott’s
+shoulder, and now, though his eyes were filled with
+tears, the old soldier looked straight into Truscott’s,
+and for a second the two clasped hands, but the adjutant
+said not a word. Then they strolled out on the
+piazza together.</p>
+
+<p>“Did you see Grace and Glenham start this morning?”
+<span class="pagenum">[194]</span>asked the colonel. “I had to hurry over here
+to answer those telegrams, and missed it. Hollo!
+here come Mrs. Tanner and Rosalie,” he went on.
+“Morning, Mrs. Tanner,” he called out, cheerily, as
+the stanch Concord wagon span along past them, and
+the smiling faces of its occupants nodded cordial
+response to the salutations of the officers. “Been
+taking Rosalie a drive down the valley, I suppose,”
+he said. “Truscott, I never knew that little woman
+until Tanner’s troop came here last summer, and, do
+you know? I think she’s one of the most perfect
+ladies I ever met. And yet my wife, and Grace, too,
+by Jupiter, are perfectly dumb when I speak of her
+to them. What’s the reason, hey?”</p>
+
+<p>But Truscott did not hear; was not listening. With
+cheek growing whiter every instant, his eyes were fixed
+upon the figure of a soldier running towards them,—the
+stable sergeant of Tanner’s troop. An awful
+dread had seized upon him. He sprang forward to
+meet the man.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it, sergeant? Quick!”</p>
+
+<p>“Ranger, sir. He’s just come in all foam, and——”</p>
+
+<p>“What, Jack! What is it?” gasped the colonel,
+with ashen face and storing eyes.</p>
+
+<p>“Get into Mrs. Tanner’s ambulance and go right up
+the valley, sir. Take her with you. Ranger is in
+without Grace!”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, my God!” cried poor old Pelham, as, bewildered
+and horror-stricken, he ran with Truscott
+towards Tanner’s quarters. There Jack almost lifted
+him into the wagon, and quickly told Mrs. Tanner
+what was wanted. Crack went the whip, and at a
+<span class="pagenum">[195]</span>dead run they darted through the north gate, leaving
+poor little Rosalie crying with fright and astonishment
+upon the piazza. As they tore down the hill, Truscott,
+seated beside the driver, rose and almost <span class="nowrap">hurrahed,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Cheer up, colonel. We’ll find her all right. Here’s
+Ray’s horse too, and he’s got her.”</p>
+
+<p>On they went, the driver lashing his mules into a
+gallop as they whirled along the sandy flats. Once or
+twice a groan escaped the colonel’s lips, and Mrs.
+Tanner gently <span class="nowrap">spoke,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“I’m sure you will find her safe. Mr. Ray was
+there in time, or his horse would not be here now.”</p>
+
+<p>Two miles out, and——“Here comes Glenham!”
+exclaimed Truscott.</p>
+
+<p>“Where is Grace? Is she hurt?” almost screamed
+the colonel, thrusting head and half his body through
+the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>“No, sir. All safe—at Four-Mile——”</p>
+
+<p>“<em>Go</em> on, driver!” shouted the colonel, never caring
+to hear the rest of Glenham’s report. Away went the
+ambulance, and poor Arthur, breathless, unnerved by
+excitement, terror, and misery, turned his panting horse
+about to follow in their tracks, and then, drooping his
+head upon the brawny neck before him, covering his
+face with his hands, he burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p>A short drive took the party in the ambulance to the
+Point, much to the astonishment and very much to the
+disgust of Mr. Ray, whose determination to make hay
+while the sun shone was thus summarily broken in upon.
+He had calculated that at least an hour would elapse
+before any vehicle could reach them from the post, and
+here it was barely thirty minutes. Pelham sprang out
+<span class="pagenum">[196]</span>and seized his daughter in his arms, kissing her repeatedly
+before he spoke at all. Then he turned to
+Ray, and grasped his hand.</p>
+
+<p>“I have heard no particulars. Glenham said she
+was unhurt, but somehow I feel that we owe it to you.”</p>
+
+<p>“You ought to have seen it, father,” said Grace;
+“it was the most skilful catch of a runaway horse that
+ever I heard of. Ranger had the bit in his teeth and
+was simply uncontrollable; and when we came tearing
+down this hill, and I saw those rocks ahead—well, you
+can hardly imagine how glad I was to hear Mr. Ray’s
+voice.”</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, Truscott had assisted Mrs. Tanner to
+alight, and the gentle little lady came forward with
+him to congratulate Miss Pelham on her escape. Grace
+looked embarrassed the instant she caught sight of the
+pair, but thanked them with great civility for their
+prompt appearance. Then the colonel insisted upon
+her driving home with them at once. The wagon was
+reversed, and the entire party took seats therein except
+Glenham, who had meantime arrived, and remained in
+the saddle a silent and miserable spectator of the scene.
+His woe-begone aspect caught Grace’s eye, and she
+leaned forward holding out her hand. “<em>Please</em> don’t
+worry about it, Mr. Glenham,” she said, in her gentle
+voice. “<em>Please</em> don’t worry. It was all my own fault;
+you know I insisted on trying that gallop against your
+advice.” And the young fellow’s face brightened as
+he eagerly clasped the extended hand. Then they
+parted; the “Concord” driving back to the post, and
+Glenham riding up the road in search of the vanished
+chimney-pot.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[197]</span></p>
+
+<p>That evening Mr. Ray dined at the colonel’s. On
+every account it ought to have been to him a most enjoyable
+occasion; but long before coffee was served the
+young gentleman wished that he were dining, as indeed
+he often had dined, on hard-tack, cheese, and herring,
+with bottled beer <i lang="la">ad libitum</i>, down at the sutler’s store.
+To begin with, Grace was very pale and silent. She
+strove to entertain him at first, and to appear bright
+and cheerful, but despite her efforts he plainly saw that
+something had gone very much amiss. Her beautiful
+eyes gave unmistakable tokens of recent and excessive
+weeping, and her sweet, low voice was tremulous in the
+last degree. In pity and sympathy he turned to the
+colonel, and addressed his conversation exclusively to
+him. It was the colonel who, with great effusiveness,
+had burst into his tent about one o’clock in the afternoon
+and seized him by both hands. “Ray, my dear
+boy, in my anxiety to get Grace into the house and
+with her mother I did not half thank you for the inestimable
+service you rendered me. By heaven! I believe
+that we owe her life to you,” he had exclaimed,
+and then after a chat of half an hour had made Ray
+promise to come to dinner and gone off homeward. But
+dinner at the colonel’s did not take place until after
+evening parade, and meantime all sorts of things had
+happened; and when dinner-time came Grace was well-nigh
+prostrated, the colonel was wretched, and madame,
+the lady of the house, appeared only as dinner was
+announced, took her seat with an air of melodramatic
+grandeur, and not only failed to say one word of thanks
+to Ray for the rescue of the morning, but absolutely
+treated him with haughty displeasure. Not one civil
+<span class="pagenum">[198]</span>word did she speak during the hour he spent in the
+house; and to be brief, she had started in about two
+o’clock, when the colonel came home saying he had invited
+Ray to dinner, and spent the afternoon in making
+her husband and daughter utterly miserable. How she
+accomplished this will be detailed presently. Ray, as
+has been said, addressed his conversation to the colonel,
+and with all the tact at his command strove to hide his
+own discomfiture. The colonel, for his part, made fitful
+efforts to appear jolly and hospitable. To this end he
+kept the wine in constant play, and to Grace’s consternation
+it soon became evident that the unusual indulgence
+was telling upon him with startling effect. He
+talked incessantly, he made frequent repetitions, his
+face flushed, and his tongue grew thick; and finally,
+with a glare of wrath and defiance at his wife, he
+brought his clinched fist down on the table with a
+thump that made the glasses ring, and exclaimed,
+“Ray, you saved my daughter’s life, my dear boy, and
+you shall be welcome to my house and my table whenever
+you choose to come, no matter who dares to interfere.”
+Whereupon her ladyship rose and left the table,
+Grace following, but stopping to bend and press her
+pure lips upon her father’s heated brow; then giving
+her hand to Ray, she begged him to excuse her going
+to her room, saying that after all she found she was a
+trifle shaken by the morning’s adventure; but her eyes
+plainly said “Please go,” and go he did ten minutes
+after, declaring he heard first call for tattoo, with tattoo
+still an hour away. Then the colonel took a nap on
+the sofa, and Mrs. Pelham sent a messenger to say that
+she would like to see Mr. Glenham.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[199]</span></p>
+
+<p>No wonder Grace was looking pale and exhausted
+that evening. With her buoyant health and her years
+of experience in the saddle, there was nothing in the
+runaway of the morning to cause any especial distress
+as an after-effect; and so to reassure her mother she had
+laughed off the affair, changed her dress, and appeared
+at luncheon as though nothing had happened. She had
+recounted the entire adventure to her ladyship in all its
+essential particulars, but notwithstanding a rigorous
+cross-examination she had found it possible to make no
+mention of Mr. Ray’s emotional method of restoring
+her to consciousness. Madame had sharply watched
+her as she told how the last thing she remembered was
+his lifting her from the saddle, and the vivid blush that
+rose to her temples had excited the maternal curiosity,
+if not suspicion, and had filled her with vague alarm.
+Still, all might have gone well had not Mr. Glenham
+appeared about noon bringing the riding-hat and veil.
+Mrs. Pelham welcomed him eagerly, led him into the
+parlor, and, noting his pallor and distress, had made
+him swallow a glass of wine. Then she relentlessly
+assailed him with questions, found him hopeless and
+dejected, and strove to encourage him, but he broke
+forth <span class="nowrap">impulsively,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“It is no use, Mrs. Pelham. I have no luck. Everything
+is against me. I might have some chance were
+it not for Ray, but every moment only adds to his advantage.
+She has liked him from the very first; and
+to-day—to-day—she <em>must</em> care for him, for when I
+reached them she was in his arms and—and he kissing
+her.” And poor Glenham covered his face with his
+hands and groaned.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[200]</span></p>
+
+<p>Lady Pelham was horrified. What! Grace—her
+Grace falling in love with that penniless, dissolute
+young reprobate Ray! It was monstrous; it was unbearable.
+It <em>should</em> not be. She made Glenham promise
+to obey her instructions implicitly, and finally dismissed
+him with the assurance that Ray should be
+sent to the right-about, and that Grace should be
+brought to her senses forthwith. Then she started
+for Grace’s room; but the ladies began to flock in to
+inquire after the young lady, and not until after
+luncheon did she get her innings.</p>
+
+<p>Of that interview the less said the better. Grace
+was accused of everything that was indelicate, immodest,
+unladylike. A disgraceful flirtation with a
+man who was utterly beneath her—accepting his
+caresses—and for aught she knew returning them—<em>lying</em>
+in his arms. Shameful! shameful! And all the
+time leading Glenham on and encouraging him, and
+Truscott, too. It was bad enough with him at Prescott;
+but this—oh, what <em>would</em> her poor father say if
+he knew it?</p>
+
+<p>Great heaven! why attempt to describe it? Is there
+on earth, can there be in Gehenna, anything to equal
+in bitterness, in rank injustice, in stinging, scourging,
+scalding venom, the ruthless tongue of an infuriated
+and disappointed woman? In vain Grace implored
+and protested; in vain she declared that it was only in
+her swoon that he had held her; in vain she denied all
+knowledge of his kiss. Her mother stormed on until
+in her agony Grace rushed from the room just as her
+father entered the house, and threw herself, in a passion
+of tears, into his arms. Sobbing and breathless, she
+<span class="pagenum">[201]</span>strove to tell her story, but could not, though he led
+her into the parlor, and taking her on his knee, holding
+her close to his breast, as he had done so many a
+time in her childhood, he strove to soothe and calm
+her. Her ladyship followed and took the floor, reiterating
+her accusations, for, thoroughly enraged, she
+cared not what she said. For a moment he listened in
+dumb amaze. Then, with his arm still holding his
+daughter close to his heart, he sprang to his feet and
+stood confronting her.</p>
+
+<p>“Stop it, I say! Stop it at once! I will not listen
+to such outrageous talk,” he sternly spoke, while his
+face grew white and his firm mouth set like a rigid line
+under the crisp gray moustache.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, better hear it from me, Colonel Pelham, than
+as the scandal of the garrison, as you <em>will</em> hear it,”
+she answered.</p>
+
+<p>“<em>Who</em> dared tell you such a thing? I don’t believe
+a word of it. You are crazy, Dolly. Think what
+you are saying, and restrain yourself. Grace, darling,
+I know it is all a lie. Don’t sob so, girlie; <em>don’t</em> sob
+so,” he pleaded, as his lips were pressed upon her
+forehead and his trembling hand caressed her shining
+hair.</p>
+
+<p>She raised her face to his, striving to smile through
+her tears, striving to control herself.</p>
+
+<p>“I had fainted, papa. I—I know that he lifted
+me in his arms, but—oh!—nothing else, except—except
+some foolish words he spoke.”</p>
+
+<p>“How did you know this? <em>Who</em> is your authority
+for <em>your</em> statement?” he said, angrily, turning towards
+his wife, who was pacing the floor like a tragedy queen.
+<span class="pagenum">[202]</span>She stopped and glared at them as she almost hissed
+her reply.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Glenham, the gentleman she has been trifling
+with, saw it all. He is my authority. Perhaps you
+will doubt me now, Colonel Pelham.”</p>
+
+<p>“Glenham be d——d!” shouted the colonel, now
+fairly beside himself with wrath. “The idea of his
+coming whining here to you with such a miserable
+complaint! If that’s the sort of man you want your
+daughter to marry, you can understand right here that
+I won’t stand it. As for Mr. Ray, by Gad! Mrs. Pelham,
+he has my respect and sympathy. <em>Yes</em>, ma’am,
+my respect and sympathy. I don’t see how he could
+help kissing her; I—I’d have done it myself in his
+place; and she’s no more to blame than you are, nor
+half as much, by Gad!” Evidently the colonel was
+getting madder and madder, and waxing illogical and
+incoherent. Madame saw it and recognized her advantage.
+Oh, woman, woman! you might have spared
+him, you might have spared her, the bitter blow you
+had in reserve, but in your relentless wrath nothing
+short of torture could suffice.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Ray comes here to dinner to-day, Mrs. Pelham,
+and you will see that he is properly received and
+entertained. He saved our Gracie’s life, God bless
+him! And you—you’ve no more gratitude than a cat,”
+continued our irate and injudicious colonel. “And as
+for this infernal story of your friend, Mr. Glenham, I
+mean to sift it for myself. I had some regard for him
+before. <em>Now</em> it’s my belief he’s a mere milksop.”</p>
+
+<p>Seeing her father’s increasing rage, poor Grace had
+checked her tears and was striving in vain to restrain
+<span class="pagenum">[203]</span>him. He still stood with his left arm closely enfolding
+her, his right arm free and gesticulating violently. It
+was upraised as he closed with his denunciation of
+Glenham, and he stood there with flushed and angry
+features frowning at his wife.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant there was silence. Then came her
+answer. Every word sharp as the crack of a whip,
+remorseless, relentless.</p>
+
+<p>“Invite your gamblers and libertines if you will,
+Colonel Pelham, but spare your abuse of an honest
+and generous gentleman. <em>Possibly</em> you may feel some
+regret for your intemperate language when I tell you
+that but for Mr. Glenham your own flesh and blood
+would now have been involved in ruin and disgrace,
+that but for his magnanimity your son would have
+been driven to suicide.”</p>
+
+<p>Slowly the color faded from Pelham’s face, slowly
+he unwound his arm from his daughter’s waist and
+leaned uneasily forward, slowly the angry light faded
+from his eyes, and little by little a wistful, bewildered
+gaze took its place. He attempted to speak,
+but choked in the effort. At last the words came.
+“What do you mean?” he whispered. “I don’t understand.”</p>
+
+<p>“Simply this,” she answered, coldly: “Ralph has
+been speculating: he obtained in some way five hundred
+dollars which he felt sure of being able to replace
+in three days; lost it all and was ruined. He had only
+one hope—Mr. Glenham, and Mr. Glenham instantly
+telegraphed him the money from Prescott.”</p>
+
+<p>“How do you know this?” gasped the colonel.
+“Has Mr. Glenham told you this, too?” he asked,
+<span class="pagenum">[204]</span>unjust in his misery, as many and many a man has been,
+warm-hearted as he was.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Glenham is too much of a gentleman to
+mention such a thing. There, sir, is your son’s letter
+to me.” And she tossed him a rumpled sheet. He
+took it from the table mechanically, seated himself
+on the lounge, and began to read. Without a word
+Mrs. Pelham strode from the room and ascended the
+stairs. Grace stood a moment like one in a trance, then
+wearily turning, slowly, dreamily sought her own
+room. Colonel Pelham remained motionless on the
+lounge, and Maggie, the housemaid, putting things to
+rights in the dining-room, knocked off work and went
+in next door to tell Bridget, the cook, of the high jinks
+at the commanding officer’s that afternoon.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[205]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XIII.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Pending</span> the arrival of Mr. Glenham, for whom
+her ladyship had sent her messenger, she took a seat
+upon the piazza. The evening air was chilly, and she
+wrapped her mantle closely around her and fell to
+thinking over the events of the day. It cannot be said
+that she felt either elation or happiness over the result
+of her efforts. Now that her paroxysm of rage had
+vanished she began to realize that she had been horribly
+unjust to Grace, and yet had anybody suggested that
+she had been brutally unjust it would have fired her
+with sufficient self-righteous fervor to have nerved her
+to repeat with emphasis every word she had uttered.
+Then there was her husband. She had humbled him
+in the way of all others she well knew would hurt him
+the most. She had goaded him into saying harsh and
+unjust things about one of his officers, and then cracked
+over his head the terrific whip of his great and hitherto
+unknown obligation to that gentleman. She had inflicted
+upon him in Grace’s presence the deep humiliation
+of hearing that his favorite son had again been
+resorting to questionable means of raising money for
+stock-gambling, and having lost, had appealed to officers
+of his regiment for assistance and got it. She had
+absolutely insinuated, as though to throw brine upon
+the quivering flesh she had galled, that Ralph had
+<span class="pagenum">[206]</span>confessed to her that he had tampered with funds that he
+had no authority to use, which was untrue and unpardonable
+in a mother, but rage was in her heart when
+she did it, and she thought of nothing but how surest
+to wound. She had humbled him in the dust, and
+what had she gained? Now that it was all over she
+sat there brooding over the affair. The colonel was
+sleeping heavily upon the lounge in the parlor; Grace,
+who had gone to her room immediately after dinner,
+had stolen down-stairs and arranged the pillow more
+comfortably under his head, and then, after fanning
+him a while, had seated herself in a low chair, and with
+her face buried in her hands was trying to think calmly
+over all that had happened. The lamp burned low on
+the parlor table, and Mrs. Pelham looking through the
+slats of the blind could see her as she sat in this attitude
+of utter dejection. The mother’s heart for a
+moment struggled within her and urged her to go and
+take her to her bosom and beg her pardon for the
+hideous language she had used that day, but no. It
+was no time for weakness, she argued. By all means,
+by <em>any</em> means, she must be made to marry Glenham,
+and then, said her ladyship, once rich, independent,
+with a husband who adores her, she will be happy, and
+will thank me for my unswerving course. Yes, the
+end will justify the means. She must fret and worry
+now a while. Truscott is no longer to be dreaded.
+Thanks to his devotion, or the story of his devotion to
+Mrs. Tanner, <em>he</em> is disposed of, and Ray will be as easily
+settled. She cannot have learned to care for him so
+suddenly. And so ran her ladyship’s reflections, and
+so she found excuses for her unnatural conduct.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[207]</span></p>
+
+<p>Ralph’s letter had by no means justified the tragic
+manner and language of her announcement. It was a
+simple, warm-hearted, boyish confession to his mother
+that he had lost five hundred dollars in speculation,
+that the money for the margins had been raised unknown
+to his father, and that he would have been
+swamped but for Glenham. “I wrote to Truscott of
+my trouble, in accordance with a promise I had made
+him, and instantly Glenham sent me the money. Now
+I have quit it for good and all, and I want you to know
+it,” was pretty much what he had written. All the
+rest of her sensational account was purely an invention
+of her own. She hated to think that Truscott was in
+any way mixed up in the matter; but there is no need
+of Grace’s knowing that, she argued. She must understand
+that it is all Mr. Glenham’s doing. But where
+was Glenham all this time? She had sent for him long
+since, and he had not come, nor had the orderly returned.
+What did it mean? The night was dark and
+chill, occasional gusts of wind whirled through the line
+of deserted piazzas. Officers’ row outside was desolate.
+Every one was in-doors. Nobody seemed to be calling
+on anybody. She had dreaded that some of the ladies
+would be over to make further inquiries, but none had
+come. In fact, her ladyship’s unpopularity had begun
+to be recognized as established by this time, for she had
+snubbed pretty much every woman in the garrison, and
+none of them cared to call upon her unless some new
+story about somebody or other was floated upon the
+tide of garrison talk, and thereby rendered a chat with
+her ladyship endurable. Very lonely she felt as she
+sat there looking out on the dark parade and listening
+<span class="pagenum">[208]</span>for the clank of the orderly’s sabre as he returned from
+his quest. Over at the adjutant’s office the lights were
+burning brilliantly as ever, and there she knew Truscott
+to be at work. Half an hour passed, and at last a
+form came stalking up before her through the darkness,—the
+orderly, but no Glenham.</p>
+
+<p>“Could you not find Mr. Glenham?” she asked.</p>
+
+<p>“No, ma’am. The loot’nint isn’t in his quarters,
+nor down at the store, nor over at the company. I’ve
+looked everywhere, ma’am, except among the officers’
+quarters.”</p>
+
+<p>She pondered a moment. It was hardly possible
+that he would be calling anywhere this evening of all
+others. A sudden thought struck her.</p>
+
+<p>“Have you been to Mr. Ray’s camp?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes’m, an’ he ain’t there. Mr. Ray, he’s down at
+the store playin’——” and the orderly finished his sentence
+with a conscience-stricken gulp, it suddenly occurring
+to him that possibly poker was not to be mentioned
+to so exalted a lady as the colonel’s wife, but madame
+had no scruples in the matter. Here was a possibility
+of confirmatory evidence at Mr. Ray’s expense.</p>
+
+<p>“What was he playing, orderly?”</p>
+
+<p>“Cards, ma’am.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes. Cards, of course; but what game?”</p>
+
+<p>“They plays it with chips, ma’am,” said the orderly,
+vainly struggling to repair the damage of his unlucky
+admission.</p>
+
+<p>“You mean poker, of course,” persisted madame.
+“Who else was in the game?”</p>
+
+<p>“Faith, ma’am, I didn’t notice. I was lookin’ for
+Mr. Glenham,” stammered the soldier, wishing to
+<span class="pagenum">[209]</span>heaven he were out of her clutches; and she, finding
+it useless to question further, dismissed him and returned
+to her reflections.</p>
+
+<p>Then soft and clear there rose from near the flag-staff
+the trumpet signal for “first call;” and, as the
+mellow notes were repeated, the doors of the men’s
+quarters across the parade were opened, and, with jest
+and laughter and merry talk, the troopers came
+sauntering out. Here and there lights flitted to and
+fro,—the lanterns of the first sergeants. Then the
+trumpeters of the entire command, having united,
+began their march around the garrison, sounding their
+stirring quicksteps. Door after door along officers’
+row opened and gave exit to some muffled figure, and
+the lanterns of the company officers danced away
+across the dark parade. Then her own door opened
+and closed with a slam, and her husband stood beside
+her. He glanced curiously at her one instant, and,
+without a word, strolled off to the other end of the
+piazza; he who rarely met her without some kindly
+greeting, and she knew well how deeply she had
+wounded him; then the assembly rang out upon the
+still air, and the “here,” “here,” of the men could be
+distinctly heard, and the gruff voices of the sergeants
+calling their rolls; then the lanterns all seemed to be
+converging towards a solitary light that stood under
+the flag-staff, each halting short some few paces from
+it, and such communications as “Company ‘B,’ present,
+or accounted for,” “Company ‘F,’ Private Mulligan
+absent,” came floating along the chill night air;
+then all the lanterns scattered, and soon were out of
+sight; all save one,—the stationary light in the centre
+<span class="pagenum">[210]</span>of the parade; and presently Truscott’s deep voice
+was heard calling for the first sergeant of some company,
+and then the colonel sharply <span class="nowrap">turned,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Orderly, my compliments to the adjutant, and say
+I wish to see him.”</p>
+
+<p>Another moment and the tall form of Mr. Truscott
+appeared, lantern bearing, and the colonel <span class="nowrap">spoke,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“What troop was that failed to report?”</p>
+
+<p>“‘K,’ sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“‘K!’ Captain Canker’s! Whose duty was it to
+receive the report of the roll-call?”</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Glenham’s, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why, where on earth is Glenham? I never knew
+him to miss roll-call before.”</p>
+
+<p>“Nor I, colonel. It is possible he has slept through
+over home. He was looking very worn and tired at
+dinner.”</p>
+
+<p>“Beg pardon, sir,” broke in the orderly; “I’ve been
+everywhere for the loot’nint this evening, and I don’t
+believe he’s in garrison.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where else could he be? There’s no earthly place
+to go to,” said Pelham, impatiently. “See if you can
+find him, Truscott,—not that I want to see him to-night,—and
+then—come back, will you? I want to see you.”</p>
+
+<p>“And should you find Mr. Glenham, be so kind as
+to say that Mrs. Pelham would like to speak with him
+a few minutes,” said madame, placidly, and Truscott
+walked rapidly away towards the northern end of the
+row.</p>
+
+<p>Sitting in the parlor, Grace had heard most of the
+conversation. Her heart was full of pity for Glenham
+before the events of this day, and the suffering in his
+<span class="pagenum">[211]</span>young face had touched her deeply when she saw him
+at noon. Now, now it seemed that he had rescued
+Ralph, the brother whom she dearly loved, from a fate
+that was bitter as death. How could she thank him?
+Where was he? What did this strange absence mean?</p>
+
+<p>Distressed and anxious, she stepped out on the piazza
+and joined her father, who was standing in moody
+silence where Truscott had left him. She slipped her
+hand within his arm, saying not a word, and rested her
+soft cheek upon his shoulder. The colonel sighed
+deeply as he patted the little hand, and then touched
+her brow with his lips. Neither spoke, but in deep,
+sweet sympathy father and daughter understood and
+comforted one another.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, Truscott had reached his quarters. The
+lamps were burning dimly, and a brief inspection
+showed him that Glenham was not in the house, but
+his cavalry overcoat and his favorite pipe were gone
+too, and, taking his lantern, the adjutant quickly stepped
+out on the back gallery, and in a moment more had
+gained the edge of the bluff north of the post. Here,
+a short pistol range from the gate, there had been built
+in the bank a stout timber framework, on which was
+hung a huge wooden water-wheel, turned by the flow
+from the <i lang="es">acequia</i> on the plateau. The wheel worked
+a force-pump, by means of which a small supply of
+water was driven through wooden pipes along the back
+of officers’ row. The plash of the water fell with a
+musical sound upon Truscott’s ear as he approached the
+little waste weir above the wheel. He walked quickly
+and unhesitatingly towards it.</p>
+
+<p>“Poor fellow,” he said to himself, “he has dreaded
+<span class="pagenum">[212]</span>meeting any of the ‘crowd’ to-night, and has stolen
+out here somewhere to dodge them.”</p>
+
+<p>Searching along the bank, he came to a pathway
+leading down to the well below the wheel, and, cautiously
+descending it, he suddenly heard his name
+called; a sleepy voice <span class="nowrap">inquiring,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“That you, Jack? What’s up?”</p>
+
+<p>“Time you were up, youngster,” was the half-laughing
+answer. “What do you mean by gipsying out
+here all night?”</p>
+
+<p>“I suppose I must have been asleep,” replied Glenham;
+“though God knows I didn’t expect to sleep this
+night,” he added, in a tone of such deep dejection that,
+as he rose, Truscott stretched forth a kindly hand and
+aided him up the slope.</p>
+
+<p>“Never mind, old fellow, none of the gang will be
+around to bother you. Come into the house and spruce
+up a bit. Mrs. Pelham wants to see you, and the chief
+wants to see me. We’ll go down together.”</p>
+
+<p>And so the watchers on the colonel’s piazza were
+soon rewarded by the sight of the adjutant and his
+comrade rapidly approaching, the faithful lantern still
+swinging in Truscott’s hand. Pelham greeted the
+younger officer with an attempt at jocularity that well
+nigh choked him. Then <span class="nowrap">saying,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“I believe Mrs. Pelham wants to have a word with
+you,” he turned to Truscott. “Come in, Jack,” he
+said, and led the way into the parlor, whither Grace
+had already fled. She rose as they entered, intending
+to leave the room, but her father called to her not to
+go, and Truscott, stepping forward, held out his hand,
+<span class="nowrap">saying,—</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[213]</span></p>
+
+<p>“It is the first opportunity I have had, Miss Pelham.
+I heartily congratulate you on your escape
+this morning. I think I ought to say on your own
+pluck and good riding.”</p>
+
+<p>“Pluck and good riding would not have saved me,
+Mr. Truscott, if Mr. Ray had not been there.”</p>
+
+<p>“Possibly not. Ray’s skill is proverbial, but pluck
+and good riding kept you in your seat when many a
+woman would have been hurled out and dragged.”</p>
+
+<p>“See here, Truscott,” broke in the colonel, “suppose
+you ride with Grace to-morrow. You can spare the
+time now, can you not? and I’ll feel safe when she is
+with you.”</p>
+
+<p>Despite his efforts at self-control the blood rushed to
+the very roots of his hair. Truscott had marked all
+too keenly Grace’s constraint and coldness towards him
+since their arrival at Sandy, and Mrs. Pelham’s rudeness
+was the talk of the garrison. Grace, too, had colored
+at her father’s abrupt request, but said no word
+of remonstrance. So Truscott quickly <span class="nowrap">spoke,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“I shall be most happy, Miss Pelham, if you will
+honor me as the colonel suggests;” and Grace could not
+but accept. “To-morrow morning, then,” he added,
+and with that he turned to his colonel as she passed on
+into the adjoining room.</p>
+
+<p>Then the old soldier grasped his hand, and in a voice
+that trembled in spite of his efforts at self-control, the
+colonel impetuously broke <span class="nowrap">forth,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Jack, what is this about Ralph? I want to know
+everything. He writes to his mother that he has lost
+money in speculating, and that through you he has borrowed
+five hundred dollars from Glenham; and he
+<span class="pagenum">[214]</span>intimates that but for this timely aid he would have been
+ruined. Where—how did he raise the money in the
+first place?”</p>
+
+<p>Again the flash of embarrassment rose to Truscott’s
+temples. He hesitated before speaking, but presently
+the words came, calmly, resolutely.</p>
+
+<p>“Just where he got it I do not know, but this I do
+know, that in no way has he employed the funds of his
+firm; in no way has he violated his trust. He borrowed
+the money from some broker, giving his note at
+thirty days,—some broker who knew him and felt sure
+of his money. He has been led into this speculation
+by overconfident friends in San Francisco, and he and
+they have been swallowed by larger and shrewder
+operators. It is an expensive experience, colonel, but
+a valuable one. He wrote me fully and frankly, and
+I feel confident that the case stands as I tell it to
+you.”</p>
+
+<p>“God bless you, Jack! God bless you for the lifting
+of this load from my heart. I—I feared it was far
+worse. His mother said—well, she misunderstood him,
+or his letter, or somehow she got it wrong. She thought
+he might have been tempted and—you know, Jack—embezzled
+the money. It upset her and made her
+nervous, I suppose, for she broke it to us in rather
+a rough way. God bless you again, Jack! you’ve
+been a good friend to my boy.” And now the tears
+were streaming down old Pelham’s rugged face, and he
+stepped hurriedly to the door leading to the dining-room.</p>
+
+<p>“Grace, daughter, come here. I want you to hear
+what Truscott says; it isn’t as your mother put it, thank
+<span class="pagenum">[215]</span>God! it isn’t that at all.” And leading her in, he sank
+upon the sofa and buried his face in his great bandanna,
+almost sobbing in his relief and joy.</p>
+
+<p>Looking down into the sweet, pale features, Truscott
+repeated to Grace, in his grave, gentle way, just what
+he had told her father, and as he finished, and the eager,
+anxious, wistful gaze fled from her face, giving place to
+radiant joy, she stood one second looking up into his
+eyes; then, with an uncontrollable impulse, she threw
+forward both her little hands, seizing his with a clasp
+that sent the blood thrilling through his veins, her
+glorious eyes welled with tears, and she exclaimed, “Oh,
+no wonder father says ‘God bless you!’ Mr. Truscott.
+I say it. I pray it again and again. God bless you!
+God bless you!” And upon this most touching and
+delightful of domestic pictures who should there be
+gazing in dismay and astonishment but Lady Pelham
+herself? Yes, there she stood at the parlor-door, well-nigh
+petrified with amazement. Not one of the three
+observed her. All were too much occupied in their
+own affairs to think of her an instant. Listening, she
+heard Truscott reply. Oh, could any woman mistake
+the meaning of that intonation, the infinite tenderness,
+the tremulous, almost caressing sweetness of his deep
+voice?</p>
+
+<p>“I have done nothing to deserve such thanks, Miss
+Grace; though there is nothing I would not do.
+Don’t fear for Ralph. You shall have his own
+letters—yes, this very night if you like, and see for
+yourself how undeserving he is of such suspicion.”</p>
+
+<p>And then, of course, her ladyship swept forward.
+“If <em>you</em> have any letters of my son’s bearing upon
+<span class="pagenum">[216]</span>this matter, Mr. Truscott, <em>I</em> desire to see them, and
+to-morrow morning will be time enough. Grace has
+had quite enough agitation for one day and needs repose.
+Colonel Pelham, with your permission I will
+say good-night. Come, Grace.”</p>
+
+<p>But Grace did not come with the alacrity expected
+of her. Hardly noticing her mother, she stepped to
+the colonel’s side as he sat mopping his face in his
+handkerchief, bent over him, twining her arms around
+his neck and kissing him tenderly. Then she rose,
+and standing before Truscott, again held out her hand,
+and smiling brightly up in his face, <span class="nowrap">exclaimed,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“I wish I knew how to thank you, Mr. Truscott,
+but now I can only say good-night.”</p>
+
+<p>Only say good-night! But what went with it?
+Oh, Grace, Grace! were you after all immodest, unladylike?
+If not, how can you account for, how can
+you defend, the fact that you did, honestly and actually,
+not exactly squeeze, but press, Jack Truscott’s hand?
+To this day he has never forgotten it.</p>
+
+<p>That Mrs. Pelham was all ready by this time to
+inflict another tirade of abuse upon her daughter is not
+to be doubted by any reasonable being who had once
+become well acquainted with that energetic matron.
+Having marshalled Grace out of the room, she likewise
+made her exit, closing the door behind her, and
+the stairs were presently heard creaking under her
+weight. Grace had fluttered up like a bird, and rushing
+to her room had closed her door with some
+emphasis, quite as much as to say that she was in no
+mood for further lectures. But her indomitable parent
+followed relentlessly in her footsteps, and entered the
+<span class="pagenum">[217]</span>sanctuary with no ceremony whatever. Another moment,
+and her voice became audible in the parlor
+below. Truscott bade his colonel good-night, and that
+veteran went up the stairs two at a time and precipitated
+himself upon his better-half in the midst of an
+imposing sentence.</p>
+
+<p>“Dolly! We’ve had too much of this sort of thing
+to-day. Not one word now. I mean it. Come at
+once to your own room and leave Grace in peace.”</p>
+
+<p>Rare indeed were the occasions when he ventured
+thus to assert himself before her. But when he did
+she had the deep sagacity to obey. One experience at
+revolt years before had resulted so disastrously that
+never again did she attempt it, and so now with a
+glance full of meaning at her daughter, and a heart
+full of passion and bitterness, she rose in silence and
+left the room.</p>
+
+<p>Jack Truscott walked home with a wild elation in his
+heart, with pulses still bounding from the pressure of
+that slender white hand. He heard Glenham moving
+about in his own room, but somehow he could not bear
+to see Glenham just then. Lighting his pipe, and
+throwing his cavalry circular around him, he took a
+seat out in the darkness of the piazza, and strove
+calmly to think it all over. Until this night she
+had plainly shown a desire to keep him at a distance,
+and he, too proud to question, had accordingly avoided
+her. He could understand the maternal antipathy,
+but not that of Grace. To-night, all of a sudden, all
+was changed, and sweeter, more attractive than ever,
+she had shown herself to him in her true light.
+Striving to fathom it all, he became absorbed in
+<span class="pagenum">[218]</span>thought, and failed to hear Glenham’s footsteps as the
+latter approached him; he started as a hand was laid
+on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>“Jack, I want to talk to you; I want your advice.”
+It was Glenham, pipe in mouth and camp-chair in
+hand, who had accosted him. He shook himself together,
+and with an effort bade his young comrade pull
+up his chair and fire away.</p>
+
+<p>“It isn’t such a long story, Jack; I sha’n’t bore you
+a great while. You know Mrs. Pelham sent for me
+to-night, and we had a talk about—Miss Pelham.”
+And already poor Arthur began to stumble and hesitate.
+“You <em>must</em> know all about it, Jack; how—how
+I’ve loved her ever since we met at the Point during
+my first class camp two years ago. It has got to be
+something mighty—mighty serious with me, and I’m
+afraid you’ve thought me unfriendly and forgetful of
+you of late; but it isn’t that, Jack; I’m too miserable
+and unhappy to want to see anybody but—but her, and
+that only makes me worse. Everything is going wrong;
+I thought I had reason to hope; I was led to hope,
+Jack, but—it was all a mistake I reckon, and luck is
+dead against me here.”</p>
+
+<p>He stopped and looked appealingly towards the
+dimly-outlined figure in the neighboring chair. There
+was a moment’s pause, and then Truscott’s pipe was
+removed from his lips and he slowly spoke:</p>
+
+<p>“Glenham, I have known it, of course,—that is,
+something of it. Do you mean now that you <em>want</em> me
+to know the whole story?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I do, Truscott, for I need your advice.”</p>
+
+<p>There was another pause, and then came the question:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[219]</span></p>
+
+<p>“You say you were led to hope. Had you spoken of
+the matter to her before?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, two years ago, at West Point.”</p>
+
+<p>“And she led you to hope then?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, not at all; she was gentle and kind, but—but
+she was nothing more.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then how were you led to hope?”</p>
+
+<p>“Mrs. Pelham, Jack, she talked to me two or three
+times, and told me that it was only because Grace was
+too young then, that it would all come right. That’s
+why I applied for the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>, and was content to come in
+at the foot of the list. I’m no horseman; I’m only fit
+for the infantry, and ought to have gone in it.”</p>
+
+<p>“And since you have been here and at Prescott together,
+has there been nothing more favorable?”</p>
+
+<p>“I thought so, and Mrs. Pelham declares it is so,
+but after this wretched morning—well, ever since Ray
+got here I’ve thought otherwise.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do you mean that you look upon Ray as a rival?”</p>
+
+<p>“How can I help it, Jack? He carries the tassel
+of her fan in his vest-pocket. He was devoted to her
+every chance he got at Prescott, so he has been here,
+and this morning—this morning he saved her life, and
+you know it, and when I reached them—my God! he
+had her in his arms, and—oh, I can’t tell you about it!
+She never moved even when I came.”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott winced as though a sharp knife had suddenly
+pierced him, and his voice was lower, deeper,
+than ever as he <span class="nowrap">asked,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Do you think she cares for Ray?”</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know. I can only judge by what I saw.
+Why, Truscott, I—I saw him kiss her, and she—well,
+<span class="pagenum">[220]</span>if she fancied him before, this morning’s work has
+finished it. She owes her life to him.”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott sat a while in silence, then rose and slowly
+paced up and down the piazza. Presently Glenham
+joined him, and the two walked side by side.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know what to make of Mrs. Pelham, Truscott,”
+said he. “She sent to reassure me, she said, and
+told me that while Grace might be grateful to Ray for
+rescuing her as he did, she would be far more touched
+by the infinite service I had done her brother. I asked
+her what she meant, and she replied that Ralph had
+confided to her that I had supplied him with a large
+sum of money to relieve him from great and pressing
+embarrassment. I swore I’d never done anything of
+the kind; and when she found I was in earnest, she
+asked me to forget that she had mentioned it, and to
+say nothing about it to any one; but she is so mysterious
+that I don’t like it. What is she up to, do you
+think? My brain is addled to-night.”</p>
+
+<p>“Hard to say,” replied Truscott, briefly. “Tell me
+this, Glenham, has she, Miss Pelham, ever alluded to
+her brother to you?”</p>
+
+<p>“Never. She never does talk to me except on utterly
+matter-of-fact affairs. That’s what grits me so. I know
+I’m far from being her equal mentally, but I’m not
+utterly a blockhead.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then as I understand you, Glenham, you think
+that but for Ray’s interference you could hope for
+success?”</p>
+
+<p>“Her mother says so, Jack, and I—I try to think
+so, but I can’t get over the feeling that she—that she—well—almost
+pities me. She has so much character,
+<span class="pagenum">[221]</span>intellect, I suppose they call it, and I——” And here
+poor Glenham stopped short with almost a sob, and
+leaned drearily against one of the wooden pillars of
+the piazza. Truscott, too, ceased his promenade and
+stood beside him, puffing somewhat nervously at his
+meerschaum.</p>
+
+<p>Then Glenham spoke again. “Jack, you have always
+been my best friend here, and I have learned to lean
+upon you. I want your advice. Do you think I have
+any chance with her?”</p>
+
+<p>For a moment there was no reply; then it came,
+slowly, almost sadly.</p>
+
+<p>“You have wealth and position, Glenham. You
+have the best wishes of her parents. She herself cannot
+but respect you and your honest love for her. I
+should say that the chances were in your favor; but,
+you said ‘advice.’ Do you mean it? Do you want to
+know just what I think of this affair?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes,” said Glenham, huskily.</p>
+
+<p>“Then, in all candor, Arthur, I say to you, it is my
+belief that the man who marries a woman who either
+is, or who fancies she is, his mental superior, makes the
+fatal blunder of his life.”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[222]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XIV.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">That</span> Mrs. Pelham should fail to put in an appearance
+at the breakfast-table on the morning succeeding
+her tirade at the expense of Mr. Ray was a circumstance
+neither to be unexpected nor greatly deplored.
+It had frequently happened of late that the colonel
+and his daughter had been the only partakers of
+that meal, as we Americans are perforce condemned
+to designate those household gatherings whereat, be it
+breakfast or dinner, tea, supper, or luncheon, we
+thankfully consume our daily bread. I hate the word,
+yet what have we as a suitable equivalent? Repast
+is stilted, refection monastic, and refreshment applies
+equally to a bath or a “cocktail.” Meal it must be
+in all its Anglo-Saxon ugliness until some gifted
+word-builder come to our rescue and evolve a term less
+objectionable.</p>
+
+<p>The morning had dawned bright and beautiful, and
+Grace, whose sleep had been broken and troubled, rose
+with the sun, and busied herself noiselessly with a
+neglected diary and an equally neglected correspondence
+until the trumpets sounding first call for guard-mounting
+warned her that it was time to make her father’s
+coffee. First, however, she tapped at her mother’s door,
+and receiving no answer, softly opened it and peered
+in. Whether asleep or awake her ladyship gave no
+<span class="pagenum">[223]</span>indication, so Grace stole on tiptoe to the bedside.
+Her mother’s eyes were closed, and to Grace’s gentle
+inquiry as to how she had passed the night, and
+whether she would breakfast there, no reply was vouchsafed,
+so the girl quietly turned and left her. Breakfast
+over, she and her father had betaken themselves to
+the piazza and watched the guard as it passed in review.
+Then as the colonel walked over to his office to
+receive the report of the officer of the day, Mr. Truscott,
+in utter disregard of his established custom, came
+striding towards her. Ladies on the other galleries
+were as quick to notice it as Grace herself, and several
+pairs of inquisitive eyes followed his movements as he
+stopped before her and, raising his helmet in salutation,
+stood, with one foot resting upon the lower step,
+looking up into her face.</p>
+
+<p>Oddly enough, her first impulse on seeing him approach
+was to retire within-doors and await his coming
+in the parlor. Glancing along the line, she could see
+that the unusual circumstance of the adjutant’s going to
+greet her instead of direct to his own quarters had
+attracted wide attention. Her cheek flushed, and her
+eyes looked all the brighter in consequence; perhaps,
+too, she bit her scarlet lip in the effort to quiet the
+strange and tremulous emotion with which she marked
+this, the first overt act on his part since her arrival at
+Camp Sandy that savored of “attention” to her. Little
+as it might have been among the other officers, it meant
+something where Truscott was concerned. The instant
+he had returned sabre after passing the officer of the
+day, and before the guard had wheeled to left into line,
+he faced about and went to the spot where she stood,
+<span class="pagenum">[224]</span>and now here he was looking steadfastly up into her
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>“Are you sure you feel entirely equal to another ride
+this morning, Miss Pelham?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“I am; and I shall not rest until I have subdued
+that scamp of a horse.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then, if the hour suit you, we will start at ten
+o’clock,” he said, smiling at the determination of her
+manner. “I see you are eager to try conclusions with
+Ranger again, and there is nothing to prevent my
+starting early, provided I go at once to the office.”
+And with that, suddenly as he came, he left her. She
+could hardly realize that he had been there at all.
+Turning to enter the house, she saw that Mrs. Tanner
+had stepped out upon her piazza, and Mrs. Tanner’s
+eyes were fixed upon the retiring form of Mr. Truscott,
+who, without backward glance, was walking
+rapidly towards headquarters.</p>
+
+<p>Only the day before, despite the vague distrust inspired
+by her mother’s innuendoes, Grace had been won
+to the gentle-mannered little lady by the interest and
+attention she had shown her after the runaway. She
+wanted to greet her with a cordial “good-morning,”
+but for a moment Mrs. Tanner absolutely did not seem
+to be aware of her presence, and once more the feeling
+of aversion struggled for the mastery. Grace seized
+the knob of the door and turned it sharply, even then
+looking back at her neighbor, and just as she did so
+Mrs. Tanner caught sight of her; a bright smile of
+recognition flashed over her face, and with a gesture of
+invitation she stepped blithely forward as though to
+speak. Grace Pelham simply bowed calmly, yes, coldly
+<span class="pagenum">[225]</span>and entered the house; and Mrs. Raymond, two doors
+farther north, saw the whole thing, and went over at
+once to ask Mrs. Turner what she thought of it.</p>
+
+<p>It was a “troop drill” morning, and at nine o’clock
+all the officers except the staff and the officer of the day
+were summoned to their commands. For two years
+previous drills of any kind had been the exception
+rather than the rule in the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>, for the entire regiment
+had been occupied incessantly in mountain and desert
+scouting. Now, however, Colonel Pelham had succeeded
+in assembling six of his companies at headquarters,
+and had inaugurated a system of instruction
+which promised well for the discipline and <i lang="fr">morale</i> of
+the command. By half-past nine the flats to the north
+of the garrison were alive with blue-bloused troopers
+and gay with fluttering guidons, while the trumpets,
+softened by distance, floated their stirring skirmish-calls
+back to the spectators on the upper end of the
+parade; and here it was that most of the ladies had
+gathered to watch the lively evolutions up the valley.</p>
+
+<p>Followed by his orderly the colonel himself had
+ridden past the group on his way to superintend the
+drills, and to note with practised and critical eye the
+work of his officers and men. And so it happened
+that when ten o’clock came and Mr. Truscott with the
+horses arrived at the Pelhams’ door, not a lady in the
+garrison took note of the fact. Grace promptly appeared,
+was swung up into saddle before she realized
+that her foot was in his hand, and in another instant
+found herself riding at a quiet walk down the slope
+to the south, out of sight of the denizens of officers’
+row.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[226]</span></p>
+
+<p>Beyond a quiet commendation of her punctuality
+and a request that she should “ride him on the snaffle,”
+for a few moments Mr. Truscott had not spoken. He
+was narrowly watching Ranger’s eye and the tapering,
+sensitive ears, which kept tilting back and forth
+in response to the varying emotions of that unrepentant
+quadruped. As for Grace, she sat as gracefully
+erect, as jauntily unconcerned to all appearance, as
+though the runaway of the day before were a matter
+of no earthly consequence; but her hand, light and
+low, felt warily the champing mouth, and the curb-rein
+lay within the pressure of her fingers, where a
+mere inch of a turn of the wrist would bring it into
+play. She noted that Truscott rode well forward, close
+to Ranger’s head, noted the steady gaze of his dark
+eye, and a feeling of security stole over her. Ranger
+might curvet as he pleased, no movement could be too
+sudden for that vigilant watch or for that ready hand.
+Another moment and side by side the horses plunged
+breast-deep into the rapid waters of the Sandy, forded
+the stream, and disappeared among the willows on the
+eastern bank.</p>
+
+<p>It must have been somewhere about eleven o’clock
+when Lady Pelham descended to the dining-room in
+quest of toast and tea. These not being entirely to
+her liking, she fussily wandered through her parlor
+for a few moments, tossing over the books and magazines
+as was her wont when mentally disturbed, and
+finally betaking herself to the piazza. Recall had
+sounded, and the troops were returning from drill.
+Some little distance up the row she saw her husband,
+seated on his horse, conversing with one or two officers.
+<span class="pagenum">[227]</span>She had not met him since the previous evening, and
+she was not eager to meet him now. That he was
+greatly incensed at her violent conduct of yesterday
+she felt morally certain; and whether she had bettered
+her cause, as she regarded Glenham’s suit, she felt by
+no means assured. Presently the colonel came riding
+towards her, and she prepared herself to greet him as
+she thought might be most soothing to his ruffled feelings;
+but to her amaze and wrath he actually pulled
+up his horse the instant he caught sight of her, and
+then, with a most flagrant counterfeit of interest and
+cordiality,—so she deemed it,—he dismounted at Mrs.
+Tanner’s door-step, and, bidding the orderly take his
+horse to the stable, entered into a lively conversation
+with that lady, who, with Rosalie, was awaiting the
+return of the captain from drill. Angry again, and
+in good earnest, her ladyship marched within-doors
+and spent half an hour in the preparation of a lecture
+to be delivered on her lord’s return. Then it occurred
+to her that she had not seen Grace since breakfast-time,
+when that dutiful daughter was tiptoeing out
+of the maternal bedroom. Inquiry of the housemaid
+resulted in the information that Miss Grace had gone
+riding.</p>
+
+<p>“With whom?” asked Mrs. Pelham, shortly.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott, mum,” was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant her ladyship stood transfixed. Then
+she abruptly left the room, mounted the stairs, took
+from her desk a letter she had received only a few days
+before, read it carefully over, thrust it in her pocket,
+and returned to the piazza. Colonel Pelham was still
+talking blithely to Mrs. Tanner, and the captain, holding
+<span class="pagenum">[228]</span>Rosalie on his knee, was toying with the child’s
+pretty hair. It made a cheery picture, that group at the
+neighboring quarters, and Mrs. Tanner, catching sight
+of her lonely ladyship, forgiving the slights and coldnesses
+she had received at her hands, rose, and, coming
+to the end of the gallery, invited the elder lady to come
+and join them, but retired in unmistakable mortification
+at the very discourteous manner in which her invitation
+was received. Pelham himself colored with indignation
+and speedily rose, bade them good-morning, and
+with a fixed determination to bring his wife to a realizing
+sense of the outrageous nature of her conduct,
+accosted her briefly with, “I have something to say to
+you, Dolly; come into the house,” and led the way into
+the parlor. There he turned and faced her, and was
+surprised to note how preternaturally calm and complacent
+she looked.</p>
+
+<p>“Sit down,” he said, and without a word she obeyed.
+“I had grave reason to want to see you earlier this
+morning. Now I have still graver reason to claim
+your attention to what I have to say. Are you at
+leisure? Have you time now to listen to me?” he
+continued, striving to speak gently and quietly.</p>
+
+<p>“I am entirely at your service, Colonel Pelham,”
+was the stately reply.</p>
+
+<p>“Very well, then,” and as he spoke he paced slowly
+up and down the floor. “Yesterday you saw fit to behave
+with infinite discourtesy and rudeness to Mr. Ray,
+my guest, at dinner,—a gentleman whom I have every
+reason to regard highly personally, and an officer of
+whom the regiment is proud. Yesterday morning”—and
+here his voice began to tremble—“he saved your
+<span class="pagenum">[229]</span>daughter’s life. Last evening you actually insulted
+him at our table. The reasons you gave were frivolous,
+if not absolute falsifications. I trust that a night
+of reflection has taught you the propriety of your making
+amends to him as well as to Grace in the near future.”
+He paused and looked at her. She was seated placidly
+in the easy-chair, her hard eyes fixed on a tiny statuette
+on the mantel. She never looked more imperturbable
+in her life, and he could not understand it. The mere
+fact that he should have been allowed to address a few
+score of words of reproof to her uninterrupted was in
+itself so unusual as to be absolutely disconcerting. She
+answered not a word. So he went on again: “Ten
+minutes ago, in my presence, you rudely, very rudely
+rejected a courteous invitation from Mrs. Tanner. I
+have seen other instances of your discourtesy to her,
+but nothing so glaring as this, and now I have called
+you here to listen to my opinion of your conduct——”</p>
+
+<p>“One moment, Colonel Pelham,” she calmly spoke.</p>
+
+<p>“Hey?” he stammered, at the placidity of
+her tone and manner.</p>
+
+<p>“One moment, I say. Let me suggest that before
+you proceed to wither me by your remarks upon my
+so-called rudeness to Mrs.—to the person you have
+mentioned, it might be as well to be sure of your
+ground. You propose calling me to account because I
+repel, have repelled, and shall repel” (now she began to
+warm up to her work) “every attempt of that woman
+to seek my society. Be sure of your ground, colonel.
+Do—you—<em>know</em> Mrs. Tanner, do you think?” And
+with uplifted eyebrows and insinuating accents her
+ladyship looked into his flushed and astonished face.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[230]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Know her? Of course I do! There isn’t a more
+thorough lady in the regiment. What devil’s nonsense
+is this you are driving at? What do you mean to—to—hint
+or say? Speak out. I hate these feminine
+slurs. Who has dared malign her to you? or what do
+you dare say against her?”</p>
+
+<p>“<em>Dare!</em> Colonel Pelham. <em>Dare!</em> I warn you to
+guard your temper. I pass over what you said regarding
+my manner to Mr. Ray. <em>That</em> need not be touched
+upon now, but it is high time you were made aware of
+the character of the woman you desire to force upon
+my acquaintance and your innocent daughter’s. More
+than that, if you cannot see the desperate recklessness
+of allowing such men as Ray and Truscott to monopolize
+your child’s society and to go riding alone with her
+through the seclusion of this out-of-the-way neighborhood,
+I can and do, and as her mother I protest against
+it. You hate feminine slurs, you say; then beware
+lest the slurs of the whole garrison follow Grace, innocent
+as she is, as they have followed Mrs. Tanner,
+innocent as she is not!”</p>
+
+<p>“Stop right there,” said Pelham. “Before you go
+one point further give me your authority for your
+insinuations against Mrs. Tanner, that I may judge
+whether it be even worth my while to hear a specific
+statement.” And his voice was harsh and strained, his
+eye troubled.</p>
+
+<p>“Your past experience <em>ought</em> to have told you that
+I never made an allegation I could not substantiate,”
+said madame, majestically (“It hasn’t, by a—gulp—good
+deal,” said the colonel, <i lang="it">sotto voce</i>), “but you pay
+no attention to my warnings. I tell you no idle gossip.
+<span class="pagenum">[231]</span>Ask any lady in the garrison, any lady in the regiment,
+ay, any lady in Arizona, how Mrs. Tanner stands, and
+you will then begin to believe me. My ‘authority’ is
+legion, Colonel Pelham.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then of what do you accuse her?” he demanded,
+wheeling sharply about and again confronting her.</p>
+
+<p>“Of shameful or shameless (as you please) conduct
+with an officer in this regiment during her husband’s
+absence in the field.”</p>
+
+<p>“Trash and nonsense! I don’t believe a word of
+it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ask any lady in the garrison.”</p>
+
+<p>“I wouldn’t believe one of them against her. The
+whole thing is some vile concoction of jealous and malignant
+women, who envy her the respect in which she
+is held. By the eternal! Mrs. Pelham, you will do
+well to keep out of such infernal garrison scandal as
+this! You <em>would</em> do well to——”</p>
+
+<p>“Copy after her, I suppose you mean to say! Copy
+after <em>her</em>, colonel! Now listen——”</p>
+
+<p>But listen he would not. The crunching of hoofs
+was heard on the gravelly road in front, and through
+the blinds he had caught sight of Grace and Truscott
+on their return. He stepped eagerly to the door, but
+even before he could reach the piazza the adjutant had
+thrown his reins to the orderly and lightly swung her
+from the saddle. A soft flush was mantling her fair
+cheek, and the brilliant eyes seemed bathed in a dewy
+light as she glanced up from under the fringing lashes
+to thank her escort. Even as he came forth to greet
+them the colonel could not but note how radiant was
+her beauty, and how earnest, how grave and reverent
+<span class="pagenum">[232]</span>was Truscott’s manner as he bent low over the shyly
+tendered hand.</p>
+
+<p>“It has been such a lovely ride, Mr. Truscott,” she
+said, “and I’m sure Ranger could not have gone better.”</p>
+
+<p>“It has been a lovely ride to me, Miss Pelham,” he
+replied; “and I hope for others yet to come, may I
+not?” he asked, and as he asked he—he could not have
+been thinking as he stood gazing down into her face—retained
+in his the slender hand he had taken, and for
+an instant it did not seem to her at all an unusual
+thing; then she suddenly but gently withdrew it, and
+her color deepened as she <span class="nowrap">answered,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Yes, indeed; I will ride with you gladly.”</p>
+
+<p>And Mrs. Pelham, noting every look and word, set
+her teeth and muttered, “Not one more if <em>I</em> know it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Come to lunch, Truscott,” called the colonel; “we
+never see you nowadays. Come, man.”</p>
+
+<p>And Truscott looked first towards her, a quick,
+flitting glance, but though she spoke no word, he
+thought he could read a second invitation in the sweet
+eyes that for one instant met his own.</p>
+
+<p>“I will come, colonel, with pleasure,” he answered.
+“Let me sign those papers on my desk, and I will be
+here in fifteen minutes.”</p>
+
+<p>Then Colonel Pelham re-entered the parlor. Grace
+darted up-stairs to change her dress, and Lady Pelham
+turned sharply from the window to meet her lord.</p>
+
+<p>“You have asked Mr. Truscott here to lunch?” she
+inquired.</p>
+
+<p>“Certainly I have,” said he, stung by the indescribable
+tone of her query.</p>
+
+<p>“You consider Mr. Truscott a suitable escort for
+<span class="pagenum">[233]</span>your daughter, and a fit person to invite to your table,
+I suppose?”</p>
+
+<p>“Suppose!” he broke forth, flashing with indignation
+and annoyance. “Suppose! Look here, Dolly,
+this is becoming insupportable. Last night it was
+Ray. To-day, Truscott, my adjutant, the best officer
+and most thorough gentleman in the regiment. What
+has got into you? You of all others ought to welcome
+him. You know he has been the means of saving
+Ralph. You——”</p>
+
+<p>“I know nothing of the kind. We owe everything
+to Mr. Glenham where Ralph is concerned, though Mr.
+Truscott would, doubtless, like to arrogate all that to
+himself. What I <em>do</em> know is this, that your paragon
+of an adjutant is the man to whom Mrs. Tanner owes
+her fall——”</p>
+
+<p>She stopped suddenly, trembling at her own audacity,
+at the force and outrage of the blow she had struck, and
+at the horror and amaze in his face. For an instant
+she longed to unsay, at least to qualify her words,
+to avert from herself the consequences she felt sure
+would result from the vile exaggeration of which she
+had been guilty. The expression in his face frightened
+her. At first he glared with anger; then, little by
+little, the color died away. Incredulity, pity, contempt,
+one after another, shone in the steady eyes which never
+left her face. At last, with a shrug of his shoulders,
+a “pa-a-h!” of utter disgust, he turned coldly and
+deliberately away. At the door he paused.</p>
+
+<p>“I <em>thought</em> the whole thing was a lie before. <em>Now</em>
+I know it.”</p>
+
+<p>She fairly rushed towards him. “You shall <em>not</em> go
+<span class="pagenum">[234]</span>until you have heard all. You must hear it now.
+You say”—seizing his arm—“you would believe no
+lady in this garrison. The time was when you used to
+hold Mrs. Treadwell up to me as the model of all an
+army wife should be. Perhaps you would ignore her
+opinion?”</p>
+
+<p>“Mrs. Treadwell would never be mixed up in any
+such disgraceful business as the circulation of such a
+story,” he answered, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>“But it <em>was</em> Mrs. Treadwell,” she panted. “She
+herself who saw—who discovered the whole thing.
+She who warned the others that what they suspected
+was—was true.”</p>
+
+<p>“You have been told this, perhaps,” he said, weary
+of the matter and of her, striving to pull away from
+her grasp; “but these women’s yarns are too malicious,
+too utterly base and baseless to be listened to. I don’t
+believe Mrs. Treadwell ever said such a thing.”</p>
+
+<p>“You wouldn’t believe it, I suppose, if she herself
+were to write and tell you.”</p>
+
+<p>“She never would write such a thing.”</p>
+
+<p>“<em>Wouldn’t</em> she, Colonel Pelham? Read that.” And
+her ladyship forced into his hand the letter she had
+secreted in her pocket. Barely glancing at the superscription,
+he thrust it aside.</p>
+
+<p>“I will not read it. It is—well, it <em>may</em> be hers, of
+course, but I do not desire to see it.”</p>
+
+<p>“See or hear it you must. You accuse and believe
+me guilty of slander and malice. I tell you that the
+proof of my words is here. Be just, Colonel Pelham.
+I have some rights in this matter.”</p>
+
+<p>Wearily his head bent forward on his breast, and his
+<span class="pagenum">[235]</span>hands clinched in the paroxysm of disgust that had
+seized him.</p>
+
+<p>“Read, if you must,” he said, finally; “I will hear
+what she has to say.” And read she did, slowly, emphatically,
+what follows.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="right" style="margin-right: 3.0em;">
+  “<span class="smcap">Fort Hays, Kansas</span>, December 7, 18—.
+</p>
+
+<p>“Your letter of the 23d ult. reached me yesterday,
+my dear Mrs. Pelham, and I am greatly distressed at
+its contents. You give me to understand that recent
+events have revived a story that I had hoped was long
+since forgotten, and you indicate that for your daughter’s
+sake it is necessary that you should know just
+what I know or saw. It is inexpressibly painful to
+me to have to write upon such a subject, and that I do
+so at all is due, first, to your urgent appeal on Grace’s
+account; second, to the fact that I believe you have
+heard a most exaggerated statement of what took place
+at Fort Phœnix. Under these circumstances I yield
+to your request.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott arrived suddenly at Phœnix. Captain
+Tanner’s quarters adjoined ours, and for a month
+or more Mrs. Tanner and I had been on terms of intimacy.
+I felt for her a warm and constantly-growing
+friendship, even admiration, and had been in the daily
+habit of running in to see her at any hour, never thinking
+of knocking at the door. Hearing of Mr. Truscott’s
+arrival and knowing how warm a regard she and
+her husband entertained for him, I dropped my work
+and hurried in to tell her, as I supposed, of his presence.
+The front door was open, the parlor-door partially
+so, and, as I entered hastily, I could not but see
+<span class="pagenum">[236]</span>what I did. Mrs. Tanner was sobbing in his arms as
+he stood facing the door, her back was towards me, and
+she was looking up into his face, he down into hers.
+Neither of them observed me, and I withdrew at once.</p>
+
+<p>“Two weeks afterwards, to my infinite regret, I, in
+strict confidence, told what I had seen to a lady now
+no longer with the regiment. She had heard some very
+cruel rumors, and—well, I cannot justify my action at
+all. I told her, and, beyond all doubt, the story has
+reached you in hideously expanded form. Beyond this
+I know nothing, and I beg that you will do all in your
+power to suppress any mention of even this that I have
+told you.</p>
+
+<p>“It is hard to believe, but you compel me to believe
+that what took place at Phœnix was but the preface to
+the recent events you allude to. With all my heart I
+hope that all may be satisfactorily explained. She
+was my ideal of a true woman, and Colonel Treadwell
+thought <em>him</em> a perfect gentleman and soldier.</p>
+
+<p>“I have no heart to write of ordinary news or gossip.
+You will, of course, welcome the order relieving you
+from duty in Arizona and bringing you all East. Give
+much love to Grace, and tell her how I wish I could
+see her now. We have heard so much about her from
+Mr. Sprague and Mr. Walker of last year’s class. You
+do not mention Mr. Glenham, and they did.</p>
+
+<p>
+  <span style="margin-left: 10.0em;">“Very sincerely yours,</span><br>
+  <span style="margin-left: 12.0em;">“<span class="smcap">E. G. Treadwell</span>.”</span>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>During the reading of this letter Colonel Pelham
+had stood motionless. Little by little the lines upon
+his brow grew deeper, and his mouth set firm and
+<span class="pagenum">[237]</span>rigid. An ashy gray replaced the flush on face and
+forehead. He passed his hand wonderingly once or
+twice across his eyes, and at last stretched it forth.</p>
+
+<p>“Let me see that one moment,” he said; and, taking
+it, he glanced over the pages, scrutinized the signature,
+and then, with an irrepressible shudder, handed it
+back.</p>
+
+<p>She stood in silence before him. Well she knew that
+now it was no time to speak. The blow had struck
+home. She watched him as again he passed his hand
+along his forehead in that dazed, almost helpless manner,
+and at last in a voice hoarse and strange he spoke:</p>
+
+<p>“Say no word of this to any one. I—I shall think
+it all over. There is—there must be some mistake,
+some explanation. Do you mean,” he asked, with sudden
+vehemence, “that they assert worse than this of
+her—of him?”</p>
+
+<p>“They do,” was her answer. And without a word
+he turned and left the house. Going to the side-windows,
+she followed him with her eyes. With bent head
+and slow, uncertain steps he walked a few yards towards
+his office, whither the adjutant had gone, but, as though
+suddenly recollecting himself, he turned abruptly and
+went to the bluff-side east of the post. There she lost
+sight of him, and with vague uneasiness she left the
+parlor and sought her room. Presently Grace’s voice,
+blithe, low, and happy, was heard. The sweet words
+of a favorite song came floating back through the hallway,
+and her light footsteps went dancing down the
+stairs and into the empty parlor. “More like herself
+than she has been for days,” thought the mother, as she
+listened to the thrill and gladness that rose in every
+<span class="pagenum">[238]</span>mellow note. Were her efforts, then, all in vain? Had
+she been too unwary in her guard? Had she allowed
+her, after all, to become interested in this man, and that,
+too, when fortune, position, independence, luxury, lay
+at her feet? Bathing her hot face in lavender-water,
+her ladyship stood in deep anxiety, even distress, before
+her mirror. She had seen nothing of Glenham that
+morning; he had not even come to inquire after Grace.
+What could that mean? Then how had it happened,
+too, that, despite all her warnings, Grace had gone
+riding with Truscott? She could not control her annoyance.
+Down she went into the parlor to investigate.
+It was the first meeting of mother and daughter that
+day, for Grace still believed that her mother had been
+asleep when she entered her room before breakfast.
+The girl had by no means forgotten her ladyship’s conduct
+of the previous day, and her kiss of greeting,
+though dutiful, was not warm and loving as of yore.
+Her song, too, ceased the instant she heard the stairs
+creaking under the maternal weight.</p>
+
+<p>“You look unusually well, Grace,” madame deigned
+to say. “I was not aware that you proposed riding
+again to-day, much less that you would ride with Mr.
+Truscott.”</p>
+
+<p>“I went to your room to tell you, mother, but you
+were asleep. As for riding with Mr. Truscott, that
+was father’s doing, and I have to thank him for a very
+pleasant morning.”</p>
+
+<p>Something in the calm glance of her daughter’s fearless
+eyes awed yet provoked her ladyship. Had it come
+to this, that Grace, always so docile, dutiful, and yielding
+before, was now asserting independence of the
+<span class="pagenum">[239]</span>mother’s counsel or control? It stung her all the
+more, doubled her resentment to realize that her own
+conduct had been such as to warrant, even to dictate,
+the withdrawal of much of the trust and deference
+that was a mother’s due. She struggled a moment with
+the feeling of pride and love evoked by her daughter’s
+radiant beauty as she stood before her. But the thought
+of all that was at stake nerved her to other efforts.</p>
+
+<p>“Have you forgotten, then, the warnings you have
+received as to Mr. Truscott?”</p>
+
+<p>“I have forgotten nothing, mother. I simply cannot
+and do not believe what you have heard; and I
+cannot help liking a man who has been so true a friend
+to Ralph.”</p>
+
+<p>“What do you know, pray, of his relations to
+Ralph?”</p>
+
+<p>“Nothing but what Ralph’s letters have told me, of
+course, and what he himself admitted to-day——”</p>
+
+<p>“<em>What</em> did he admit? How did you come to speak
+of such a thing?” asked Mrs. Pelham, alarmed and
+angry.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not remember what he said, mother. I do
+not know that he admitted anything. I was talking
+of Ralph and of Ralph’s last letter to me, and—and
+you know how gratefully he wrote of Mr. Truscott.
+How could I help telling him how glad I was that
+Ralph had found so good a friend? Ralph said he
+owed everything to Mr. Truscott. And—well, he
+really did not say anything except to protest that he
+was only too glad to be of any service to father’s boy,
+but that really he had done nothing deserving of any
+thanks.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[240]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Then he <em>had</em> the conscience to admit that! Why
+could he not have gone further and told you what
+he perfectly well knew,—<em>who</em> it was to whom all
+our thanks were due, our unspeakable gratitude, in
+fact?”</p>
+
+<p>Grace opened her eyes in wonderment, but before
+she could reply the tramping of feet was heard on the
+piazza, and the hall-door burst open.</p>
+
+<p>“Come right in, Truscott,” she heard her father say;
+and the colonel, holding an open telegraphic despatch
+in his hand, hastily entered, followed by the adjutant.
+The latter bowed silently to the ladies, the former
+threw himself into a chair, and, with perplexity and
+some little trace of excitement on his face, read through
+the closely-written page. Then he looked up.</p>
+
+<p>“Two troops to start at once, Truscott. Can we get
+scouts down from the reservation by sunset?”</p>
+
+<p>“An orderly can go at once, sir. Shall I send the
+order?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes; we want twenty of their best.” And Mr.
+Truscott disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it, colonel?” demanded Mrs. Pelham.
+“What is wrong? Another outbreak?”</p>
+
+<p>“The general directs me to send out a command to
+hunt up the Apaches in the Tonto basin,” he replied
+shortly, “and he may be down here himself.”</p>
+
+<p>“Who will have to go?” she asked, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>“Who? Oh, I don’t know. It goes according to
+roster. Truscott keeps that,” he answered, rising and
+pacing up and down the floor. “I’m sorry, too,” he
+said, more to himself than to her. “I’m sorry, for
+now or never is the time to nab this band of
+<span class="pagenum">[241]</span>Eskiminzin’s, and—I’d like to select the officer to command.
+Some men have no idea of handling Indians.”</p>
+
+<p>“Who are the best for such duty?” persisted madame.</p>
+
+<p>“They’re all good, Dolly; they’re all good so far
+as zeal and that sort of thing goes,” he answered,
+impatiently, “only Tanner or Raymond or some of
+the youngsters like Ray and Stryker, seem to have
+better luck—or something. I wish this were Tanner’s
+detail.”</p>
+
+<p>“So does Mr. Truscott, no doubt,” was the dry rejoinder.
+And looking sharply, angrily at her, the
+colonel stopped short in his walk, and was about to
+speak, when the sight of Grace’s troubled face restrained
+him. Another moment, and Truscott knocked
+and re-entered.</p>
+
+<p>“Whose companies are first for detail?” asked Pelham,
+the instant he appeared.</p>
+
+<p>“Tanner’s and Ray’s, sir,” was the quiet, prompt
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>Despite his effort the colonel started, and the color
+leaped to his forehead. Madame gave an audible gasp.</p>
+
+<p>“I thought Tanner—at least I understood that Raymond’s
+company had been longer in garrison than Captain
+Tanner’s,” he said.</p>
+
+<p>“Tanner’s only went to the reservation on this last
+scout, colonel,” answered the adjutant, very respectfully,
+“and Raymond’s has been out twice since August.”</p>
+
+<p>“True. I had forgotten it. I’m heartily glad that
+it is Tanner’s turn; he is the very man to settle this
+business. Well, notify them at once, Truscott, then
+come to lunch. I declare I had forgotten it. I would
+like to see Tanner myself; as soon as possible, though,
+<span class="pagenum">[242]</span>if you will tell him.” And bowing again, the adjutant
+withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Pelham had insinuated that Mr. Truscott would
+be glad that it was Captain Tanner’s detail for scouting
+duty. Very far from glad did Mr. Truscott look as
+he knocked at Captain Tanner’s door. It was opened
+by little Rosalie herself, her face all beaming with smiles
+when she caught sight of her friend. Jack bent and
+raised her in his arms, tenderly kissing the bonny cheek.</p>
+
+<p>“Run and tell papa Uncle Jack wants to see him,”
+he said, as he set her down; and as she trotted away
+he seated himself at the window and covered his face
+with his hands, his elbows resting on his knees. The
+dejection of his attitude struck Tanner the instant he
+entered, but before he could speak the adjutant rose.</p>
+
+<p>“What news, Jack?”</p>
+
+<p>“Another scout; you to command; start to-night.”
+And the two men looked into one another’s eyes without
+a word for a moment. Then Truscott held forth
+his hand and took that of his friend.</p>
+
+<p>“The thing has been worrying me ever since Craig
+and Fanshawe got in. I knew the chief would be apt
+to send out detachments from here, and—the detail
+would come on you—just at this time.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is what I expected,” said Tanner; “but it is
+pretty rough to have it come just now.”</p>
+
+<p>“Does Mrs. Tanner know?” asked Truscott.</p>
+
+<p>“No, she hasn’t heard, though the other ladies in
+the garrison seemed to know all about it; but she never
+goes anywhere, and I could not bear to tell her until it
+became a certainty. To-night, do you say?” he asked,
+suddenly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[243]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Yes, to-night,” said Truscott, sadly. “I suppose
+you will have to start soon after sunset.”</p>
+
+<p>“And it was just at tattoo that—that baby died, five
+years ago. It will come hard to her; that’s all that
+troubles me.”</p>
+
+<p>And for all answer Truscott could only press his
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>“The colonel wants to see you as soon as possible;
+he is home now. Tanner, I wish to heaven I could
+take this detail for you. Won’t you let me tell him?
+Raymond would be only too glad to go; and there’s
+Ray, who goes anyhow. He knows every inch of that
+country, and it would be a splendid thing for him if he
+could have the command.”</p>
+
+<p>“Tell nobody, Jack. I never shirked a duty, big
+or little, yet, and I won’t now. If it were not for poor
+Nellie I wouldn’t ask anything better than this chance
+at old ’Skiminzin. It is the breaking it to her I dread.
+She’s up-stairs now with—with the little one’s shoes
+and stockings. She thought I did not see her get them
+from the baby trunk, but I did. My God, Jack! it’s
+breaking it to her that upsets me. I’ll go and see the
+colonel first.” And taking his forage-cap, Tanner and
+Truscott went forth together, the latter crossing the parade
+and proceeding to the camp in rear of the garrison.
+It was after one o’clock, after lunch-time. The mess-room
+of the bachelor officers was deserted, as he could
+see. Several of the juniors—Crane, Dana, and Hunter—were
+grouped around the doorway of the court-martial
+room awaiting the arrival of the other members
+of the court, then trying some cases among the enlisted
+men, but none of them had seen Ray; he had not been
+<span class="pagenum">[244]</span>to lunch, had not been seen since morning drill. Truscott
+said nothing, but continued on his way towards
+camp until he had passed beyond the company quarters,
+then turning sharp to his left, he rapidly descended the
+hill and took the shortest cut for “the store.”</p>
+
+<p>“Good-day, Mr. Truscott,” exclaimed the barkeeper,
+as he entered. “Don’t often see you down here, sir,” he
+went on, eager to be civil to the officer who represented
+so much influence and power at headquarters. “Looking
+for anybody?” he asked, as Truscott’s keen glance
+took in the other occupants of the main room, then wandered
+to the green-baize door of the card-room beyond.</p>
+
+<p>“Who are in there?” he briefly asked, in a low tone,
+as he noted the silence that had fallen upon the group
+of packers and quartermaster’s men who were loafing
+about.</p>
+
+<p>The barkeeper winked confidentially, and whispered,
+“Little game going on. Some of the boys down from
+Prescott. The doctor’s there, and Ray and Wilkins.”</p>
+
+<p>“Tell Mr. Ray I want to see him, around at the
+side-door,” said Truscott, and left the room.</p>
+
+<p>In another moment Ray had joined him, and Ray’s
+face was flushed and his eyes glassy.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s up, Jack?” he queried.</p>
+
+<p>“Scout, and you’re wanted instanter,” said Jack,
+gravely.</p>
+
+<p>“Hurray for hurrah! Who is it this time?”</p>
+
+<p>“Eskiminzin, I believe. It’s over your old stamping-ground.
+Tonto basin, anyway.”</p>
+
+<p>“Bully! When do we light out?”</p>
+
+<p>“This evening. No time to be lost. Better come
+up and get your men ready right off.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[245]</span></p>
+
+<p>Ray hesitated and looked grave. “By Jove, Jack,
+that’s bad! I dropped a month’s pay last night, and
+now the luck’s just beginning to turn. I want to quit
+even if I can, but this scout business knocks it. D—n
+the odds, though! I’m better out roughing it than
+fooling around here, where I’m only in the way. Who
+else goes?” he asked, suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>“Tanner and you with your troops and some twenty
+Apache-Mohaves.”</p>
+
+<p>“What subs? Don’t Glenham go?”</p>
+
+<p>“Probably not, as he is Canker’s only assistant now.
+Why should he?”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, I don’t know, only if I were in his place I’d
+want to. I’ll be up in ten minutes, Jack.” And with
+that Mr. Ray returned to the card-room to wind up
+his connection with the game, and Truscott went direct
+to his colonel’s.</p>
+
+<p>“What the mischief does Ray mean?” thought he,
+as he walked rapidly along. “He has been drinking,
+to be sure, but knows well enough what he is about.
+‘If I were in Glenham’s place I’d want to go.’ What
+<em>does</em> he mean?”</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[246]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XV.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> duty performed of notifying the troop commanders
+of their detail, Mr. Truscott proceeded at
+once to rejoin the colonel, and found Captain Tanner
+just leaving.</p>
+
+<p>“I am very sorry you will not stay and lunch with
+us,” Pelham was saying, “but I understand well enough
+that you will want every moment of your time. I
+shall be out to see you off, though, and shall hope to
+meet you again meantime.” Then, as the captain
+walked away and Grace smilingly welcomed Truscott
+and slipped her hand within her father’s arm as though
+to call his attention to the fact that luncheon was waiting,
+the latter stood gazing after Tanner’s receding form.</p>
+
+<p>“The more I see of that man the more I like him,”
+he said, musingly. “He is one of the most soldierly
+fellows I ever met; and yet, do you know, Truscott,
+it seemed to me that he was anything but glad of this
+detail?” And the colonel turned and faced his adjutant,
+Grace still resting her hand upon his arm.</p>
+
+<p>Before he could collect his thoughts for the reply
+evidently expected of him, Mr. Truscott became aware
+of the fact that Mrs. Pelham had suddenly appeared
+at the hall-door and was intently regarding him. His
+hesitation instantly attracted the colonel’s attention.</p>
+
+<p>“Has he any reason for not wishing to go?” he
+<span class="pagenum">[247]</span>asked, and there was an unusual tone as of annoyance
+in his voice, something sharp and unnatural.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott colored slightly, but spoke slowly and
+calmly in reply. Involuntarily he glanced at Grace,
+and was surprised at the intent expression with which
+her eyes, too, were fixed upon him. Instantly, however,
+she looked away.</p>
+
+<p>“Nothing, colonel, that he would allow to stand in
+the way of his going. Indeed, he will not thank me
+for admitting that the detail was in the least unwelcome.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then you know he would rather not leave the
+post just at this time, do you, Mr. Truscott?” asked
+Mrs. Pelham, with a calm deliberation that perplexed
+him for days after, as again and again her manner recurred
+to him.</p>
+
+<p>“Captain Tanner would welcome this duty very
+much at any other time, madame,” was the answer;
+“but while it is hard for him to go at this time, he
+would consider it most unfriendly in me to allude to it
+with any view to having another take his place.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, I see that you are very jealous of the <em>rights</em>
+of your friends. Some people, I fancy, would not
+thank you for such efforts in their behalf.” And the
+caustic emphasis on the words was so marked that the
+colonel turned sharply upon her.</p>
+
+<p>“What earthly business is it of yours, Mrs. Pelham?
+Truscott is perfectly right. Now <em>do</em> hold your
+tongue, and don’t interfere with what is solely my affair.
+Let’s go to lunch.”</p>
+
+<p>“You will excuse me, please,” said her ladyship,
+with majestic dignity, looking at nobody at all. “<em>I</em>
+<span class="pagenum">[248]</span>am going to Mrs. Raymond’s.” And with that she
+swept across the piazza and up the row.</p>
+
+<p>“Mother breakfasted very late,” said Grace, apologetically,
+as she led the way to the dining-room, “and
+she rarely takes luncheon.” But whether she took
+luncheon or not, her absence on this particular occasion
+was readily forgiven.</p>
+
+<p>All the same, something akin to constraint had fallen
+upon the trio. The colonel had hoped to hear from
+Truscott a prompt disclaimer of any knowledge of a
+reason for Tanner’s not desiring to go on the scout just
+ordered, so, too, had Grace; but, to the vague distress
+of both, he had virtually admitted that he <em>knew</em> of a
+reason, and would not disclose the nature thereof.
+Despite his efforts at cheery conversation, the colonel
+could not drive from his thoughts the effect of that
+strange letter of Mrs. Treadwell’s, and despite his long
+acquaintance with his wife’s reckless language at the
+expense of any man or woman to whom she took a dislike,
+her words of the morning had powerfully, painfully
+impressed him. All unconscious of the thoughts
+in his colonel’s perplexed head, Mr. Truscott felt certain
+that something had gone very wrong with the chief
+within the past twenty-four hours, and, for his own
+part, he found himself constantly oppressed with the
+contemplation of the effect the orders would have upon
+Mrs. Tanner. He strove to shut out the sorrowful
+picture and to fittingly respond to Grace’s efforts at
+being entertaining, but here, too, the effort was evident.
+What could it all mean? Ray’s mysterious words
+about Glenham, Mrs. Pelham’s extraordinary language
+and manner, the colonel’s spasmodic struggles to be
+<span class="pagenum">[249]</span>cheery, and, above all, Grace’s odd, constrained replies to
+any allusion to Captain or Mrs. Tanner. Truscott was
+indeed puzzled. Verily, a cloud seemed to have fallen
+upon the house, and it was with absolute relief that the
+trio heard a quick, light footstep on the piazza, and the
+chirrupy voice of Mr. Ray inquiring for the colonel
+and the ladies. They rose and met him in the parlor.</p>
+
+<p>Bright as a button looked that young gentleman as
+he blithely greeted them. Even Jack, accustomed as
+he was to the mercurial changes of his comrade, was
+unprepared to see him so radiant; but a cold plunge-bath,
+a change of raiment, and the enlivening prospect
+of the work before him had chased away all vestige of
+his morning’s dissipation, and Mr. Ray was to all appearances
+the jolliest man in the garrison.</p>
+
+<p>“I have just left Captain Tanner, colonel, and I
+wanted to come in to see you and Miss Grace before
+shedding my regimentals and getting into war-paint,
+which must be in an hour from now. Jack, I’ve been
+to your quarters, and Glenham, who’s in the dumps
+about something, said you were here. Everybody
+knows we’re going by this time, and Glenham is ready
+to cry because it isn’t his turn. Colonel,” he exclaimed,
+suddenly, “may I see you a few moments? Please
+excuse me, Miss Grace. It is my only opportunity.”
+And with that Truscott and Grace were left alone.</p>
+
+<p>On the centre-table were two photograph albums, one
+bound in Russia leather and stamped with the letters
+G. P. in monogram.</p>
+
+<p>“May I look at this?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Certainly,” she replied; yet, as he opened it, she
+made an involuntary move as though to check him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[250]</span></p>
+
+<p>The first portrait was a cabinet-sized photograph of
+Mr. Glenham in his cadet uniform. For a moment
+Truscott gazed quietly at it without saying a word, but
+the tired look she had marked before when at Prescott
+had stolen over his forehead and eyes. Why should she
+excuse the prominence of that picture to him? Why
+make any explanation at all? He had said nothing;
+but Grace, coloring vividly, looked up in his face.</p>
+
+<p>“The album was a Christmas present from Mr.
+Glenham, two years ago,” she said, hurriedly, confusedly.
+“That is where he placed his own picture.”</p>
+
+<p>“I did quite as boyish a thing, two years ago, Miss
+Gracie,” said he, very quietly, while an amused but by
+no means satirical smile appeared under the curling
+moustache. “It is a most natural thing that he should
+seek to be first with you,” he added, gravely, and the
+dark hazel eyes looked steadily into her face as the
+words fell from his lips. No wonder that the deep-fringed
+eyelids drooped at once beneath the searching
+glance. Her color deepened, and she knew not what
+to say. <em>He</em> knew that his words were tantamount to
+an impertinence, and yet, they had escaped him before
+he had weighed their meaning; he who usually weighed
+every word. He felt at once that, unexplained, his
+last remark was unjustifiable. He knew well that
+there was only one explanation which would condone
+such a solecism in a woman’s eyes; and he knew well
+that now, despite the estrangement of the past few
+weeks, broken only by the sweet memory of the yesterday’s
+ride, despite the open hostility of Mrs. Pelham,
+despite all rumors of her engagement to young Glenham,
+he loved, and loved her dearly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[251]</span></p>
+
+<p>Instantly he realized that in this ill-judged speech he
+had done injustice to himself; possibly, nay, probably,
+had offended her. The strong hand upon the album
+trembled visibly; he stood for an instant, silent, gazing
+with beating heart upon the drooping head and slender
+figure before him. In the adjoining room the deep
+voice of the colonel and the eager, energetic tones of
+Mr. Ray could be heard in earnest conversation, but in
+the parlor all was still. Oh, that dangerous silence!
+How many an avowal has it precipitated! Grace!
+Grace! where is your tact, your presence of mind?
+Why do you not break the spell? Is it—can it be that
+you have penetrated the veil of his reserve; that you
+divine his thoughts; and that your woman’s heart
+craves the confession of his love?</p>
+
+<p>Impulsively he steps to her side, his dark eyes glowing,
+his lips firmly set; but as he speaks his voice is
+low and tremulous, and a thrill of delight flashes
+through every nerve as she hears it.</p>
+
+<p>“Forgive me, forgive me, Miss Gracie. I had no
+right; I did not mean to let such a speech escape
+me——”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not blame you. It was—why—everybody remarks
+it, I suppose,” she broke forth desperately, incoherently;
+“but the fault is not mine.” And once
+again the shapely head drooped upon her breast.</p>
+
+<p>“Then it does <em>not</em> mean that he is foremost in——No.
+Do not answer me until you hear more. I have
+no right to question.” He spoke hurriedly and low.
+Then with a sudden gesture he threw back his proud
+head and stood gallantly before her. “It is your right
+to know my reasons, to know why I so far forgot
+<span class="pagenum">[252]</span>myself as to speak of such a thing as Mr. Glenham’s relations
+with yourself. I had not thought to startle you
+so rudely, but, come what may, I can brook this uncertainty
+no longer, for, with all my heart and soul, I love
+you, I love you.”</p>
+
+<p>Both her slender hands are resting on the table now,
+as once again he bends eagerly over her. The room
+seems whirling round. She has heard, and a glorious,
+thrilling joy has seized upon her. She cannot speak.
+She dare not raise her eyes to his, yet she can almost
+hear the throbbing of his strong heart, and it finds its
+echo in her own. The next instant she knows that his
+firm hand is clasped upon hers; that he is waiting,
+waiting for her words. Slowly she lifts her queenly
+head, not yet daring to look up into the fervent love in
+the dark eyes gazing so yearningly upon her. She
+tries to speak, but all too late. Back from the dining-room,
+jubilant, beaming, absolutely detestable in his
+exuberant good spirits and undesirable presence, comes
+Mr. Ray.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s all right, Jack; the colonel says that Glenham
+may go with us provided Captain Canker will permit.
+Use your influence with him like a good fellow. Let’s
+go and see him now.” Then Mr. Ray falters. He
+has had time to note the surging color in Miss Pelham’s
+temples, the deep glow in Truscott’s eyes, the unmistakable
+embarrassment of the former, the preternatural
+gravity of the latter. “Oh!” he continues, irrelevantly,
+as the gladness suddenly dies from his face
+and a wistful expression takes its place. “You have
+a raft of other things to attend to, I suppose. I’ll
+go; and I won’t say good-by now, Miss Pelham.”
+<span class="pagenum">[253]</span>With that he vanishes, and the colonel himself appears.</p>
+
+<p>“It seems that Glenham is eager to go with Tanner’s
+command, Truscott, so if Captain Canker has no objections
+I shall detail him.” He faltered a bit, looking
+somewhat nervously at Grace’s brilliant color as he
+spoke, but her cheek never paled, as he half expected
+to see it. “You might see Glenham and Canker also,”
+he continued, and the adjutant promptly took his
+forage-cap. Grace glanced hurriedly, timidly up into
+his face as he half turned towards the door, then impulsively
+extended her hand. One instant they met,
+the strong, sinewy brown hand and hers, so white and
+fragile. One instant she looked up into his eyes, and
+then with wild, exultant, joyous heart, he hastened on
+his mission. In that thrilling instant he had read his
+answer, and was satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, where was Arthur Glenham, and how was
+it that during this entire day he had not once appeared
+at the colonel’s quarters?</p>
+
+<p>During the troop drill of the morning Mr. Ray, dismounting
+his men for a five minutes’ rest after a half-hour
+of sharp exercise, was occupying himself in a
+comparison of the different company commanders.
+Well over to the west of the plain Captain Turner’s
+chestnut sorrels and Tanner’s bright bays were having
+an enlivening though impromptu competitive drill.
+It was pretty generally conceded that these two troops
+were very evenly matched, and, except among the partisans
+of other companies, it was as generally agreed
+that they were much ahead of the rest of the regiment
+in point of snap and style in drill. Both captains were
+<span class="pagenum">[254]</span>fine instructors and individually liked and respected by
+their men; whereas Canker, who really had enjoyed
+finer opportunities for keeping his men up to a moderate
+degree of proficiency, never could succeed in making
+anything out of them. He studied hard, he worked
+faithfully, he even furtively watched the methods of
+such officers as Tanner and Truscott, and strove to
+profit by what he learned in this way; but the cavalry
+officer is born, not made; and, handicapped as he was
+with the disadvantages of a bad seat, a bad hand, and
+a very bad temper, Canker found it all up-hill work.
+He had fine material in his company, but was desperately
+unpopular among them, so much so that none
+would re-enlist with him on the expiration of their
+terms of service, but would “take on,” as they expressed
+it, with other troops, notably Tanner’s and
+Turner’s. Ray’s, too, was a favorite command since
+he had been placed in charge; but its captain, now on
+recruiting service, had been very inefficient, and since
+his departure much of its time had been spent in
+mountain-scouting, where drills were unknown and
+discipline lax. It was Canker’s habit, when betrayed
+into speaking of the matter at all, to say that “the
+secret of the superiority of Tanner’s company was that
+he got his best men from me;” but in the depths of
+his heart he knew that statement to be absurd. It did
+not help him much to hear, as he did hear, in the inexplicable
+way in which such things are brought to our
+ears (who was it that said no man ever yet was so poor
+but that he had friends to tell him unpleasant truths
+about himself, or words to that effect?) that his men
+said that all they needed to make them the best-drilled
+<span class="pagenum">[255]</span>
+troop in the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> was to have a captain who was capable
+of teaching them something. Altogether, drill-time
+was a sort of purgatory to both officers and men
+in Canker’s troop, and this morning was no exception.
+Ray quickly marked the sullen look of the faces along
+the line as they came trotting past him, the horses
+seeming as worried and jaded as the men; and as they
+halted and dismounted near him, it was easy enough
+for him to divine that Canker had been more than
+usually eruptive from the fact that Mr. Glenham kept
+at a distance from his captain, and stood moodily kicking
+at the turf. Mr. Ray himself, as has been hinted,
+had spent the greater part of the night in the card-room
+at the store, to the detriment of his pocket, but in no
+wise to that of his sunny temperament. He knew well
+that he had been vastly in Glenham’s way of late, and
+the consciousness of the fact made him all the more
+ready to condone the young fellow’s distant and constrained
+manner. Just now the dejection of Glenham’s
+whole attitude struck him forcibly. “I hate to see him
+look so glum,” he muttered. “Great Scott! if I had
+half his money, and a six-months’ leave, and the wings
+of a dove, I’d be off for the States so quick that——Hold
+on; would I, though, so long as she is here?
+That’s where he’s anchored; where I’d be, too, if I
+had the ghost of a show. ’Pon my soul, I believe I’ll
+go and give him a lift after drill.” And with another
+lingering look at his unconscious comrade, who had by
+this time thrown himself prone upon the ground, Mr.
+Ray remounted, and presently his animated voice was
+heard glibly expounding on the text of “centre forward.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[256]</span></p>
+
+<p>Drill over, he sought Glenham’s quarters, and found
+the junior officer kicking off boots and spurs in the
+rear room. There was no especial cordiality or welcome
+in the latter’s voice as he said, “That you, Ray? Sit
+down. I’ll be there in a moment.”</p>
+
+<p>“No hurry, Glenham,” replied the other, with breezy
+good nature. “I want to glance over Truscott’s <cite>Nation</cite>.
+Got anything to drink?”</p>
+
+<p>“There’s bottled beer in the sideboard, but I’m afraid
+it’s too warm. Jack has some undeniable whiskey, if
+you prefer that.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where’s it at?” said Mr. Ray, briefly, and falling
+unconsciously into the vernacular of the Blue-Grass
+region.</p>
+
+<p>“Lower shelf. There’s bitters and sugar somewhere
+there, unless Bucketts cleaned us out last night. He
+and Jack were owling. Excuse me, please, Ray; I
+can’t.”</p>
+
+<p>“Sensible boy! May you never know what it is to
+feel a hankering for a cocktail!” And the tinkle of
+glass and stirring of spoon indicated that the gentleman
+from Kentucky was preparing some such beverage on
+his own account.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Glenham emerged from his bedroom and
+found Ray placidly smoking, stretched at full length
+in Truscott’s great canvas chair.</p>
+
+<p>“Glenham,” said he, “I’ve come in to talk with you
+a while. I’m no hand at beating round the bush, and
+want to go straight at it. Are you busy?”</p>
+
+<p>“No,” said Glenham, hesitatingly.</p>
+
+<p>“Then sit down; I won’t keep you long.” And
+Glenham wonderingly obeyed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[257]</span></p>
+
+<p>For a moment there was silence, Ray puffing nervously
+at his pipe. Then he laid it upon the table and
+leaned forward.</p>
+
+<p>“Glenham,” he spoke, and his voice was singularly
+soft and gentle, almost as though he were speaking to a
+woman. “I think a misunderstanding worse than an
+open rupture; and for some time past, you who used to
+like me better, I believe, than you did any man in the
+regiment but Truscott, have been cold and constrained
+in your manner towards me. I am not going to ask
+you why. I know well enough, and I don’t blame
+you. Whatever may be the result of what I have to
+say to you, there shall be no excuse for further misunderstanding.
+It may not result in the restoration of
+your friendship for me, but it will relieve you from
+any indecision or embarrassment. Pardon me, now, if
+I speak of a very delicate matter. We all know that
+you are very much attached to Miss Pelham. Indeed,
+there are not lacking those who say that you are actually
+engaged to her. If this be true, I cannot excuse
+my conduct in the least. (“It is not true,” said Glenham,
+shading his face with his hand.) But up to last
+evening I thought it a matter in which—in which we—well,
+I thought it was a free-for-all race, owners up,
+and it might be a fair field and no favor.” He finished
+abruptly and in evident great embarrassment. Then
+he rose and commenced pacing the floor.</p>
+
+<p>“Hang it, Glenham! if I am clumsy in my language
+it’s because—because the thing has struck nearer home
+than you imagine. I admired her from the very first,
+but I did not know what it meant until—until she
+nearly slipped from her horse yesterday and fainted.
+<span class="pagenum">[258]</span>(Glenham winced as though stung, but still sat in silence.)
+I did not know what it meant to me, I did not
+know what it meant to you until she lay there so white
+and still, and you rode up with a face as white as her
+own. Last night my eyes were further opened. I
+won’t tell you how; it isn’t necessary. Only this, Glenham:
+if you think my conduct has been unfair or unfriendly,
+you can afford to forget it and forgive it now,
+when I tell you that I have no earthly hope in the
+matter, and that even if it were possible for me to win
+a thought from her beyond—beyond frank, friendly
+liking or gratitude possibly for the simple piece of
+luck yesterday, I would be a whelp to try and do it.
+Why, Glenham, I haven’t a cent in the world; I’m
+swamped in debt. What, in God’s name, <em>have</em> I to
+offer her? Last night I left her house perfectly satisfied
+of two things,—that she was the dearest thing on
+earth to me, and that I wasn’t worth two straws to her
+or anybody else, probably. I haven’t had a happy
+night of it, man. I saw clear enough what was before
+me, and I went down and played poker all night nearly
+to keep from thinking of the thing, as though that
+would do any good. It has just come to this, Glenham:
+I’ve got to get away from here, and I’m going.
+I can’t win—I’m not worth the love of that sweet girl,
+and I won’t stand in the way of a man who is worthy
+and can. When I watched you at drill this morning
+it all came over me, how you must have been cut up
+by my goings on.” And now Ray’s voice was trembling,
+and a suspicious moisture was gathering in his
+eyes. “Arthur, because I’m not worth a woman’s
+love you need not think me unworthy a man’s friendship.
+<span class="pagenum">[259]</span>Forgive me for the trouble I’ve caused you,
+old fellow, and let us be friends again.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ray, I—I beg <em>your</em> pardon!” exclaimed Glenham,
+springing from his seat, dashing his hand across his
+eyes and seizing the outstretched gauntlet. “I was a
+fool, I suppose. Everything seemed going against me.
+I thought—hang it! I think now that there was no
+chance for me. It turned me against everybody, I
+suppose.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, this ends the turn against me, does it not?”
+said Ray, with a wintry, cheerless smile, but still grasping
+cordially the hand of his friend. “I’ll soon be
+out of your way, and she’ll forget my—my ebullition
+of yesterday, if indeed she heard it at all.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why do you go at all, Ray? What is that for?”</p>
+
+<p>“Because then I’ll get away from seeing her every
+day or hour. Lord, how I wish there were a scout or
+a shindy! There’s going to be a horse-board mighty
+soon, and Wickham or Bright will help me on to that.
+It’s the only thing I know anything about. So now,
+I’m off.” And he turned to the door despite Glenham’s
+efforts to detain him. There he turned again,
+and, with a resumption of his old light, reckless manner,
+<span class="nowrap">exclaimed,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“’Pon my word, I feel more like a Christian since
+we’ve had this short talk than I have in months. Arthur,
+you have my blessing. Go in and win. That’s
+what I’ll do, too,—down at the store. Lucky at cards,
+unlucky in love, you know. The Prescott crowd
+rather scooped me last night, and I’ll go down and
+give them a riffle now.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then hold on one moment, Ray. I mean to drink
+<span class="pagenum">[260]</span>your health, if it <em>is</em> against my rules. It’s nothing but
+sherry, but it’s sherry you’ll like.” And from a locker
+he produced a brown, portly bottle and some fragile
+glasses. “These only come out on swell occasions,
+Ray, but—this is one I’ll never forget.”</p>
+
+<p>“Never mind that, Glenham. Here’s happiness and
+success to you. Your devotion deserves it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Do you know, Ray, that’s just what gets me,” said
+the junior, slangily, but with sad earnestness, as he
+set down his half-emptied glass. “Devotion don’t
+seem to do any good. I almost—I almost believe I’ve
+been an abject slave since she—since Miss Pelham
+came out. It hurts me somehow.”</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Ray hesitated. Then he too set down
+his wine-glass and pondered a few seconds, looking the
+while at the trouble in Glenham’s face. At last he
+broke <span class="nowrap">forth,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know what you’ll think of what I say, but
+’pon my word, Glenham, I believe you’ve hit on the
+truth. There <em>is</em> such a thing as being too devoted, in
+my opinion. Look here! Did you see Truscott catch
+that rascal of a Ranger yesterday? You, you remember,
+went galloping after him wherever he went; you
+were all eagerness and excitement, just bent on catching
+the scamp; he saw it, knew it, and it was just fun to
+him to lead you a race. Then Truscott hauled you off
+and took the chase instead, and see how he managed it.
+He just let on to Ranger that he didn’t care a cuss
+whether he was loose or not,—might run to Halifax
+for all he’d do to stop him; he just rides off to one
+side, and sure as a gun the horse turns right round
+and goes running up to inquire what such indifference
+<span class="pagenum">[261]</span>means. I tell you, Glenham, lots of women are just
+like horses; that is, the nice ones are, and I’m paying
+some of them a high compliment in saying so. Just so
+long as you go tagging round after one she’ll lead you
+a dance all over creation; it’s all fun to her: she’s sure
+of you, you know; but haul off for a while and leave
+her to herself, and let on that you’ve tired of that sort
+of thing and mean to swear off, you’ll find that it will
+bring her round if she cares anything whatever for
+you. If she doesn’t, why, the sooner you know it the
+better. Now I’ve been preaching, I suppose, but you
+try it. Get every scouting detail you can; don’t mope
+around the post. Now forgive my bluntness, Glenham,
+and—and good luck, old fellow.”</p>
+
+<p>With that he was gone.</p>
+
+<p>Some hours later Glenham’s servant entered and
+stood hesitatingly at the doorway. Glenham looked
+up from his writing. “What is it?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Big scout going out, sir,—two companies; but it
+ain’t our fellows.”</p>
+
+<p>Down went pen and desk upon the floor, and, seizing
+his forage-cap, Glenham rushed forth in search of Ray
+and Truscott. Failing to find the adjutant at the office
+he hurried to Ray’s camp, where that young gentleman
+was rubbing head, chest, and arms into a glow after a
+cold hath.</p>
+
+<p>“Come right in, Glenham. Didn’t I say the luck
+was bound to turn? or did I prudently refrain for fear
+it wouldn’t? This is going to be the boss scout of the
+season, and now’s your chance. I wouldn’t miss it for
+six months’ pay, and the Lord only knows what I
+wouldn’t do for that in spot cash.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[262]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Just what I came to see you about, Ray. Do you
+think you can get the colonel to let me go with you?”</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll try it, anyhow. He will like you all the better
+for wanting to go. I was struck all of a heap for a
+minute when Truscott came down to warn me; but even
+poker pales before a chance like this.”</p>
+
+<p>“How’d you come out?” asked Glenham.</p>
+
+<p>“Nearly even, after all; and I’d have knocked some
+of those fellows endwise if there had been a little more
+time. I was just hauling in the pots when Jack called
+me out.”</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes afterwards Ray departed on his mission
+to the colonel’s, with what success has already been
+seen. Then a visit to Captain Canker had been in
+order, and there too the diplomatic Ray, after a long
+conversation, had carried his point, for Canker was one
+of those peculiar company commanders (and there are
+many who in this respect strongly resemble him) by
+whom the subalterns attached to his troop are regarded
+as a species of personal property, and it was not to be
+supposed that such a concession as was asked for Mr.
+Glenham could be granted without much demur and
+without a long dissertation, in which his shortcomings
+as a subaltern, and his captain’s long suffering, patience,
+and consideration as a commander, formed the subject
+of the monologue. Ray listened with exemplary docility,
+and Truscott, who had come in to assist according
+to the colonel’s directions, found that matters were
+progressing favorably under Ray’s management, and
+went off to see Glenham himself. Meantime stable-call
+had sounded, and all the officers were flocking
+thither, when Mrs. Raymond’s negro servant came
+<span class="pagenum">[263]</span>running across the parade. He handed Glenham a
+note, which the young officer opened, glanced at the
+single line which formed its contents, changed color,
+paused irresolutely, and then turned and walked hurriedly
+back to Captain Raymond’s quarters. At the
+door he was met by Mrs. Pelham, who eagerly beckoned
+him in. Ten minutes after he appeared at stables,
+and with painfully embarrassed manner accosted Truscott,
+who was at the instant conversing with Canker,
+while the colonel with several officers were entering
+the “corral” of Tanner’s troop.</p>
+
+<p>“Jack, can I see you a moment?”</p>
+
+<p>“Excuse me, captain,” said Truscott; then stepping
+to one side with Glenham, and noting with surprise the
+changing color and downcast eye of his friend, “What
+is it, Arthur? Anything wrong?” he asked, kindly.</p>
+
+<p>“Is the order issued yet for me to go with this
+scout?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not yet. It will be right after stables. Dana goes
+too.”</p>
+
+<p>“Jack, I can’t—go.”</p>
+
+<p>For a moment there was dead silence. Then Truscott
+<span class="nowrap">spoke,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“You know your own business best, Glenham; but
+did you not ask Ray to see the colonel and get you
+detailed?”</p>
+
+<p>“I did; yes. I—I cannot explain it, but I’ve
+changed my mind. Something I had not foreseen——” He
+broke off abruptly, utterly unable to continue,
+and without another word turned and walked
+hurriedly into the stable enclosure.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s the matter with Glenham?” asked Canker.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[264]</span></p>
+
+<p>“He has felt compelled to change his mind, and says
+that he cannot go,” replied Truscott, loyally striving to
+smooth matters as much as possible for his friend.
+“I’ve no doubt he has very weighty reasons.” And
+with that he went to join the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after retreat that evening, while yet the lingering
+hues of crimson and royal purple mantled the
+jagged rocks that hemmed in the valley from the east,
+a busy throng had gathered in the open space between
+the quarters and the stables. Drawn up in single rank
+were the horses of the two companies,—Tanner’s and
+Ray’s,—while the men in their rough and serviceable
+scouting-dress were nimbly darting about their steeds,
+tightening “cinches,” or more snugly strapping the
+blankets or canteens that swung on the saddles. A
+little distance away, huddled together in silence, were
+the Apache scouts who were to accompany the command,
+and behind them all, scattered here and there
+over the sandy level, or clustering about the bell-horse
+of the half-breed leader, were the hardy, devil-may-care-looking
+little pack-mules.</p>
+
+<p>Thronging about their undress uniforms and overcoats
+(for the December air was chill) were the men of
+the four troops who were not so lucky as to be of the
+detail, all envious of their departing comrades, and,
+soldier-like, nearly all indulging in much good-humored
+chaff at the expense of the envied ones.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s old Skinnin’ Jim ye’re after this time, Micky.
+Luk out fur that beautiful crop o’ yours.” An allusion
+to the vivid hirsute adornment of Private Michael
+Mulligan that called forth a roar of applause. “Will
+ye lave me your boots, Hoolihan? It’s the other end
+<span class="pagenum">[265]</span>of ye that’ll need a bomb-proof.” “Don’t you get
+kilt, Kelly; it’ll ruin the sutler entirely,” etc. All
+of which seemed to give infinite delight to the surrounding
+crowd, and not at all to discompose the martial
+objects of the sallies.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Lieutenants Kay and Dana rode up and
+commenced a leisurely inspection of their commands,
+putting an end to the fun and laughter. Darkness
+was beginning to settle down upon the garrison, and
+lanterns were called into requisition. Presently again
+there appeared a large party, at sight of whom the
+men respectfully drew back right and left, and, escorted
+by a number of officers, Mrs. Raymond, Mrs. Turner,
+the inevitable Mrs. Wilkins, and several others unnamed
+in our chronicle made their appearance upon
+the scene, all intent upon giving the command a
+cheery God-speed upon its mission. Then came the
+colonel with Grace leaning upon his arm, and instantly
+she was swallowed up in the group of ladies, and for the
+time being deprived of all opportunity of seeing what
+was going on. She was aware of the fact that Mr.
+Ray was standing near her laughingly chatting with
+some of the ladies, and that Mr. Dana was waiting for
+a chance to put in a word, but Mrs. Turner really
+hadn’t seen anything of her for an age, and Mrs. Raymond
+had certainly thought she meant to cut her acquaintance,
+and Mrs. Wilkins was dying to know why
+Mrs. Pelham didn’t come out to give the boys a send-off,
+and between the three matrons and the two or three
+damsels hovering about, all talking at once as was their
+wont, or treading on the heels of one another’s sentences,
+Grace was in such dire confusion that she would
+<span class="pagenum">[266]</span>have turned gladly to Ray or Dana for relief, when
+dead silence fell upon all as Mrs. Wilkins’s voice propounded
+the <span class="nowrap">query,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“But where’s little Glenham? I thought he was to
+go along.” And then all feminine eyes were fixed upon
+Grace.</p>
+
+<p>Ray noted it, quick as a flash, and came to the rescue.
+“Hadn’t you heard, Mrs. Wilkins?” he said,
+with a tone of weary indifference, indicative of a desire
+to drop the subject. “The order was not issued at
+all.” And then, laughingly, “Miss Pelham, am I not
+to be allowed the customary luxury of last words before
+going forth to deeds of derring do? I want you
+to see my troop, anyhow.” And with quiet determination
+he took her hand, placed it within his arm, and
+led her out of the inquisitive group.</p>
+
+<p>“Is Mr. Glenham not going?” she gasped, the instant
+they were beyond ear-shot.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Glenham is <em>not</em> going,” he answered, in a low,
+measured tone.</p>
+
+<p>“Why?”</p>
+
+<p>“He merely writes that an utterly unforeseen circumstance
+has induced him to change his mind. I
+have not seen him; he did not come to dinner.” And
+wonderingly he looked into her face. It was evident
+that she had heard the news for the first time, and was
+more than perplexed.</p>
+
+<p>“I hope you will keep up your riding, Miss Pelham,
+while we are away. Tanner tells me that he
+leaves Ranger here,” said Ray, considerately, desirous
+of changing the subject.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes; so Mr. Hunter told me. Where <em>is</em>
+<span class="pagenum">[267]</span>Captain Tanner? I want to thank him and to say good-by.”</p>
+
+<p>“Not here yet, and time’s up, too. But I fancy it was
+hard lines saying good-by to Mrs. Tanner and little
+Rosalie. Here they come, though, Tanner and Truscott
+both.” And as he spoke two tall, manly forms passed,
+them in the gathering darkness and approached the
+colonel. “We’ll be off in a minute, Miss Gracie,” said
+Ray, and his voice lowered. “Wish me good luck.”</p>
+
+<p>She felt that his hand, now clasping hers, was trembling.
+She knew with all her woman’s intuition that
+with all his forced gayety of manner this parting was
+no easy one to him. She liked him well, and felt
+grateful for the tact that he had shown, more than
+grateful for the skill and gallantry with which he had
+so recently rescued her from a probable fate; but
+though her heart beat throbbingly at the moment, it
+was not for him; and the deep, dark, glorious eyes
+looked beyond, though only in one furtive glance, and
+sought the taller of the two forms now standing by her
+father’s side. For an instant she forgot the young soldier
+standing patiently before her. “Good-by, Miss
+Gracie,” he gently said; then with quick, impulsive
+movement raised her hand to his lips, turned, and
+sprang to his horse. The next moment he was in
+saddle in front of his troop, and she had not even answered
+him. Irresolute she stood a moment, then she
+saw her father shake Tanner warmly by the hand, and
+the latter, putting his arm through Truscott’s, drew him
+to one aide. She joined the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>“Papa, I want to speak to Mr. Ray; I haven’t
+bade him good-by. Come with me.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[268]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Why, certainly, daughter,” he answered, as he led
+her rapidly towards the spot where the lieutenant,
+seated on his horse, was addressing some words to one
+of his sergeants. “Here, Ray, my boy, Grace wants
+to say good-by.” And Ray was off his horse and on
+his feet beside her in less than a second.</p>
+
+<p>“You <em>know</em> I wish you all success and a speedy and
+sale return, Mr. Ray,” she said, as she held forth her
+hand. “You will not like it, of course, if I say that
+I almost hope you won’t see an Indian the whole time
+you are away.”</p>
+
+<p>“That would be the worst kind of luck, Miss Gracie.
+Ah, Jack, is that you? What! good-by already? I
+thought you would see us off.”</p>
+
+<p>“So I had intended,” said the deep voice she had
+learned to know so well, as Truscott suddenly appeared
+at her side. “Good-evening, Miss Grace. I had promised
+myself the pleasure of escorting you out to see the
+start, but found that you had already gone. Ray, I
+have to attend to something for Tanner. Good-by and
+good luck, old fellow.” And with a warm clasp of the
+hand for him, and uplifted cap and courteous bow for
+her, he hurried away. Then came the ringing trumpet-call,
+and Tanner’s soldierly voice ordering “mount.”
+The colonel drew his daughter swiftly back, the men
+swung into saddle, reformed ranks, and the next instant
+were marching off in column of fours down the slope
+to the south. There was no cheering, no noise, or confusion.
+In silent array they disappeared in the darkness,
+and the throng of spectators broke up and wandered
+homewards. For a few moments Grace was
+detained by her father, who was talking with Major
+<span class="pagenum">[269]</span>Bucketts, and several of the ladies compelled their
+escorts to wait until she should be ready to start. Then,
+as they walked across the parade in a group, there were
+many invitations to come and sit a while on this and
+that piazza, but Grace desired to see what had become
+of her mother, and so declined. Mr. Hunter was walking
+beside her, and escorted her to the door. “<em>Do</em>
+come out again, Miss Pelham, and walk out on the
+bluff with me. We can hear them as they ford the
+stream,” he urged. She ran up-stairs, knocked at her
+mother’s door. A peevish voice bade her enter, and
+she found her ladyship stretched upon the bed with her
+night-lamp on the table. “You are not well, mother?”
+she asked, gently.</p>
+
+<p>“I am worried half to death, and have a splitting
+headache,” was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>“Can I do nothing for you? Can I not help you at
+all?”</p>
+
+<p>“You <em>could</em> help me vastly by coming to your senses.
+Otherwise not,” was the ungracious reply, and her ladyship
+tossed impatiently over on her side.</p>
+
+<p>Grace hesitated one moment; then saying, quietly,
+“I will soon return to you, mother,” left the room.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hunter was waiting for her. Together they
+strolled out in the starlight towards the edge of the
+bluff in rear of the officers’ quarters. As they neared
+the slope Grace became aware of two figures dimly
+visible standing just before them; one tall, stalwart,
+soldierly, the other a slender, graceful, womanly form.
+She knew both at a glance, and stopped short. As she
+did so, loud, ringing, and clear, the trumpet signal—first
+call for tattoo—rose on the air. Her companion
+<span class="pagenum">[270]</span>looked down in surprise at her abrupt stop, but she
+never heeded him. Her eyes were fastened upon the
+pair in front. Even as she gazed, even as the first
+notes of the call swelled upon the breeze, she saw the
+woman droop and sway; saw him bending towards
+her; saw him fold her in his arms, and could bear no
+more. “Oh, come away! come away!” she hoarsely
+whispered to Hunter, and plucking nervously at his
+coat-sleeve, turned and fled.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[271]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XVI.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Mr. Truscott appeared at breakfast on the
+following morning he was surprised at the extremely
+cold manner in which Mr. Hunter returned his salutation.
+Glenham he had not seen at all; the boy had
+risen early and gone off upon a lonely ride. But Truscott
+had too many things to think of to worry over a
+fact that at another time would have attracted his
+attention. Glenham had actually avoided him all the
+previous evening as well. Bucketts, Carroll, Crane,
+and the doctor greeted him as usual, and went on with
+their speculations as to the probable result of the scout
+just started, and Truscott, busied in his own reflections,
+thought no more of Hunter’s averted eye. “The
+youngster possibly thinks he ought to have been sent
+out instead of Dana, and that I’m to blame,” was the
+explanation that occurred to him. “He will think
+better of it after a while.”</p>
+
+<p>Office-work over, he rose from his desk and went
+with his usual straightforwardness to the colonel’s and
+rang at the bell. “Can I see Miss Pelham?” he asked
+of the servant.</p>
+
+<p>“Miss Pelham is not able to leave her room, say to
+Mr. Truscott,” said the voice of her ladyship, at the
+head of the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>The adjutant stepped quickly into the hall and gazed
+<span class="pagenum">[272]</span>aloft. “Miss Pelham is not seriously ill, I trust,” said
+he, with evident anxiety in face and voice.</p>
+
+<p>“She is far from well, and cannot see anybody,” was
+the reply, in a very stately and unsympathetic tone.</p>
+
+<p>“I am extremely sorry to hear it, Mrs. Pelham.
+Please express to her my sincere sympathy and regret,”
+said he, and, hearing no response, reluctantly withdrew.
+Leaving the house, looking anything but comforted,
+Mr. Truscott turned in at an adjoining piazza, and
+knocked at Captain Tanner’s door. While waiting for
+admission, something prompted him to look at the side
+window of the colonel’s quarters. As he did so, Mrs.
+Pelham suddenly withdrew her peeping head, but he
+had distinctly seen her. Inquiry of the answering
+Abigail resulted in the information that Mrs. Tanner,
+too, was indisposed, and had not left her room. “But
+would Mr. Truscott stop in by and by?” Mr. Truscott
+said he would, and mean time proceeded to his own
+quarters.</p>
+
+<p>Passing Captain Turner’s, he raised his cap in acknowledgment
+of the smiling greeting of the lady of
+the house. She was eagerly conversing with young
+Mr. Hunter, who looked away. At home he found
+the house deserted. Glenham had returned evidently,
+and was now probably engaged in some of his company
+duties. Truscott unlocked his wardrobe and took therefrom
+the pretty whip Grace had tossed him two days
+before, seated himself in his easy-chair, and holding it
+in his hands, gave himself up to thought. Two or
+three of the greyhounds, finding the entrance open,
+stole to his doorway and looked wistfully in, begging
+for an invitation to come, but he did not see them. An
+<span class="pagenum">[273]</span>ambulance rattled past the house, and he heard laughter
+and familiar voices, but paid no attention. For nearly
+an hour he sat there thinking earnestly, or perhaps at
+times only idly dreaming. At last he rose, replaced
+the dainty whip in the wardrobe, seated himself at the
+desk, and wrote a brief note, closed, sealed, and addressed
+it to “Miss Pelham, Camp Sandy,” and as the
+noonday call was sounding from the guard-house, sent
+the note by the hands of the office orderly. It had
+been a dreary morning to him, but it had been worse
+for Glenham.</p>
+
+<p>To begin with, the latter felt utterly certain that the
+whole garrison was talking about him. He knew well
+that Ray had told several officers that he, Glenham,
+had applied to be ordered out on the scout. It was
+known all over the post before stable-call, for, had not
+Mrs. Pelham heard it while at the Raymonds? and had
+not his own servant come in to know what things the
+lieutenant would take in his pack, and couldn’t he, too,
+go along? And then at the eleventh hour he had most
+inexplicably backed out. Full well he knew the flood
+of conjecture, gossip, and talk to which his sudden
+change of mind would give rise. Full well he realized
+that among the officers he would be regarded with grave
+disappointment, among the men as a milksop, and
+among the ladies of the garrison as legitimate prey for
+all their questionings and insinuations. The fact that
+Mrs. Raymond was the only one who, up to late in the
+previous evening, had any idea of the real cause of his
+conduct was not fraught with especial comfort: for the
+absolute inability of that fascinating but volatile young
+matron to keep anything to herself was only too well
+<span class="pagenum">[274]</span>
+appreciated throughout the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>. Within twenty-four
+hours, therefore, he counted on the story being told with
+a score of exasperating embellishments all over the post,
+and was furthermore certain that the next day’s mail
+for Prescott would go up laden with a dozen letters
+from as many feminine pens; the story of his “break-down”—so
+he regarded it—being the one topic. He
+hated himself, hated, or began to hate, the woman
+whose influence had brought the thing about. He felt
+ashamed to look his colonel in the face, and he alone
+of all the officers of the post failed to put in an appearance
+when Tanner’s command marched away. Nevertheless,
+he was utterly, miserably in love, poor boy;
+and, like many another poor boy under similar circumstances,
+he rated ambition, professional pride, the
+“<i lang="fr">qu’en dira-t-on?</i>” of Mrs. Grundy, everything—<em>anything</em>
+as naught in comparison with what had been set
+before him as the inevitable consequence of his going
+away at this critical juncture,—the loss of the lady of
+his love.</p>
+
+<p>And this was the terrific whip held over him by that
+prospective mother-in-law.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Pelham heard the news of Glenham’s application
+as she sat with Mrs. Raymond during her afternoon
+visit; the captain himself had come in with the
+information. Startled as she was, madame had kept
+her wits about her, and even while conversing with
+her host and hostess had managed to review the situation
+and to decide on her plan of action. Well she
+knew that, despite all her efforts to connect Mr. Truscott’s
+name in a dishonorable affair with Mrs. Tanner,
+she had not been able to more than temporarily
+<span class="pagenum">[275]</span>shake the confidence in and respect for him which she
+saw to be daily growing in Grace’s heart. She had
+marked all too plainly the girl’s glad welcome of her
+soldierly friend, and the glow of happiness in her face
+on her return from her ride. Then there was this miserable
+affair of Ralph’s. If the truth concerning that
+were to leak out at all, her hopes, her plans, were
+dashed to earth, for now she felt assured that Truscott,
+not Glenham, had been her son’s benefactor. Oh, what
+an idiotic blunder she had made in her wrath! Why
+had she ever mentioned that matter, or shown Ralph’s
+letter to the colonel? He would only probe it to the
+bottom, find out that he was even more indebted to
+Truscott than he supposed; then Grace would be told
+the story, and that would be the end of everything.
+Poor perturbed lady! She could stand the contemplation
+of such disaster no longer. Not only her plans
+would fail, but she herself must infallibly be exposed
+to the contempt of her husband and, perhaps, that of
+her own daughter, for whom she had been plotting,
+manœuvring, and lying all this time.</p>
+
+<p>Prompt measures alone would avail her. She must
+see Glenham, and see him at once. Not at home, for
+there she knew the colonel, Grace, and probably others
+to be at that moment. Mrs. Raymond would befriend
+her she felt sure. What wouldn’t that politic lady do
+to curry favor with so ruthless an old agitator?</p>
+
+<p>“I want to see Mr. Glenham at once. May I send
+for him to come here?” she hurriedly asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Why, of course. Sam will run and tell him.
+There goes stable-call now,” said Mrs. Raymond.</p>
+
+<p>Her ladyship seized a scrap of paper. “Come to
+<span class="pagenum">[276]</span>me instantly at Captain Raymond’s,” she wrote, and
+away went Sam with the brief, mandatory missive.
+What need of explanation? thought she; had he not
+promised to obey her implicitly? Quickly as he came,
+he could hardly come quickly enough. She met him
+at the door, and ushered him into the vacant parlor.
+Mrs. Raymond had withdrawn, of course, but, oh,
+how she hoped that madame’s voice would reach the
+adjoining room in tones so loud that she could not help
+hearing!</p>
+
+<p>But Mrs. Pelham did not speak loud. In low, hurried,
+impressive tones she told Arthur Glenham in
+plain words that his one chance of winning Grace lay
+in his remaining at the garrison. “It is madness to
+think of going now, at the very moment when her
+heart is beginning to feel its dependence upon you,”
+she said. He glanced up quickly, a wild hope in his
+young eyes. “I <em>know</em> it,” she continued. “She has
+almost confessed as much to me. But if you go, you
+subject her at once to the attentions of a man who is
+no true friend of yours, and whom she is too innocent
+to fathom.”</p>
+
+<p>“What—who do you mean?” he gasped.</p>
+
+<p>“Your <em>friend</em>, Mr. Truscott.”</p>
+
+<p>He started as though struck. “I can believe no
+wrong of Truscott,” he said. “He is my most trusted
+friend, but I never mentioned this—this to him until
+last night.”</p>
+
+<p>“Mark my words, though. You go at your own
+risk. <i>Even the colonel is reluctant to have you go now.</i>
+<em>I</em> shall say not another word to warn you. It is only
+because of my promise to you that I have brought
+<span class="pagenum">[277]</span>myself to do this. If you love Grace and would win her,
+stay! If not, go!”</p>
+
+<p>And of course he stayed.</p>
+
+<p>Despite Mrs. Pelham’s “worry and headache,” a
+number of officers and ladies gathered in the colonel’s
+parlor soon after tattoo the night that Tanner’s command
+marched away. Fleeing from the spot where she and
+her escort had plainly seen Mr. Truscott and Mrs. Tanner,
+Grace had called all her pride and pluck into requisition,
+and finding her father with one or two of his
+cronies standing on the piazza, she had begged them to
+come into the parlor.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, <em>do</em> come,” urged the colonel, and “Grace will
+give us some music.” And so it had happened that quite
+a number of the young people had gathered there, and
+for over an hour mirth, music, and laughter had reigned
+supreme. Never had Grace seemed so winsome, so full
+of life and gayety. She sang for them again and again,
+and sang gloriously; her voice rich, clear, and true,
+seemed more thrilling than ever, and they would not
+let her stop. Twice the colonel bent to kiss her and
+praise her singing. And she, looking up in his face,
+answered so that only he could hear, “If it please
+you, father; I care for no one else.” In the midst of
+it all who should enter but Truscott. She was singing
+at the moment, but the colonel welcomed him cordially,
+and Mrs. Turner motioned him to a seat by her side.
+The instant the song was finished he rose and went forward;
+but before he could speak Miss Pelham, too, had
+risen, and with perfect ease and the most radiant smile,
+exclaimed, “This is indeed an honor, Mr. Truscott.
+You have been so confirmed a recluse that an evening
+<span class="pagenum">[278]</span>visit from you is more than a rarity.” Then she turned
+instantly to reply to several requests for another song,
+laughingly protesting that they must leave at least one
+or two for some other occasion; and Truscott noted
+with vague uneasiness and disappointment that the little
+hand so carelessly extended had barely touched his, and
+was cold as ice.</p>
+
+<p>During the rest of the brief half-hour he listened
+with delight to her singing when she sang, and watched
+the grace and cordiality of her manner among the
+guests with growing admiration, but not one word more
+was vouchsafed him. It was soon time to go, for others
+were going, and not even a good-night pressure of the
+hand could he gain. Mrs. Turner had absolutely taken
+his arm after saying farewell, and Grace, quickly noting
+the circumstance, had seized her opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>“Ah! you going, too, Mr. Truscott? Good-night.”
+And with the words she turned her attention to other
+departing guests. But when all were gone, and her
+father would have detained her a few moments, she
+hurriedly kissed his ruddy forehead and wished him
+pleasant dreams, darted up the stairs and into her own
+room, locked the door, threw herself upon the bed, and
+burst into a passion of tears.</p>
+
+<p>Late the following afternoon, and not until late, she
+appeared in the parlor. A violent headache had been
+her excuse for remaining in her room all day, but she
+was wide awake when Truscott called, and as her
+mother stepped to the head of the stairs, she had listened
+to that brief conversation with strained attention.
+She could not help noting the earnest anxiety in his
+voice, and a thrill of gladness for an instant possessed
+<span class="pagenum">[279]</span>her. Then she recalled the scene of the previous night,
+and then again her mother’s voice was heard in the
+adjoining room, “And now he is going into Mrs. Tanner’s.”
+And Grace hardened her heart against him in
+bitter, jealous pain. Gladly would she have shunned
+all eyes that day, but the Raymonds and Mr. Glenham
+had been invited by Mrs. Pelham to dinner, so rise and
+dress she had to. Once during the morning the colonel
+had come in to kiss and cheer her, but she shrank from
+all conversation with her mother, and lay perfectly still,
+as though striving to sleep, whenever that lady entered;
+but at noon she heard the servant coming up the stairs
+after answering the door-bell, and with a “sh-sh-sh”
+of caution, Mrs. Pelham had swooped out from her
+own room and taken possession of the tiny note that
+Grace could not see. No wonder that Truscott received
+no answer that day,—that the tiny note never was answered.
+At stables he learned from the colonel that
+she was better, and “had been resting quietly,” but that
+was all. It had been his intention to have a talk with
+Glenham after dinner, and on returning from stables he
+found the latter getting into his full uniform. They
+had not met before during the day.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s that for, Glenham?” he asked. “There
+is no parade to-night.”</p>
+
+<p>“Dinner at the colonel’s,” was the brief reply.</p>
+
+<p>“Indeed! I hope Miss Pelham is well enough to
+be down, then.”</p>
+
+<p>“She was looking well as ever when I saw her ten
+minutes ago,” was the dry response; and Truscott,
+pained and stung,—he hardly knew why,—decided
+that he would postpone what he had to say to Glenham.
+<span class="pagenum">[280]</span>He spent the evening alone, and it was after eleven,
+and he had gone to bed, when he heard Glenham return.
+It used to be the practice of the latter when he
+came in late and found no one in their sitting-room to
+go to Jack’s door and see if he had turned in; but this
+night he never stopped an instant; and Truscott, lying
+sleepless for hours afterwards, and thinking over the
+events of the past few days, felt sadly assured that in
+many ways the course of his true love was to run no
+smoother than was proverbially the case.</p>
+
+<p>The next was a busy day in the office. Truscott
+stopped at the colonel’s on the way thither to inquire
+after Miss Pelham, and was told by the servant
+that she was much better, and at the moment at breakfast.
+The colonel himself remained but a few moments
+at headquarters, and yet Truscott’s practised eye saw at
+once that something had gone very wrong with him.
+He was looking anxious and harassed, and replied to
+the few questions addressed him by the adjutant with
+evident constraint. All the morning and much of the
+afternoon Truscott was chained to the desk, engaged
+with the sergeant-major and the clerks on some important
+papers; but shortly before stables he called at
+the colonel’s, and inquired if he could see Miss Pelham.
+He heard the rustle of feminine garments in
+the parlor as the servant ushered him through the hall,
+but it was vacant when he entered, and the door leading
+to the dining-room was closed; the piano was open,
+and on the rack was a favorite song of Miss Pelham’s,—Millard’s
+“Waiting.” On the piano was a cavalry
+forage-cap,—Glenham’s. In a moment the servant returned.
+“Miss Pelham is lying down, and begs to be
+<span class="pagenum">[281]</span>excused,” was the message; and with a deep, dull pain,
+and a sense of injury he could not define rankling in
+his heart, Jack Truscott turned and left the parlor.
+He never entered it again.</p>
+
+<p>Late that evening two soldiers of Captain Tanner’s
+troop rode into garrison, went at once to the adjutant’s
+quarters, and delivered a package addressed in the captain’s
+handwriting to Truscott. Opening it he found a
+letter for himself, a second addressed to Tanner’s business
+agent in San Francisco, a third to Mrs. Tanner.
+Sending the men to their quarters he rapidly read the
+first note, and for a few moments remained buried in
+thought. Then he started, looked at his watch, once
+more glanced at his note, and, taking all three in his
+hand, left the house.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, what has become of Mrs. Tanner? Just
+how she bore the tidings that her husband was to be
+torn from her at the very day and hour when she most
+needed his loving caresses, just what that parting cost
+her, just how long, dreary, and tear-laden was the
+night that followed the departure of his command, and
+how desolate and sad the succeeding day, no words
+could tell; and, fortunately enough, the poor powers
+of this narrator would fall too far short of adequate
+description to render the faintest attempt pardonable.
+There are some sorrows too sacred for prying eyes to
+look upon; too deep, too holy, for any record save that
+of the All-Merciful on high. <i>Is</i> it compensation? is
+it, can it be sufficient to the eye of faith upturned in
+dumb, yet patient, prayerful agony, that He who giveth
+only to take away, notes with loving pity every sob and
+tear, and only chasteneth because He loveth? Ah! I
+<span class="pagenum">[282]</span>fear me there be mothers who cannot fathom the depths
+of a love so infinite, mothers to whom the prattle and
+petting of some sweet, sunny-haired baby were worth
+far more than a love infinite indeed, yet infinitely beyond
+them. Bow and bend and bear it as they may,
+is there a mother-heart so utterly sanctified by grief, I
+wonder, as to be able to <em>feel</em> the utter resignation of the
+words the quivering, kiss-robbed lips so meekly strive
+to frame,—“Thy will be done”? Perhaps so. Possibly
+it was so with her whose lot it was to be bereft of
+the idols of her gentle life; to be left lone, desolate,
+wellnigh deserted in her bereavement; to be shunned
+by those whose hands were not worthy to unlatch the
+very shoes upon her feet, whose lips were too sullied to
+breathe the least holy, womanly, wifely thought that
+ever found birth in her pure and humble soul. Let us
+leave her with her grief and her God. It was practically
+what Camp Sandy did.</p>
+
+<p>The Raymonds and Mr. Glenham had dined at
+Colonel Pelham’s, as has been seen, and it will be remembered
+that Mr. Hunter was in earnest conversation
+with Mrs. Turner that morning. Very soon after
+Hunter’s departure Mrs. Turner had run over to Mrs.
+Raymond’s. Later in the day Mrs. Wilkins in a high
+state of excitement was observed to be imparting some
+intelligence to no less than three ladies over on Captain
+Canker’s piazza. That night after dinner Mrs. Raymond
+had a long whispered conversation with Lady
+Pelham on the sofa, while Grace was trying to sing for
+the benefit of the adoring Glenham, who hung rapturously
+about the piano. Later still Mrs. Pelham had
+inflicted a curtain-lecture upon the colonel which robbed
+<span class="pagenum">[283]</span>him of sleep, and in course of which she gave him a
+piece of information that made him utterly wretched.
+The next morning on his return from the office he had
+sought Grace, and after a few moments’ conversation,
+in which he had shown grievous embarrassment, he had
+taken her in his arms, saying, “Grace, my darling,
+sometimes I think I can believe nobody but you. For
+God’s sake, tell me that this story I have heard of what
+you and Mr. Hunter saw is not true!” And she, looking
+wildly up in his face one moment, exclaimed, in
+horror-stricken tones, “Oh, father, he cannot have told
+it!” and burst into a passion of hysterical tears.</p>
+
+<p>Then poor Pelham knew it was true. He did not
+go to stables that afternoon: he did not want to see
+Truscott. He shut himself in his “den,” as a sort
+of study and smoking-room of his was called, and
+strove to think. When the adjutant reported the command
+present at tattoo, he merely replied, “Very well,
+sir,” and abruptly re-entered the house. And when
+ten o’clock came and the trumpet-call for extinguishing
+lights wailed through the garrison, its notes sounded
+like a knell to his honest heart. Ah, how many there
+were to whom the notes were even sadder! All because
+a weak-minded boy had not sense enough to hold
+his tongue.</p>
+
+<p>“You don’t seem to like Mr. Truscott,” Mrs. Turner
+had remarked to Mr. Hunter that morning. “Why, I
+thought he was the Admirable Crichton himself.”</p>
+
+<p>Now Mr. Hunter was Mrs. Turner’s latest victim.
+The young fellow was dancing around the limited
+circle of which her apron-string was the radius much
+of his time, and he was jealous of her admiration for
+<span class="pagenum">[284]</span>Truscott, and was not a youth of profound good taste
+or discretion in any event.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t like any man who is two-faced,” was his
+surly reply.</p>
+
+<p>“But I always thought Mr. Truscott the personification
+of honor and straightforwardness,” she persisted.</p>
+
+<p>“He may be, only his way doesn’t strike me as eminently
+high-toned,” was the answer. And in ten minutes
+she had deftly extracted his story from his not
+unwilling lips and sent him about his business. This
+was the delicious plum she carried to Mrs. Raymond,
+and it needs no dilation now to tell how the plum
+expanded by the time it reached the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>No wonder no lady had called to see how poor little
+Mrs. Tanner was on either of the two days succeeding
+her husband’s departure.</p>
+
+<p>All that evening the colonel sat alone in his den. It
+was late, eleven o’clock, when the wife of his bosom
+suggested his going to bed. She herself had been
+having a long chat with Mr. Glenham, despite the fact
+that she had monopolized him during much of the
+afternoon. Grace was indeed up-stairs when Truscott
+called, but it was Mrs. Pelham, not she, who sent the
+message that she was lying down. But the colonel
+would not go to bed.</p>
+
+<p>“I cannot sleep now, Dolly. I want to think. The
+mail goes up to Prescott first thing to-morrow morning,
+and I must write two letters.”</p>
+
+<p>It must have been long after midnight when at last
+he rose, and, with a drawn, wearied look upon his face,
+extinguished the lights and went to his room. Even
+then he stood for some little time at his window, looking
+<span class="pagenum">[285]</span>out upon the starry sky to the southward. Suddenly
+he heard quick footsteps crossing the parade from
+the direction of the office. Somebody bounded up on
+the piazza, and instantly the clang of the bell, thrice
+repeated, resounded through the house. Pelham quickly
+waddled down and opened the door.</p>
+
+<p>“Who is it?” he sharply asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Corcoran, sir. It’s an important despatch, and I
+brought it right over. It’s lucky I sleep next to the
+instrument, or we might not have got it until morning,
+sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“Come in,” said Pelham. And leading the way to
+the parlor, he struck a light, tore open the envelope,
+and hastily read the contents.</p>
+
+<p>“Go and wake the adjutant at once, and tell him I
+want him,” he said. And Corcoran was off without a
+word.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment Grace’s light footstep was heard
+upon the stair, and in a loose, warm wrapper, she stole
+hastily in upon him.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it, papa? I could not call for fear of
+waking mother, and I was anxious.”</p>
+
+<p>“A very important message from the general with
+instructions for Tanner’s command. Instructions he
+must get at once, too,” said the colonel, “and there
+isn’t a scout in the garrison.”</p>
+
+<p>“What can you do?” she asked, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know yet; I’ve sent for the adjutant,” he
+stammered. He could not explain it, but he could not
+then pronounce his name in her presence. Again he
+read the despatch.</p>
+
+<p>“Advices just received from Stryker prove Eskiminzin
+<span class="pagenum">[286]</span>to be near Diamond Butte. Send couriers after
+Tanner at once and turn him that way. Indians are
+strongly reinforced and making for Green Valley.
+Hold entire command in readiness to move at moment’s
+notice. What force has Tanner? Acknowledge receipt.”</p>
+
+<p>He handed it to her. “You may read it, Grace. I
+had thought all this was at an end, but you never can tell.
+There be agents and agents. It looks like another
+general outbreak.”</p>
+
+<p>The sweet face paled a little as the curt, business-like
+wording of the despatch met her eyes. Then she
+looked up.</p>
+
+<p>“Do not speak of it to any one,” he said. “Your
+mother sometimes forgets that these are not matters for
+talk. But what keeps Corcoran?” he asked, impatiently,
+and stepped forth upon the piazza. Despite
+the chill night air, Grace threw his heavy cloak around
+her and followed him, linking her arm through his and
+nestling close to his side.</p>
+
+<p>“It is all so exciting, and yet, I can’t help it, I like
+it,” she said.</p>
+
+<p>“You’re quite a soldier, Gracie,” he answered, fondly.
+“I believe you were cut out for the army, despite your
+mother’s predilections for civil life. Here comes Corcoran
+on the run, as usual. Did you find him?” he
+asked.</p>
+
+<p>“No, sir. He isn’t there at all.”</p>
+
+<p>“What?” said Pelham, with sudden vehemence.
+“Not there? Are you sure?”</p>
+
+<p>“Sure, sir. Mr. Glenham got up and we went
+through the house. He isn’t there, and all is dark
+<span class="pagenum">[287]</span>down at the store——” And Corcoran paused irresolutely.</p>
+
+<p>“Go and call the officer of the day, Captain Canker,
+quick,” said the colonel, shortly.</p>
+
+<p>Then there was silence. He put his arm around his
+daughter’s waist, and she, shivering, though not from
+cold, nestled closer to him. From the guard-house
+arose the prolonged cry of the sentry, “Number one,
+one o’clock.” And one after another the sentries took
+up the call before Corcoran returned. Behind him,
+with clanking sabre, came Captain Canker.</p>
+
+<p>“Have you any idea where Truscott can be?” was
+the immediate question from the colonel’s lips.</p>
+
+<p>Before the astonished officer could reply, the door of
+Captain Tanner’s quarters, close beside them, opened.
+A broad light shone forth upon the parade, and, calm
+and erect, the adjutant stepped quickly from the hall.
+The door closed behind him. With one bound Grace
+Pelham tore herself from her father’s arm and fled up-stairs.</p>
+
+<p>“You are calling me, colonel. What is it?” the
+deep, grave voice was heard to ask, and Mr. Truscott
+stood before his commanding officer.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant no one spoke. Pelham fairly staggered.
+Canker’s face bore an expression of virtuous
+amaze and indignation. Truscott alone looked self-possessed.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott,” at last said the colonel, with evident
+effort, and very gravely, “I have been sending everywhere
+for you.” (A conventional statement which
+many a post commander considers it justifiable to make
+when the desired officer doesn’t happen to be in the
+<span class="pagenum">[288]</span>first place he is looked for.) “It is necessary to send a
+courier to Tanner at once, some one who will be sure
+to find him. A most important despatch is received,
+and it must get to him quick as possible. Who can
+take it?”</p>
+
+<p>“I can, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“But I don’t want to send you. Stop, though,”
+said the colonel, and a sudden thought seemed to flash
+across his mind. The look of deep trouble, of stern,
+startled resolution, was still upon his face. “I wish
+you <em>would</em> go. It is best you should. I—I mean it
+is of such moment that I like to intrust it to no one
+but an officer.”</p>
+
+<p>“I can start inside an hour, colonel, and can catch
+him before the next sunset.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then take any escort you like, and get ready at
+once. Bucketts will act for you in your absence. I
+will be at the office.” And Truscott turned and left,
+turned suddenly again at Tanner’s quarters, and knocked
+lightly at the door. It was opened at once, and he
+entered. The colonel and Captain Canker gazed after
+him in silence. Then their eyes met. “Come into the
+parlor, Canker,” said the colonel, hoarsely, and led the
+way. “Corcoran, go and wake the sergeant-major, and
+send the orderly trumpeter to report to the adjutant.
+Wake Major Bucketts and say—no, never mind waking
+anybody else. Come in, captain.” And the colonel
+closed his door.</p>
+
+<p>In five minutes Mr. Truscott reappeared on the
+piazza, and Mrs. Tanner followed him. “You will
+stop for the letter?” she anxiously asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Certainly,” he answered, and was gone.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[289]</span></p>
+
+<p>At two o’clock in the morning three horsemen rode
+rapidly away from the adjutant’s office down the slope
+to the southward. With them were two led horses.
+Jack Truscott had started on his dangerous mission.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[290]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XVII.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Down</span> in a deep valley close under the frowning
+cliffs of the Mogollon range a cavalry detachment has
+gone into bivouac. The setting sun flashes upon tree-top
+and rocky spur above, and throws into bold prominence
+the long expanse of rugged precipice that spans
+the view far as eye can reach. To right and left it
+stretches, a barrier grim and impassable, shutting off
+all view towards the east. Northward and southward
+are the foot-hills, lofty in themselves, but dwarfed by
+the great height of the palisaded crest in front. All
+are densely wooded, covered with short, stunted but
+hardy pine, juniper, and scrub-oak, while down in the
+deep interlying valleys and narrow cañons tall cottonwoods
+rear their heads. It is in a grove of these that
+the men have unsaddled, and now, as twilight settles
+upon the scene, and the herd-guards are doubled around
+the grazing steeds and pack-mules, the glow of the
+camp-fire is visible down under the stream-bank, whence
+its light cannot be detected beyond the narrow limits of
+the bivouac. The ruddy glare falls upon the faces of
+three or four busy soldiers, the cooks <i lang="la">pro tempore</i> of the
+command, but almost to a man the other troopers are
+gathered about two dusty, weary-looking non-commissioned
+officers who have just dismounted and are now
+unsaddling their jaded horses. The merry, reckless
+<span class="pagenum">[291]</span>chaff is stilled; a marked silence has fallen upon all;
+the men converse in quiet tones. Even the horses have
+an air of mysterious caution about them, and the Indian
+allies, crouching or squatting under the trees, are
+gazing fixedly, but without a word to one another, upon
+the group of soldiery. Even while questioning the
+new-comers and listening eagerly to their replies, some
+of the troopers keep constantly in view a party of five
+men standing aloof engaged in earnest conversation.
+One of them, the tallest, is unbuckling belt and spur
+as he stands leaning against a broad cottonwood. He
+lifts his broad-brimmed scouting-hat and passes his
+hand across his white forehead with an air of evident
+fatigue, but continues his quiet talk to the others. It
+is Jack Truscott, and around him are Tanner, Ray,
+Dana, and the doctor. Since two o’clock in the morning
+he has been in pursuit, through mountain-pass,
+through dark and gloomy cañon, through wilds only
+well known to the infesting Apaches, through lairs
+where every moment he might expect to hear their
+vengeful yell and the crack of rifle or whiz of arrow;
+but even as he promised and predicted, before the setting
+of another sun he has accomplished his mission,
+and the despatches are now in Tanner’s hands. He has
+read them, and, pondering over their contents, is still
+eagerly listening to Truscott’s talk.</p>
+
+<p>“Could you tell how many there were?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“No,” said Truscott. “But it was evident that they
+had been there to fill their <i lang="es">ollas</i>, and it must be that
+their main body is somewhere among the high peaks,
+within a mile or two of the water.”</p>
+
+<p>“What a blessed piece of luck! We passed up the
+<span class="pagenum">[292]</span>valley on the other side, and might never have seen it.
+Who knows what time the moon will be up?”</p>
+
+<p>“Eight thirty,” answered Ray.</p>
+
+<p>“Then we want supper for all hands first thing.
+Jack, you must be hungry as a wolf. Ray, Dana, let
+your men fill their canteens and take along a couple
+of days’ bacon and hard-tack. See that every man
+has fifty rounds carbine cartridges and enough for his
+revolver. We start afoot at moonrise. There will be
+time for some of them to get a nap. Doctor, two of
+the men will carry what you want.” And with that
+Captain Tanner proceeded to stow his despatches in his
+scouting note-book, and briefly to note in pencil the
+events of the day. In ten minutes the entire bivouac,
+officers and men, were eagerly disposing of a substantial
+supper with the zest only mountain appetites and
+the vivid uncertainty as to when or where the next
+might be obtainable can impart.</p>
+
+<p>Then as pipes were filled and lighted, Tanner, Truscott,
+and Ray, stretched at ease upon their blankets,
+fell into further discussion.</p>
+
+<p>“What time did Mills and Lewis get in?” asked
+Tanner, referring to the two soldiers who had been
+sent back with despatches the day before.</p>
+
+<p>“It must have been soon after ten,” said Truscott.
+“I found Mrs. Tanner still up and dressed, and she
+got the papers at once.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m sorry to have put you to so much trouble,
+Jack. It must have been some hours’ work. Why,
+man alive, you cannot have had a wink of sleep for
+thirty-six hours or more. I never thought of it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Never mind that,” said Truscott, laughingly. “It
+<span class="pagenum">[293]</span>was good luck. If your note had not come I would
+have been asleep when this despatch reached Sandy,
+and the colonel would have sent somebody else. Then
+too if it had not come I would have followed on your
+trail, or whoever came would have done so, instead of
+taking the short cut by Hardscrabble and Jaycox Pass,
+and so would have missed these signs entirely.”</p>
+
+<p>“All the same you need rest. Of course, now that
+you are here, you’ll want to go with us on the night-hunt;
+but you can sleep till nine or ten and follow.
+Sergeant Kane can go with the Apache-Mohaves and
+show the signs. We’ll follow the old tactics, of course,—attack
+at daybreak.”</p>
+
+<p>“All right,” said Truscott, as he knocked the ashes
+out of his pipe; and rolling over, burying his face in
+his arms, he was soon sound asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Tanner and Ray smoked in silence a while, busied in
+their reflections. Dana, a few yards away, was writing
+what appeared to be a letter. The doctor was busy
+about his pannier, getting ready lint, bandages, and the
+ominous-looking supplies of his department. Some
+distance farther the men were chatting in low tones
+under the trees, kicking off their cavalry boots and
+spurs and pulling on Indian moccasins as more suitable
+for the work before them, and overhauling their
+arms and ammunition-belts. Out in the glade the
+herds were restfully grazing, while here and there on
+the outskirts could be heard the subdued voices of the
+guards as they rebuked some straggling quadruped,
+while the muffled tinkle of the bells on the necks of
+the lead-horses of each company’s pack-train, and the
+occasional snap of burning twig or stamp of hoof, were
+<span class="pagenum">[294]</span>the only sounds that a hundred yards away would have
+betrayed the presence of the command.</p>
+
+<p>“Truscott ought to be fairly used up, Ray,” said
+Tanner, finally. “I’ve a great mind to steal off and
+leave him sleeping here with the camp-guard to take
+charge of him.”</p>
+
+<p>“You would not get far away before he would be
+striding after you,” said Ray, with a grin. “But what
+kept him up all last night? I did not understand.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why, that was my doing, confound it!” answered
+Tanner. “I had promised to send copies of certain
+important papers to San Francisco, and was ordered off
+in a hurry, and—well, it escaped my attention, for it
+was particularly hard to leave my wife just at this
+time. So when the doctor sent Lewis back sick, I
+wrote to Jack and asked him to get them off by first
+mail for me. I supposed that he would have them
+copied by a clerk; but the mail went this morning,
+and in order to get them off he and Mrs. Tanner had
+to sit up till after midnight and make the copies. It
+isn’t the first time he has had to look after my affairs
+for me. I fancy Jack knows more about my business
+matters than any agent I ever had; and, glad as I am
+to see him, I wish he hadn’t come away from Sandy
+just now.”</p>
+
+<p>Ray looked up inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>“You didn’t know it, I suppose, Ray, but the night
+we marched away, almost the very hour, was the night
+five years ago we lost our little Bertie. It is a wretched
+anniversary to my poor wife, and always upsets her.
+She never has any intimates or particularly warm
+friends among the ladies somehow, and Truscott has
+<span class="pagenum">[295]</span>been about the only real comrade we’ve ever had. She
+thinks all the world of him, for he nursed Bertie
+through one severe attack while I was away, and he
+was the only soul to sympathize with her the night we
+marched. It hurts me to think how lonely these days
+must be to her and poor little Rosalie.” And the
+bronzed, bearded face turned away from the firelight.</p>
+
+<p>Ray rose impulsively. “Why in thunder hadn’t I
+thought of this, Tanner? I wish all the more now
+that—— Why! why didn’t Jack tell Pelham? Oh,
+of course you forbade him, but all the same I would
+have let him know. Never mind, old man, we’ll give
+these reds a trouncing to-morrow and then hurry back
+for Christmas, and give Rosalie an out-and-out merry
+one.”</p>
+
+<p>“God grant it!” said Tanner, gravely. And Ray
+wondering at the earnestness, the solemnity of his tone,
+fell to thinking of their conversation. It had made a
+deep impression upon his light, careless nature, and he
+long remembered every word. Well was it that he did
+so!</p>
+
+<p>At last, looking eagerly aloft among the tree-tops,
+Tanner notes the faint, shimmering, silvery touch of
+moonlight. All at the base of the Mogollon is still
+deep shadow. He rises from the blankets in which he
+has rolled himself and looks around. At his feet,
+sleeping like children, are Truscott and Ray. Under
+a neighboring cottonwood lies Dana, but not asleep. It
+is too new an experience to him, and the proximity of
+the doctor’s kit of murderous-looking implements is
+not conducive to placid reflections. All along under
+the trees, close to the rushing brook, the men are noiselessly
+<span class="pagenum">[296]</span>grouped, most of them soundly sleeping, though
+a few move restlessly about. To the left front, securely
+hobbled and under vigilant guard, the eight-score
+animals—horses and mules—are scattered over
+the glade. Here and there is the faint glow of smouldering
+cook- or watch-fire, and over all peace and
+silence.</p>
+
+<p>Little by little the silver shield rises higher and peers
+down over the rocky wall into the depths of the valley.
+Then Tanner signals to his watchful sergeant, and in
+low, brief tones the word is <span class="nowrap">given,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Tumble up, men.”</p>
+
+<p>No stirring trumpet, no martial reveille, no formal
+roll-call or assembly, nothing, in fine, that speaks of
+the pomp and circumstance of war. Rolling out of
+their blankets and hastily strapping them into bundles,
+the troopers, with the ease of long practice, stow their
+small belongings in shape for immediate transportation
+on mule-back, turn them over to the packers for safekeeping,
+and in ten minutes the little command is ready.
+A strong guard under experienced non-commissioned
+officers remains most reluctantly in charge of the herds
+and packs; but some eighty men, nearly all veteran
+Indian-fighters, are grouped about the watch-fire waiting
+orders. Looking among them, no wonder Mr.
+Ray mutters to Captain Tanner, “Well, we’re banditti
+all over again to-night,” for hardly a vestige of regulation
+uniform appears in the entire array. Old slouch
+white hats, shirts of buckskin, canvas, or woollen,
+trousers of similar material, an occasional pair of boots,
+but a predominance of serviceable Tonto moccasins, in
+which the men glide about noiselessly as spirits; not a
+<span class="pagenum">[297]</span>uniform coat or cap in the whole command. Even the
+officers, in their blue flannel shirts and broad-brimmed
+hats, are as picturesquely unencumbered by any paraphernalia
+of rank as their men.</p>
+
+<p>“Send Sergeant Winser here with the scouts,” is the
+low-toned order that falls from the captain’s lips, as he
+and Mr. Truscott stand, watch in hand, under the tall
+cottonwood at the edge of the glade; and, obedient to
+the summons, a tall, splendidly-built soldier with
+bronzed face, clear-cut features, and dark, thoughtful
+eyes, steps forward, and, quietly saluting, stands in
+silence before his commander. Following him come a
+dozen Apache scouts, their coarse, matted hair, bead-like,
+glittering eyes, and snaky movements giving them,
+despite their temporary and enforced allegiance, an indefinable
+something that makes the beholder wary and
+distrustful. These fellows, though, have been proved
+in many a trying scout and skirmish through the
+mountains, and their strange Apache names have long
+since been dropped for the shorter, less romantic, but
+far more pronounceable titles given by their soldier
+comrades. Toyáh has become Pop-corn, Kithaymi,
+Hopkin (after a discharged soldier to whom he had become
+strongly attached); Tomawárecha is “Whiskey,”
+though he knows not the taste of the article, and a
+villainous-looking young scamp of a savage, with the
+appalling name of Ulnyiákahorah, is dubbed Jocko
+for short. And here, too, is Araháwa,—Washington
+Charley,—and he takes his place by the sergeant’s side
+as interpreter, should interpreting be necessary.</p>
+
+<p>Briefly Tanner gives his instructions.</p>
+
+<p>“Lieutenant Truscott will lead you and the scouts,
+<span class="pagenum">[298]</span>sergeant. He found signs six miles down the valley,
+and we will follow the trail wherever it goes. Ready,
+Jack?” he asks. Truscott nods, throws his carbine
+over his shoulder, and without a word strides off
+down the brook-side. Sergeant Winser beckons to his
+Apaches, and away they go at his heels. Then Tanner
+turns to his troopers. “All ready, sergeant?”</p>
+
+<p>“All ready, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“See to it, men, that your canteens don’t rattle.
+Keep in the shade as much as possible. Come on.”
+And with Ray, Dana, and the doctor close behind him,
+the captain follows on the trail of the scouts, and after
+them, in no tactical order whatever, but in perfect
+silence and readiness, the men of the two troops trudge
+briskly along. For a while the trail is so narrow and
+winding that they move in single file, but little by little
+the valley opens out, broader glades appear, the trees
+grow sparse, except close along in the bed of the stream,
+and soon they are able to spread out to the right and
+left and to see about them. To the right the foot-hills
+roll off northward in wave-like undulations. To the
+left, only a short distance from the valley down which
+they are rapidly marching, high, jagged precipitous
+cliffs and “buttes” rise against the southern sky, all
+dark and forbidding.</p>
+
+<p>For over an hour they plunge along, and the pace
+is beginning to tell upon some of the heavy-weights
+towards the rear; but Truscott and his Apaches at
+the front know well that there is no time to be lost
+in getting on the trail of the Tontos. They must be
+followed to their lair before daybreak. If it be far
+from the valley whither they had come for their supply
+<span class="pagenum">[299]</span>of water, then every hour will be needed. If near,
+then there will be plenty of time to rest after they get
+there. At last, towards eleven o’clock, some time after
+leaving the banks of the stream, and while pushing
+ahead among the foot-hills of the tall cliffs to the south,
+the rearmost men find themselves closing upon the
+leaders, and now the command is feeling its way.</p>
+
+<p>Among a lot of stunted trees, on a “bench” some
+few hundred feet above the level of the valley, Tanner
+has halted his men to take breath. Out in front, gliding
+from rock to rock, or flitting about among the trees,
+are the tireless Apaches. The tall forms of Truscott
+and Winser can be seen among them, apparently directing
+their movements. Every now and then a muffled
+clap of hand or a muttered call brings half a dozen of
+the wild-looking creatures to the side of some one of
+their number, who points in silence to broken twig,
+freshly-turned stone, or the print of moccasin on tuft
+of grass or ant-heap, then all move on again.</p>
+
+<p>Before them lies a dark ravine. To the left front
+towers a ragged slope that seems to reach to the skies.
+Across the ravine to the right there rises another, and
+right between these, into the gorge itself, the scouts are
+noiselessly, stealthily creeping. Tanner motions his
+men to keep back under the trees, and taking Ray with
+him, crouches forward to where Truscott is kneeling
+among the rocks.</p>
+
+<p>“In there, do you think?” he whispers.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott shakes his head and points upward.</p>
+
+<p>“They are much higher than this, I take it, and
+farther in; but the trail seems to lead this way.”</p>
+
+<p>Under the rocks the darkness is intense, and only
+<span class="pagenum">[300]</span>slow progress is made; but every now and then patches
+of moonlight are found, and these are eagerly scrutinized.
+Two of the Indians, Kithaymi and Wawámecha,
+seem to hunt in couples. Side by side they crawl
+along, pointing eagerly with their long, bony fingers at
+objects that are fraught with deep meaning to them,
+but that would never attract the attention of a white
+man. At last an opening appears in the rocks to the
+left of the deep ravine in which they are working. A
+broad sheet of moonlight streams across the front, and
+Washington Charley, his eyes gleaming with excitement,
+his white teeth flashing through his lips, points
+aloft.</p>
+
+<p>“Got ’em,—plenty Tonto,” he whispers to Tanner.</p>
+
+<p>“How far up?”</p>
+
+<p>“No sabe,—mebbe so top,” is the answer.</p>
+
+<p>“Go ahead anyhow. Ray, bring up the men.”</p>
+
+<p>And now the climb begins in earnest. Noiselessly
+the scouts swarm up over rock and boulder, peering
+cautiously ahead all the time, creeping on all-fours to
+every ridge or projecting point, and warily studying
+the objects beyond before venturing farther. Close
+behind the foremost Indians Truscott and the sergeant
+slowly follow. Back some distance down the jagged
+slope comes Tanner with the command, noiselessly as
+white men can. In the darkness some one’s foot slips,
+a stone goes rolling downward, and the metallic clink
+of a canteen is heard, whereat one or two profane remarks
+are growled about among the men, and Tanner
+orders halt in a whisper. “Take off your canteens,
+men,” is the next word, and they are noiselessly deposited
+under the trees, only the doctor and his attendant
+<span class="pagenum">[301]</span>being allowed to retain theirs. Then on they go again.
+Twice Ray has to turn and caution his men to take it
+easy. All are eager to get to the front. All know
+that somewhere, probably at the very top of the rugged
+mountain they are climbing, a band of Apaches are
+hidden, for only on the summits of these isolated
+buttes have they of late dared to build their rancherias,
+so untiring has been the search for them, so sudden the
+attack. Presently they come to ledges of rock so steep
+that only by using both hands and helping one another
+can they clamber up. Carbines and rifles are passed
+from man to man, and slowly, warily the ascent is continued,
+and still, far aloft, the summit stands before
+them. They have been climbing fully an hour in this
+way when the word halt is passed, or those in advance
+hold up a warning hand. Tanner and Ray again
+creep forward.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it, Jack?”</p>
+
+<p>“Can’t tell. There’s a deep hollow round that
+point. Charley said wait.”</p>
+
+<p>Tanner looks at his watch. “Nearly one,” he mutters,
+“and we’re not at the top yet. Did you ever see
+such a country?”</p>
+
+<p>Well might he ask! Clinging along the side of
+this huge spur from the main range, his men could
+look for miles and miles over a sea of tumbled rock
+and ravine, of jagged precipices and stony heights, of
+barren wastes or pine-crested slopes. Softened as it
+was by the silvery touch of the moon, there yet was in
+the entire scene the very abomination of desolation.
+Below them yawned a black gorge whose depths no
+eye could penetrate; before them an almost impracticable
+<span class="pagenum">[302]</span>ascent of rock and tangled underbrush; around
+them nothing that was not savage and inhospitable.
+Already the keen night air began to cut in to the very
+marrow, and the men huddled together for warmth.
+“What stops us?” is the muttered query.</p>
+
+<p>Back come Charley and Toyáh. They are wild with
+excitement now, and breathlessly the former makes his
+report. Broken as is his English, his hearers readily
+understand him. They have found the hostiles, and it
+is a big rancheria. “Mebbe so two hundred Tonto.
+No can tell,” says Charley. “Come, captain; come
+see.” And noiselessly as before the three officers creep
+forward beyond the scouts, following the lead of the
+agile young chief, who, nearly as naked as on the day
+he was born, knows neither hunger, thirst, nor cold
+in the face of such a glorious prospect as lies before
+him. His savage soul thirsts for war, and here is his
+opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>Some two hundred yards they half climb, half creep,
+and at last arrive at a ridge or point, over and around
+which they are bidden to look, but not to expose head
+or hand, and to preserve intense silence. Peering, they
+see a shallow depression in the mountain. It lies between
+the rocky ridge on which they are crouching and
+a corresponding ridge some six hundred yards beyond.
+It is well filled with pines and stunted oaks, is walled
+in on the east by an almost precipitous cliff, while
+to the west the mountain-side slopes abruptly down
+into the depths of that unfathomable gorge. Save
+the glistening tree-tops and occasional outcropping of
+boulder, all is darkness. Yet Charley has said that
+there lay the rancheria; that in that hollow were
+<span class="pagenum">[303]</span>probably over a hundred hostile Apaches. How does he
+know?</p>
+
+<p>Truscott points beneath them. “Look!” he says.</p>
+
+<p>The mountain breeze is beginning to sigh through
+the pines and to stir the dead leaves among the crevices
+of the rocks. As a little gust flutters the branches
+below them, from a dozen different points, deep down
+in this mountain fastness, little showers of sparks fly
+forth, and are as quickly lost to sight. They spring
+from the smouldering embers of tiny fires, invisible
+except from above, and this it is that now betrays the
+position of the hostiles, who, sleeping in fancied security,
+have not a sentinel to oppose to the coming foe.</p>
+
+<p>For five minutes Tanner and his two comrades study
+the situation in silence. Some of the fires are away off
+to the left under the cliff, others to the right nearer
+the ravine, more directly in front, and around them all
+they know the Apaches to be huddling. It <i>is</i> a large
+rancheria, very probably Eskiminzin’s, the very one
+they are after.</p>
+
+<p>Now come the dispositions for attack. It is too dark
+for effective work down in that hollow, even with the
+moonlight to aid. Then too a bank of clouds has risen
+from the west and rolled up towards the zenith. The
+moon that has been of such assistance on the trail will
+soon be totally hidden, and in the darkness that must
+ensue all the advantage will be on the side of the natives.
+Tanner decides to wait until dawn. Meantime, his
+men must be cared for. None have overcoats or
+blankets: to light fires would be too hazardous. Orders
+are sent back to remain where they are in such shelter
+as they can find among the rocks, while he, with the
+<span class="pagenum">[304]</span>Indian scouts and his officers, explores the ground around
+the rancheria. An hour’s patient, noiseless search results
+in the discovery that only from their side, the
+north, and for a short space on the west can the rancheria
+be approached. The main entrance or “trail” to it is
+evidently from the south, and they have come to it by
+the back way. And now the moon has disappeared
+and all is total darkness. It is impossible to send a
+detachment farther up the mountain to get around in
+rear of the position of the Tontos. The darkness prohibits
+that, and even in daylight, three hours at least
+would be consumed before they could expect to reach
+the desired point. Eagerly, tirelessly therefore, they
+watch their prey. The hours drag along, but there is
+no relaxation in their vigilance. At last, towards half-past
+four o’clock, Tanner directs Sergeant Winser to
+take his scouts down to the right, to feel their way
+along the edge of the ravine and get as far forward
+towards the rancheria as possible. Ray calls up and
+stations his men a few feet apart all along among the
+rocks from the ravine to the centre, while Tanner’s
+own company under Lieutenant Dana are disposed
+along the ridge almost as far as the base of the cliff to
+the left. Very slowly and cautiously has this been
+accomplished. Hardly a sound has been made that
+could be heard more than a few yards away, and now,
+as a grayish pallor spreads over the heavens above, and
+the tree-tops rustle in a wind that grows chiller every
+minute, Tanner’s little command, copying the tactics
+taught by long experience among the Indians themselves,
+lies crouching in readiness for its spring. Near
+the centre of the line and in front of all is the captain
+<span class="pagenum">[305]</span>himself, kneeling beside a huge boulder; with him,
+prone upon the ground, lies Truscott; behind them
+crouch one of Tanner’s sergeants and “the Kid.”
+Every man has his orders,—silence, not a move, not a
+shot until the captain gives the word, then one volley
+and a rush in. The nearest fire opposite Tanner’s position
+seems about three hundred yards away, perhaps
+not quite so far. Little by little a wan light is stealing
+over the scene, and the men can begin to distinguish
+one another’s features; but in the hollow no forms are
+visible. Tanner looks impatiently at his watch again.</p>
+
+<p>“Quarter-past five,” he mutters, “and dark as Erebus
+down there yet.”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott makes no reply. His eyes are fixed on the
+glow of one particular fire near the middle of the
+hollow. He puts out his hand and lays it on Tanner’s
+arm, pointing with the other.</p>
+
+<p>Something shadowy and dim is moving down there
+about that fire. Twice it has passed between them and
+the blaze. Five minutes more and the blaze leaps upward,
+as though freshly fed, and the snap and crackle
+of burning twigs is heard. Distinctly now two human
+forms can be seen, and along all the watching line there
+runs a thrill. Some men cautiously bring their carbines
+to full-cock and ready; others, shivering ’twixt
+cold and excitement, look eagerly towards their silent
+captain but stir not.</p>
+
+<p>And now it is growing so light that objects beyond
+the rancheria are distinctly visible, and along the outskirts
+of the Indian bivouac before them the men can
+detect the outlines of rude shelters. Once again Truscott
+touches Tanner’s arm and points to the right front.
+<span class="pagenum">[306]</span>Between the trees in the hollow and the edge of the
+deep ravine a level shelf or bench, covered with broken
+rocks, is now to be seen, and close to the edge of the
+trees stands the figure of an Indian. For a moment
+he is motionless, then, gun in hand, he comes lightly
+stepping along the bench straight to the point of the
+ridge, straight to where Ray is crouching with his men.</p>
+
+<p>“Quick, sergeant! slip down there and caution them
+not to fire,” whispers Tanner. “Get him alive, if
+possible.”</p>
+
+<p>Then follows a moment of intense strain and excitement.
+Almost every man in the command can see that
+Indian coming. Every one knows that a few steps
+more will bring him right in among Ray’s people.
+Then what will be the result? On he comes, unconscious
+of danger, nearer, nearer to his foes. Now he is
+clambering up the rocks, now he is among the stunted
+trees. Bang!</p>
+
+<p>“Fire!” rings the command. A crashing volley
+answers, a wild cheer echoes along the hill-side, and
+from their cover, scouts and troopers, officers and men,
+come rushing into the hollow, firing as they run. Of
+just what follows no one man can give accurate account.
+A few minutes of hot, blasting, raging work, of shrieks,
+shots, and uproar, of wild dismay among the startled
+Indians, of screaming squaws and children, of rallying-cries
+among the warriors, who spring to arms and open
+rapid but ill-aimed fire. In rush the soldiers among
+the “wickyups”; carbine and rifle, revolver and arrow,
+for two desperate minutes are dealing death in every
+direction. Even in their surprise the Indians fight
+savagely, like rats in a corner; but though their
+<span class="pagenum">[307]</span>numbers are superior, they have no leadership, no organisation,
+no time to think, poor devils! In two minutes
+they are swept from their camp and are scattered in
+flight and terror along the mountain-side, abandoning
+everything.</p>
+
+<p>For ten or fifteen minutes the noise of the pursuit
+continues, shouts and cries and scattering shots, but
+there is no such thing as catching these fleet-footed
+Apaches, and the soldiers, fatigued with their long
+climb, and stiff with cold, soon give it up and straggle
+back to the rancheria they have won. The scouts hang
+longer at the heels of the fleeing Indians, but by seven
+o’clock the entire command has reassembled amid the
+ruins of the Apache camp, and the fight is over.</p>
+
+<p>Such being the general features, it is not easy to
+relate individual experiences. All was so sudden.
+The young Indian who had prematurely brought on
+the conflict by walking straight in among the men was
+the first prisoner, Ray and the men near him having
+scientifically pounced upon and wellnigh choked him to
+death before he knew where he was; but in the struggle
+somebody’s carbine was discharged, and as that
+meant an alarm to the whole Apache band, Tanner at
+once gave the order to fire, and with the supplementary
+shout of “Come on, men!” had rushed down the slope
+towards the rancheria, Truscott close beside him. On
+the right the scouts and some of Ray’s men had worked
+so far to the front as to be able to pour in a rapid crossfire,
+so that the resistance to the main attack was neither
+vigorous nor sustained; nevertheless, some few Indians
+had made good use of their arms, one old scoundrel
+never leaving his “wickyup,” but quietly squatting
+<span class="pagenum">[308]</span>there, drove arrow after arrow at the leaders of the
+charging soldiers until a bullet laid him low, and one of
+these arrows has struck Jack Truscott full in the breast.</p>
+
+<p>Returning from the pursuit somewhat “blown,” Mr.
+Ray encountered his first sergeant and one or two men
+kneeling by the prostrate form of a comrade.</p>
+
+<p>“Who is it?” he asked, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>“Kerrigan, sir. Stone dead. Shot through the
+heart, I think.”</p>
+
+<p>“I’m very sorry,” said Ray, gravely. “Have we
+lost many, do you know?”</p>
+
+<p>“They say two of Captain Tanner’s fellers are killed,
+sir, and there’s three or four wounded. Loot’n’nt Truscott’s
+hit, sir,” said one of the men.</p>
+
+<p>“Truscott!” exclaimed Ray, springing to his feet.
+“Where is he?”</p>
+
+<p>“Over there among the wickyups, sir.” And, picking
+his way through smoke and smouldering ember,
+occasionally stumbling over the stiffening corpse of some
+half-naked savage, Ray presently came upon Truscott
+himself, quietly seated at the foot of a tree, looking a
+trifle pale, perhaps, but placid as ever, while one of the
+men was cautiously unlacing his hunting-shirt.</p>
+
+<p>“What hit you, Jack?” said Ray, grasping his hand.</p>
+
+<p class="b1">“Nothing but a blunt arrow, luckily. There lies
+the archer,” said Truscott, pointing to the body of a
+hideous old Indian lying under the rude shelter of
+branches and twigs that had been his temporary home.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowe20">
+  <a rel="nofollow" href="images/i308alt.jpg">
+    <img class="w100" src="images/i308alt.jpg" alt="">
+  </a>
+  <figcaption>
+    <p class="noindent small center" style="justify-content: center;">“‘Nothing but a blunt arrow, luckily. There lies the archer.’”</p>
+    <div class="attr">Page 308.&#x2003;</div>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p style="clear: both;">“You’ve bled a good deal, anyhow. Here, Hogan,
+let me do that.” And, kneeling before his friend, Ray
+with nimble fingers unfastened the heavy shirt and
+threw it open at the throat. “Why, Jack, you’re worse
+<span class="pagenum">[309]</span>than a stuck pig, and bleeding yet. Hogan, get me
+some water, and tell the doctor to come here.”</p>
+
+<p>“The doctor’s busy, Ray; you can patch it up easy
+enough. The thing only glanced on a rib, and hasn’t
+done any harm to speak of.” But even as he uttered
+the words Truscott’s head drooped wearily and his eyes
+half closed, a deeper pallor spread over face and brow.
+Ray threw his arm about his neck and drew the drooping
+head upon his shoulder. “You must be mighty
+faint, old man; lie still. We’ll have some water in a
+minute.”</p>
+
+<p>With that he threw back Truscott’s shirt with his
+right hand and opened the torn undershirt. All was
+soaked with blood. Something lying wet and warm
+upon the broad chest stopped his hand, and Ray drew
+it forth,—a dainty, filmy, embroidered handkerchief,
+dripping with the warm current from Truscott’s veins,
+and in one corner, half crimsoned, half spotless white,
+was embroidered the simple name—“Grace.”</p>
+
+<p>There was dead silence an instant. Then Tanner
+and Mr. Dana came running to them. Ray hurriedly
+thrust the handkerchief back into Truscott’s bosom and
+held out his bloody hand.</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t worry. He is only weak from loss of blood.”
+And Jack, hearing their anxious voices, opened his eyes
+and looked up with a grin. Then the doctor came, and
+speedily the flow was stanched, the necessary bandages
+applied, and, revived by a nip of brandy from the doctor’s
+flask, the adjutant sat up, while, as Ray expressed
+it, “Tanner took account of stock.”</p>
+
+<p>Fifteen Indians lay dead among the ruins of the
+rancheria, a few more lay among the rocks in the direction
+<span class="pagenum">[310]</span>of their flight. Three squaws and some children
+were prisoners, and from them it was learned that the
+band was indeed that of Eskiminzin, that about one
+hundred and fifty, mostly warriors, were there encamped,
+and that Eskiminzin himself had escaped. On the
+other hand, though a severe punishment had been inflicted
+on the Indians, and they had lost their fastness
+and all their supplies and plunder, Tanner was distressed
+to find that two of his men were killed outright and
+several quite severely wounded. He had hoped by
+total surprise to have “jumped upon” the village before
+the Indians could really get to their arms, but that
+unlucky single shot had roused the rancheria, and in
+charging across the open slope into the Indian position
+he and the men with him had been much exposed. It
+was not altogether satisfactory, and Tanner’s plans were
+quickly decided. Truscott with a sufficient guard would
+convey the five wounded by easy marches back to Camp
+Sandy, while he, with the rest of the command, would
+push on in pursuit of Eskiminzin. Meantime, an Indian
+runner would go back with his report of the
+engagement.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[311]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XVIII.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Four</span> days afterward, at even an earlier hour, just
+as the first trembling of the willows along the stream
+announced the stir of the morning breeze, two troopers
+forded the Sandy below the garrison and rode slowly
+up the slope to the parade. A light was burning at the
+guard-house, and others were gleaming in the company
+kitchens where the cooks were already at work getting
+coffee and breakfast for the men, for old Catnip was a
+firm believer in the theory that a soldier was far more
+apt to take an interest in the grooming of his horse
+when his own stomach was comfortably filled than when
+he was suffering for his breakfast. As a consequence,
+stable-duty was not the bugbear in the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> that it was
+in other regiments, where the men had to spend an hour
+or more, shivering and hungry and cross, spattering
+away with curry-comb and brush, and swearing <i lang="it">sotto
+voce</i> at their steeds in the same listless and perfunctory
+manner with which they would have cleaned several
+muddy pairs of boots. In Pelham’s regiment the principal
+difficulty seemed to be that of restraining the men
+from whistling or singing at their work,—a thing which
+could not be permitted, because it was unprofessional
+from a military point of view.</p>
+
+<p>Inclining to the right, the leading horseman rode at
+rapid walk along under officers’ row, under the colonel’s
+<span class="pagenum">[312]</span>quarters, at an upper window of which he gazed lingeringly
+as he passed; under in succession all the others
+until he came to the northernmost building. Here he
+dismounted, slowly and stiffly, and the other horseman,
+dismounting also, sprang forward and took the reins.</p>
+
+<p>Stepping to the door, the former turned the knob and
+pushed, but the door was locked. Going around to a
+side-window, he knocked upon the pane, and <span class="nowrap">called,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Glenham!”</p>
+
+<p>No answer. Thrice he knocked and called, and still
+there came no reply. Jack Truscott had returned to find
+himself locked out of his own house.</p>
+
+<p>“Go and ask the corporal of the guard to come
+here,” he said, wearily, seating himself upon the steps
+and taking the reins of the patient horses. His comrade
+walked rapidly away, and Truscott, leaning his
+head upon his hand, fell to thinking of the strange reception.
+His heart was sore, and vague distress and
+perplexity had possessed him. Immediately after the
+fight Tanner had penned a despatch to Colonel Pelham
+announcing the result of the affair, detailing his plans,
+and requesting him to send the hospital steward with
+assistance to meet the wounded whom Truscott was
+escorting, two of whom were so badly hit as to be regarded
+as in a dangerous condition; yet with the
+prospect of another battle before him, he could not
+permit his only medical officer to leave the command.
+The post-surgeon would undoubtedly come forward to
+meet the party,—so argued the doctor on duty with
+him,—and meantime, carried on the springy mule-litters,
+improvised out of saplings, the wounded would do as
+well as they could anywhere. For three days Truscott
+<span class="pagenum">[313]</span>had plodded along in great pain and weariness himself,
+and in deeper anxiety on account of one of his men,
+who seemed sinking rapidly. At last, on the evening
+of the third day, he had reached Fossil Creek, where,
+at the latest, aid should have reached him, but aid there
+was none, and there the soldier died. Taking only an
+hour’s rest, weak and weary though he was, the adjutant
+decided to push right on to Sandy by a night ride,
+and secure the assistance so greatly needed by the other
+men.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the corporal of the guard came hurrying
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>“Who is officer of the day, corporal?”</p>
+
+<p>“Lieutenant Glenham, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“Lieutenant Glenham! Why! there is no light
+in his room, and I cannot wake him.”</p>
+
+<p>“Beg pardon, sir. <i>The lieutenant has moved.</i> He
+lives in Lieutenant Dana’s quarters.”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott sat for an instant in stunned silence. When
+he spoke his voice was stern and strange.</p>
+
+<p>“Go and tell him I am here, and ask for the key of
+my quarters.”</p>
+
+<p>In two minutes the corporal returned with the key.</p>
+
+<p>“Is Mr. Glenham coming?” asked Truscott.</p>
+
+<p>“He didn’t say, sir. I told him you was here, and
+he didn’t answer.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then go and wake the post-surgeon. Give him
+my compliments, and ask if I can see him at once.
+Take the horses to the stable,” he added to the orderly,
+then unlocked his door, entered the dark sitting-room,
+and, after some fumbling on the mantel, found a match
+and struck a light.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[314]</span></p>
+
+<p>All was cold, cheerless, desolate. The hearth was
+piled with dead embers and ashes. Even the dogs had
+deserted the house. On the centre-table lay a paste-board
+box tied with ribbon, and the box was addressed
+to him—in her handwriting.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly he tore it open. Wrapped in tissue-paper
+lay his silver spurs; but with them, not a line, not a
+word.</p>
+
+<p>When the surgeon arrived, some ten or fifteen minutes
+later, the trumpets were just sounding the first
+call for reveille, and Jack Truscott was sitting motionless
+in his great easy-chair, his chin upon his hands, his
+elbows on his knees, his eyes staring vacantly into the
+empty fireplace. Not until the doctor had called him
+twice by name, and shaken him by the shoulder, did
+he rouse himself. One glance in his wan face was
+sufficient for the keen professional eye. He cut Truscott
+short in his attempt to detail the events of the past
+week.</p>
+
+<p>“Never mind that now,—swallow this,” he said, as
+he poured out some brandy from the decanter. “I’ll
+send the steward with the ambulance and supplies at
+once, and gallop down the valley myself after I get
+you settled. Of course no messenger has got in, or we
+would have met you forty-eight hours ago. Now, off
+with these clothes. Hurry up with that fire, Hogan.
+I want warm water quick as it can be had.”</p>
+
+<p>In vain Truscott protested that he must see the colonel
+and make his report.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll do all your reporting for you, and to begin with
+report you sick from wound; and as I want no brain-fever
+patient on my hands, you’ll get to bed just as
+<span class="pagenum">[315]</span>quick as I can dress that scratch, as you call it.” So
+talked the doctor, as he rapidly and skilfully divested
+Truscott of his blood-stiffened garments. “Mighty
+lucky for you that was a blunted arrow, man; you
+would have been spitted otherwise; that’s a jagged tear
+as it is. What had you on besides these things?
+Nothing? That’s queer! Oh, a handkerchief in
+there, was there? Of course that checked it a little,
+but not much.”</p>
+
+<p>At last the process of sponging and rebandaging
+was complete, and Mr. Truscott was snugly stowed
+away in bed. It had been a desperately hard ordeal,
+this interview with the doctor; for if ever man wanted
+to be all alone and to calmly think over his troubles,
+that man was Jack Truscott. But while he thoroughly
+intended that his patient should be left alone, it was
+not part of the doctor’s programme that he should be
+allowed to brood over his perplexities and distress, and
+“Pills” saw clearly enough that the mental condition
+of the adjutant was infinitely worse than the bodily.
+An attendant from the hospital had brought over some
+medicines, and then been sent in search of Major Bucketts.
+The latter came with anxiety and promptitude,
+and the doctor met him at the outer door.</p>
+
+<p>“Come in, Bucketts. I’ve got Truscott to bed now,
+and first he must be allowed to make his report to you
+for the colonel, then I want him to go to sleep and stay
+asleep, and to remain utterly undisturbed during the
+day. I’m going at once to Fossil Creek to meet the
+wounded, and I want you to see to it that Truscott is
+kept quiet, and <em>not one word of the business that has
+been going on must be allowed to reach him</em>.” Bucketts
+<span class="pagenum">[316]</span>nodded grimly, and then, with the doctor, softly entered
+Jack’s room, and the two friends gripped hands.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott told his story uninterrupted, and the quartermaster
+listened to every detail until it was finished.
+Then he spoke.</p>
+
+<p>“Now, Jack, I understand it fully, and can give it to
+the colonel just as you gave it to me. Everything is
+going smoothly in the office. There isn’t a thing to demand
+your attention, and all you’ve got to do is to get
+thoroughly rested. Now I’m off, but every few hours
+I’ll be over to see if you want anything, and there will
+be a hospital attendant in the next room all day. I tell
+you the colonel and the chief will be tickled to death
+to hear what a larruping you gave Eskiminzin.”</p>
+
+<p>Then the doctor gave him a sleeping potion, darkened
+the room, and once more bent over him.</p>
+
+<p>“Jack, it is necessary that you should rest to-day.
+I’ll be back to-night, and will let you up then, but
+meantime sleep all you can. Now I’m going to see
+Mrs. Tanner, who is very anxious about the captain,
+and will rejoice in knowing of his safety. Then I’ll
+be ready to start down the valley.”</p>
+
+<p>Then fatigue and suffering were soon forgotten.
+Hour after hour throughout that chill December day
+Jack Truscott slept peacefully. Waking towards evening,
+he found that the attendant had set a little table by
+his bedside, and that besides the conventional tea and
+toast from the mess some dainty, tempting dishes were
+there in readiness for him.</p>
+
+<p>“Who sent these?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Mrs. Tanner, sir, and Mrs. Wilkins. The quartermaster
+has been here several times, and the colonel
+<span class="pagenum">[317]</span>called, and lots of the officers have been here to ask
+how you were, but my orders was not to let you be
+disturbed.”</p>
+
+<p>And so, feeling hungry, Jack took his tea, and when
+he next woke it was late in the night, and then he had
+nothing to do for it but lie awake and think, and he
+could think of nothing but why those spurs had come
+back to him in that ungracious way, and why had
+Glenham abandoned his roof.</p>
+
+<p>It was late on the following day when the doctor
+reached him, and found him much better. Truscott
+insisted upon getting up and dressing, and was surprised
+to find that the doctor seemed most unwilling to
+allow him to go out. Being determined, however, he
+carried his point, for, except a certain degree of weakness
+consequent upon loss of blood, and the painful and
+fatiguing journey, no reason against it could be assigned;
+but, while he was dressing, the doctor went forth and
+held a rapid and earnest conversation with two or three
+officers whom he met. There were others to whom he
+did not stop to speak at all, but proceeded on his way
+to the colonel’s. Mrs. Pelham and Lieutenant Glenham
+were seated on the piazza.</p>
+
+<p>“And how is Mr. Truscott now?” inquired her
+ladyship.</p>
+
+<p>“Rested end doing very well, madame, and yet he
+must be very prudent. Can I see the colonel?”</p>
+
+<p>“You will find him in the parlor, doctor.” And as
+he entered the house she turned to Mr. Glenham:
+“Now, Arthur, be firm and lose no time. You are
+to ride in half an hour, so it had better be settled at
+once.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[318]</span></p>
+
+<p>Glenham rose, and merely saying, “I suppose you
+are right,” with a countenance in which perturbation
+and distress of mind were vividly portrayed, walked
+uneasily along the row. Nearing the adjutant’s quarters
+he looked back. There on the southernmost piazza
+stood Mrs. Pelham watching him. His face turned a
+shade paler, his teeth set, and he sprang up the steps
+and knocked at the door which for over a year he had
+banged open or shut without formality of any kind.
+It was opened by the hospital attendant.</p>
+
+<p>“Can I see Lieutenant Truscott?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Hullo, Glenham! Come right in. Glad to see
+you,” rang Truscott’s voice from the sitting-room, and
+with extended hand and welcoming face he stepped to
+the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>In a constrained, embarrassed, half-dazed manner
+Glenham took the hand and dropped it.</p>
+
+<p>“I came to see you yesterday, Truscott, but they said
+you were not to be disturbed;” and as he spoke he stood
+uneasily at the door.</p>
+
+<p>“Come in, Glenham,” said Truscott. “Close the
+door and wait outside,” he continued, turning to the
+soldier. “Come in <em>here</em>.” And slowly Truscott turned
+again and looked him searchingly in the face. The
+younger man could not meet his eye. He went and
+leaned his elbow upon the sideboard, his head upon
+his hand.</p>
+
+<p>“You have something to tell me, youngster, and you
+don’t know how to begin,” said Truscott, gravely and
+kindly. “What is it?”</p>
+
+<p>For a moment Glenham answered not. His eyes
+were fixed on a picture of the Yosemite that hung
+<span class="pagenum">[319]</span>upon the wall, but he tapped his top-boot impatiently
+with a little stick he carried. At last he broke forth,
+straightening himself and speaking rapidly; speaking
+as though by rote, as though it were a lesson he had
+learned and was now repeating; speaking in desperate
+haste, as though afraid either to stop or to be stopped,
+as though he feared his resolution might fail him.</p>
+
+<p>“I <em>have</em> something to say. It is hard to do it, too,
+but it must be done. Your coming back suffering and
+wounded makes it all the harder. Truscott, I thought
+you were the best friend I had in the regiment. I
+thought you were the truest gentleman in it, but the
+events that have come to light recently have proven to
+me that you have not been fair and square with me,
+that you have not acted as a friend; and, as for the
+<em>other</em> matters, I have nothing to say, except that you
+cannot expect me to believe in your friendship or in
+you as I did. The less said the better, I suppose, and
+so I moved into other quarters. Even now I don’t
+like to have you think that I am ungrateful for all the
+kindness you certainly showed me up to this fall, but,
+in future, our ways lie apart.” And having said his
+piece, he raised his eyes, and for the first time looked
+Truscott in the face. “And now,” he said, “I have
+come to ask for Miss Pelham’s whip.”</p>
+
+<p>While he was speaking, the face of his listener was a
+study. Pain, incredulity, indignation, and deep sorrow,
+all were depicted in the set, stern expression that fastened
+on his features. Truscott listened without one
+word, but very, very pale he grew, until her name was
+mentioned. Then the blood leaped to his forehead,
+fire flashed in his eyes, his hands clinched, and Glenham,
+<span class="pagenum">[320]</span>who for an instant had met his gaze, looked
+nervously away.</p>
+
+<p>For a few seconds there was dead silence. Glenham
+could hear the throb of his own heart. Then Truscott
+spoke. Measured, calm, and slow, his words, nevertheless,
+were sharp and clear. There was not a trace of
+irritation in voice or manner, neither was there aught
+that was repellent. The self-control was simply perfect.</p>
+
+<p>“Let me clearly understand you, Glenham. Do
+you mean to say that you have fully satisfied yourself
+that I am no longer worthy your confidence and
+trust?”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, not that; not——Well, what I mean is
+that you have behaved neither as a friend to me, and,
+worse than that, to—to others who trusted you even
+more,” said Glenham, desperately.</p>
+
+<p>And still Truscott leaned there on the mantel, looking
+calmly at him.</p>
+
+<p>“And your information, Glenham. Is it the result
+of your own observation, or what you have been
+told?”</p>
+
+<p>“It comes to me in such a way that I cannot discredit
+it,” said Glenham, with changing color and
+manifest hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>“That is dodging the question. Have you seen or
+do you know of any act of mine to warrant your language,
+or is it all hearsay evidence?”</p>
+
+<p>“I have seen nothing, but what I have heard is—is
+undeniable.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then on purely one-sided statements you have decided
+upon your course in the matter. By every right
+I am entitled to hear, and to hear explicitly, what your
+<span class="pagenum">[321]</span>allegations are. There are at least two sides to every
+story, as you ought to know; and what I had a right
+to expect of you was that you would never have condemned
+me unheard. You have done so, however, and
+now—let it stand. No,” he continued, holding up his
+hand, as Glenham attempted to speak; “I have now no
+desire whatever to hear or to answer your accusations.
+The time has passed. What is this about Miss Pelham’s
+whip?” he broke off, abruptly.</p>
+
+<p>“I have come for it,” said Glenham, sullenly.</p>
+
+<p>“Did Miss Pelham send you for it?”</p>
+
+<p>“N—o; but it is her wish to have it. She has
+returned your spurs, and—I consider it my duty to
+reclaim it of you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Your duty! How so?”</p>
+
+<p>“Miss Pelham and myself are engaged.”</p>
+
+<p>There was again a moment of intense silence. Then
+Truscott stepped to the wardrobe, took therefrom the
+dainty whip with its loop of dark-blue ribbon, and
+calmly handed it to Glenham without a word.</p>
+
+<p>Glenham took it and moved uneasily, wretchedly,
+towards the door. There he paused and looked back.
+Truscott had resumed his position at the mantel-shelf,
+very pale, very stern he looked, but there was not the
+tremor of a nerve or muscle. And Glenham was
+trembling from head to foot, and knew it.</p>
+
+<p>“Is there anything further?” asked Truscott, calmly.</p>
+
+<p>Again Glenham hesitated. At last he <span class="nowrap">muttered,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“No, I believe not. Good-morning.”</p>
+
+<p>And with that he turned and left. Truscott waited
+until the sound of his footsteps died away. Then he
+closed and locked his door, stretched himself at full
+<span class="pagenum">[322]</span>length in his easy reclining-chair, and, with his head
+thrown back, flung his arms over his eyes and lay there
+in silence.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, Mr. Glenham returned to the colonel’s
+quarters with his prize, and Camp Sandy turned out to
+see him and his <i lang="fr">fiancée</i> go forth on their ride.</p>
+
+<p>It was a lovely December day, so bright and warm
+down in that deep, sheltered valley that in many of the
+quarters the windows were thrown open, and the flies
+were buzzing about as though jubilant over a renewed
+lease of a life that, after all, was not so much worth
+living. The ladies were out in force, three only being
+conspicuous by their absence from the front of the row.
+Mesdames Canker, Tanner, and Wilkins were not
+visible, and when the latter was not to be seen among
+the gatherings along the piazzas something extraordinary
+must be going on. Something extraordinary <em>was</em>
+going on in this particular instance,—Mrs. Wilkins was
+devoting herself to Mrs. Tanner, who was ill.</p>
+
+<p>She had been failing for several days it seems, and
+had not been at all well since the night her husband
+marched away with his command. The doctor went
+frequently to see her, and was plainly anxious on her
+account, but the ladies had held aloof. That it was the
+proper and conventional thing for them to accost the
+perturbed physician—who was blessed with no wife of
+his own—with a perfunctory inquiry as to how Mrs.
+Tanner was getting along seemed to be conceded, but
+that it would be improper and unconventional in the
+last degree to go and visit the sick in this particular
+instance was apparently a unanimous opinion. He
+noted with much perplexity that the fair lips that
+<span class="pagenum">[323]</span>framed the name of the gentle sufferer were pursed up,
+as though shrinking from the probable besmirching
+that would follow its mere mention. What could it
+mean?</p>
+
+<p>Briefly, it meant this,—and the sooner the details of
+this dismal episode are related and done with forever,
+the sooner will our story be finished and the better will
+it be for all parties concerned.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Pelham, it will be remembered, had summoned
+Captain Canker in-doors after giving his adjutant
+instructions to prepare for his ride in search of
+Tanner’s column, and a very sad and trying conversation,
+to the colonel at least, had taken place.</p>
+
+<p>“Of course you noticed where Truscott came from;
+I saw you did,” said the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>The captain bowed assent with much solemnity of
+mien, but said nothing, and the commanding officer,
+motioning him to a seat, paced up and down the floor.
+Grace had fled to her room, and Mrs. Pelham, wide
+awake by this time, divining that something unusual
+was going on, concluded that she wanted a glass of
+water, or anything in the dining-room, slipped into her
+wrapper and down the back-stairs through the kitchen.
+The front-stairs always creaked under her weight, poor
+lady, and of course she did not wish to be seen in such
+toilet. Once in the dining-room it was no difficult
+matter to hear the conversation going on in the parlor.
+It was very brief. Captain Canker went away with
+the injunction of secrecy on his lips, but, with wild excitement
+and unmistakable delight, Mrs. Pelham heard
+enough to convince her that Mr. Truscott had been at
+Captain Tanner’s quarters long after midnight, and was
+<span class="pagenum">[324]</span>virtually detected there by her husband. More than
+that, she had heard him say to Captain <span class="nowrap">Canker,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Then you will call upon him for an explanation
+immediately upon his return, and of course, if it prove
+unsatisfactory, his resignation must follow.”</p>
+
+<p>Poor Pelham! Attached as he was to his adjutant,
+the insidious statements of his wife, the letter of Mrs.
+Treadwell, the admission of Captain Canker that the
+matter had been a source of regimental gossip for a
+long time past, and finally, the very suspicious appearance
+of Mr. Truscott at Tanner’s quarters during Tanner’s
+absence, and long after other people had gone to
+bed, had together formed a combination too powerful
+for him. “I cannot bear to think it of him,” said he,
+“but the evidence is such that makes it at least necessary
+that he should leave this post.”</p>
+
+<p>An hour after, when he came up-stairs to his room,
+Mrs. Pelham had waylaid him and added fresh information
+of her own against Truscott, who was then
+speeding on his mission down the valley.</p>
+
+<p>“Nothing must be said of this, Dolly,” said the
+colonel, very miserably. “Of course, Mr. Truscott
+will be called to account on his return, and Captain
+Tanner will be properly notified.”</p>
+
+<p>Nothing said of it, indeed! Before Jack Truscott
+was twelve hours on his way mysterious whisperings
+were to be heard among the denizens of officers’ row.
+Ladies were flitting to and fro; significant glances shot
+from eye to eye; such words as “How shocking!”
+might have been heard murmured by rosy lips. Even
+those dear girls, the Crandalls, down for a few days’
+visit from Prescott, were observed to take a lively
+<span class="pagenum">[325]</span>interest in the murmured confab between the matrons on
+Mrs. Turner’s piazza. Then the colonel had been
+moody and forlorn at the office, had hardly spoken to
+Bucketts, had had a long, confidential talk with Captain
+Canker, with whom he rarely consorted, and Lieutenant
+Hunter had been sent for, and the three were
+closeted together for an hour, and at afternoon stables
+were again seen in close conversation; and Mrs. Pelham
+had spent that hour at Mrs. Turner’s, with her
+and with Mrs. Raymond, and later had had a long talk
+with Glenham; but Grace,—Grace did not leave her
+room all day.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing said of it, indeed! Inside of forty-eight
+hours: even while Truscott lay weak and pale from
+loss of blood down under the cold rocks of the Black
+Mesa; even while Mrs. Tanner, lonely and heart-sick,
+was lying on a bed of pain, gasping for breath, and
+longing for the presence of her devoted husband.
+Even while he, spurring from one savage conflict, was
+about leading his men in a gallant dash upon a concealed
+and powerful foe,—this was how it was told to
+more than one household at department headquarters.
+Even the virgin modesty of one, perhaps both, of
+those dear Crandall girls had not been proof against
+the delirious rapture of imparting such tidings. “Only
+think of it!” one (perhaps both) had written, “at two
+o’clock this morning Mr. Truscott was found at Mrs.
+Tanner’s (you know the captain is away), and he was
+ordered out of the post by Colonel Pelham at once.
+She, of course, is prostrate, unable to see any one, even
+if any one went,” etc., etc., etc. “Mrs. Turner has
+just told us. Everybody is so shocked.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[326]</span></p>
+
+<p>Pah! Not to be spoken of, indeed! Even among
+his brother officers, who was there to stand up for Jack
+Truscott and stamp the thing as a lie? Who was there
+to act for Tanner and crush the vile slander in the
+throat of the first man who dared to breathe it? Who
+was there to demand that no steps should be taken, no
+more be said, until he who stood accused could return
+and face his accusers? Not Canker. He believed him
+guilty. Not Glenham. Mrs. Pelham had taken care
+that he should be fully informed of everything she
+knew and much that she did not; and he now believed
+Truscott guilty of treachery to himself and dishonor
+towards Tanner. Not Raymond. He was one
+of the many who, knowing nothing against a man, believing
+him true and worthy, yet dare not stand up for
+him against such odds, for fear that it might be true
+after all, and then he would have made a fool of himself.
+Not Crane, Carroll, or Hunter. We know what
+manner of men they were. But where was sturdy old
+Bucketts? Where was Turner?</p>
+
+<p>Bucketts was one of those men who seeing others
+conversing in whispers would walk away. He didn’t
+want to know what men felt obliged to talk of in that
+way. Turner was another, and so was the doctor.
+Thus it happened that as no one man in the garrison
+wanted to broach the subject to either of the three, as
+two of them were destitute of the natural sources of such
+information, and the wife of the third had good reasons
+of her own for saying nothing to her lord and master on
+the subject,—thus it had happened that not until the
+third day after Truscott’s departure did the story come to
+the ears of Bucketts, and then there was a row. It came
+<span class="pagenum">[327]</span>about in this way. Glenham notified him of his intention
+of moving at once from Truscott’s quarters into
+Dana’s, and in his confused explanation he let drop
+some allusions to a total rupture of his relations with
+the adjutant, for which Bucketts soundly rated him, so
+that Glenham, goaded and stung, had rushed into a detailed
+account of the whole scandal as he understood it,
+poor boy! and Bucketts, foaming with indignation,
+had called upon Turner. Turner had fired up instantaneously
+and demanded of his wife what she knew,
+and then returning to the quartermaster’s, they had held
+a brief consultation, had gone to the colonel, and placed
+their views before him.</p>
+
+<p>“As a matter of simple justice, Colonel Pelham, I
+ask that you take no steps in this matter until Mr.
+Truscott is given an ample opportunity to explain,”
+said Captain Turner. “I am confident of his innocence,
+and more than confident of hers. What is more,
+I think that every effort should be made to stop all
+talk at once. Mrs. Tanner, too, is ill.” And Colonel
+Pelham had risen and warmly shaken hands with the
+captain, and thanked him for the first words of cheer
+and confidence he had heard. Then Turner went home
+and asked Mrs. Turner whether she had been to see
+Mrs. Tanner in her illness; finding that she had not,
+he marched her forthwith to Tanner’s quarters. Mrs.
+Tanner was not well enough to see them, and begged
+to be excused.</p>
+
+<p>“Please say to Mrs. Tanner that Captain and Mrs.
+Turner called, and that they beg to know if they can
+do anything to assist her. May we not take Rosalie
+a while?” asked Turner in a loud, hearty voice, that
+<span class="pagenum">[328]</span>reached the invalid as she lay upon the lounge in her
+room; and then meeting Mr. Hunter, he had scowled
+at him so blackly that that young gentleman concluded
+it best not to call there that evening, as had been his
+intention.</p>
+
+<p>As for Bucketts, he and the colonel had some further
+talk, at the expiration of which the quartermaster had
+stumped across parade, and meeting Captain Canker,
+had stared him in the face and cut him dead.</p>
+
+<p>And then Mrs. Wilkins had come to the fore. The
+story reached her as quick as it did the majority of the
+ladies, and after staring a minute in blank amaze at
+her informant, she demanded to know how it had
+reached him, for, in this case at least, Mr. Wilkins was
+the transmitter. Then, as it came from her husband,
+the lady promptly averred that she didn’t believe a
+word of it, and next she had gone off to extract all
+that could be told by the not unwilling lips of Mrs.
+Turner, “who had everything direct from Mrs. Pelham
+herself.”</p>
+
+<p>Now such was the element of antagonism in this unterrified
+lady that she needed only this announcement
+to convince her that the whole story was an outrage.
+Of course Mrs. Turner properly hoped it might prove
+so, and trusted that Mrs. Tanner might be vindicated.
+“But it all looked very queer.”</p>
+
+<p>“Trash!” said Mrs. Wilkins. “I suppose I’ve
+found fault with Mrs. Tanner like the rest of you (it
+sounded almost like the rest o’ ye’s), and as for Jack
+Truscott, I suppose he laughs at me; but mind you,
+Mrs. Turner, there’s plenty of ways to explain this,
+and I don’t believe there’s a thought of wrong in that
+<span class="pagenum">[329]</span>little woman, and I’ll go to her the first thing to-morrow.”</p>
+
+<p>And go she did, and never hinting at anything out
+of the way in the garrison, and parrying everything
+like a question as to whether any of the other ladies
+had come to see her, very useful had she made herself
+about the house, and very much had she cheered her
+patient and grateful little friend, so that towards afternoon
+on the day succeeding Mr. Truscott’s return she
+was down on the piazza and eager to see him. The
+doctor joined her as she sat there with Mrs. Wilkins,
+warmly congratulating her upon her improvement, and
+then Truscott came. Oh, how pale, how strange he
+looked! No wonder her soft brown eyes filled with
+tears as she gazed up into his face and pressed his cold
+hand. He who had been her faithful friend through
+everything, he who had so recently shared her husband’s
+dangers and successes.</p>
+
+<p>“Why, Jack! How ill you look! You ought to be
+stretched out here in this chair,—not I. You must
+have suffered terribly.”</p>
+
+<p>But he smiled gently, seated himself by her side,
+and with Rosalie upon his knee and the eyes of Mrs.
+Wilkins and the doctor closely watching him, he told
+the story of the stirring fight. Catching sight of him,
+Turner and Bucketts joined the little party, and when
+the story was done all sat there chatting, and Mrs.
+Pelham coming suddenly upon her own piazza, stared
+as she saw the gathering at Mrs. Tanner’s. Then there
+rose the sudden clatter of hoofs, and Grace Pelham
+and Mr. Glenham came at rapid lope along the road.
+With the color rushing to her cheeks, the former bowed
+<span class="pagenum">[330]</span>gravely in acknowledgment of the upraised caps of
+the officers, who stood as she passed, and then resumed
+their seats.</p>
+
+<p>“Mrs. Wilkins tells me the engagement is announced,”
+said Mrs. Tanner, and nobody seemed to feel called
+upon to say anything further. An orderly came running
+over from the office.</p>
+
+<p>“A letter from the captain, mum,” he said, with a
+grin of delight, as he handed a soiled missive to Mrs.
+Tanner. “Sergeant Stein is just in with despatches.”</p>
+
+<p>Eagerly she seized and tore it open. Then with
+sparkling eyes and reddening cheeks, with lips parted
+and her breath coming quick and fast, she hurriedly
+read the lines.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, thank God! thank God!” she cried, as she
+threw her arms around Rosalie and drew her to her
+bosom. “Thank God, darling, papa will be here for
+Christmas, and all is well. Oh, Jack, it’s such glad
+news! Yes, read it. Read it aloud if you like,”
+though the heightened color in her cheek warned him
+not to do that. “They have had another fight, and
+now the Indians have scattered in every direction, and
+they are coming home,—will be here in two days.
+Oh, Rosalie, aren’t you glad?” And mother and child
+clung rapturously to one another.</p>
+
+<p>“Ah, Mrs. Tanner,” said the doctor, “my occupation
+is gone. I’ll leave you now. Come, Bucketts; come,
+Turner. I want to chat with you a while, and leave
+Truscott to plan for Christmas with Rosalie.” Yet, as
+he passed, he said in a low tone to Mrs. <span class="nowrap">Wilkins,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Don’t let her excite herself too much.”</p>
+
+<p>And that worthy dame nodded appreciatively.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[331]</span></p>
+
+<p>But Bucketts, of course, had to go at once to the
+office to see Sergeant Stein, and get the despatches
+for Colonel Pelham. The colonel had been there for
+a few moments only immediately after guard-mounting,
+and then, saying he did not feel very well, had
+gone to his quarters. In five minutes, Major Bucketts,
+as acting adjutant, appeared at the colonel’s door with
+the despatches in his hand, and was met by Mrs.
+Pelham.</p>
+
+<p>“The colonel is sleeping now, major, and he has
+been far from well for two days. Is it anything
+important?”</p>
+
+<p>“Despatches from Captain Tanner, madame, with
+details of another fight. I think the colonel ought to
+see them, as he may want to report the result at once
+to department headquarters.”</p>
+
+<p>And so Bucketts was admitted to the colonel’s bedside,
+and found him indeed feverish and forlorn. He
+roused himself at the mention of despatches, and listened
+eagerly as the quartermaster read them aloud.
+Grace stole in on tiptoe, and took her father’s hot
+hand; but there was breathless attention to every word,
+the colonel interjecting an occasional “good!” “tip-top!”
+and an enthusiastic “bully for Ray!” when, in
+brief, soldierly words, Captain Tanner gave high praise
+to that young officer for heading the dash in the second
+fight, and then came the “<i lang="it">finale</i>.”</p>
+
+<p>“I cannot close this report without expressing my
+great obligations to Lieutenant Truscott, to whose tireless
+energy the whole success of the expedition is due.
+Without him we would have missed the trail entirely,
+and it was he who guided us to the rancheria and led
+<span class="pagenum">[332]</span>the attack in person, receiving a painful wound as his
+share of the casualties.”</p>
+
+<p>Here Bucketts stopped and waited a moment. Nobody
+said anything.</p>
+
+<p>“Bully for Truscott say I,” remarked Major Bucketts,
+very calmly, on satisfying himself that no one
+else proposed to express commendation where his friend
+was concerned. Then he finished the despatches, and
+waited for instructions.</p>
+
+<p>“Have copies made of these to be sent by to-morrow’s
+mail with my report, major, and I want a brief
+synopsis to be sent at once by telegraph. I suppose I’ll
+have to do it myself,” he added, drearily. Already he
+missed beyond expression the arm on which he was accustomed
+to lean. He hated to write. Everything of
+that kind fell on Truscott’s shoulders. The colonel had
+only to indicate what he needed and it was ready for his
+signature on his desk; but now he could not ask Truscott.</p>
+
+<p>“How is Mr. Truscott?” he asked, moodily.</p>
+
+<p>“Much better, sir. I left him talking with Mrs.
+Tanner, who has just been receiving our congratulations,”
+said Bucketts, with a tone largely suggestive of
+“Whether <em>you</em> like it or not,” as he looked squarely at
+Lady Pelham. It is to be feared that his zeal for
+his friend the quartermaster was not strengthening his
+own position, a thing that is of so rare occurrence as to
+warrant its being made a note of. Then Major Bucketts
+bowed himself out, and went back to the adjutant’s
+office, where for some time he was busied over
+the recent despatches. After making out the “synopsis,”
+he carried his work to Truscott, who was still
+seated on Mrs. Tanner’s piazza; and as he approved, the
+<span class="pagenum">[333]</span>necessary copy was made and carried to the colonel for his
+signature. Stable-call had sounded when Major Bucketts
+turned to leave the colonel. The latter called him back.</p>
+
+<p>“Bucketts, just close that door and come here, will
+you?”</p>
+
+<p>The quartermaster obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>“Has anything been said? Has Canker spoken to
+Mr. Truscott yet?”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not know, sir. I had no idea that it was
+your intention to delegate this matter to Captain Canker,”
+said Bucketts, a tremor of surprise and indignation
+betraying itself in his voice.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel colored hotly under the unmistakable
+reproach in the staff-officer’s tone. Oh, Bucketts, had
+you not learned in your years of army service that discretion
+was the better part of valor, when defending a
+friend against a commander’s ire?</p>
+
+<p>“There were reasons why Captain Canker was selected
+to speak for me,” said the colonel, with much
+dignity and reserve; “but now it may be well to postpone
+action until Captain Tanner’s return, since he is
+so soon to be here. You will see Canker at stables, and
+may say so for me.” And then Bucketts withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>That evening as the officers came strolling back from
+the mess-room they noted with surprise an unusual
+gathering in front of the colonel’s quarters. A broad
+light streamed from the open doorway, and in it, only
+partially dressed, with ashen face and holding an open
+despatch in his hand, stood Colonel Pelham apparently
+questioning two soldiers in rough scouting-rig, who had
+dismounted and were holding their panting horses by
+the rein. One of them was weeping like a woman.
+<span class="pagenum">[334]</span>Grace, covering her face in her hands, ran back into the
+house. Glenham, white as a sheet, stood beside the
+colonel, dazed and stupefied.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s happened?” asked some of the party; and
+Truscott and the doctor, walking together behind the rest,
+hurried eagerly forward just in time to see Mrs. Pelham
+throw a shawl over her shoulders and scurry up the row.</p>
+
+<p>“Gentlemen,” said Colonel Pelham, in a voice choking
+with emotion, “we have lost our best. Captain Tanner
+was killed last night at sunset.”</p>
+
+<p>For an instant there was an awful stillness, broken
+only by the sobs of one of the soldiers, who had buried
+his face in his horse’s mane and thrown his arms around
+the sturdy neck. Then the doctor spoke.</p>
+
+<p>“God of heaven! Who can break it to her?”</p>
+
+<p>“Mrs. Pelham has gone,” said Glenham, briefly.</p>
+
+<p>“<em>What!</em> Mrs. Pelham! For God’s sake stop her!”</p>
+
+<p>Two men sprang from the group and rushed in pursuit,—Truscott
+and the doctor. Her hand was on the
+bell as the latter seized it.</p>
+
+<p>“Mrs. Pelham, stop!” said he. “I adjure you not
+to speak to her.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why not, pray? Who but the commanding officer’s
+wife should be the first to tender sym——” The
+door opened and she attempted to enter. Instantly she
+was seized. The doctor’s arms were round her waist,
+Truscott had her hand.</p>
+
+<p>“Madame, you must not——” said the former; but
+she furiously interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p>“Unhand me, I say! Who dares restrain me! This
+outrage——”</p>
+
+<p>And here with alarm upon her face Mrs. Tanner
+<span class="pagenum">[335]</span>came running into the hall. Truscott sprang within
+the door.</p>
+
+<p>“Get her away quick, doctor,” he muttered, and
+then, taking Mrs. Tanner’s hand, strove to lead her back
+into the parlor, but in his death-like pallor she saw the
+awful premonition.</p>
+
+<p>“My husband?” she gasped. “What is it? Quick!”
+and then the doctor saw it was too late. He too sprang
+to her side, releasing Mrs. Pelham, who between rage,
+agitation, and possibly genuine emotion burst into tears
+and threw herself forward with outstretched arms.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, my poor, stricken friend! Oh, poor little——”
+And then Rosalie’s agonised cry rang out upon the
+parade.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, mamma, mamma! Have they killed my
+papa?”</p>
+
+<p>Now with wild, dilated eyes she looks from one to
+another. What need to ask? In one frightful second
+the whole truth flashes over her. The soft little white
+hands are thrown tightly clinched in air; she totters:
+one gasping cry issues from her ashen lips and down
+she would have gone to earth but for the strong arms
+that seize and raise her.</p>
+
+<p>White as her own is Truscott’s face as he bears her
+up the stairs. He looks back for one instant as others
+come rushing in, and sterner, lower than ever before,
+they hear the <span class="nowrap">words,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Get that woman away! Doctor, come quick!”</p>
+
+<p>“It is heart-disease, madame, and you would have
+killed her,” says the doctor, as he hands her ladyship
+over to the colonel, who all too late has come tearing
+after her.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[336]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XIX.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">That</span> was a wretched night at Sandy. Accustomed
+as the regiment had been to battle, and murder, and
+sudden death, there was something indescribably mournful
+in the circumstances attending Tanner’s tragic fate.
+He had been sent away on the very anniversary of the
+death of his first-born, refusing in his soldierly way to
+allow the commanding officer to be informed of a fact
+that might lead to a change in the detail, since there
+were so many ready and eager to go in his stead. He
+had had two sharp and successful encounters with the
+very band which he had been sent out to punish, and,
+having scattered them to the four winds, was joyfully
+on his way homeward to join his dearly-loved wife and
+little ones in time for Christmas; had written the glad
+news of his coming (Ah, was she not re-reading that
+blessed letter to Rosalie when the blow came?), and,
+when only two days’ march away from the post, as
+they bivouacked at evening beside a rapid-running
+stream, he and some two or three men had stolen forth
+to “stalk” a deer they saw on a hill-side not five hundred
+yards away. Half an hour afterwards four shots
+were heard in quick succession, then shouts and scattering
+shots, and Ray, springing to his feet, seized his
+carbine, and, with a yell of “Come on,—<em>lively</em>, men!”
+had darted off through the thickets. In three minutes
+<span class="pagenum">[337]</span>they were standing over Tanner’s lifeless body. Too
+late to succor, but not too late to avenge. It seems
+that three or four Indians, relatives probably of the
+prisoners whom they were bringing in, had followed
+the command on its homeward march, and from their
+ambush among the rocks it had been an easy thing to
+pick off the captain as he crept up the hill-side, intent
+only on getting a shot at the deer. Two rifle-bullets
+had pierced him through and through, and death must
+have been instantaneous. The skulking foe of course
+had fled, but Ray had his scouts in pursuit in less than
+no time, and long before dark two were overtaken and
+died fighting. Two of Tanner’s own men were sent
+forward with a brief report of the sad affair, hurriedly
+written by Lieutenant Ray, and on the following morning
+the detachment, bringing the lifeless remains of
+their late commander, resumed their march in bitter
+sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>And now, what was the effect in the garrison? The
+tidings flew from mouth to mouth, and in shocked, solemn
+silence the news was heard by officers and men.
+In the entire regiment no man had been more universally
+respected than Tanner, few, if any, were as popular;
+but, deeply as they mourned him, the one question
+that seemed to rise first to all lips was, “How will
+she bear it?” All hearts seemed to turn at once to her,
+and women who but yesterday would resent the faintest
+word of praise lavished upon Mrs. Tanner were now
+flocking to her quarters, where she lay hovering ’twixt
+life and death.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Wilkins had been the first to hurry in, summoned
+by the doctor, and very soon Truscott had come
+<span class="pagenum">[338]</span>down-stairs and taken sobbing, terrified, lonely little
+Rosalie in his arms. Presently Mrs. Raymond and
+Mrs. Turner appeared, and with awe and sympathy in
+their faces begged the doctor to let them be of some
+assistance. He was flitting nervously to and fro: now
+up in the sick-room, where she lay moaning and senseless;
+now coming to the parlor to exchange a few words
+with Truscott. Then he had telegraphed to Prescott,
+begging that his comrade, the post-surgeon at Whipple,
+might be sent at once. Lady after lady had strived to
+induce Rosalie to leave Truscott’s arms and come to
+her for the night, but she seemed to shrink from all
+and to turn shudderingly, clingingly, with fresh outbursts
+of tears, to him; and, despite the pain it caused
+him, Jack held her to his breast and strove to soothe
+her to sleep. At last, just as the first call for tattoo
+was sounding, worn out with her wild grief, the sunny,
+curly head drooped upon his shoulder and the heavy
+eyelids closed in slumber. Still he carried her to and
+fro, as he had when she was a mite of a baby, and as
+he looked down into the innocent, helpless, trusting
+little face, never more to know a father’s kiss and blessing,
+great tears stole from his own hot eyes, and burying
+his worn, haggard face among her bonny curls, Jack
+Truscott sobbed silently in his grief. And on this picture
+Grace Pelham entered, looked one moment with
+a world of wistfulness, of entreaty, of love, tenderness,
+sympathy and utter misery in her swimming eyes, then
+turned and fled—unseen.</p>
+
+<p>All that weary night Truscott haunted the parlor,
+while the doctor and Mrs. Wilkins kept watch and
+ward o’erhead. Sometimes he snatched a few minutes
+<span class="pagenum">[339]</span>of broken sleep upon the sofa, but morning found him
+pale and haggard and looking worse than when he returned
+from the scout.</p>
+
+<p>“This will never do, Jack,” said the doctor. “You
+must go home and get to bed.” But Truscott avowed
+his intention of going with the ambulance to meet the
+remains. There seemed to be nothing he could do
+there. She had recovered consciousness once towards
+morning, but only to fall away again. “Still,” said
+the doctor, “if we can only keep her quiet we may pull
+her through. It is the waking I dread as much as
+anything else.”</p>
+
+<p>At stables in the morning Colonel Pelham did not
+appear. A group of officers—Canker, Crane, Carroll,
+and Glenham—were in conversation, when Truscott
+walked rapidly past them, merely nodding, and entered
+the quartermaster’s corral. Coming out again, he was
+heard to say, as though speaking to the driver of the
+<span class="nowrap">ambulance,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Come round to my quarters, then. I’ll be ready in
+fifteen minutes.”</p>
+
+<p>With that he was again passing them, when the senior
+officer, near whom was standing an orderly, called
+to <span class="nowrap">him,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott!”</p>
+
+<p>“What is it?” said the adjutant, surprised at the
+formality of the salutation, but not checking his rapid
+walk.</p>
+
+<p>“I wish to see you, sir,” called Captain Canker after
+him, reddening with chagrin as he did so.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m in a hurry now, captain,” replied Truscott,
+absently. “Come to my quarters.” And on he went,
+<span class="pagenum">[340]</span>plunged in his gloomy thoughts, and in an instant had
+entered the band-stables, out of sight.</p>
+
+<p>Canker fairly snapped with rage. Treated with disrespect
+and indignity by the very officer of all others
+whom he most desired to get upon the hip—the very
+officer whom it was now in his power doubly to humiliate.
+Ignored in his high position as commander of
+the post, now that Colonel Pelham was sick in quarters,
+what better opportunity needed he?</p>
+
+<p>“You heard that language, gentlemen!” he exclaimed.
+“Mr. Carroll, Mr. Glenham, come with me.”
+And hurrying after the adjutant, Captain Canker entered
+the band-stables in high dudgeon.</p>
+
+<p>“Captain,” suggested Carroll, “I’m certain that
+Truscott had no idea you were in command of the
+post.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s d—d nonsense, sir! It’s his business to
+know.”</p>
+
+<p>And though Mr. Carroll was confident that, being
+on sick report, and furthermore, utterly taken up with
+his cares at Tanner’s quarters, Mr. Truscott did not
+know that the colonel had again taken to his bed and
+turned over the command at reveille to the senior captain,
+he was diplomatic enough to hold his peace. It
+is always safer to let a comrade get rapped over the
+knuckles undeservingly than to attempt to restrain the
+impetuosity of such commanders as Canker, and of
+many another not exactly like him; and, besides, Carroll
+possibly wanted to see how “His Infallibility,” as
+Truscott had once been nicknamed, would stand a
+reprimand.</p>
+
+<p>They found him in earnest conversation with the
+<span class="pagenum">[341]</span>sergeant-major and with the corporal of Tanner’s troop
+who had brought in the news. He did not notice their
+approach.</p>
+
+<p>Canker rapidly stepped to his side, his eyes flashing,
+his face flushed with passion.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott, did you hear me say that I wished
+to see you?”</p>
+
+<p>“Certainly, captain,” said Jack, very calmly, but
+looking vastly surprised at the sudden appearance of
+this irate captain and his satellites.</p>
+
+<p>“Then how dare you pass me by, sir?” and at the
+furious, undignified tone the men looked up in amaze.
+Every brush and curry-comb seemed to need cleaning
+at that minute, and the non-commissioned staff and
+band, almost to a man, ceased grooming.</p>
+
+<p>Worn, wearied, harassed both mentally and physically,
+Truscott was in no condition to calmly submit to
+an unjust overhauling from a man of Canker’s calibre.
+The blood rushed to his face at the arrogance, the utter
+lack of consideration, of decency in the captain’s manner.
+But with perfect self-poise, despite it all, he courteously
+spoke.</p>
+
+<p>“I had no idea that you were in command of the
+post, as I presume you must be.”</p>
+
+<p>“You ought to have known it, sir, if you had sense
+enough to know anything.”</p>
+
+<p>And now Mr. Carroll was turning away in disgust,
+and Glenham stood a picture of indignant helplessness.
+Truscott turned from red to white, and looked squarely
+into Canker’s eyes as the latter stormed furiously on.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ve had abundant opportunity to remark your discourtesy
+and slights on previous occasions, sir, and now
+<span class="pagenum">[342]</span>you have the insolence to ignore my authority as commanding
+officer in the presence of the command.
+I——”</p>
+
+<p>“One moment, captain,” said Truscott, raising his
+hand deprecatingly, and speaking with the utmost
+self-control and respect. “Let me repeat, that I had
+no idea you were in command. I was deeply engrossed
+in thought of far different matters. I thought
+you merely wished to speak to me about some personal
+affairs, as I’m not on duty as adjutant this——”</p>
+
+<p>“No, by God!” burst in Canker, to whom Truscott’s
+power over himself was only an additional goad. With
+all the malignity of a low, tyrannical nature, what he
+wanted was an excuse to rasp and humiliate the adjutant,
+not to listen to explanations that were establishing
+the latter’s entire innocence of wrong so far as intent
+was concerned. “No, by God! you are not on duty as
+adjutant; and a most fortunate thing it is for the regiment
+that in that capacity your days are numbered.”</p>
+
+<p>Truscott simply stared at him in surprise and absolute
+pity, and Canker saw it.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m not blowing, sir, as you seem to think. Four
+days ago the colonel directed me to see you and request
+your resignation.” And still Truscott stood calm and
+stately. It was simply exasperating to poor Canker.
+Determined to break through that impenetrable armor
+of reserve and dignity, he flew on another tack. “You
+were giving some instructions to the driver of the ambulance
+just now. By what right, sir?”</p>
+
+<p>“I merely asked him to stop for me at my quarters.
+I desired to go down the valley to meet Captain Tanner’s
+remains.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[343]</span></p>
+
+<p>“I have detailed Captain Turner for that purpose,
+sir. You cannot go.”</p>
+
+<p>“I did not expect to go in an official capacity, but it
+never occurred to me for an instant that any one would
+prohibit my going to meet the body of my oldest and
+most intimate friend.”</p>
+
+<p>“It <em>is</em> prohibited, sir, emphatically, and for excellent
+reason. From the colonel down, sir, it is prohibited,
+and it is a brazen-faced outrage on your part to expect
+to be allowed to go.”</p>
+
+<p>Even Carroll and Glenham here stepped forward as
+though to check him, and Carroll seized his arm.</p>
+
+<p>“Captain, captain, for God’s sake, not here! Think
+where you are.”</p>
+
+<p>And suddenly, as though realizing that every man
+was listening, Canker turned.</p>
+
+<p>“I will see you again about this, Mr. Truscott, but
+understand,—you cannot go.”</p>
+
+<p>For an instant Truscott stood dazed, then hurried
+after them, overtaking the party at the gate. From
+the adjoining stables Captain Raymond and Mr. Wilkins
+were approaching.</p>
+
+<p>“Captain Canker,” said Truscott, and now fire was
+flashing from his eyes, “you have used words which
+require immediate explanation.”</p>
+
+<p>“I say, sir,” almost shouted Canker, “that you are
+the last man in the regiment to be allowed to go to
+meet the remains of a man <em>we</em> honored, sir! <em>Your</em> conduct
+has been too monstrous. You have been long
+suspected, but now the thing is known throughout the
+whole garrison.”</p>
+
+<p>“What thing, sir?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[344]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Your grossly improper, <em>criminal</em>, probably, relations
+with Mrs. Tanner——”</p>
+
+<p>Crash!</p>
+
+<p>Something like a flash of lightning had seemed to
+shoot from Truscott’s shoulder, and with a thud, plunge,
+and sputter Captain Canker lay sprawling on his back,
+after ploughing up several square feet of gravel, and
+Raymond and Carroll had thrown themselves on Truscott,
+who, a living embodiment of fury, stood glaring
+at the stunned foeman at his feet.</p>
+
+<p>“No more of this, Truscott! I don’t blame you.
+I heard it,” said Raymond. “Go at once to your
+quarters. I’ll see that he is looked after.” And escorted
+by Carroll, the adjutant slowly, silently, walked
+away.</p>
+
+<p>“Send Bucketts here at once,” he said to Carroll, as
+he entered his hall and closed the door after him.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime the other officers had raised Canker to his
+feet. He had been knocked half senseless by the force
+of the blow, and blood was streaming from his nostrils,
+and his eye was rapidly closing, but his first impulse on
+rising was to get at Truscott. He was blind with rage,
+and it required great effort to control him. Little by
+little the gravity of the situation overcame his fury, and
+he suffered himself to be led to his quarters; but half
+the command, probably, had seen the affair, and with
+huge delight the men were commenting on the scientific
+manner in which “the adjutant knocked ould
+Canker out of time in one crack.”</p>
+
+<p>Raymond was urging Canker to take no steps in the
+matter until he had cooled down.</p>
+
+<p>“Of course the whole thing will get to the colonel’s
+<span class="pagenum">[345]</span>ears at once, and you had better let him deal with the
+matter,” said Raymond.</p>
+
+<p>But Canker thought he knew his own business best,
+and sent at once for Major Bucketts, who stumped in
+with his customary expression of profound gravity,
+while the commanding officer was being plastered with
+brown paper and vinegar by the hands of his flurried
+and tearful wife.</p>
+
+<p>“Major Bucketts, you will place Mr. Truscott in
+close arrest at once.”</p>
+
+<p>“By whose order, captain?” said Bucketts, imperturbably.</p>
+
+<p>“By mine, of course, sir. I command the post.”</p>
+
+<p>“Very well, sir,” said Bucketts, and vanished.</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes afterwards he banged the hilt of his
+sabre against Truscott’s door and entered, finding Jack
+stripped to the waist, bathing, and attempting to rebandage
+the gash on his breast, which recent muscular
+action seemed to have reopened.</p>
+
+<p>“Just hold on a moment, Jack, till I commit you in
+due form, and then I’ll help you at that. You are
+hereby placed in close arrest, by order of Captain Canker;
+and may God have mercy on your soul, and you
+on his’n! What did you hit him with? he’s knocked
+all one-sided.” Thus irreverently and flippantly discoursed
+the quartermaster, as he threw off his sabre,
+belt, and gauntlets and went to the assistance of his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>“I haven’t my spurs on, Jack, but you’ll observe
+the arrest all the same, and won’t go back on me.
+Never mind what it’s about now. Let’s get you comfortable
+first.” And by dint of some minutes’ work Major
+<span class="pagenum">[346]</span>Bucketts succeeded in getting the bandage back where
+it belonged and Jack into his clothes and easy-chair.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott lay there very pale and quiet, saying nothing,
+but there was a look in his face Bucketts did not like
+to see; something terrible in its intensity. Stepping
+in next door to the doctor’s quarters, he found him
+plunging his head in cold water and listening to Carroll’s
+excited description of the affray. The quartermaster
+boiled with rage when he heard the language
+which had called forth Truscott’s blow, and then
+requested the doctor to come with him a moment.</p>
+
+<p>“I want you to be with me when I have my talk
+with Jack. Of course, <em>now</em> he has got to be told the
+whole thing; and the question is, can he stand it now?
+Go and see him.”</p>
+
+<p>So the doctor had gone, and in the course of half an
+hour returned to Bucketts, saying that Truscott was
+calm and composed, but insisted upon knowing the
+uttermost detail of the story in which his good name
+was involved. “He will have to rest until we do tell
+him, and I think it best we should go at once,” was
+the doctor’s decision; so they went.</p>
+
+<p>“Jack,” said Bucketts, “I’ll make it short as I can,
+yet tell you all I know, and I believe all anybody
+knows, and if I go wrong, doctor, you correct me.
+Not until the day before you got back did I know anything
+about it, but the doctor and myself have gone to
+the bottom of the whole story. For some reason Mrs.
+Pelham has been determined to get you away from this
+post. The ladies all say that, and it is mainly through
+them that we reached the facts. She has been steadily
+at work ever since you met them at Prescott in striving
+<span class="pagenum">[347]</span>to prejudice people against you, and finally she got hold
+of some infernal story circulated by that girl the Tanners
+discharged at Phœnix, to the effect that you had
+been unduly intimate with Mrs. Tanner when in Kansas,
+and she has been putting the colonel up to it ever since.
+Now of the facts I can only tell you this. She has a
+letter from Mrs. Treadwell saying that when Tanner
+was in the field you came to Phœnix, and she saw Mrs.
+Tanner crying in your arms in her parlor. The night
+Tanner left here Miss Pelham and Hunter saw Mrs.
+Tanner leaning in your arms out there on the bluff,
+and the night you were wanted when those despatches
+came after midnight, and you could not be found, the
+colonel and Canker saw you coming out of her house.
+I know, and the doctor knows, that it is all susceptible
+of explanation. But those facts were industriously
+circulated everywhere about the post, and we would
+have told you yesterday but for the doctor, who said
+you were not well enough.”</p>
+
+<p>To all this, told rapidly and quietly, Truscott listened
+without a word. He knit his brow at times, a look of
+surprise came into his face at mention of Mrs. Treadwell’s
+name, but even after Bucketts had ceased he sat
+for a few moments in silence.</p>
+
+<p>Then looking coolly, wearily around him, Jack rose,
+went to his wardrobe, took a letter from the pocket of
+his blouse, and returned to the fireplace.</p>
+
+<p>“Bucketts,” said he, “it is a fact that Mrs. Tanner
+did on one occasion cry in my arms at Phœnix. She
+probably would have done so the night Tanner marched
+if she had not fainted dead away, and it is also a fact
+that long after midnight I came from her house when
+<span class="pagenum">[348]</span>those despatches arrived. In fact, had I not heard the
+noise outside I would have been there an hour longer.
+For myself, I absolutely refuse to make any explanation
+<em>now</em>, but for her sake that which may seem necessary
+shall be done. This letter will account for my
+presence at Tanner’s at the hour which has scandalized
+Camp Sandy, and, doctor, you can doubtless account
+for the other enumerated indiscretions. Now, Bucketts,
+I have a question to ask. Was it on this account that
+the colonel requested my resignation, as that—as Captain
+Canker stated this morning?”</p>
+
+<p>“So Canker says, and so it has been told all over the
+post. Turner and I went to the colonel two days ago,
+and he promised us that nothing farther should be said
+or done until you returned, and last evening he did tell
+me to see Canker and say to him that he desired him to
+say nothing to you now until Tanner’s return, as he
+would be here in two days. I did so, but Canker seems
+to have gone crazy this morning.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then it is doubtless true that Canker’s statement is
+correct as to the resignation,” said Jack, while his teeth
+set almost savagely. “That, at least, I never could
+have believed of Pelham; he should never have delegated
+that message to any one. Now, gentlemen,” he
+continued, “I have a great deal to think of this morning,
+and I will thank you both to come to me occasionally.
+You, doctor, will have to devote all possible
+time to Mrs. Tanner, I know, but let me hear how she
+is getting on. As for Captain Canker, it is not probable
+any message will come from him before evening
+if it should then, and by that time Ray will be here.”</p>
+
+<p>And now we have to turn from Truscott and his
+<span class="pagenum">[349]</span>bitter reflections and look for Grace, who, of late, has
+appeared but seldom on the scene.</p>
+
+<p>At any other time so important an announcement as
+that of the engagement of the beauty and belle of the
+regiment, the daughter of its colonel, to one of its officers,
+and that one its wealthiest, would have created
+wide commotion; but just now everything was forgotten
+in the fate that had overtaken Tanner, shrouded the
+garrison in mourning, and involved his stricken widow
+and his most trusted friend in so strange, so uncanny a
+complication. The circumstances of Grace’s engagement
+have not been explained,—indeed, she never could
+satisfactorily explain them herself,—but to make a long
+and most unpleasant story short, her mother had
+speedily added the story of Truscott’s midnight appearance
+at Tanner’s to his other enormities, and this,
+coupled with what she had seen, so preyed upon the
+poor girl’s jealousy and wretchedness that, yielding to
+her mother’s representations of all Glenham’s excellences,
+the debt they owed him for Ralph’s sake, the
+deep wrong she was doing him in keeping him in suspense,
+“dangling at her apron-strings,” as madame
+expressed it, though knowing well that she, not Grace,
+was there at fault, Grace Pelham had at last surrendered.
+“I do <em>not</em> love you,” she told him, frankly.
+“I respect and honor and like you, no doubt, but it is
+not what you deserve,” and he had rapturously declared
+that he could wait to win her love if she would but
+promise to let him try. And then mamma had clinched
+the nail by announcing the engagement, confidentially,
+to three or four ladies, and writing it confidentially to
+two or three more at department headquarters. And
+<span class="pagenum">[350]</span>Grace, receiving congratulations she would eagerly have
+shunned, and devotions and raptures that she absolutely
+shrank from, was profoundly miserable.</p>
+
+<p>Coming suddenly into the Tanners’ parlor at tattoo
+the night of the news of his death, she stopped short
+on seeing Truscott, and then had turned and fled. Distrusting
+him as she had, yet unwilling to believe in his
+baseness, she now saw him fondling and soothing the
+child of the man he was accused of having bitterly
+wronged, and mingling his tears with those of the innocent
+little one because of that man’s death. No
+wonder hers had been an almost sleepless night, but
+early in the morning she was at her father’s bedside.
+He was still far from well, though the ailment seemed
+to be mental rather than bodily. Lady Pelham was
+sleeping the sleep of the just in her own room. She
+had been up very late the night before, making love to
+her prospective son-in-law, as Mrs. Wilkins put it.
+Grace had plead distress and illness and gone to her
+room.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after guard-mounting a letter was brought to
+the door. The servant handed it to Grace, and she,
+noting with faintly heightened color and trembling
+hand that it was addressed in Truscott’s writing to the
+colonel, took it up-stairs, and silently placed it before
+him on the coverlet.</p>
+
+<p>“Where are my glasses, dear?” he asked. But the
+glasses were not under his pillow nor on the bureau.
+“Read it to me, Grace.”</p>
+
+<p>For a moment she hung back, unwilling, then
+opened the note, and in a low, tremulous voice, read
+as follows:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[351]</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p style="margin-left: 18.0em;">
+  “<span class="smcap">Camp Sandy, A. T.</span>, December 20, 187—.
+</p>
+
+<p>“<span class="smcap">Colonel R. R. Pelham</span>, Commanding <span class="nowrap">—th</span> Regiment
+of Cavalry U.S.A.</p>
+
+<p>&#x2003;“<span class="smcap">Colonel</span>,—I have the honor to tender my resignation
+of the adjutancy of the regiment.</p>
+
+<p>
+  <span style="margin-left: 10.0em;">“Very respectfully,</span><br>
+  <span style="margin-left: 12.0em;">“Your obedient servant,</span><br>
+  <span style="margin-left: 14.0em;">“<span class="smcap">John G. Truscott</span>,</span><br>
+  <span style="margin-left: 16.0em;">“<i>1st Lieut. <span class="nowrap">—th</span> Cavalry</i>.”</span>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>“He gives no reason?” asked the colonel, after a
+long and painful pause.</p>
+
+<p>“Nothing, father.”</p>
+
+<p>Then there was another pause.</p>
+
+<p>“Grace, I want to see Major Bucketts,” said he, at
+last.</p>
+
+<p>And presently Major Bucketts came, and, after ushering
+him in, she left the room.</p>
+
+<p>“Bucketts,” said the colonel, peevishly, “I thought
+I told you to tell Canker not to mention this matter to
+Mr. Truscott until—until Tanner got back.”</p>
+
+<p>“You did, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“Didn’t you do it?”</p>
+
+<p>“Certainly, I did, sir. At stables yesterday.”</p>
+
+<p>“But here’s Truscott’s resignation, and, d—n it! I
+wanted the thing stopped until—well, for the present
+anyhow. Where is Captain Canker? Has he had
+anything to do with this, do you know?”</p>
+
+<p>“He is in his quarters, sir, and, to the best of my
+knowledge and belief, he had all to do with it.”</p>
+
+<p>“That’s horribly awkward,” said the colonel, sitting
+up in bed. “Has Truscott gone to meet the body?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[352]</span></p>
+
+<p>“No, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“He hasn’t? Why, I supposed, of course, he would
+go.”</p>
+
+<p>“He wanted to go, sir, but Captain Canker refused
+permission.” And it was evident that the quartermaster
+was grimly enjoying the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>“Canker refused him! Why, what’s the man thinking
+of? Truscott <em>ought</em> to have gone. Where is he?”</p>
+
+<p>“In close arrest, sir, in his quarters.”</p>
+
+<p>“<em>What!</em> What’s happened?” exclaimed Pelham,
+already half out of bed.</p>
+
+<p>“Captain Canker took it upon himself to use very
+dangerous language to Mr. Truscott at stables. I did
+not hear it, and prefer not to repeat what I was told,
+but there is no doubt of the fact that Truscott knocked
+him flat, and that Canker is spending the morning
+drawing up charges and specifications by the quire.”</p>
+
+<p>“Go and say to the captain that I resume command
+at once,” said the colonel, slipping out of bed with
+astonishing activity. “Then come to the office, both
+of you.”</p>
+
+<p>Doleful indeed was Captain Canker’s appearance
+when telling his tale to the colonel half an hour afterwards.
+His left eye was covered with a broad bandage,
+and his nose and cheek were discolored and contused.
+Trembling still with indignation and excitement was
+the captain, and, after listening patiently to his recital,
+which, of course, made no allusion to his insulting,
+overbearing manner, and somewhat inaccurately represented
+his language, and very inaccurately represented
+Truscott’s conduct, Pelham spoke very moderately and
+kindly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[353]</span></p>
+
+<p>“It is, of course, a most flagrant breach of discipline,
+and Mr. Truscott must be held accountable. I
+shall confirm the arrest; and yet, Captain Canker, did
+you not receive a message from me directing you to
+postpone further action; not to say anything, in fact,
+until—well, for the present?”</p>
+
+<p>“I did, sir,” said Canker, coloring painfully; “but
+I was justly indignant at his ignoring my position as
+commanding officer, and Captain Tanner could never
+return to us now, and I was outraged, I suppose, at the
+idea of Mr. Truscott’s being allowed to appear as his
+friend. Well, there were a dozen reasons why I
+thought he ought to be informed at once that his
+crime was known.”</p>
+
+<p>Pelham winced at the word. Already he was beginning
+to believe an awful mistake had been made.
+He fidgeted uneasily in his chair.</p>
+
+<p>“But how came you to speak of his resignation?
+That wasn’t necessary that I can see.”</p>
+
+<p>And Canker had no satisfactory explanation to offer,
+and left the colonel’s office in a very unpleasant frame
+of mind. Then Pelham sent for Raymond, Carroll,
+and Glenham, and questioned them as eye-witnesses.
+Crane and Wilkins also were summoned, and despite
+every effort on their part to say as little as possible any
+way, the fact became pretty clearly established that
+Canker had behaved in an outrageously unbecoming
+if not insulting manner. And awfully ill at ease and
+unhappy the colonel found himself at the end of his
+two hours’ confabulation with those gentlemen.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, Bucketts sat fuming in the adjutant’s
+chair. In his pocket he had Tanner’s last letter to
+<span class="pagenum">[354]</span>Truscott, one that would have forcibly shaken the
+colonel and his <i lang="fr">confrères</i>, but Truscott had forbidden
+Bucketts and the doctor to make its contents known
+until after the colonel had acted upon his resignation.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time after the officers had gone, Colonel
+Pelham sat there at his desk in deep perplexity. All
+over the garrison people were talking of the exciting
+events of the day. Everybody knew that Truscott
+was in close arrest. Everybody had heard that Canker
+had virtually demanded the resignation of the adjutancy
+in the colonel’s name. Everybody heard in some
+mysterious way that the resignation had been tendered,
+and all were eagerly speculating on the upshot. This,
+too, when only a few miles away now the lifeless body
+of their gallant comrade was being borne back to the
+post, and, all unconscious of that or any other fact,
+poor little Mrs. Tanner lay in her darkened room more
+dead than alive.</p>
+
+<p>At last the colonel rose and came to Bucketts’ desk.</p>
+
+<p>“Have you had any conversation with Mr. Truscott
+about this a affair?” said he.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, sir,” said Bucketts, promptly.</p>
+
+<p>“Did he—does he explain this—I mean—his very
+suspicious relations with Mrs. Tanner?” asked Pelham.
+And very hesitatingly he asked, and painfully embarrassed
+he looked.</p>
+
+<p>Bucketts paused.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not know that I have any right to answer
+that question, colonel. In the absence of Turner and
+Ray, the doctor and myself seemed to be the only
+friends left to him. He feels most keenly the manner
+in which the matter was brought to his notice, and as
+<span class="pagenum">[355]</span>no defence was necessary where the doctor or myself
+were concerned he made none.” And blushing very
+much but still looking steadfastly at his commander,
+Bucketts went on: He liked his colonel,—was greatly
+attached to him in fact,—but was stung to the quick by
+the deep trouble brought upon his friend by the weakness
+and mismanagement of that officer.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you mean to say that he has a satisfactory
+explanation?”</p>
+
+<p>“Most assuredly, colonel.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then why does he not come forward with it, or
+express a desire to do so? It is my right to know it.”</p>
+
+<p>“He certainly would have done so, sir, and you
+must pardon me if I seem wanting in respect, had you
+yourself sent for him and represented the allegations
+against him and given him an opportunity. Instead
+of that, at this most trying time, when he has just returned
+from very distinguished service, is wounded and
+sick, his best friend killed, he finds you holding aloof
+from him, and a man whom he—whom we all dislike,—whom
+you yourself never selected as an intimate before,—<em>now</em>
+chosen to represent you in a most delicate
+office, and you see how—how he did it.” And here
+Bucketts’ voice rose and trembled and grew husky.
+“Again, colonel, I beg your pardon if I speak too
+strongly, but—I feel very strongly.”</p>
+
+<p>Redder and redder Pelham had grown.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you mean that he will refuse to explain the
+matter now?” he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“For Mrs. Tanner’s sake he may explain,” answered
+Bucketts; “for his own I am not prepared to say.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, send for him, anyhow. I want to see him at
+<span class="pagenum">[356]</span>once,” said the colonel, with a nervous twitching about
+his face. It was plain that he was nettled, miserable,
+and dissatisfied with himself and everybody else.</p>
+
+<p>And so it happened that Jack Truscott, to his great
+surprise, as he sat talking with Raymond and Carroll,
+received a summons to come at once to the commanding
+officer’s presence. A dozen pairs of eyes watched him
+as he walked slowly down the line, for he was still far
+from well, and many were the speculations as to the
+meaning of this move.</p>
+
+<p>Presently, cap in hand, he appeared at the office-door
+and knocked. Pelham had watched him as he
+came, and with a shock of distress noted how very pale
+and haggard he looked; but as he entered and stood
+erect before his colonel, his head seem carried even
+higher, his bearing was calm as ever, but haughty. He
+said not a word.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott,” said Pelham, “I have sent for you
+because it is most necessary that a very unpleasant matter
+should be cleared up at once. I am given to understand
+by your friends that you are perfectly able to
+explain away all suspicion that may have attached to
+your conduct of late, and, if so, and you are entirely
+innocent in the matter, your violence to Captain Canker
+this morning may in a measure be condoned,—and
+other—other disagreeable features be suppressed. Are
+you prepared to offer such explanation?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, sir.” And the answer was prompt, but so stern
+and low that Pelham fairly started.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you mean that you have no explanation?”</p>
+
+<p>“I mean that after the language of the officer selected
+as your spokesman this morning I will not
+<span class="pagenum">[357]</span>condescend to defend myself, sir. The time for that has
+passed.”</p>
+
+<p>“Are you aware—do you realize that your refusal
+makes it my duty to proceed to take action in your
+case?” And the colonel’s voice trembled so that he could
+hardly speak, and he could not look at Truscott.</p>
+
+<p>“Perfectly, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then that is all, Mr. Truscott,” said the colonel.
+And that night at retreat everybody knew that the adjutant
+was “broken,” and was wondering who would
+be the next victim.</p>
+
+<p>It was late in the evening when the detachment, now
+commanded by Lieutenant Ray, escorting Tanner’s
+honored remains, reached Sandy and scattered to quarters.
+Ray did not wait for any change of raiment.
+After having placed the body in charge of the doctors
+at the hospital, he went at once to Truscott’s quarters,
+and that evening Turner, Raymond, Ray, and Bucketts
+spent in earnest consultation with the ex-adjutant.
+Down at the store various congenial spirits were solemnly
+discussing the situation over their toddies.</p>
+
+<p>“What do you think will happen now?” asked Mr.
+Wilkins of the group gathered about the store.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, Ray has been with Truscott for the last
+hour,” said Mr. Hunter, “and I’ll bet that there will
+be a circus if he is called in.”</p>
+
+<p>“What do you want to bet Ray isn’t made adjutant?”</p>
+
+<p>“Anything you like, Wilkins, for the simple reason
+that madame wants that place for son-in-law Arty,”
+replied an irreverent youth, but it would be unkind to
+mention his name.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[358]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XX.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">On</span> the following morning the preparations for Captain
+Tanner’s funeral were complete. There had been
+a decided halt for a few moments when it came to the
+selection of the pall-bearers, as they had to be chosen
+by Colonel Pelham, poor Mrs. Tanner being still too
+desperately ill to more than faintly realize where she
+was or to recognize those who stood at her bedside.
+The colonel’s heart was sore against Truscott, for, while
+he could not say that his manner had been in the least
+disrespectful on the previous afternoon, he could complain
+and did complain that there was a spice of insubordination
+in the subaltern’s total refusal to offer
+any explanation. He resented the fact that Truscott
+evidently resented his conduct. He was stung to think
+that Truscott had friends to whom he readily furnished
+the proofs of his innocence, yet forbade their using them
+“officially”; and although he felt and knew that had
+he himself asked Truscott for these proofs in the first
+place, they would have been promptly set before him,
+he refused to see that, in having made Captain Canker
+his minister plenipotentiary for the time being, he had
+given Truscott good cause for his action in declining to
+defend himself at the eleventh hour. The more he
+heard of Canker’s language and manner in the now
+famous interview the less he liked it, the more he
+<span class="pagenum">[359]</span>realized that he had made an awful blunder in intrusting
+such a matter to him, and the more peevish and irritable
+the poor old gentleman grew. Just at retreat the
+evening of his brief conversation with Truscott, Dr.
+Clayton, the post-surgeon, had met him and announced
+the arrival of the physician from Fort Whipple, and
+that the latter said it was more than probable that
+the general and some of his staff would come down
+to be present at Tanner’s funeral. Telegrams very
+congratulatory in their tone had been flying over the
+wires from Prescott ever since Truscott’s return with
+the news of the first fight. Then there came frequent
+inquiries by wire after Truscott’s health; then a deeply
+sympathetic message announcing the receipt of the tidings
+of Tanner’s death; then inquiries after Mrs. Tanner,
+and then they stopped coming to him entirely,
+though the doctor received frequent despatches. This
+added to Colonel Pelham’s fretfulness. It was mere
+accident and no slight whatever was intended, but he
+believed that in some way news of the Truscott-Canker
+affray had reached headquarters and that his conduct
+as post-commander was disapproved,—or something,—and,
+being a loyal adherent of the commanding general
+and a faithful friend, it worried him inexpressibly.</p>
+
+<p>The telegraph operator denied having sent any despatch
+relating to the affair, but it had been suspected
+on more than one occasion that Corcoran had sent “confidential”
+messages on his own account to the operator
+there, and this was so spicy a piece of news that it was
+more than believed that he had communicated the
+whole story, with probable theories and comments of
+his own. Certain it is that before sunset that day a
+<span class="pagenum">[360]</span>rumor was in circulation at Fort Whipple that Captain
+Canker had received a terrific thrashing at the hands of
+the adjutant, that a duel was imminent, and then that
+Truscott was in arrest and to be tried by court-martial.</p>
+
+<p>“Has Dr. Harper seen Mrs. Tanner yet?” asked
+Pelham, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>“Not yet, sir. We are going in together as soon as
+he has changed his dress; he is at my quarters now,—at
+least he will be in a minute;” and the doctor looked
+uneasily up the row, and that led Pelham also to look
+the same way. And as they did so, Dr. Harper came
+forth from the adjutant’s, the ex-adjutant’s quarters
+by this time, and the colonel reddened as he saw it.
+Everybody whom he most liked and respected was evidently
+in sympathy with Truscott. No one went to
+inquire after Canker and his black eye, yet here, the
+moment the post-surgeon from Fort Whipple arrived,
+he must needs run in to see Truscott before going anywhere
+else. Pelham fairly winced.</p>
+
+<p>“Look here, doctor,” he said, impatiently. “You
+know—I suppose everybody knows by this time—how
+your patient has been compromised by Mr. Truscott’s
+conduct, and I suppose you know that he positively declined
+to offer any explanation when I called upon him
+for it.”</p>
+
+<p>“I do, sir,” said the doctor, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I’m told that he <em>has</em> explained matters to
+one or two officers, yourself included, though he refused
+to explain to me, who had the best right to know.
+Also I’m told that you are convinced of his entire innocence.”</p>
+
+<p>“I never doubted it, sir, much less hers.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[361]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Then, doctor, I think it your business to give me
+your reasons. If I’ve done him—or—or anybody else
+injustice, I want to know it; but I’m confounded if I
+can see how he can explain what—what has been seen
+by everybody,” said poor Pelham, irritably.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Clayton merely bowed.</p>
+
+<p>“You will not give your reasons?”</p>
+
+<p>“Not now, sir,” and the doctor was scrupulously
+respectful in tone and manner.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel turned short on his heel and entered the
+house. Glenham was seated with Grace in the parlor,
+and Grace, looking far from well, glanced up eagerly
+and wistfully in her father’s face. He went up-stairs
+without a word.</p>
+
+<p>Late that evening a despatch arrived saying that the
+general with Colonel Wickham and Mr. Bright of
+his staff were on their way to Sandy, and would arrive
+by noon on the following day. In the morning, therefore,
+he had to select the pall-bearers, and before
+breakfast Lady Pelham began her questioning. She
+had heard with eager satisfaction the announcement of
+Truscott’s relief from duty as adjutant of the regiment;
+she had already paved the way, she thought, for the
+appointment of a successor suitable to herself, and yet,
+so long as Truscott remained at the post she could not
+rest content: he was dangerous, she argued, and must
+be gotten rid of. An order assigning him to duty with
+one of the troops serving in the southern part of the
+Territory was what she wanted, if indeed he did not
+have to quit the service entirely; but the death of Captain
+Tanner had put as unexpected bar on that plan,
+as his troop was now left without an officer “present
+<span class="pagenum">[362]</span>for duty,” the senior lieutenant of the regiment who
+would succeed to the captaincy being, as is not unusual
+in such cases, on detached duty in an Eastern city, with
+no intention whatsoever of throwing up his detail as
+an aide-de-camp so long as his regiment was roughing
+it in Arizona. This she saw would be likely to result
+in Truscott’s being ordered to assume command of Tanner’s
+troop. Then came his affray with Canker, his
+arrest and prospective court-martial, and now, to her
+dismay, she realized that not only was that going to
+detain him at the post, but that already everybody was
+beginning to veer around, and public sympathy was
+largely excited in favor of the very people whom she had
+been instrumental in bringing into trouble. Madame
+felt the ground giving way beneath her feet. Already
+she had learned that, while Truscott had indignantly
+refused to utter a word in his defence, his utter innocence
+of wrong in thought or deed had been so clearly
+established that his friends were triumphant, his enemies
+disconcerted, and the ladies who but two days before
+were whispering all manner of scandal at the expense
+of poor little Mrs. Tanner, now found it expedient to
+hold their tongues and wait. It was getting unpopular
+to say anything that might be construed as an insinuation
+against her, and at all hours of the day the gentle
+and forgiving creatures had been swarming to her
+quarters to see if there really wasn’t something they
+could do. And that evening as a party of them stood
+talking in low tones upon the Turners’ gallery, Mrs.
+Raymond found opportunity to <span class="nowrap">say,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Well, I’m thankful <em>I</em> never said a word against
+her.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[363]</span></p>
+
+<p>“And so am I,—devoutly,” echoed Mrs. Turner.</p>
+
+<p>Of course Lady Pelham could see no possible way
+of escape for Truscott. His conduct and Mrs. Tanner’s
+indiscretion were past all explanation in her
+severely virtuous mind, but it was disconcerting to observe
+that “the best people in the garrison” were exhibiting
+decided change of heart and correspondingly
+avoiding her, “As if <em>I</em> were the one to blame,” said
+her ladyship.</p>
+
+<p>In selecting the pall-bearers Colonel Pelham asked
+nobody’s advice. Madame had attempted some questioning,
+but was warned by the knitting of his brow
+and an impatient gesture that he desired none of her
+interference. Handing the list to Major Bucketts, the
+colonel briefly told him to notify the gentlemen there
+named and to detail Captain Canker and his troop for
+the escort. There was fitness in that selection, as Mr.
+Ray observed, for the captain was already in half-mourning,
+but Truscott’s name was not on the list of
+pall-bearers, and thereat Mr. Ray saw fit to wax indignant.
+He had no idea of policy, and, finding that
+he had been named as one of them, proceeded straight
+to the colonel’s office, and for the first time since his
+return from scout exhibited himself to his commander.</p>
+
+<p>“Colonel, I was the last officer of the regiment to
+see Captain Tanner alive, and during this late scout I
+had more than one confidential talk with him. Will
+you permit me to say that the omission of Mr. Truscott’s
+name from the list of pall-bearers would be the last
+thing Captain Tanner would wish could he express a
+wish?”</p>
+
+<p>The colonel liked Ray,—liked him better than ever
+<span class="pagenum">[364]</span>since his adventure with Grace, and, as some of the
+captains growlingly remarked, “‘Old Catnip’ would
+put up with anything in Ray’s troop and wouldn’t stand
+a rusty buckle in anybody else’s.” It was not strictly
+accurate, but as an expression of the prevailing opinion
+was not greatly overdrawn. Very probably he would
+have severely snubbed any other officer, and even to
+Ray he spoke sternly.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott is in arrest, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>“I know it, colonel; but you surely do not mean to
+prohibit his attending the funeral of his old captain
+and oldest friend.”</p>
+
+<p>It was just what Pelham had intended doing. That
+is to say, he meant to grant no extension of limits or
+suspension from arrest unless Truscott asked it; but
+the hour was drawing nigh, Truscott had not asked,
+and the old gentleman was getting vastly afraid that he
+would not.</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott has refused to vindicate his reputation,
+sir, and I do not think that in this matter he can
+expect much consideration,” said the colonel, trying to
+feel that what he said was just.</p>
+
+<p>“It is more for the consideration due to Captain Tanner
+and to the regiment, colonel, that I am appealing,”
+said Ray, boldly. “Mr. Truscott would prohibit my
+appealing for him.”</p>
+
+<p>“The regiment, sir, is inclined to the belief that if
+Mr. Truscott had been as careful of the honor of Captain
+Tanner during his life as he desires to be of the
+honors due him after death, he would stand higher than
+he does this day.”</p>
+
+<p>Instantly he realized that he had said too much, and
+<span class="pagenum">[365]</span>would have been glad to recall it. Ray flushed crimson
+with indignation.</p>
+
+<p>“I beg your pardon, Colonel Pelham. You will
+find that the <em>men</em> of the regiment do not agree with
+you,” he said, hotly.</p>
+
+<p>“You are forgetting yourself, Mr. Ray,” said the
+colonel. “Leave the office, sir!” And, gritting his teeth
+and looking very red in the face, Mr. Ray did as he
+was bid.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, in half an hour the colonel sent Major
+Bucketts to say to Mr. Truscott that his arrest would
+be suspended until retreat, in order that he might have
+an opportunity of attending the obsequies of his late
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>And so it happened later that bright wintry day
+that the guards at the large empty ward of the post-hospital
+respectfully stood aside and opened the door
+to the tall young officer who silently entered. The
+two hospital attendants sitting near a low table in the
+middle of the room rose and drew back, one of them
+reverently raising the fold of the flag draped over the
+head of the cloth-covered coffin, and Jack Truscott
+stood gazing down into the calm, pallid features of his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>Oh, what memories came surging up before him as he
+hung over the casket! More than eight years before,
+when fresh from West Point, he had reported for duty
+with Tanner’s company, and, joining him in Kansas,
+had served with him through more than one eventful
+campaign against the Sioux, Cheyennes, and Arapahoes;
+had found his captain always thoughtful,
+courteous, and considerate; had learned to trust him
+<span class="pagenum">[366]</span>implicitly, and little by little to look up to and love
+him. Together they had “roughed it” over the
+prairies and “messed” in garrison; together they had
+gone East the second year of Jack’s service with the
+company, and he had appeared as best man at the quiet
+little ceremony which made his captain the happiest
+fellow on earth. And there he had met in the person
+of his bridesmaid the sister of the sweet woman of
+whom Tanner had so often talked to him on their long
+rides, and, in a beauty more radiant, a wit more sparkling,
+a vivacity more attractive, Jack Truscott had
+been able to believe he saw all the nobler attributes
+which existed in the gentle bride his comrade had won.
+In another year a courtship, conducted mainly by correspondence,
+had resulted in his engagement to be married
+to the younger sister of his captain’s wife, and yet
+he marvelled that she should desire that it be not yet
+announced, and had marvelled more that as day after
+day his relations with Tanner and his wife grew more
+cordial and intimate, Mrs. Tanner could never seem
+perfectly unembarrassed or confidently happy about
+that engagement.</p>
+
+<p>Then her baby had been born, and he had been devoted
+to little Bertie. Could he ever forget Tanner’s
+choking voice and tear-dimmed eyes when he got back
+and tried to thank him for nursing the little one through
+that terrible illness? And then when, after all, they lost
+the child, how well he recalled her agony and his
+deep, manfully-subdued grief! How he recalled the
+long winter evenings in that bleak frontier fort when
+she with her sewing, he and Tanner with their books
+or papers, sat by the hour together, sometimes hardly
+<span class="pagenum">[367]</span>speaking at all! And how they had gone, Mrs. Tanner
+and he, to plant the flowers around the little grave
+down by the stream; and then how, despite her grief,
+she seemed to watch him all that winter and the spring
+that followed, until he went away to assume the duties
+of the adjutancy. And how oddly, unusually earnest
+and affectionate and solicitous Tanner’s behavior to him
+had become, and his letters after he went away. He
+used to wonder at it then; but his letters from the East,
+from his <i lang="fr">fiancée</i>, had been growing less frequent, more
+hurried, more unsatisfactory for a year, and when he
+took his leave of absence and went on to satisfy himself
+as to whether all was really as it should be, the
+truth came out. The wealth and position of a prominent
+merchant, a widower with three or four children,
+had been too much for her brief infatuation for a distant
+subaltern in the cavalry, and, like a sensible girl,
+she embraced her opportunity—and the widower; and
+Jack came back to the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> by no means the heartbroken
+man he ought to have been. It was Mrs. Tanner
+who felt it most. She never forgave her sister,
+and, in her gentle, womanly way, she redoubled her
+thoughtfulness for Jack, and more than ever had they
+welcomed him to their cosy quarters. But then came the
+move to Arizona,—a temporary separation. And when
+he again met his old comrades, he marked with dismay
+her pallid cheek, and learned in a few broken words
+from Tanner that what they feared in Kansas was now
+an undisputed fact. Heart disease in a dangerous
+form fastened upon her, and great care, said the
+physicians who were consulted, had to be exercised.
+She knew it all as well as they, but was ever bright,
+<span class="pagenum">[368]</span>brave, and cheery, and no one but Tanner, Truscott,
+and the doctors ever suspected or at least knew the
+truth. Stronger and firmer had grown the ties which
+bound Tanner and himself together, but neither was
+demonstrative. No one but Mrs. Tanner ever dreamed
+how much they were to each other.</p>
+
+<p>And now—and now the loving, devoted husband, the
+indulgent father, the dutiful soldier, the faithful friend
+lay here cold,—dead to his grief and desolation; and she,
+the sweet, pure, gentle wife, mother, and friend, lay at
+death’s door, robbed of her husband who was all in all
+to her; robbed of her friend who would have given
+his right hand to aid her; robbed of her good name
+by the infamous twaddle of garrison gossips; and he—he
+who had so reverenced and honored and loved them
+both, stood accused, even by the commander whom he
+had served so faithfully and well, of having dishonored
+the holiest friendship he had ever known. More than
+that. His colonel’s daughter, to whom he had given
+the strength and fervor of a man’s deep love, was cited
+as a witness against him. Oh, bitter, bitter were his
+thoughts, but presently he had to thrust them away.
+It was almost time for the formation of the escort, and
+he must take leave of the first and firmest friend he had
+found in all his army life. Jack bent and tenderly
+brushed aside the dark hair from the cold white forehead,
+and then kneeling, pressed his lips upon the
+placid face, and hot tears rolled down his cheeks.
+Even as he knelt there, with one arm thrown over the
+coffin, alone in his bereavement, the door again softly
+opened and two persons entered. He heard them not,
+<span class="pagenum">[369]</span>and never moved. But they saw him, and stopped: a
+fragile, graceful girl clinging to the arm of a stout,
+rugged old soldier. She bore in her hand a little
+wreath of wild-flowers, simple and homely enough, but
+the best that hours of search could discover in that remote
+region. She had come to place them upon the
+bier of the gallant troop-commander her father so honored;
+but at sight of Truscott she held back, and
+father and daughter stood motionless an instant regarding
+him. The attendant stepped forward to offer
+a chair, and at the sound of his footfall Truscott raised
+his head and saw them. One second of indecision followed.
+Then, with one lingering look in the face of
+the dead, without another glance at Grace or the colonel,
+he slowly walked away.</p>
+
+<p>An hour after, to the wailing notes of the band, the
+solemn <i lang="fr">cortege</i> formed around the new-made grave
+among the foot-hills west of the post. There stood
+Canker’s company, dismounted, and in full-dress uniform,
+the escort of the soldier-dead; there stood the
+gray-haired chaplain, whose tremulous voice rose and
+fell in mournful cadence on the still evening air; there,
+leaning on their sabres, were grouped the officers of the
+garrison, the general commanding and his aides, all
+with reverently uncovered head, many with tear-dimmed
+eyes; there stood a mourning, weeping group
+of ladies, the wives of brother officers, and among
+them many a heart faltered in the dread that any day
+it might be their lot to stand there and see that same
+flag lifted from the form of him who was all in all, as
+this had been all in all to her who lay sore-stricken in
+the desolation of her home. All around were grouped
+<span class="pagenum">[370]</span>the soldiers of the post, for loved and honored he had
+been among them. And there, near the foot of the
+grave, stood Truscott, holding weeping little Rosalie in
+his arms. She would go to no one, walk with no one
+but Uncle Jack, and until he came and took her to his
+strong, heaving breast and buried her bright curls on
+his broad shoulder, the lonely little girl had cried piteously
+for him. And now they stood there clasped in
+each other’s embrace, while all that was mortal of the
+gallant officer and gentleman was lowered to the grave,
+and the solemn tones of the old chaplain gave thanks
+“for the good example of all those Thy servants who,
+having finished their course in faith, do now rest from
+their labors.” The heavy clods had fallen, the last
+prayer and blessing had been spoken, the grace of Him
+who suffered and died once more invoked, and then
+the sombre throng fell back from the grave, the bright-plumed
+helmets of the escort ranged up in line, the
+muffled word of command was given, the carbines
+flashed their parting volleys over the clay their ringing
+clamor could no longer thrill, the notes of the trumpets
+floated away with the smoke of the discharge, “Taps,”
+the soldiers’ signal for “extinguish lights” the world
+over, died away in distant echoes across the valley,
+and all was over. Ay, put out your light, old fellow,
+gallant comrade, trusted friend. Rest in peace, and
+may God grant you a joyous waking at the great reveille!
+But now, <i lang="fr">allons</i>! <i lang="fr">Le roi est mort, vive</i> the next
+man! Lieutenant Stafford becomes captain <i lang="la">vice</i> the deceased.
+It’s an ill wind that blows nobody good. Our
+turn may come next. Who knows? It’s all in the
+business. Soldiers cannot stop to mourn. Life is too
+<span class="pagenum">[371]</span>short, anyway. So strike up your liveliest music,
+trumpeters. “Fours right,” gentlemen of the escort.
+“Left front into line, double-time,” go the platoons
+as they clear the enclosure, and the band bursts
+into the ringing, lively, rollicking quickstep from
+<i lang="fr">La Fille de Madame Angot</i>, and with elastic steps
+we march away from the grave where our hero lies
+buried.</p>
+
+<p>And now, gentlemen, to business! First and foremost
+this matter of Truscott’s has to be settled. The
+general has heard all about it, of course, and has not
+a word to say. It is a regimental matter entirely, and
+if the colonel should consider it necessary to forward
+charges against Mr. Truscott for his assault on the <i lang="la">pro
+tempore</i> commanding officer, why, Mr. Truscott must be
+tried by court-martial. All the same, the chief has received
+Tanner’s last official report, in which the conduct
+of Truscott and Ray has been highly praised, and he
+sends for both those gentlemen and shakes them warmly
+by the hand and congratulates them heartily. He says
+very little, talking is not his forte, but white and Indian
+well know that what he says he means, and the
+wariest redskin will take his faintest promise in preference
+to any agreement stamped with the great seal of
+the Indian bureau. To Truscott and Ray he says not
+a word concerning the former’s arrest; he is totally
+oblivious to Canker’s black eye, and is scrupulously
+courteous to that officer when he meets him; he listens
+patiently to Colonel Pelham’s recital of the affair, because
+Pelham thinks he must allude to it, but he expresses
+no opinion whatever and has no suggestions to
+make. He calls laboriously on every lady in the
+<span class="pagenum">[372]</span>garrison accompanied by Mr. Bright, and condoles with
+each in appropriate terms upon the great loss the regiment
+has sustained, but he generally manages to let
+them do all the talking, a matter that requires but little
+ingenuity to be sure, and to limit his call to four or
+five minutes; but at Mrs. Tanner’s he leaves his card
+and many a warm inquiry, and directs Dr. Harper to
+remain there “until he has pulled her through,” and
+he holds little Rosalie in his arms and presses his
+bearded, kindly face against hers, and something suspiciously
+like moisture stands thick in his eyes as he
+comes away. Then, refusing all escort, he starts back
+for Prescott; but meantime Colonel Wickham has had
+a plain talk with Pelham, likewise with Canker, and
+the latter, who has used up some quires of legal cap
+in his concoction of charges against Truscott, thinks
+it advisable at least to revise and condense; and immediately
+after dinner that evening Mr. Ray accompanies
+Truscott and Bucketts to the ex-adjutant’s
+quarters.</p>
+
+<p>The mess has not been a particularly convivial place
+of late, and since Mr. Ray’s return the conversation
+has been more highly spiced with pepper than the
+viands. Truscott, the two doctors, and Bucketts have
+been very grave and silent, but Ray has kept the ball
+of conversation rolling in a way that at another time
+would have afforded immense entertainment to the
+elders. It is observed that unless spoken to by them
+he never addresses or notices Hunter or Glenham.
+Crane he cut long ago, and his demeanor to every officer
+whom he fancies in the most remote manner to have
+had anything to do with the stories at Truscott’s
+<span class="pagenum">[373]</span>expense is in the last degree suggestive of “Won’t you
+have the goodness to knock this chip off my shoulder,
+or even ever so lightly tread on the tail of my coat?”
+Captain Canker he encountered in front of his quarters
+the very evening of his return, and something in his
+expression caused the captain to reflect and to restrain
+his impulse to hold forth his hand. It was a fortunate
+inspiration, for, looking him straight in the face, Mr.
+Ray passed him by without any recognition whatever,
+and Canker, who really liked the young fellow greatly,
+was stung to the quick.</p>
+
+<p>And now the day before Christmas had come, and
+after the routine business of the office had been transacted,
+Major Bucketts, who still occupied the adjutant’s
+chair, inquired of the colonel at what time it would be
+convenient to him to see the doctor and himself on
+matters connected with the allegations against Mr. Truscott,
+and the colonel eagerly answered the sooner the
+better. In a short time, therefore, Dr. Clayton arrived,
+accompanied by Captain Turner, who had a small
+packet of papers in his hand. All being seated and
+the doors closed, the colonel <span class="nowrap">inquired,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Well, gentlemen, what have you to say?” And
+the doctor became the spokesman.</p>
+
+<p>“Colonel Pelham, as Mrs. Tanner is recovering and
+will soon be in a condition to enable her to attend to
+her husband’s affairs, it becomes necessary that Mr.
+Truscott should be able to assist her. Captain Turner
+has here written directions of Captain Tanner’s that, in
+the event of his sudden death, Mr. Truscott should
+take charge of his papers, etc., as he was acquainted
+with all the details of his business affairs. His will is
+<span class="pagenum">[374]</span>very brief, he indicates, and leaves everything unreservedly
+to his widow and children, but there is much
+business to be attended to that both he and she have
+been in the habit of intrusting to Mr. Truscott when
+the captain had to be absent. Were Mr. Truscott not
+able to attend to these matters for her she would certainly
+expect to know why, and on her account at least,
+and to put an end to a scandalous story, we are here
+to-day.</p>
+
+<p>“You and Captain Canker saw Mr. Truscott issuing
+from Mrs. Tanner’s house towards one o’clock in the
+morning the night of the 14th–15th, and believed it to
+have been—or rather attached an improper motive to his
+being there. Whether you are aware of the fact or not,
+Mr. Truscott has for eight years past been the most
+trusted and intimate friend the Tanners had, and these
+relations existed long before you joined the regiment as
+its colonel. Captain Tanner was ordered off on this
+last scout at a most inopportune time. He left the post
+just at the day and hour when five years before he had
+lost his first-born child in Kansas. It was very hard
+for him, it was desperately hard for her, and in the
+thought of her suffering it seems he forgot some important
+items of business. Two days out he wrote an
+urgent message to Truscott to have copies made of certain
+papers and get them off to his attorney’s in San
+Francisco as quick as possible. The letter reached
+Truscott after taps on the night of the 14th, the mail
+was to leave for Prescott the morning of the 15th. No
+time was to be lost. He went right to Tanner’s quarters,
+as he had done dozens of times before, got the
+papers, and by dint of two hours’ hard work had more
+<span class="pagenum">[375]</span>than half finished the copies when your voice and Canker’s
+and the mention of his name attracted him. He
+went out at once, was sent on this message after the
+command, and Mrs. Tanner finished the copying and
+got the papers off. If Truscott was guilty for being
+there at one o’clock, I’m guiltier, for I was there at
+two. I saw her light in there as I was coming back
+from the hospital, where I had been called to see a sick
+man, and, fearing she was ill again, I went in at once,
+and she was just putting into envelopes the result of
+her work and his. There are the receipts for the registered
+package in which they went. Here is Captain
+Tanner’s letter requesting Truscott to attend to this
+work for him,” and he held forth the sheet.</p>
+
+<p>Pelham took it. Drops of sweat were standing on
+his brow. He drew his hand across his eyes, but the
+hand that held the paper trembled so that he could not
+read. He flattened the paper out upon his desk and
+tried again, and the words danced before his eyes. Yet
+he saw enough to convince—he had heard more than
+enough to convince him, and the lump that rose in his
+throat wellnigh choked him.</p>
+
+<p>“Should you need further proof I will send for Mr.
+Ray, for Tanner told him infinitely more than I have
+told you, sir. If not, we will go to the next point, of
+the actual allegations against Mr. Truscott. An officer
+reports having seen him take Mrs. Tanner in his arms
+out on the bluff just at first call for tattoo the night
+the command marched away. The officer says he only
+had a hasty glance, as his companion at once led him
+away. The story is true. Mr. Truscott did take her
+in his arms. If he hadn’t, she’d have fallen down the
+<span class="pagenum">[376]</span>hill-side. He carried her home in his arms, and but
+for him she wouldn’t have got there. She was in a
+dead faint when I reached her just as tattoo was sounding.
+She had begged him to come for her and take
+her out there to see the last of them as they forded the
+stream below the post, and just as they were heard entering
+the ford the first call for tattoo sounded, and
+just five years before at the same call her baby had
+been taken from her as now her husband is taken
+and——”</p>
+
+<p>“Doctor, if you knew all this before, why, in God’s
+name, did you let me wrong this little woman by implication
+even? You could have stopped it all. <em>Half</em>
+what you have told me here would have held my hand.”
+And poor Pelham had sprung to his feet, and absolutely
+wringing his hands, was tramping up and down
+the floor.</p>
+
+<p>“I did not even know that any one entertained such
+unjust suspicions until you had placed the matter in
+Captain Canker’s hands; but there is another matter,—Mrs.
+Treadwell’s letter.”</p>
+
+<p>“Not a word more. I want no explanation. I want
+nothing further. Why has Truscott suppressed this?
+Why has he allowed me to suspect her, if he cared
+nothing for himself? Turner, <em>you</em> know Truscott,
+how do you account for it?” And absolute misery was
+stamped on the flushed and honest face of the old
+soldier as he asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Colonel, I hate to answer that, but you ask me and
+shall have an answer. Truscott had every right to
+expect you to use no middle-man in such a matter, but
+to bring the whole thing yourself to his notice. In
+<span class="pagenum">[377]</span>refusing to say a word after you had permitted Canker
+to demand his resignation, he did just what I would
+have done, or any man of spirit. Indeed, it is only on
+her account that he permits the explanation to be made
+now.”</p>
+
+<p>Then followed a long and earnest consultation, and
+at lunch-time, the officers gathering in the mess-room
+looked significantly at one another as Turner, Bucketts,
+and the doctor walked away, and Captain Canker was
+seen approaching the colonel’s office. That evening before
+retreat it had leaked out among the ladies, and was
+told around the garrison, that Mr. Truscott had been
+informed that if he would apologize to Captain Canker
+in the presence of his commanding officer and certain
+others the charges now pending against him would be
+withdrawn, and that Mr. Truscott had flatly refused to
+do anything of the kind.</p>
+
+<p>Certain it is that there was some unexplained cheering
+and commotion among the men as they broke ranks
+after stables, and that the men in Mr. Ray’s troop were
+seen vehemently shaking hands with those in Tanner’s
+old command.</p>
+
+<p>Truscott did not come to dinner, and in his absence
+there was no restraint on the tongues. Mr. Ray had
+the floor, and Mr. Ray had evidently been drinking
+more than was prudent, but he was lively as a cricket
+and all ablaze with enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>“Apology be d—d! Of course he wouldn’t apologize.
+What’s Jack got to apologize for, I’d like to
+know? Because he put a head on a sneaking cur who
+insulted him outrageously and the sweetest woman in
+the regiment at the same time, God bless her! as He
+<span class="pagenum">[378]</span>hasn’t particularly, but ought to all the same. Of course
+he wouldn’t apologize, and that man Canker’s a bigger
+ignoramus than I supposed to expect such a thing.
+Why, d—n it, there’s no such thing as an apology for
+a blow. Any babe in arms knows that in Kentucky,
+or any place where people live like Christians. You
+can’t apologize unless you <em>retract</em>. You can retract an
+affront, you can take back abuse, you can swallow your
+own words, if you’re in the wrong, but all the saints in
+heaven can’t take back a blow. There’s nothing for
+that but fight, if the other man has any fight left in
+him, and may the Lord forgive me if I ever thought
+to hear any other doctrine preached in a cavalry regiment!”</p>
+
+<p>And thus expounded this verbose and excitable young
+disciple of the code to his hearers, and carried conviction
+with him.</p>
+
+<p>“No, gentlemen,” he continued, “if Captain Canker
+wants satisfaction he can get it, and lots of it, and it’s
+his business or his friends to attend to that speedily if
+they propose attending to it at all; but if they don’t want
+any more fight, if they’re perfectly satisfied with getting
+squarely knocked out of time, why, we are: but don’t
+talk apology to Truscott unless somebody else wants to
+get floored. Mark my words, if Captain Canker has
+any decency left in him he’ll apologize on his own account,
+and I know two or three other gentlemen that
+would vastly improve their own status by apologizing
+themselves.”</p>
+
+<p>Whereat Messrs. Hunter and Glenham looked very
+red and uneasy, but spoke not.</p>
+
+<p>A wretched Christmas it was to everybody when it
+<span class="pagenum">[379]</span>came around, bright, clear, and sparkling. The men
+had their elaborate dinner, except in Tanner’s troop,
+where, by vote of their own, the soldiers decided to
+have no festivity whatever, but they went in a body to
+the grave and decorated it with fresh pine-boughs and
+such rude ornaments as they could prepare. Colonel
+and Mrs. Pelham had intended giving a dinner to the
+bachelor officers of the garrison, some of them at least,
+but her ladyship gave out some days beforehand, and,
+if she had not, the battle royal which took place ’twixt
+her and her liege lord Christmas-eve would have incapacitated
+one or both for any enjoyment of the festival.
+There is no use in picturing that affair. It occurred
+after his interview with his officers and the
+complete establishment in his mind of Truscott’s innocence,
+and, of course, of Mrs. Tanner’s. Grace, fortunately,
+heard nothing of it. She had gone in to inquire
+after Mrs. Tanner, whom she found was sleeping quite
+naturally, and Mrs. Wilkins stole down-stairs and
+begged her to stay a while. And they, a strangely-assorted
+pair, had a long talk which was the stepping-stone
+to a better understanding between them, for Mrs.
+Wilkins was “coming out” in a light totally unexpected.
+But when Grace returned home she found
+that her mother had retired to her own room and was
+suffering from one of her wretched headaches, and
+during the entire day which followed madame saw fit
+not to emerge.</p>
+
+<p>Glenham of course came in to spend Christmas-eve,
+and was manifestly ill at ease. So also came one or two
+of the younger ladies, and as a consequence it was not
+very long before the subject of Mr. Truscott’s arrest
+<span class="pagenum">[380]</span>was alluded to. The colonel had shut himself up in
+his den, and the coast was clear, thought these searchers
+after information. It was the current belief that Grace
+was so completely in her father’s confidence that he had
+no hesitation in telling her all about the affairs of the
+garrison. “It must be delicious,” said Miss Blanche,
+“to know just exactly all about these fellows.” And
+finding in the few conversations she had enjoyed
+with Grace that that young lady was by no means confidential,
+she hit on the bold stroke of broaching the
+subject publicly, for Miss Pelham would hardly
+“snub” her under such circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>“Isn’t it dreadful to think of Mr. Truscott’s being
+arrested just at this time?” she said, looking pointedly
+at Grace, yet addressing the remark to nobody in particular.</p>
+
+<p>Finding that she was expected to reply, Miss Pelham
+calmly answered that it certainly was, and instantly
+changed the subject; but the other damsel was not to
+be rebuffed: she returned to the charge.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you know, I think it’s just splendid in him not
+to apologize. Of course I don’t know what Captain
+Canker <em>could</em> have said to make him so angry.” (Which
+was remarkable, considering the amount of information
+imparted in her letter to her friend at Prescott.) “Now
+they’ll <em>have</em> to court-martial him, won’t they? You
+know (appealingly) I haven’t the faintest idea how
+such things are governed in the army.”</p>
+
+<p>Grace colored vividly.</p>
+
+<p>“It is a matter that I really know nothing about,”
+she replied, with grave courtesy. And Glenham, who
+had been nervously tossing over some music on the
+<span class="pagenum">[381]</span>piano, came forward and begged her to sing. Whereat
+everybody else said, “Oh, <em>do</em>!” And as a means of
+putting an end to all such questioning she acceded,
+singing soft, low, sad music, and pleading inability to
+attempt the livelier and more difficult selections they
+would have been glad to extort from her. But when
+all were gone, she stole to her father’s lonely den, finding
+him drearily pretending to read. Worn and harassed
+he certainly looked; and she twined her arm
+around his neck and kissed him tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it, papa?” she asked, relapsing into the
+pet name of her girlhood. “You look so worried. Is
+it anything you can tell me?”</p>
+
+<p>He looked lovingly into her sweet, serious face. Then
+bowed his head.</p>
+
+<p>“My darling, I fear that I have made a fearful mistake,
+and I know that I’ve done a grave injustice to
+one of my best officers.”</p>
+
+<p>She knew well who was meant, but—wanted to be
+told.</p>
+
+<p>“Who, father?”</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott.”</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment’s silence, and her heart was
+beating wildly.</p>
+
+<p>“This affair with—with Captain Canker, do you
+mean?” she asked.</p>
+
+<p>“Something far more serious. I cannot tell you,
+dear. But he is utterly and entirely innocent; more
+than that, he is even a truer and nobler friend and
+gentleman than even I supposed, and I had been led to
+deeply wrong him.”</p>
+
+<p>Poor Grace! In bitter distress she crept to her
+<span class="pagenum">[382]</span>room that night. Only on two occasions had she seen
+Truscott since his return from the scout. Once mingling
+his tears with little Rosalie, once kneeling by the lifeless
+form of his old friend and comrade. On the first
+occasion he did not see, on the second he would not see
+her. And she, despite the jealous doubts that had
+possessed her, despite her now detested engagement to
+Arthur Glenham, would have given worlds to recall
+her action and implore his forgiveness. But what
+could she do?</p>
+
+<p>And now her father had virtually told her that all
+the accusations brought by Mrs. Pelham against Truscott
+were utterly unfounded. Even what she saw must
+have had some explanation, and she had not a friend to
+whom she could turn and seek the truth. She knew
+only too well now that it was useless to look to her
+mother for that. There was no merry Christmas this
+year for poor Grace. It is not worth while to picture
+her perplexity and distress, but that night she looked
+with far from friendly eyes at the class-ring Mr. Glenham
+had begged her to wear in acknowledgment of
+their engagement until the beautiful pledge he had
+ordered from San Francisco should arrive. Glenham
+was inordinately proud of that ring. With all its martial
+devices and heavy setting, he had selected an unusually
+beautiful and expensive stone on which to have
+engraved the motto of his class, and West Point had
+seen nothing handsomer in that line for years, and
+young women who were fond of appearing in public
+with the class-rings of their graduating admirers disported
+upon their fingers had made no little effort
+towards inducing Mr. Glenham to proffer his, but all
+<span class="pagenum">[383]</span>to no purpose. Feminine fingers had never been encircled
+by it one instant until he proudly, humbly, joyously
+placed it upon hers, where it needed a guard-ring
+to keep it from slipping off; and this night she gazed
+upon its splendor with absolute aversion, then tore it
+from her finger and hid it from her sight.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[384]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XXI.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Three</span> days more, and an odd change had come
+over the spirit of Camp Sandy’s dreams. In the first
+place, all the ladies in the garrison had been to call at
+Mrs. Tanner’s, if only to leave their cards with “kind
+inquiries.” Even Mrs. Pelham had to go: the colonel
+made her. In the second place, despite the fact
+that “he would <em>not</em> apologize,” Mr. Truscott was released
+from arrest, for Captain Canker had preferred
+no charges. One after another the officers whom he
+consulted told him that he really deserved to be knocked
+down for his language and manner to Truscott, and as
+he realized what a passion he had been in, and began
+to realize what he had said, and found out that after
+all he had been hideously unjust in his suspicions, and
+that he had lost the friendship of every man in the
+regiment whose friendship was worth having (even the
+colonel having intimated that no one but he could have
+been so preternaturally awkward and outrageous in his
+language), poor Canker found himself deserted and
+forlorn. At first he raged at his colonel. It was all
+Pelham’s fault, he said. Pelham had made him pull
+his chestnuts out of the fire, and now his hands were
+not only scarred for life, but the colonel had “gone
+back on him.” Unfortunately for Canker’s peace of
+mind, nobody would agree with him. Everybody knew
+<span class="pagenum">[385]</span>that he had been directed through the acting adjutant
+to say not a word further to Truscott “until Tanner’s
+return,” and everybody knew that it did not mean
+“dead or alive” in Tanner’s case. A great revulsion
+of feeling had set in as the news of the doctor’s revelation
+to the colonel, which was not so much of a revelation
+anyhow, was circulated. Even the men who
+would have, possibly <em>had</em>, urged Canker to his most
+unfortunate step, now found it expedient to forget that
+they ever thought Truscott anything but the most perfect
+gentleman in the regiment, and Canker, being left
+without friends, true to human nature they who had
+started him down-hill lent occasional kicks to keep him
+going. With public sentiment dead against him, with
+the certainty that he would be awfully scorched should
+the case ever come to trial, Captain Canker notified the
+colonel that under all the circumstances he had decided
+to prefer no charges, and immediately applied for leave
+of absence, went up to Prescott, whence he speedily
+telegraphed to Mrs. Canker to have everything packed
+up at once and turned over to the quartermaster, the
+general having assured him that he should have six-months’
+leave. To the infinite disgust of Mr. Ray,
+Captain Canker left the Territory without either an
+apology or a fight.</p>
+
+<p>Three days after Christmas, Major Bucketts notified
+Mr. Truscott that he was released from arrest, and that
+the colonel desired to see him. In the interview that
+ensued, Pelham, in deep embarrassment and with many
+a painful stumble, strove to explain to his silent junior
+how he had been torn and twisted and warped in his
+judgment, and had allowed himself to be utterly misled.
+<span class="pagenum">[386]</span>He strove to do this without in any way mentioning
+his wife’s connection with the matter, but it
+was useless. Truscott sat a patient but utterly impassive
+listener. He could forgive where the wrong
+had involved only him, but he was thinking of her.
+He could not aid the colonel by the suggestion of a
+single word, and at last the old gentleman in desperation
+rose and clasped his head in his hands.</p>
+
+<p>“Truscott, try and forget this for old times’ sake, for
+what you know I was before this—these women drove
+me out of my wits.” And the two had shaken hands,
+but the colonel saw plainly that there was no such thing
+as bridging the gulf that stood between them. Truscott
+was perfectly gentle and courteous, full of respect, and
+evidently strove after that outburst to be cordial to his
+old friend and commander, but the colonel plainly saw
+the effort, plainly saw that Truscott had aged greatly in
+the brief month that had passed, and that the old faith
+and confidence was gone.</p>
+
+<p>But he had still what he conceived another duty
+to perform. “Your resignation was tendered under a
+grievous misapprehension, and was accepted under another.
+I want you to return to your position at once,
+and would like to issue the order before to-morrow
+morning.”</p>
+
+<p>And Truscott slowly and gravely <span class="nowrap">replied,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Colonel, it is impossible. I cannot do it.”</p>
+
+<p>“You will force me to believe that you cannot or
+will not accept the only amend in my power to offer,”
+said the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>And Truscott strove to satisfy him.</p>
+
+<p>“Do not think that, colonel. Believe me that I fully
+<span class="pagenum">[387]</span>appreciate the confidence you show in me and the thorough
+amends you have made, but before this interview
+I had committed myself to another arrangement and
+accepted another detail.”</p>
+
+<p>“Is it one that cannot be recalled, Truscott?” the
+colonel asked, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>“It might be, sir,” said Jack, coloring painfully;
+“but I beg you not to press for further reasons. It is
+best in every way that I should not serve upon your
+staff.” And Pelham saw that the matter was settled
+once and for all, and at reveille on the following morning
+Lieutenant Truscott took command of Company
+“C,” vacated by the death of Captain Tanner.</p>
+
+<p>Of that interview with his colonel Truscott never
+spoke until long afterwards. How, then, did it happen
+that it was soon known throughout the Department of
+Arizona that in releasing him from arrest the colonel
+had again tendered the adjutancy to him? Their conversation
+took place in the office. Major Bucketts had
+withdrawn, the sergeant-major and the clerks were at
+supper, not a soul was present other than the two officers,
+and the colonel would hardly be apt, as colonels go, to
+announce that a position on his staff had been declined.</p>
+
+<p>But the adjutancy had to be filled. Major Bucketts
+could not do it; he was too stiff, old, and clumsy, as he
+very frankly said, to fill such a position. Six of the
+thirteen first lieutenants of the regiment were on staff
+or detached duty in the East, and Pelham swore that
+only men who served with the regiment in the field
+should hold its positions of honor under him. Crane
+and Wilkins were utterly unsuitable. There were very
+valid objections to two other first lieutenants serving in
+<span class="pagenum">[388]</span>the southern part of the Territory. Mr. Ray, therefore,
+was the only one left, unless the colonel went
+down among the second lieutenants, which, said he on
+one occasion, is equivalent to saying that none of the
+first lieutenants are fit for the position. Why would
+not Ray do? And for two days the captains and officers
+generally derided that Ray was to be the coming
+man. He was a splendid little soldier in the field all
+admitted, and had a great deal of snap and energy in
+handling his troop on drill, but he despised “paperwork,”
+hated “red tape,” could not bear office duty of
+any kind, and withal was so hot-headed and impetuous
+that he would be sure to get into snarls with the company
+commanders in less than no time. Then he was
+utterly devil-may-care and reckless as to what people
+might think of his doings and sayings. He <em>would</em>
+drink when he felt like it, and did gamble, not infrequently
+to the neglect of his garrison duties. He could
+not write a letter without the aid of a dictionary, and
+shunned correspondence of any kind as scrupulously as
+he did the catechism, but for all this, in spite of all
+this, the colonel liked him well. He was as true as
+steel, faithful in friendship, loyal in his likes and dislikes,
+and an out-and-out cavalryman. “A man,” as
+the colonel had very truly said, “of whom the regiment
+is proud.” And just so soon as he had satisfied himself
+that Truscott would not return to his old position
+he turned to Ray, and Ray very respectfully but positively
+declined it.</p>
+
+<p>This was a facer. “Has it come to this, by thunder!”
+said the colonel to himself, “that my officers absolutely
+refuse to serve on my staff?”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[389]</span></p>
+
+<p>“You doubtless have your reasons, Mr. Ray,” said
+the colonel, “and you must be aware that an offer of
+the adjutancy of a regiment like this is not a thing to
+be treated lightly. I think that I am entitled to hear
+your reasons, sir.”</p>
+
+<p>Ray hesitated and looked perturbed. He had a way
+of throwing his head back and wagging it more or less
+when he had anything to say that was disagreeable to
+him, or was difficult to frame in diplomatic speech.
+After a moment’s demur the head went back and the
+answer came, and he looked straight in the colonel’s
+eye.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s just this, Colonel Pelham, I’m too careless to
+fill the position; I’ve no head for that sort of work. I
+can’t tend to letters and such—and—well, sir, I drink
+too much anyhow.”</p>
+
+<p>“Admitting all that, Ray,” said the colonel, very
+kindly, “and mind you I do not admit all of it, if I
+choose to take the responsibility and, despite your frank
+statement of what you consider your disqualifications,
+see fit to renew the offer, I think it your place to accept—unless
+you have grave additional reasons.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, then, colonel, I <em>have</em>.”</p>
+
+<p>“And they are what?”</p>
+
+<p>Again Ray hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>“It is my right to know, I think,” said Pelham.</p>
+
+<p>“Very well, sir.” And now the head was wagging
+in earnest. “In my opinion an adjutant should be an
+officer whom his colonel could trust before all others in
+his regiment. He has got to be thrown into constant
+intercourse with the colonel’s family and should be on
+cordial terms with them; and—and if such a gentleman
+<span class="pagenum">[390]</span>as Mr. Truscott could not be satisfactory to Mrs.
+Pelham, why, the Lord knows I couldn’t.”</p>
+
+<p>And Colonel Pelham, reddening painfully, pressed
+for no further reason. He was indignant at Mr. Ray
+for assigning such a cause, yet he knew well down in
+the depths of his heart that but for that very cause
+Jack Truscott would not be as he was—estranged. Ray
+was permitted to withdraw, and the colonel, with
+gloomy brow, went home to lunch. Grace was absent;
+had gone over to Mrs. Tanner’s again, said her ladyship;
+and she wished that Grace would keep away from
+there, she was getting altogether too intimate with that
+horrid Mrs. Wilkins; then again, said madame, she
+always manages to be there now, “playing with Rosalie,”
+she says, when Mr. Glenham comes here to see
+her, and plainly he does not like it.</p>
+
+<p>“If he doesn’t like it, Mrs. Pelham, let him leave
+it,” said the colonel, very bluntly. “She cannot do
+too much now to undo the mischief you have played
+where Mrs. Tanner and—others are concerned. And
+as for this engagement to Mr. Glenham, I’m not half
+satisfied that it isn’t a source of distress instead of joy
+to her. She’s been looking worse and worse every day.”</p>
+
+<p>This was altogether too delicious a conversation for
+Maggie the housemaid to leave unheard. Well she
+knew that presently her ladyship would lose her temper
+entirely, and then there would be revelations; so on one
+pretext or another she kept bustling in and out of the
+lunch-room, and sure enough the explosion came.</p>
+
+<p>“Know it!” the colonel was wrathfully saying.
+“Know it! by the eternal, madame, how can I help
+know it when the two best officers in my regiment
+<span class="pagenum">[391]</span>decline the adjutancy, and one of them plainly tells me
+that your infernal behavior is the reason?”</p>
+
+<p>“Leave the room, Maggie!” her ladyship had
+shrieked before bursting into the flood of weeping and
+lamentation to be expected after such an accusation;
+and Maggie left, and took with her the story, “infernal”
+and all, to Bridget next door, who duly transmitted it
+along the row, so that by dinner-time it was coming
+back along the piazzas and parlors. Oh, those were
+joyous days at Sandy!</p>
+
+<p>Since their return, neither Truscott nor Ray had
+called at the colonel’s. One, because of his arrest,
+itself an all-sufficient reason, though he had others quite
+as cogent. The other, out of sheer disgust at the thought
+of his dinner there. He had not even paid the conventional
+dinner-call, and on the few occasions when he
+met Miss Pelham she was with Mr. Glenham or some
+lady friends, and he had confined his remarks to a few
+awkward platitudes. He had never once congratulated
+her on her engagement, and to Truscott he made no
+allusion to it whatever, yet time and again it was in his
+thoughts, and so was that blood-stained handkerchief
+he had taken from Truscott’s breast. How came it
+there? thought Ray, and what did that portend? It
+was a new perplexity, and not a particularly pleasant
+one.</p>
+
+<p>And now Glenham and Hunter had been to see
+Truscott, and presumably had “explained.” Certainly
+they had apologized for anything they might have said
+or done to wound him in the least, for they openly announced
+the fact at the mess, as though for Ray’s information.
+Truscott was very civil to both, and there
+<span class="pagenum">[392]</span>was a faint resumption of his old kindly manner to
+Glenham, but <em>very</em> faint, and he did not invite him to
+return to his roof. The holidays were gloomy in the
+last degree. Mirth and music and theatricals and fun
+went on at Prescott, and thither went the young lady
+visitors when Captain Canker’s ambulance drove up
+with him, but the general’s wife, who had invited
+Grace to spend the holidays with her, or at least expressed
+a wish that she should do so when they parted,
+was dumb thereafter. She had absolutely made no
+reply to the rather gushing note in which Lady Pelham
+had announced her precious daughter’s engagement
+to Mr. Glenham, but she had written to Jack
+Truscott, for Glenham saw the letter when the mail
+was opened, and very dutifully told her ladyship
+thereof.</p>
+
+<p>And now Mrs. Tanner was beginning to sit up a few
+hours each day, and Dr. Harper had gone back to
+his duties at Fort Whipple. Both he and his able
+coadjutor at Sandy had been unremitting in their attention,
+and Mrs. Wilkins had been simply a wonder.
+Leaving her own sturdy brood to the care of her
+weaker half and the maid-of-all-work (who was likewise
+the cook), this energetic lady spent her days and
+nights in close attendance on the gentle sufferer, and
+whether it was from such incessant association with
+that pure, patient soul, or from remorse at having, if
+only to a very slight extent, lent herself to the circulation
+of the story at Mrs. Tanner’s expense, certain it
+is that her rugged and intractable nature was vastly
+softened and subdued. She would flare up and wax
+furious or else stony when Mrs. Pelham made her
+<span class="pagenum">[393]</span>occasional calls to inquire after Mrs. Tanner, and to make
+sanctimonious or patronizingly sympathetic remarks.
+Mrs. Wilkins could see no good whatever in Mrs.
+Pelham, and it is to be feared that those who shared
+her opinions were in the majority, and very stiff and
+formal and “it’s-all-your-fault-anyhow” was her manner
+towards that self-satisfied lady when she came. As
+for Mrs. Pelham, it may be briefly said that, having
+accomplished her object in seeing Grace plighted to
+Glenham, she was quite ready to be magnanimous to
+those whom she had trodden under foot in her struggles
+to effect that end. She was quite willing to admit, she
+said, that Mrs. Treadwell was totally mistaken, and
+that “we had all been too censorious” where Mrs. Tanner
+was concerned. Indeed, to the vast indignation of
+Mesdames Raymond and Turner, these ladies were
+virtually given to understand that she, Lady Pelham,
+could never, never have believed such a thing of so
+sweet and gentle a lady had it not been for their positive
+statements, and now there wasn’t a woman in all
+the garrison except the two whom she had most injured
+(Mrs. Tanner and her own daughter are meant,
+not you, Mrs. Raymond,) who did not hate her and
+talk accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>Madame, however, had long since convinced herself
+that, having heard all she had heard, it was her duty
+as a mother and a Christian woman to come down upon
+the offenders forthwith, and that because others had
+made a frightful blunder in their suspicions was no
+reason why she had in her acts. In making frequent
+visits at Mrs. Tanner’s and sending up consoling message
+to that lady she conceived that every amend that
+<span class="pagenum">[394]</span>could be expected was being made. Why her husband
+should therefore continue to treat her with cold civility,
+why Grace should avoid her, why the whole garrison
+should hold aloof as though she were afflicted with
+some moral leprosy, was more than she could fathom.
+Glenham was her only consolation, and he, poor devil,
+was constantly at her beck and call. She “Arthured”
+him from morning till night, but never could Grace be
+induced to call him aught but Mr. Glenham, and it
+soon became patent to all beholders that while he but
+seldom appeared in public with, or was believed to be
+blessed by the society of Miss Pelham, he was at all
+hours dancing attendance upon his prospective mother-in-law.
+Lots of fun they had over it at the mess,
+where those stiff old prigs, as they were laughingly
+dubbed by Mr. Ray—Truscott and the doctor—were
+the only ones who did not take part in the sly witticisms
+at Glenham’s expense,—in his absence, of course,
+for his position was too seriously unenviable to permit
+of their chaffing him to his face.</p>
+
+<p>“That old catamaran will disgust him yet, if she
+hasn’t already,” burst out Mr. Ray, one evening. “You
+hear <em>me</em>!” he added, in the slang of the day, and Truscott
+shot his friend a warning glance. He hated to
+hear any woman’s name mentioned in that or any mess-room.</p>
+
+<p>It wanted but two days to New Year’s. Truscott
+had been busily occupied in arranging Tanner’s papers,
+working most of the time at his own quarters, but on
+two occasions he was in Tanner’s library when madame
+called to make her inquiries; and once, one bright sunshiny
+afternoon, he had stepped quietly in there, for, as
+<span class="pagenum">[395]</span>he entered the house, he heard Grace Pelham’s sweet,
+low laugh, and a ringing peal from Rosalie. They
+were playing together in the hall above, while Mrs.
+Wilkins sat by Mrs. Tanner in the pretty room over
+the piazza. He could not help wondering how the little
+one could so soon forget her misery of the week
+before, and yet he was thankful to hear her joyous
+laugh; thankful that Grace Pelham was so constantly
+with her, striving to entertain the lonely little body.
+As yet he had not seen Mrs. Tanner, but every few
+hours he could learn how she was progressing, and had
+managed to get some few humble wild-flowers to send
+to her bedside, and Mrs. Wilkins brought her love and
+thanks and inquiries as to his wound. Just how deep,
+intense, and uncomplaining was the suffering of that
+silent little woman heaven only knew. As consciousness
+and the flutter of life came back to her there came
+with it the blight of a desolation that no human pen
+could ever picture. She lay for hours speechless, striving
+patiently to obey the directions of her physicians
+or the attendants beside her. There was no wailing,
+no wild raving, no upbraiding, but her pillow was wet
+with her ceaseless tears. O God! how she would have
+thanked Him could she only be laid there by the side
+of the gallant, gentle husband who had made her life
+one dream of joy and unutterable content! But there
+was Rosalie. There, too, was the baby, now a boisterous
+little two-year-old, full of vim, and exacting in the
+last degree. She strained them to her bosom, and
+prayed for strength to bear her cross. With such sorrow
+as hers this crabbed and ill-natured chronicle has
+naught to do.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[396]</span></p>
+
+<p>Twice had Grace been admitted to see her by this
+time, and infinitely sweet and tender had her manner
+been. “Come often,” Mrs. Tanner had murmured to
+her, as she returned the warm pressure of the slender
+hand that lay lingeringly in hers. “Rosalie is growing
+so fond of you, and you are such a comfort.”</p>
+
+<p>And then, as Grace’s eyes began to fill, and an odd
+tremor to creep about the corner of her mouth, the
+widow twined her fragile arm about her neck, and
+drew the pale, wistful face down to hers. Some cynic
+speaks of the Judas kisses women interchange, but in
+that caress there was a wealth of earnestness that would
+have disarmed the criticism of a Sterne. Mrs. Tanner
+wondered at the warmth of that embrace and kiss;
+wondered more at the agitation with which Grace suddenly
+withdrew herself from the clasping arm and
+hurriedly left the room.</p>
+
+<p>And so it happened that, while Truscott was silently
+at work on Tanner’s old desk that afternoon, he heard
+Mrs. Wilkins’s voice aloft.</p>
+
+<p>“I have to run over home a few minutes, Miss
+Gracie. Would you mind sitting by Mrs. Tanner till
+I come back? She’ll be glad to have you and Rosalie.”</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes after light footsteps came dancing down
+the stairs, and patting along the hall towards the library-door.
+Jack Truscott’s heart stood still. There was no
+time to escape, hardly time to think. The next instant
+the door flew open, and the woman he loved stood before
+him. It was their first meeting alone since the
+day of his avowal nearly three weeks agone, and from
+that day not one word had passed between them. She
+was in the room before she caught sight of him, still
+<span class="pagenum">[397]</span>seated at the desk. Crimson flashed to the roots of
+her hair. Then she grew as pale as he.</p>
+
+<p>“I—I beg your pardon,” she faltered. “I did not
+know any one was here. I’ve only come for a book of
+Rosalie’s.”</p>
+
+<p>He bowed calmly, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>“You will not disturb my work in the least,” he
+answered; and the profound would-be dissembler ruined
+the copy he was making by drawing thereon a series
+of pot-hooks that bore no resemblance whatever to his
+ordinary handwriting. “Disturb his work,” indeed!
+His heart was bounding like a trip-hammer with all
+the enforced calm on his features.</p>
+
+<p>She stood looking hurriedly along the shelves. Then
+her hand was extended aloft to reach the book she
+needed, but fell short full six inches.</p>
+
+<p>“Let me help you,” he said, quickly rising and stepping
+to her side. “Which book is it?”</p>
+
+<p>“The red one,—there;” and her left hand touched
+with its finger-tips the shelf on which it lay, and in
+slender, snowy grace stood outlined before his eyes.
+Where was Glenham’s ring?</p>
+
+<p>Silently he handed her the book and resumed his
+seat, and with murmured thanks she left the room.</p>
+
+<p>“Who was there?” asked Mrs. Tanner. “I thought
+I heard you speak.”</p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Truscott,” she replied, and despite every effort
+the color sprang again to her face, and Mrs. Tanner saw
+it. Grace instantly bent over Rosalie, and plunged
+into a highly moral and instructive article descriptive
+of the time-honored illustration of a luridly-colored
+lion in the meshes of an exaggerated fish-net, the
+<span class="pagenum">[398]</span>mouse swallowed up in the general gorge of color being
+somewhat indistinguishable.</p>
+
+<p>Presently stable-call sounded, and Mr. Truscott was
+heard to stow away his papers, close the library-door,
+and leave the house, and when Dr. Clayton came in
+soon afterwards, and Mrs. Tanner expressed a wish to
+see her old friend, if it could be permitted, he readily
+assented, but went off to caution Truscott that no business
+was to be talked that evening.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly before sunset, therefore, while Grace and
+Rosalie were still playing or chatting together in the
+adjoining room, Mrs. Wilkins ushered Truscott up the
+stairs, and, bidding him enter, discreetly withdrew to
+where Grace was seated on the floor, a picture of amaze
+and embarrassment. She had heard nothing of the
+arrangement or she would have scurried home long ago,
+and through the open doorway every word they said
+was distinctly audible, and she could not but see the
+sweet, tearful face gazing so gratefully, trustingly up
+in his, but his back was towards her. She strove to
+resume her chatter with her eager little friend, but her
+thoughts wandered uncontrollably.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s a blessing you are to that little one, Grace Pelham,”
+said Mrs. Wilkins, “and it’s a blessing he is to
+that poor little woman, hard though it must be for her
+to see him at first.”</p>
+
+<p>For a few moments only broken, sobbing words came
+from Mrs. Tanner’s lips, when any sound came at all,
+but gradually the tearful accents ceased, and her voice,
+gentle and patient, was mingled with the calm, deep
+tones of his. Painful, sorrowing, tender as that first
+interview must have been to both, there was a sweetness
+<span class="pagenum">[399]</span>in the very sorrow. At last she called Rosalie to come
+and see Uncle Jack, and the child, clinging to Grace’s
+hand, strove to draw her with her.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, come with her, Grace dear, <em>do</em>,” said Mrs.
+Tanner, and Grace had to come and take the hand the
+invalid held forth. “Jack, I don’t know how we would
+have got along without Miss Gracie. She has been
+everything to Rosalie, and an infinite comfort to me,”
+she continued, as she drew her down into a chair, and
+Jack, who had risen and courteously bowed on her entrance,
+resumed his own seat near the foot of the sofa.
+It was a strange meeting.</p>
+
+<p>Lying there upon the lounge, the newly-widowed invalid
+held in hers Grace Pelham’s slender hand, and
+looking bravely up in the pale features of her husband’s
+chosen friend, listened eagerly to his recital of the incidents
+of the last scout and battles. She insisted on
+hearing them, and he had no reason to give,—he could
+not but obey. At last she asked <span class="nowrap">him,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“But are you not imprudent in resuming duty so
+soon? Are you sure you are strong enough? I never
+saw you look so pale and ill, Jack.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am doing very well,” he answered, smiling
+gravely.</p>
+
+<p>“And yet I know that this is such a busy time in
+the office, and with all your adjutant’s work I ought
+not to let you touch these affairs of mine. Surely they
+can wait——”</p>
+
+<p>She stopped short. Grace Pelham’s hand, lying in
+hers, had given an unmistakable quiver, and, looking
+at her in surprise, Mrs. Tanner saw a flush of deep embarrassment
+on her face. Not divining its cause, she
+<span class="pagenum">[400]</span>saw, too, that Truscott had reddened, and then the first
+call sounded for retreat. He rose, and promising to
+see her on the following day, hurriedly took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s undress parade and publication of orders,” said
+Mrs. Wilkins, gazing out of the window. And, sure
+enough, the voices of the troop commanders could be
+heard as they marched out to the general parade and
+formed the line; the trumpets rang out the sunset call;
+the window shook to the thunder of the evening gun.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ve so often lain here and listened to Mr. Truscott
+reading the orders, every word was so distinct,” said
+Mrs. Tanner. “Let us hear what they are to-night.”
+Whereat Mrs. Wilkins suddenly left the room, and all
+within was silence. In strained, wondering attention,
+Mrs. Tanner listened; the hand within hers was trembling
+violently.</p>
+
+<p>“Why, Grace, that isn’t Mr. Truscott’s voice. You
+can’t understand a word of it, and yet he said he was
+on duty. What does it mean?”</p>
+
+<p>And for all answer Grace Pelham burst into a passion
+of tears, buried her face in the pillow beside that
+of her friend, and sobbed as though her heart would
+break. Another moment and both Mrs. Tanner’s
+arms were round her; had drawn her head upon
+her own gentle bosom; her lips pressed kiss after
+kiss in silent sympathy upon the sunshiny glory of
+the beautiful hair,—the womanly heart had read her
+secret.</p>
+
+<p>No wonder that when Miss Pelham was wanted for
+dinner that evening Miss Pelham sent back word that
+she had decided to stay and take tea at Mrs. Tanner’s,
+and Mrs. Pelham had again to explain matters as best
+<span class="pagenum">[401]</span>she could to Mr. Arthur Glenham, who went home
+despondent.</p>
+
+<p>Before Jack Truscott came to see her on the following
+morning Mrs. Tanner had heard from Mrs. Wilkins’s
+lips every item of the stories and events that had
+so upset the social serenity of Camp Sandy during the
+past month. It was no difficult matter to learn the
+whole story. It had been bottled up in Mrs. Wilkins’s
+brain for days, fermenting, seething, “coming to a head,”
+as it were; and when at last Mrs. Tanner gravely demanded
+of her a full statement of Truscott’s loss of the
+adjutancy, his arrest, and everything,—for poor Grace
+could only vaguely hint that there were troubles she
+could not explain, yet longed to that she might ask her
+forgiveness,—Mrs. Wilkins’s relief was something tragic
+in its intensity. Once uncorked, the story flew forth
+with a rush; and the reader probably has seen enough
+of Mrs. Wilkins to feel assured that Lady Pelham had
+small mercy shown her. Naturally, however, one’s
+principal alarm may be as to how Mrs. Tanner bore
+the recital. For her husband and for Truscott she
+was indignant in no mild degree, but she said very
+little. For herself, she hardly thought.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s my belief,” said Mrs. Wilkins, among other
+things, “that if it hadn’t been for the venomous stories
+of that mother of hers Grace Pelham would no more
+be engaged to that little milksop of a Glenham than I
+would. It was Jack Truscott she fancied from the first.”</p>
+
+<p>And despite her own bitter desolation, many a waking
+hour did the quiet little woman give to earnest thought
+over the whole matter. It was more than a revelation,
+it gave her something to plan and act upon.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[402]</span></p>
+
+<p>It was after drill when Mr. Truscott came in on the
+following morning. Almost the first thing she did was
+to give him the key of a tin despatch-box belonging to
+the captain. “My letters to him are in that,” she briefly
+explained, “and I want the package marked ‘From
+Fort Phœnix.’” To him she made no allusion to his
+changed fortunes or to the story she had heard. She
+was frank, gentle, unembarrassed; but he noted a pink
+flush in the centre of each cheek, which alarmed him,
+and the doctor once more forbade business talks. “What
+wouldn’t he have said did he know of all I’d told her?”
+thought Mrs. Wilkins, though she excused herself by
+the reflection that had she <em>not</em> related the whole affair
+Mrs. Tanner would have worried her life out trying to
+fathom it. And perhaps she would. Who knows?
+Truscott soon returned to the desk, and announced at
+luncheon-time that all the work was finished, her
+signature to certain papers being all that was needed.
+Then he left the house.</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon Mrs. Raymond and Mrs. Turner
+came together and begged to be allowed to come up-stairs
+and sit with Mrs. Tanner a while. Mrs. Tanner
+begged to be excused. “Do you suppose that
+woman can have told her anything?” asked one of
+the other.</p>
+
+<p>“She would tell anything she knew,” was the reply
+of Mrs. Turner, who never was known to keep a secret
+in her life, and yet in her own mind was set upon a
+very pinnacle of discretion.</p>
+
+<p>Later came Grace Pelham, whom Rosalie eagerly ran
+to welcome, calling her “Aunt Gracie,” as she had in
+some mysterious way learned to speak of her sweet
+<span class="pagenum">[403]</span>friend, and when her voice was heard in the hall below,
+Mrs. Tanner asked that she be invited up at once.</p>
+
+<p>She had been riding with Mr. Glenham, and it
+would seem as though, of late, her favorite exercise had
+been bereft of all benefit or pleasure, and this day the
+conversation she had undergone with her adorer had
+been far from soothing. He had begun reproaching
+her for coldness and indifference, and she could not and
+did not specifically deny the charge. Very pale and
+tired she looked as she seated herself by the side of her
+friend, whom she was with every hour learning to love
+more dearly. Mrs. Tanner quickly marked her pallor
+and fatigue.</p>
+
+<p>“Your ride has been far from enjoyable, I fear,
+Gracie,” she said, and the long interview of the previous
+evening must have been of a most intimate nature
+to warrant such a piece of impertinence on Mrs. Tanner’s
+part. “Mrs. Wilkins has told me the whole
+story.” (Here the bright, beautiful head hid itself in
+the most convenient and natural resting-place it could
+find.) “Now I have one to tell you. Are you too
+tired to hear it?” (What woman would be? The head
+was promptly shaken, though the face was still hidden.
+“Are you sure you are strong enough to tell it?” was
+indistinctly murmured.) “I do not propose to make
+an explanation,” continued Mrs. Tanner, while a very
+sad, sweet smile played for a moment over her pallid
+face, “but the story is one I <em>want you</em> to hear.”</p>
+
+<p>And so in the solemn stillness and peace of the
+sick-room the truth came out. Slowly, gently, the
+patient sufferer, forgetting for a time the bitterness
+of her bereavement, her illness, her wrongs, told the
+<span class="pagenum">[404]</span>tale of her life since she had come into the regiment
+and Jack Truscott had come into her life; of the letters
+in which Captain Tanner had described him before
+they came East together; of his appearance and bearing
+at their wedding; of her sister’s admiration for
+him and the correspondence that followed; of the engagement
+and her own misgiving because of that sister’s
+acceptance of the attentions of the well-to-do
+widower at home. Of Jack’s home-life with them on
+the frontier, his love for little Bertie, his devotion to
+the baby during her illness, his deep tenderness and
+sympathy when baby died. Ah, no wonder the tears
+rained down her worn face as she spoke of that. Of
+her sister’s deceit and the rupture of their engagement,
+and of Jack’s delicate and manly bearing towards her
+and her husband after that affair. Of the order to
+Arizona and her own misery at having to leave that
+little grave in far-away Kansas. Of his letters to her
+and to the captain during his separation from the troop,
+all preserved and cherished yet. Of his care of the
+little grave when they had gone, and his arrival at Fort
+Phœnix six months after.</p>
+
+<p>“He came suddenly,” she said, “and the captain
+was out on a scout. I heard his voice at the door and
+rushed down to greet him, and there on the table in the
+parlor was a box of earth in which were transplanted
+some of the flowers from Bertie’s grave, that he, the
+loving, loyal fellow, had brought, cared for, watered,
+and watched through all that long journey. No wonder
+I could not speak. I could only sob my thanks, and
+I did throw my arms round his neck and would have
+kissed him, only he was too tall or astonished, or something.
+<span class="pagenum">[405]</span>Here’s my letter telling my husband all about
+it, Gracie, and if he thought no wrong of me, why
+should others? Of course <em>they</em> could not know, could
+not understand.” And here Grace raised her own
+tearful face from the bosom whereon it had lain and
+twined her arms around the slender neck and kissed
+her, the pure lips meeting again and again.</p>
+
+<p>And then the story went on. Of their pleasure at
+being ordered to join headquarters and to again be
+with Jack in garrison; of the trip to Prescott and
+their alarm when he did not appear; of his grief at
+the loss of “Apache.” “It was to go with him and see
+his grave that I left you all at Olson’s ranch that day.”
+Of his distress at having to communicate to Captain
+Tanner the order sending him off on a dangerous mission
+the very anniversary of Bertie’s death. “You
+know now what that was to me, Gracie. I had asked
+him to come and take me out on the bluff to see the
+last of them as they marched away, and when the call
+sounded, just as it did as my baby drew her last breath
+and lay dead in my arms, was it strange that one so ill
+as I am should swoon?” And then she told of the
+captain’s letters to her and to Truscott, asking that
+those papers should be made out at once and sent by
+first mail to San Francisco; and how they had worked
+together in the library at the copies, and of his hearing
+the colonel’s voice so late at night out on the road, and
+his going at once to see what was the matter. Of his
+departure to overtake her husband, and how strange
+she thought it that the adjutant should be sent on such
+a mission. Of his return; then of the receipt of the
+dreadful news, and she could speak no more. For
+<span class="pagenum">[406]</span>hours they clung to one another is silent sympathy,
+that infinite and merciful sweetness of communion
+which God has given to women who mourn, and then,
+comforted unspeakably, yet infinitely humbled, Grace
+Pelham went home.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel was sitting moodily in his den, and even
+at her kiss and caress did not rouse himself from his
+abstraction.</p>
+
+<p>“There’s a letter for you from Ralph, dear,” he said,
+dejectedly. “I’d like to know what’s in it.”</p>
+
+<p>She tore it open. A few fond, hurried words of congratulation
+on her engagement. Mother’s letter was
+just received. So proud and glad to think of her
+being so happily settled. Glenham <em>must</em> be a splendid
+fellow to win and deserve such a prize, etc., etc. Love
+to all. Ralph.</p>
+
+<p>“P.S.—Need I tell you that it is with infinite relief
+that I found it was not Glenham at all who furnished
+the money that got me out of my scrape? I
+would have been horribly embarrassed had the benefactor
+turned out to be my future brother-in-law. It
+was Jack Truscott again and all the time, as I found
+when I went to make the first payment, and he made
+me believe it was Glenham. What a trump that
+fellow is!”</p>
+
+<p>Without a word Grace stood there staring blankly at
+the last page.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it, daughter?” asked the colonel, anxiously.
+She threw the letter on the desk before him, rushed from
+the room, and locked herself in her own.</p>
+
+<p>Poor girl! Her thoughts as she lay there sobbing
+convulsively in her trouble were far from hopeful.
+<span class="pagenum">[407]</span>What had she done that in all the buoyancy of youth,
+health, and her radiant beauty this wretched blight
+should have fallen upon her? All that Mrs. Tanner
+had told her, all that she herself had begun to realize
+must be true of him, all that Ralph’s letter revealed,
+only showed him, the lover whom she had spurned, in
+nobler, brighter colors; and this knightly soldier, this
+honest and courteous gentleman, this brilliant, gallant
+officer, this loyal, trusted friend, this gentle-hearted
+man whom she had seen sorrowing over the coffin of
+his comrade, or mingling his tears with those of that
+comrade’s lonely little one, this Bayard without fear,
+without reproach, had laid his heart and honor at her
+feet, and she had turned from the priceless offering in
+contempt. She had not even deigned him one word
+of acknowledgment, and now, all too late! all too late!
+she knew that love her loyally, faithfully, tenderly as
+he might, no love could stand such a test as that. All
+too late she knew that love her loyally, faithfully,
+tenderly as he might, he could not love her better than
+she loved him. What reparation could she make?
+What could she say? What would she not do to win
+back one such look as she had seen in his dark, glowing
+eyes the day he told her of his love? And yet
+how could she utter one word that would not be a
+betrayal of her love that now might well be spurned
+in turn? How dare she do aught to recall him when—when—oh,
+merciful heaven! how at the thought she
+clutched her streaming hair in her quivering hands!—when
+she stood before him the betrothed wife of
+another,—another who too had wronged him?</p>
+
+<p>With Ralph’s letter the last stone in the fabric of
+<span class="pagenum">[408]</span>her regard for Glenham had been toppled to earth. In
+desperation at what she believed the utter dishonor of
+her lover she had yielded to the prayers of this other
+suitor and the vehement arguments of her mother.
+“You are even distressing your poor father” had been
+one of madame’s points, and her father had shown
+plainly that he only tolerated Glenham on her account.
+Even respect for him was gone, for she had heard of
+his vacillation and final abandonment of the chance to
+go on this last scout. She knew, of course, of his
+abandonment of Truscott’s roof. She had absolutely
+had to beg him to desist when, trying to defend his
+action to her, he ventured to disparage the best and
+most loyal friend he had ever found in the regiment,
+and now he was wearying her with his querulous complaints,
+his ceaseless moping. She had begged him to
+accept his freedom and give her hers, but he held her
+to her promise, and went and told her mother. Poor
+devil! Love had made an ass of him as it has of
+stronger men than he, and as for her mother——Ah,
+no! Let that be unsaid. “Honor thy father and thy
+mother” she had lisped in her babyhood, and only
+within this last month had ambition for her robbed
+that wretched mother of the ready tribute of love and
+faith and honor that hitherto had been unfailing. Poor
+lady! Sorrowful indeed had been her life of late, but
+what would not be her terror could she see her husband’s
+face as he sat staring at that letter of Ralph’s,
+while Grace lay weeping in her room?</p>
+
+<p>A hand turned the knob of the door and rattled
+impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>“Grace, if you propose going to Mrs. Turner’s this
+<span class="pagenum">[409]</span>evening it is time you were dressed,” a dismal, monotonous
+voice was heard to say, and Grace started to her
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>“Come what may, he shall know that I implore his
+forgiveness,” said Grace to herself, as she stood before
+the mirror; “and come what may, Arthur Glenham
+shall know the truth.”</p>
+
+<p>Despite the general gloom in the garrison, Mrs.
+Turner had invited a few friends (which meant the
+entire commissioned force at the post, with the families
+of the married officers) to spend the evening at her
+house and mildly celebrate the birthday of her husband,
+whose birthday-cake, an elaborate affair, much
+studded with waxen tapers, had been sent all the way
+from San Francisco.</p>
+
+<p>“It was a pity to lose it,” she argued, “so, though we
+are all so blue, you know, over dear Captain Tanner’s
+death, we might just as well have a quiet gathering.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Wilkins had refused outright, she had other
+things to attend to, and Mrs. Tanner, of course, was
+not to be expected; but everybody else had accepted,
+as is customary, unless there be some valid reason to
+urge. Yet, when Turner himself invited Mr. Truscott,
+he felt it necessary to say a few apologetic words. “I
+know you will not care to come anyway, Jack, and I
+fear that you have heard that which cannot be wholly
+denied, that my wife had some share in the circulation
+of those stories that caused such horrible trouble. Of
+course, you must know how cut up I feel to think that
+each has been the case, but the tongue is an unruly
+member we are taught; and—well, when you get married,
+old man, may the Lord spare you from finding
+<span class="pagenum">[410]</span>
+out what ninety-nine out of a hundred husbands discover!—that
+a woman’s tongue is simply uncontrollable.
+Of course, she’s found out. I’ve told her that you
+have heard of her part in the affair, and she’s awfully
+nervous about the way you’ll meet her. I wouldn’t
+tell any one else this about my wife, Jack, but I rated
+her roundly for her share of the mischief, and—and—I’ll
+take it as a kindness if you will come and see us.
+You know well what you are to me.”</p>
+
+<p>And so it happened that late that evening Mr. Truscott’s
+tall form appeared among the guests at Captain
+Turner’s. Mrs. Turner welcomed him with vividly
+coloring cheeks and somewhat over-eager cordiality.
+As for him, his manner was simply as composed and
+placid as ever, and he accepted a seat by the side of his
+hostess quite as a matter of course. Grace was surrounded
+by the youngsters of the regiment, as was to
+be expected, and Mr. Glenham was pulling discontentedly
+at the scanty hairs which ornamented his upper
+lip. To this group speedily appeared Mr. Ray, lively
+as ever, and apparently imbued with a spirit of mischief.
+It had occurred to him that here was a good
+chance to worry Mrs. Pelham, whom he had learned to
+detest most cordially. The colonel had been most solemn
+and gloomy in his manner towards him ever since
+his refusal of the adjutancy, and he had enjoyed no opportunity
+of speaking to Grace herself, and, as bad luck
+would have it, she did not at all care to be monopolized
+by him, this night of all others. Her whole heart was
+bound up in Truscott. She noted his every movement,
+though her eyes bravely did their duty, and strove to
+look interested in the chatter of Messrs. Dana and
+<span class="pagenum">[411]</span>Hunter, and she managed to keep up her share in the
+conversation in a lively manner. How is it they can
+do it? If her heart were breaking, such a girl as
+Grace Pelham would manage to appear all life and
+vivacity under similar circumstances. Then Mr. Ray
+shouldered his way through the circle of admirers, and
+held forth his hand.</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t propose to be kept on the outskirts of this
+crowd all night, Miss Pelham, if I am the oldest and
+worst-singed moth around the candle. I’ve come in to
+bask a few minutes anyhow, scorch or no scorch.”</p>
+
+<p>She welcomed him cordially, of course. She liked
+him far better than any of the others. She had heard
+from Mrs. Wilkins all about his championship of Truscott’s
+cause, and of his refusal of her father’s offer. She
+could have blessed him for that. There was not a man
+fit to take her hero’s place, and evidently her father
+had come to the same opinion. She knew that Glenham
+now disliked Ray, and there was just enough of
+feminine coquetry about her to make that reflection a
+cause of additional cordiality to Ray. But, above all,
+he was nearer to Truscott, more intimate with him now
+than any of the others, and though it was Truscott, and
+Truscott alone, she longed to speak to, Ray would
+answer when there was nothing better. He rattled on
+in his reckless, superficial style, totally ignoring Glenham
+or her new relations with him; and when suppertime
+came it was he who hovered about her, bringing
+every dainty he could lay hands on, and playing the
+devoted in a way he could plainly see was making
+Glenham rabid and Mrs. Pelham hideously uncomfortable.
+“I don’t care,” he said to himself, as Arthur
+<span class="pagenum">[412]</span>went scowlingly off to his would-be mother-in-law. “So
+long as they behaved decently I would, but now I don’t
+care a chip what they think.” But before very long he
+noticed a something in her manner he had never seen
+before. Bright as she was, and as she strove to be, he
+noted the wandering glance, the occasionally absent-minded
+replies, and it set him to thinking. Next he
+saw that Truscott and Colonel Pelham, punch-glasses
+in hand, were holding an earnest conversation, and
+that her eyes fled to that particular corner every other
+minute. “I mean to see what this means,” said Mr.
+Ray to himself. Then,—“Was it possible, so early?
+Surely not going yet?” Mrs. Turner was saying all
+this in response to Truscott’s quiet adieu, and Ray
+saw that Grace Pelham had lost all interest in anything
+he could say or do, and was gazing with wistful
+eyes after Truscott, who seemed bent on leaving
+the room at the time of all others when people would
+be too busy to note his departure, for supper was not
+over.</p>
+
+<p>And Colonel Pelham went with him, quietly saying
+that he would return in time to escort madame home.
+Ray flew to the door.</p>
+
+<p>“What’s your hurry, Jack?”</p>
+
+<p>“Come to my quarters when you get through,” was
+his answer. “I must see Mrs. Tanner for a while, as I
+leave for Prescott at reveille. Say nothing about it,”
+and he was off.</p>
+
+<p>Ray returned to Miss Pelham, whose eyes looked in
+earnest questioning up into his.</p>
+
+<p>“Isn’t Mr. Truscott coming back? I had hoped to
+see him.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[413]</span></p>
+
+<p>“No. Something’s up. I don’t know what.”</p>
+
+<p>“He can’t be—he is not ordered off, is he?” she
+exclaimed in startled tones, and with features rapidly
+paling despite her efforts at control.</p>
+
+<p>Ray looked in amaze. Then he thought of the handkerchief,
+of Truscott’s changed, worn look, of a hundred
+little things that flashed upon him all at once, and of the
+intensity of emotion in the sweet, pallid face before him.
+Quick as a flash, he bent over her as he had bent to raise
+her the day of the runaway; hurried and low he spoke.</p>
+
+<p>“If you have anything to say, to send to him, trust
+me. He goes to Prescott at reveille, but told me not
+to speak of it.”</p>
+
+<p>Gone, and without a glance at her; without one word.
+Was she so utterly beneath him as that? Had she,
+then, sinned past all forgiveness? Was his love so light
+that it would vanish under the misunderstandings of the
+past week and never again seek for its answer? Was
+she——Pride and resolution came to the rescue.
+Grace Pelham looked proudly up into the sympathetic
+features of the misguided young man.</p>
+
+<p>“Thanks, Mr. Ray. Nothing that I can think of
+now. A little more coffee, if you please.”</p>
+
+<p>But she thanked heaven when it came time to go,
+and her father appeared. The colonel was sore disturbed
+about something, and while Mr. Glenham hung
+about the parlor on their return home, that gentleman
+had accompanied Lady Pelham aloft. There his voice
+was heard in vehement accents, hers in protestations,
+and presently in tears.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ll go,” said Glenham, seeing her distress. “But
+I must see you to-morrow.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[414]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Yes, go,” she pleaded. “You surely want to say
+good-by to Mr. Truscott.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, he’s only going up as witness on a court. He’ll
+be back in three days.”</p>
+
+<p>She closed the door on him relentlessly, and that of
+the parlor as she returned. But her father came down
+at once.</p>
+
+<p>“Grace dear,” he asked, in a tone of deep agitation,
+“have you ever received a note written you by Mr.
+Truscott just before he went out after Captain Tanner’s
+command?”</p>
+
+<p>“Never, father.”</p>
+
+<p>Instantly he returned to the room above. And just
+what transpired in that interview heaven forbid that
+we should care to hear. The colonel had discovered
+that his wife had intercepted Truscott’s letter to Grace,
+and that she had lied to him and to her. She well
+knew that Truscott, not Glenham, had been Ralph’s
+benefactor.</p>
+
+<p>Two evenings after a number of our friends at Sandy
+were gathered at the colonel’s quarters. “Gloomy
+Glenham,” as he was now called, Mrs. Turner, Mrs.
+Raymond, Grace, and Mrs. Pelham, the colonel, and
+several junior officers were seated around the parlor.
+Grace had just been singing, and now there came a
+demand for more.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, <em>do</em> sing ‘Douglas, Tender and True,’” begged
+Mrs. Turner.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, <em>please</em> do,” chimed in Mrs. Raymond.</p>
+
+<p>“It’s your very best song, I think,” said Captain
+Turner. “Please sing it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Very well,” said Grace, reluctantly. She had not
+<span class="pagenum">[415]</span>sung for days, and there were words to this that even
+in the mere temporary absence of Jack Truscott struck
+home to her heart as she thought of them. “I’m not
+in voice to-night, I fear,” she added; “but I’ll try.”</p>
+
+<p>Had not Mrs. Tanner told her he would be back on
+the morrow? Had not there been something in her
+sweet, caressing manner that revived hope, courage,
+love in her heart? She turned to the piano again, and
+Mr. Glenham placed the music on the rack. It was
+no favorite of his. The servant entered with a telegraphic
+despatch, which the colonel opened and read.</p>
+
+<p>“I thought so,” said he. “We’ve lost Truscott.
+He is ordered to West Point, and left this morning for
+San Francisco. Go on, Gracie.”</p>
+
+<p>Go on? go <em>on</em>? The room was whirling round her;
+a deadly choking sensation had seized her throat; there
+was a confused buzzing of voices in her ears, exclamations
+of surprise, regret, dismay; but she heard
+nothing distinctly. White as a sheet, she grasped at
+the key-board, and Glenham stood stupidly staring at
+her. But in an instant, through filmy eyes, she saw a
+glass of water before her, and she eagerly seized and
+drank it, and a cheery voice was murmuring something
+quick and stirring in her ear. It was Ray.</p>
+
+<p>“Rally all your pluck. Sing as you rode, Miss
+Gracie; I’ll back you to win.” And with all the <i lang="fr">nonchalance</i>
+in the world he replaced the goblet on a distant
+table, saying so that all could <span class="nowrap">hear,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“I really beg your pardon, Miss Pelham. When
+you asked for water I thought it was Glenham you addressed;
+and then that beggarly telegram came, and I
+forgot your request entirely.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[416]</span></p>
+
+<p>Bravely, gallantly, she raised her head and strove to
+crush out the whirl of wretchedness in which her
+father’s announcement had engulfed her. Hardly
+realizing what it was she was called upon to sing, she
+rapidly played the soft, sweet prelude, and, with voice
+that trembled as though in harmony with the spirit of
+the song, <span class="nowrap">began,—</span></p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza small">
+      <div class="verse indent0">“Could ye come back to me, Douglas, Douglas</div>
+      <div class="verse indent2">In the old likeness that I know,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent1">I’d be so faithful, so loving, Douglas</div>
+      <div class="verse indent2">Douglas, Douglas, tender and true.”</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>All conversation had ceased; all ears were drinking
+in the exquisite, plaintive melody; all eyes were upon
+her, and she knew it. Oh, what would she not give to
+be singing anything—anything else? But it was too
+late now.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza small">
+      <div class="verse indent0">“I was not half worthy of you, Douglas,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent2">Not half worthy the like of you;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent1">Now all men beside you to me are shadows,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent2">Douglas, Douglas, tender and true.”</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>“My God! can she do it?” muttered Ray, between
+his set teeth. “It’s the next hurdle that will try her
+nerve.” And he leaned against the light table, looking
+quickly around upon its load of books and albums.
+Then his eyes returned to their eager watch. She was
+trembling; she threw back her head and forced herself
+to commence <span class="nowrap">again,—</span></p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza small">
+      <div class="verse indent0">“O to bring back the days that are not!</div>
+      <div class="verse indent2">Mine eyes were blinded, your words were few;</div>
+      <div class="verse indent1">Do——”</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[417]</span></p>
+
+<p>Crash! came table, books, Ray, and all in clattering
+uproar and confusion over the parlor floor. He sprang
+to his feet, all dust, embarrassment, and profuse apologies.
+Shouts of laughter, long, ringing peals of merriment
+filled the room. Mrs. Turner and Mrs. Raymond
+went almost into hysterics; Raymond, Hunter, and
+Glenham guffawed outright; the colonel almost choked
+into an apoplectic seizure, and Grace,—Grace covered
+her face in her handkerchief and wept hysterically
+until she could regain control of herself, and thanked
+and blessed him from the bottom of her heart.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, Mr. Ray,” gasped Mrs. Raymond, at length,
+“that’s the first clumsy thing I ever knew you to do in
+my life.”</p>
+
+<p>Only one pair of eyes besides his had seen that she
+could not sing another word; that an utter break-down
+most come, and a flood of tears with it, and Mr. Ray
+anticipated the break-down, and provided a cover for
+the flood of tears. It might have been clumsy, but
+she knew better.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[418]</span></p>
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak">
+    CHAPTER XXII.
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">And</span> now the winter is gone, the glad spring-time
+has come, the voice of the turtle would doubtless be
+heard in the land if that sort of melody were in vogue
+in these days of scepticism, and the promotion, which
+we are biblically assured cometh neither from the east
+nor from the west, nor from any source whatever, as is
+beginning to be the creed in our veteran army, has
+nevertheless come to Jack Truscott.</p>
+
+<p>A vacancy has occurred in a popular staff department.
+Applicants for that majority are numbered by
+the dozen. Senators and Representatives in Congress
+assembled swarm about the White House to advocate
+the claims of captains by the score, of lieutenants by
+divisions, and there are majors in the line who wouldn’t
+mind losing a year or two of rank to get out of frontier
+duty and into an easy office chair, with clerks and check-books
+and cigars <i lang="la">ad libitum</i>. There are old captains
+who have commanded divisions or brigades during the
+great war, fellows with unimpeachable records and undoubted
+ability and not a few battle-scars and gray
+hairs and grandchildren; old soldiers, who would
+gladly turn over their small squad of a company to
+some young and vigorous and unencumbered enthusiast,
+in whose breast hope springs eternal; old soldiers, who
+would lend dignity and honor to the department in
+<span class="pagenum">[419]</span>which the vacancy has occurred, and would thrice welcome
+the opportunity to see a prospect of a home before
+them and school for the youngsters. Congress is in
+session, important measures are up for discussion, yet
+the newspapers give daily a quarter of a column to telegraphic
+speculations as to whom the President will appoint
+to the vacancy in that department. Captain A.
+is warmly backed by Senator B. Other captains, with
+undeniable war records, are backed by the delegations
+of their States; but Captain C., who is a first cousin of
+a prominent inmate of the White House, has a capital
+chance, unless the President, in despair at having to
+choose from so many admirable war histories, should
+decide on Lieutenant D., only a few years out of the
+Point, and whose numerous friends at Washington are
+confident of his success.</p>
+
+<p>At last the announcement is made. “The President
+has determined that the appointee shall represent the
+fighting branch of the service, and it is now known
+that his excellency will nominate a gallant officer of a
+distinguished cavalry regiment that has for years past
+been doing arduous and bloody work among the savages
+of Arizona.” And eminently proper this seems to the
+army at large and to the general public, who have no
+personal interest in the candidates. And so it results
+that our gallant friends of the <span class="nowrap">—th</span> are recognized, and
+the promotion falls upon a distinguished officer of that
+distinguished regiment; and Captain Wormley, of the
+District of Colombia for years past, and known to the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>
+only upon its monthly returns, but having a wide
+circle of admiring friends in the Capital City, where he
+has been for years on some mysterious staff duty, becomes
+<span class="pagenum">[420]</span>Major Wormley of the —’s department. He is son of
+a statesman, nephew of a cabinet officer’s lady, brother
+of a Congressman’s wife, cousin of a War Department
+official, and cousin-german, so to speak, to half the
+pretty girls in Washington. Welcome, major, to your
+leaves and laurels, and long may you live to lord it
+over subsequent appointments by telling them that you
+“came in from the cavalry”!</p>
+
+<p>“But it gives Jack Truscott the double-hurdles on
+his straps,” shouted Mr. Ray, in huge delight. “Let’s
+send him a royal old telegram of congratulation.” And
+that evening, as he sits at dinner and receives the hearty
+greetings of the officers’ mess on the far-away banks of
+the Hudson, Jack’s heart turns to the old crowd in the
+<span class="nowrap">—th</span>, now marching in from Arizona. Their message
+had reached him.</p>
+
+<p>So has another,—a letter from his loyal friend, the
+general’s wife, who long since assured him that she
+knew “it would all come out right.” So, too, has another
+still; for only this very day has he heard from
+Mrs. Tanner, and it must be admitted that Jack’s
+thoughts wandered more upon what they had written
+than upon the elevation he had so unexpectedly attained.
+Extracts may be of interest to those who have
+found anything of interest in our story.</p>
+
+<p>“Didn’t I tell you so?” wrote the first. “Grace
+Pelham’s engagement is broken at last. She never
+cared—she never <em>could</em> care for such a humdrum creature
+as Mr. Glenham. Why, Jack, when she came up
+here after you went East, he followed too, and it just
+used to make me sick the way he moped and whined
+around after her. She has tried a dozen times to get him
+<span class="pagenum">[421]</span>to release her, so everybody says, but he wouldn’t. That
+mother of hers made her stick to her word (although
+I hear she had mighty small regard for her own), and
+the colonel of course would not interfere. Once they
+thought Mr. Ray was going to cut in and win her
+away; but <em>I know</em> that was just a real frank liking she
+had for him. Anyhow, the engagement’s broken, and
+I have heard he’s going to resign when they get East.
+She left here for San Francisco, with her mother, Mrs.
+Turner, and Mrs. Raymond, all under Ralph’s charge,
+three days ago. Mrs. Wilkins swears she’s going to
+march across the continent with the boys.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we’re mighty sorry to lose the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>, though
+it did seem to run down-hill after you left. I’m not
+the only one that says so, Jack; so you needn’t laugh.
+They will have better stations and all that sort of thing
+in the East, but all the ladies will join now, I suppose,
+and then won’t there be fun?</p>
+
+<p>“And now, Jack, you may say it’s none of my business,
+but if you don’t very soon write to me that you
+have succeeded in consoling a certain young lady for
+the loss of much valuable time and one lover, I shall
+be a disappointed woman.”</p>
+
+<p>Upon the same subject Mrs. Tanner wrote from her
+home in Massachusetts:</p>
+
+<p>“Letters from the old regiment bring me most interesting
+news. There is no doubt that Mr. Glenham has
+at last released Grace Pelham from her engagement.
+Both Mrs. Wilkins and Mrs. Turner write to the same
+effect. She has been very unhappy in this tie to a man
+who was greatly her inferior, and the rupture of the
+engagement must be a relief inexpressible.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[422]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Of course, both letters are filled with gossipy details
+as to how it was brought about; but, knowing your
+horror of all that sort of talk, I refrain. One thing,
+however, seems certain. It was <em>his</em> doing and is final.</p>
+
+<p>“Jack, dear friend, I grew to know her so well and
+to love her dearly in those sad days at Sandy, but there
+were some matters of which we never spoke. You
+know how I grieved over the wrong done you by my
+own kith and kin years ago, and how I <em>must</em> want to
+see you happy. There was something more than suspicion
+in my mind that you and sweet Grace Pelham
+had been ruthlessly separated by misunderstanding—perhaps
+by design—at Sandy. There was some garrison
+talk of a letter of yours that never reached her, and
+yet was delivered <em>for</em> her to Mrs. Pelham, and in some
+way I found it was generally known that she had sent
+back your spurs without a word of explanation. Have
+you those spurs yet, Jack? I fancy that if they were
+to find their way into her hands again, you might find
+it difficult to reclaim them.”</p>
+
+<p>That April evening a warm south wind was sweeping
+up the Hudson, and moist and sweet, bearing the faint
+perfume of the early lilacs upon its bosom, it played
+through the curtains of Truscott’s open window. He
+had early left the mess, and separated from the officers
+who had strolled homeward with him. “Had letters
+to write,” he explained, and yet, half an hour afterwards,
+when three or four lively comrades stopped under
+the window in the “Angle,” and looked up, they abandoned
+the project of rushing in “to give Truscott a
+rattle over his promotion,” for, said they, “he must be
+out.” There was no light in his room.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[423]</span></p>
+
+<p>No light burning from jet or lamp, perhaps, but
+Jack was there, and a light of hope, love, and deep
+thankfulness was burning in his heart of hearts, and
+he was thinking—thinking. Well he recalled that last
+night at Sandy. How old Pelham had walked home
+with him from the Turners’, and in deep embarrassment
+had told him of Ralph’s letter. Tears of gratitude
+and of deep emotion stood in the colonel’s eyes
+and his voice was broken, his hand tremulous. That
+night all the old trust and affection was restored between
+them, but not a word was said of Mrs. Pelham
+or Grace until Jack reminded him that he had to go
+and see Mrs. Tanner a little while, and then it came
+out.</p>
+
+<p>“I’ve got one thing I <em>must</em> ask you, Truscott. I’ve
+overheard some talk about a letter you sent to our
+house for Grace before you went out on that scout.
+She never got it, I understand. Did you ever send
+such a letter?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, colonel, once, and no reply ever reached me.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then depend upon it, Jack, it never got to Grace;
+she was ill you know, and it—it must have been mislaid.”</p>
+
+<p>But now it was too late: the mischief was done. The
+colonel did not dream how much depended upon that
+little note, and not until long afterwards did he know
+the truth, that Mrs. Pelham had shown it to Arthur
+Glenham, and he had been weak—mean enough to
+read it. Then it was that under the influence of that
+indomitable woman he had removed from Truscott’s
+quarters and afterwards accused him of treachery.</p>
+
+<p>Well Jack recalled her sweet face and animated
+<span class="pagenum">[424]</span>manners as Grace sat conversing with Ray that night,
+and his sense of utter desolation as he left the garrison
+at sunrise. No one but he really knew that he expected
+to be met at Prescott by telegraphic orders to proceed at
+once to the Military Academy for duty in the department
+of tactics, and he dreaded the formal “good-byes”
+that would have to be undergone were the order to
+reach him while still at Sandy. And now he understood
+why she had never replied to that urgent little note of
+his, and bitterly he blamed himself for ever permitting
+the thought that she had received and had trifled with
+it as she had with his love. Over an hour he sat there
+plunged in deep thought, for even in his new-found
+hope and happiness he dared make no false step. Then
+he rapidly wrote a short letter, and on the following
+evening Mrs. Tanner received this query: “Where
+will a letter reach Miss Pelham?” On the third day
+the answer came: “Care of Adjutant-General, Division
+of the Missouri, Chicago. They are visiting friends
+there while waiting for the regiment to come in. Then
+they go to Fort Hays. They may visit Mrs. Treadwell
+there for a while.”</p>
+
+<hr class="tb">
+
+<p>One rainy, dripping, depressing morning a week
+later, while a damp, smoke-laden, coal-blackened fog
+had settled down on the wicked city of Chicago, and
+the minds of its denizens were more than ever disposed
+towards the inevitable ills that life in such an atmosphere
+must generate, three ladies of or beyond medium
+age sat yawning and disconsolate under the lighted
+chandelier in a comfortable parlor; a fourth—young,
+sweet, and vastly attractive—sat somewhat listlessly at
+<span class="pagenum">[425]</span>the piano, her slender hands wandered over the keys,
+and Schubert’s beautiful, dreamy “Praise of Tears”
+softly rose and fell in plaintive melody through the
+silence of the room.</p>
+
+<p>“For goodness’ sake, Grace,” exclaimed one of the
+elder ladies, pettishly, “<em>do</em> stop that dismal thing and
+play something lively! You will drive us all into our
+shrouds with such funeral stuff as that.”</p>
+
+<p>In vain the others protested it was lovely, and begged
+Grace Pelham to continue. Mamma had resumed her
+sway, and Grace, away from the supporting voice of her
+father, and no longer the prospective Mrs. Arthur Glenham,
+with a fortune at her disposal and a fool at her
+feet, had meekly, resignedly fallen back into her old
+habit of uncomplaining obedience.</p>
+
+<p>A servant entered with the mail, handing to Mrs.
+Pelham two or three bulky letters, in which she immediately
+became engrossed, and to Grace a small parcel,
+at which the young lady glanced curiously, then
+eagerly, and then fled from the parlor.</p>
+
+<p>Once safely in her own room, and with the door
+locked between her and would-be pursuers, she carried
+her prize to the window. It was small, compact, firmly
+wrapped in strong white paper, strongly tied, sealed,
+and registered. It was post-marked West Point, and
+needed only a glance at the superscription to tell her
+the sender’s name. For an instant she held it, trembling
+from head to foot, then cut the strings, opened
+the little box, unrolled with quivering fingers and beating
+heart the dainty wrapping of tissue-paper, and came
+upon something white and soft, tied with ribbon. On
+it was a card.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[426]</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>“These are yours. The spurs you won at Sandy;
+the handkerchief you dropped at my door at Prescott,
+and in faith and constancy I have worn it till now.</p>
+
+<p>“If you value that which you have won, hold it,
+and return to me the only semblance of the tie that has
+bound me to you, and it shall bind forever. If your
+prize be worthless to you, send it back, and in so doing
+break the tie.&#x2003;<i lang="fr">Comme—fidèle.</i></p>
+
+<p class="right" style="margin-right: 3.0em;">“J. G. T.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>And Grace Pelham read till the tears blinded her
+eyes, dashed them away, then read again, tore open the
+little packet in which lay two silver spurs rolled in a
+snowy kerchief, which was rent and torn inexplicably,
+and which bore in white embroidery in the corner the
+simple name, “Grace.”</p>
+
+<p>And then she sank upon her knees, burying her
+bright, beautiful head in the pillow, and wept unrestrainedly,
+but oh! so humbly, so gratefully, so joyously,
+holding her treasures to her heart.</p>
+
+<p>And three days more the torn handkerchief was
+back in Truscott’s breast.</p>
+
+<p>“Colonel,” said he to the commandant of cadets the
+following morning, “I want a week’s leave. It is an
+unusual time for one of the department to be away,
+but, as you know, I cannot leave in the summer. My
+regiment is just back in Kansas, and I want to run out
+to Fort Hays and see them. Mr. X., with your consent,
+will take charge of my duties. I will be back for
+muster on the 30th.”</p>
+
+<p>And the leave was granted. It would give him just
+time, provided there was no detention, to speed westward
+<span class="pagenum">[427]</span>to St. Louis, thence to Kansas City, and so on to Fort
+Hays, to spend twenty-four hours there, and then rush
+back the way he came. Not much satisfaction, possibly,
+for so long a journey, but he went.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb">
+
+<p>Headquarters and four troops, with the band, had
+arrived at the little frontier post of Fort Hays, officers
+and men being still encamped upon the open prairie
+alongside, while those ladies who had hurried thither
+to meet their returning lords were hospitably entertained
+by the families in the garrison who had not yet
+moved away, and here it was that Mrs. Treadwell had
+thrown open the large and commodious quarters of the
+commanding officer to Mrs. and Miss Pelham. Here,
+too, were our old acquaintances, Mrs. Raymond and
+Mrs. Turner. Here were other ladies of the regiment
+whom it has not been the felicity of the reader to meet.
+Here, too, were three or four young ladies, gathered
+from neighboring posts, and ready and eager to put up
+with scant accommodation, for would there not be two
+bands at Hays for a while, and was there not to be
+given a grand ball by the outgoers to the incomers, and
+was not that big, empty barrack, with its polished wax
+floor, “the loveliest place in the world for a German”?
+Oh, bright and bonny and sunshiny and jubilant was
+everything and everybody at Hays in that glorious,
+radiant spring weather, and who more bright, who so
+bonny, who half so radiant and lovely as Grace? The
+colonel wondered at her brilliant color and sparkling
+eyes, marvelled at the lightness of her step, at the
+ringing music of her sweet voice. Sing! Why, she
+sang from morn till night.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[428]</span></p>
+
+<p>“And yet,” said one of the visitors, “you tell me
+she has been jilted by that young man with ten thousand
+a year who has just resigned. I would be down
+in sackcloth and ashes.”</p>
+
+<p>Would he write? Would he come? One or other
+she knew it would be, and that right soon. And so
+when Major Bucketts came stumping into the Treadwells’
+parlor one evening waving a despatch and beaming
+with delight, she felt sure what was coming before
+her father burst out <span class="nowrap">with,—</span></p>
+
+<p>“By Jove! that <em>is</em> good. Jack Truscott will be
+here to-night.”</p>
+
+<p>There was an impromptu dance going on, and thither
+Grace could not but wend her way, and her escort, a
+deeply-smitten youth of the infantry persuasion, was
+impatiently awaiting her. Dozens of young people
+were blithely dancing to the strains of sweet music from
+the tireless orchestra, and, though she danced unceasingly,
+joyously, the hours seemed to drag. It would
+be near midnight before the train from the East reached
+the station. Would it be late? Would the dance
+break up before he could come? Would Major Bucketts
+be stupid and take him off to his own quarters instead
+of bringing him there? Would he speak to her
+then? Could she see him? Could she look in his
+face and not betray to every soul in the room the glowing
+secret that seemed bursting from heart and brain?
+Eleven o’clock came at last, and then the minutes
+stretched into hours, and midnight lay a century away.
+Yet she was striving to be calm, striving to be bright
+and “entertaining” with her round of partners. Oh,
+how she tired of their chatter! their utterly vapid
+<span class="pagenum">[429]</span>efforts to amuse her! How she wished Ray were
+there! He would let her dance, or sit in silence and
+wait and think and dream, keeping vigilant guard lest
+others interfere, as he had learned to do for her in
+Arizona, yet interfering not himself; but Ray was far
+to the westward. Fate had assigned him elsewhere,—and
+midnight came at last. To her misery, the hop
+was breaking up, the dancers going home. Some had
+already left.</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, can’t we have just one more waltz?” she implored,
+and obediently the leader signalled to his sleepy
+bandsmen. Then there was a rush and commotion at
+the doorway. Young officers were dropping their
+partners and precipitating themselves on a new arrival;
+a dozen glittering uniforms were crowding about a tall,
+soldierly-looking fellow in civilian’s dress who was being
+half dragged, half pushed, then carried, nearly
+smothered, into the hall. Mesdames Raymond and
+Turner rushed rapturously upon him, other dames followed
+suit. The younger damsels gazed with decorous
+curiosity, and Miss Pelham’s infantry escort, with misguided
+jocularity, inquired, “Who may be this lengthy
+party in cits? I suppose we may venture to dance,
+may we not?” And had he been a youth of brain he
+might have learned a lesson from the manner of her
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>“Not just now. It’s Captain Truscott, our old adjutant.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh! That’s Jack Truscott, is it?” was all the
+crestfallen youth could say, and then they stood still
+and watched, and the band stopped playing.</p>
+
+<p>Is the world made up of idiots? Could no one see
+<span class="pagenum">[430]</span>how his eyes were wandering over their heads about
+the room? Had not those little whip-snappers of boys
+more sense than to know that it was not on their account
+he had come all that distance? Would they never let
+him go? Would those absurd women never release
+him? Must he stand there patiently striving to answer
+a dozen questions asked at once while she stood
+waiting? And when he did break through, and came
+towards her with quick, eager step and a glorious light
+in his dark eyes, could they not even then see through
+it all? must they still hang to his skirts with idiotic
+inquiries of no earthly importance? Only for an instant
+could Grace glance up in those glowing hazel eyes,
+while her cheeks burned with their shy delight.</p>
+
+<p>“I’m so glad to see you again,” was all she had time
+to falter in response to his tremulous voice breathing
+only her name. Then he was dragged off, and she
+homewards. He to Bucketts’s quarters, where his old
+comrades crowded around him till late towards morning;
+she to wait, with trembling joy, for the coming day.</p>
+
+<p>Yet what did that bring? She was out at guard-mounting,
+so was he, and, breaking loose from the
+group surrounding him, came at once to meet her, and
+the wooden-headed imbeciles flocked instantly about
+them, and not a word alone had he in the hour they
+were together. Then came madame, with Mrs. Treadwell,
+and the carriage to take a drive. She had not
+known when to expect him, had promised to go, and
+could not now avert it. It was nearly one when they
+returned, and then they had to dress for luncheon at
+the doctor’s. And he had been dragged off to stables
+by the colonel to see the new horses by the time they
+<span class="pagenum">[431]</span>came back, and the colonel did not release him until
+near retreat. Nor was he one instant alone with him.
+Even <em>his</em> placidity was sorely tried. “But never mind,”
+he thought, “I dine at the Treadwells’, and there, at
+least, there will be opportunity.” Nevertheless, at
+parade, finding it impossible to separate her from the
+swarm of feminines who flocked about her, and the
+officers who gathered in clusters the instant they were
+dismissed from their duties, he turned to Bucketts.</p>
+
+<p>“Old man, have the ambulance at Treadwell’s at ten
+o’clock to take me to the station. Put my valise in,
+<i>and do all you can to keep the crowd away from there to-night</i>.”
+And Bucketts understood.</p>
+
+<p>Even at dinner all went wrong. Oh, Mrs. Treadwell,
+either your tact had deserted you, or Lady Pelham’s
+malign influence had been again at work. Grace
+was seated beyond his reach. He could not even see
+her, for she was on his side of the table, and there
+were other guests between them. Dinner was long,
+frightfully long.</p>
+
+<p>“Jack, must you go to-night?” called the colonel to
+him. “Can’t you wait until to-morrow’s train? You
+will reach the Point by the 30th even then.” And
+Truscott could only shake his head.</p>
+
+<p>Would that ghastly dinner never end? It was nearly
+nine o’clock when they rose and strolled into the parlor.
+Then he went at once to her side. Two young officers
+were speaking to her then, but time was precious. She
+half moved forward to meet him.</p>
+
+<p>“Must you go to-night?” she murmured, looking
+almost tearfully up in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, at ten. Yet I cannot——”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[432]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Captain Truscott, <em>Captain</em> Truscott, didn’t you
+hear? Colonel Treadwell says won’t you smoke?”
+And Mrs. Turner was pulling at his coat-sleeve.
+(Smoke at such a time!) “How ungallant you’ve
+grown! You used to be the soul of—why, <em>I</em> don’t
+know—<em>devotion</em>, and here I had to call you twice—three
+times.”</p>
+
+<p>“<em>Did</em> you see Mrs. Tanner? Isn’t it lovely she’s
+so well off? Do you think she’ll marry again?” Mrs
+Raymond was firing at him from the other side.</p>
+
+<p>“<em>Do</em> tell us about West Point. Is Mrs. Ruggles
+there now? <em>Why</em> do you have to go to-night? How
+stupid of you to come for so short a time!” Mrs. the
+doctor was having her say.</p>
+
+<p>The other men, except two or three youngsters, were
+still in the dining-room smoking. What <em>could</em> be
+done? He was surrounded by these chattering magpies,
+and Grace was fairly driven from his side. Mrs.
+Pelham had called her. Mrs. Treadwell was asking
+her to sing. Then the women turned on her and <em>implored</em>
+her to sing. Everybody knows that right after
+dinner is the very time of all others one feels like singing.
+Grace had to sing, and it was half-past nine before
+the oldsters came out, and then tattoo drew several
+of the younger people away.</p>
+
+<p>“<em>Surely</em>, you are going to the hop-room, Grace?”
+Mrs. Pelham was heard to say. “I heard Mr. Roberts
+asking you.”</p>
+
+<p>And Grace looked imploringly at her father.</p>
+
+<p>“Indeed, she’s not. Truscott’s got to go in twenty
+minutes, and I want to see him, so does Grace,” that
+veteran answered, stoutly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[433]</span></p>
+
+<p>Still there were a dozen people in the parlor, and time
+was spinning away. Grace was implored to sing again,
+and sing she had to. Mrs. Treadwell and Mrs. Pelham
+were chatting with the doctor at a distant end of the
+room. The colonel and Treadwell, lolling back in their
+easy-chairs, were beating time and enjoying the music.
+The doctor’s wife and Mesdames Raymond and Turner
+were pestering Truscott with questions even as she sang.
+Grace was at the piano, and he had eagerly stepped to
+her side to turn over the leaves for her, but they called
+him away as the song ceased, and nervously looking at
+his watch, pulling savagely at his moustache, Jack Truscott
+commenced pacing rapidly up and down the parlor.
+How odd of him! How excitable for one ordinarily
+so calm!</p>
+
+<p>Listening eagerly to his every word, listening in torture
+to their senseless chatter and questioning, Grace
+Pelham sat running dreamily over the exquisite music,
+the accompaniment of Kucken’s “Good-night,—Farewell,”
+an accompaniment that is a lovely song in itself.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes indeed, Mr. Truscott—Captain Truscott, I
+mean,” Mrs. Turner was saying, “we’ve been hearing
+all manner of accounts of you at West Point. I quite
+expected long ere this to hear of your being in love
+somewhere, and (coquettishly) forgetting all your old
+friends in the <span class="nowrap">—th</span>. <em>Of course</em> now, with your captaincy,
+you will be seeking a wife?”</p>
+
+<p>“Of course,” he answered, with a sudden resumption
+of preternatural calmness, but still striding up and down.</p>
+
+<p>“You mean to be married, <em>really</em>?” Vividly interested
+were the ladies now, and the sweet accompaniment
+went tremulously on.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[434]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Certainly, I do.”</p>
+
+<p>“You <em>have</em> fallen in love, then?”</p>
+
+<p>“Long ago.”</p>
+
+<p>“Oh, Mr. Truscott!” “Why, Captain Truscott!”
+“Oh, when?” “What a surprise!” “Who is she?”
+“<em>Do</em> tell us!” came in general chorus, even Pelham and
+Treadwell pricking up their ears.</p>
+
+<p>“Are you really, <em>really</em> in love? <em>very</em> much?”</p>
+
+<p>“I am—deeply.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then when are you to be married?”</p>
+
+<p>[Breathless silence.]</p>
+
+<p>“I don’t know.”</p>
+
+<p>“Don’t know! Why not?”</p>
+
+<p>“Because I’ve never asked her yet.”</p>
+
+<p>“How absurd! Why haven’t you? Doesn’t she
+love you?”</p>
+
+<p>“I’ve never asked her.”</p>
+
+<p>“Preposterous! What do you mean?”</p>
+
+<p>“She knows you love her, does she not?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then why don’t you ask her? Why haven’t
+you——”</p>
+
+<p>“I have never had a chance, and at this rate never
+expect to get one.”</p>
+
+<p>(The accompaniment had wellnigh died away. Grace
+was bending blindly over her piano.)</p>
+
+<p>“What can you mean? <em>Who</em> is it?” persisted that
+eminently brilliant cross-examiner, Mrs. Turner, though
+others with gradually expanding ideas were beginning
+to take in the situation.</p>
+
+<p>He had stepped close by the piano, his watch again
+in his hand. The wheels of an ambulance rattled up
+<span class="pagenum">[435]</span>to the door. Proudly, almost defiantly, he turned and
+faced them all, then bent over the beautiful, bowed
+head, the trembling form that drooped over the keys.
+A wonderful depth of love, reverence, tenderness, passion
+thrilled through every word, as he <span class="nowrap">murmured—</span></p>
+
+<p>“Gracie. It is my only opportunity; but, before
+the world, if need be, I would say it proudly, I love
+you.”</p>
+
+<p>The accompaniment had ceased. The sweet, blushing
+face was hidden by his arm. Before them all he
+had wooed and won her.</p>
+
+<p>“All the world loves a lover” (unless it be the lady’s
+younger brother, when she has one). If not, how did it
+happen that on this particular evening that express train
+on the Kansas Pacific should be telegraphed as two hours
+late, and that Bucketts should find it out just in the “nick
+of time,” and bring word to Truscott as he was coming
+forth to drive to the station, taking leave of his sweet
+betrothed, even as he had had to plead his cause—before
+them all? Will it be believed that when the quartermaster
+appeared with his glad tidings and called out,
+“Jack, old boy, that train won’t be along till after
+midnight, so I’ll send the trap back to the corral,”
+Mrs. Turner absolutely proposed staying and making
+up a party to see him off, and was indignant because her
+husband spirited her off homewards? Then the others
+followed, and, thanks to Pelham’s resolution, Jack Truscott
+and his <i lang="fr">fiancée</i> were left in peace. Mrs. Pelham,
+a martyred wife and mother, was sent to bed, and the
+colonel and Treadwell retired to the dining-room to
+smoke another cigar. It was the happiest night the
+colonel had known in ever so long.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[436]</span></p>
+
+<p>And now the minutes flew like seconds; the blessed
+two hours whirled away. Once more ’twas almost time
+for the ambulance to rattle up to the house, and this
+time there could be no postponement. They were
+standing under the hanging-lamp in the centre of the
+room, the bright light shimmering through her rippling
+hair, and shining back from the beautiful eyes ever and
+anon raised so happily, so trustingly to his.</p>
+
+<p>“There is something I want to ask you,” she said,
+shyly, as another reference to his watch showed that
+they had but a few moments more to call their own.
+He was looking smilingly down into her bonny, blushing
+face.</p>
+
+<p>“What is it, Gracie?”</p>
+
+<p>“About the packet you sent me with the spurs.
+Was my handkerchief really so torn when I dropped
+it?”</p>
+
+<p>“It was not torn at all.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then how did you come to abuse it so frightfully,
+sir? Is that the way you treat my property?”</p>
+
+<p>He was smiling mischievously now.</p>
+
+<p>“I kept it in as safe a spot as I could find,” he
+answered.</p>
+
+<p>“Where?” and her head drooped as she asked
+it.</p>
+
+<p>“Very near to my heart, Miss Pelham.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then how came those jagged rents, I’d like to
+know?”</p>
+
+<p>“An arrow did that, mademoiselle, the morning of
+Tanner’s fight down in Tonto basin,—a day or two
+after you jilted me, to be explicit.”</p>
+
+<p>And for all response she could only bury her face
+<span class="pagenum">[437]</span>upon the breast where, at that moment, her torn treasured
+handkerchief was lying.</p>
+
+<p>“What else have you to ask?” he questioned, as she
+presently glanced up into his eyes again.</p>
+
+<p>“What does <i lang="fr">comme</i>—<i lang="fr">fidèle</i> mean?”</p>
+
+<p>“Where is your French, Miss Pelham?”</p>
+
+<p>“I never did know so very much, and this is utterly
+beyond me,” she answered, laughingly. “You wrote
+it so queerly: <i lang="fr">comme</i>, then a dash, then <i lang="fr">fidèle</i>. There
+is no sense to it that I can see.”</p>
+
+<p>He drew her closer to his heart, and bent until his
+lips almost brushed the soft, perfumed ripples of her
+hair. “It has its meaning, though, and a deep one.
+It is my pledge to you, my darling,—<i lang="fr">Fidèle—à la fin,
+comme—au commencement</i>.”</p>
+
+<p>Presently the ambulance once more was heard, and
+old Pelham came blithely in.</p>
+
+<p>“Grace dear, I’m going to drive over to the station
+with Truscott, and I want somebody with me coming
+back,—to keep the wolves away, you know,” he added,
+with a Weller-like wink, very unbecoming such rank
+and dignity. “Run and wrap up warm, daughter.”</p>
+
+<p>Then, as she obediently went, the two men clasped
+hands and looked into each other’s eyes.</p>
+
+<p>“Does it occur to you that it was about time I asked
+your consent, sir?”</p>
+
+<p>“You have had it—all along. God bless you, Jack!”</p>
+
+<p>Will she ever forget that ride to the station, I wonder?
+How those scamps of bachelor officers poured
+forth from Bucketts’s tent over in camp and surrounded
+the ambulance ostensibly to bid “him” good-by; the
+stage-whispers which passed between them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum">[438]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Good-by, Jack. We all meant to come over to
+the station to see you off, but the colonel gives us fits
+if we’re up after midnight now.”</p>
+
+<p>“Take care of yourself, old man. <em>Say</em>, don’t let the
+colonel see you go into Tommy Dunn’s. <em>What!</em> Miss
+Pelham, you here too!”</p>
+
+<p>She sat in the dark corner of the carriage, where she
+could dimly see his form as he leaned forward talking
+earnestly with her father as they drove rapidly over
+the smooth prairie roads. Not a word did she speak,
+but an inexpressible content and joy possessed her.
+He was going. It might be many a long weary month
+before she could see him again, but her heart went with
+him, and his?—ah, had it not been in her keeping for
+months past?</p>
+
+<p>They reached the station; dark and still it looked:
+one faint light burning in the station-master’s office;
+but thither the colonel found it necessary to go. The
+ambulance and its driver went off, oddly enough, and
+“hitched” directly in front of the very establishment
+Jack had been warned to shun. And then on the dark
+platform, lighted only by the glowing stars above, the
+red and green signal-lamps up and down the track,
+Grace Pelham and her lover were alone.</p>
+
+<p>All too soon, far up the line the brilliant head-light
+of the train came sweeping into view. They were
+pacing slowly along the platform, her hands clasped
+upon his arm. She stopped suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>“You have never asked me why—why Mr. Glenham
+broke our engagement, and I thought it was something
+you ought to know,” she said, falteringly.</p>
+
+<p>“I never intended to ask, Gracie, nor do I care to
+<span class="pagenum">[439]</span>question you about any of that wretched experience at
+Sandy,” he said, tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>“But it was something I want you to know, and I
+cannot tell you unless you ask.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then, I do ask,” he answered, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>“He told me two months ago that he knew I cared
+nothing for him, and asked me whom I did love?”</p>
+
+<p>“And you told him——”</p>
+
+<p>“That I loved you, Jack.”</p>
+
+<p>Both his arms were round her in an instant, his
+head bent down over the sweet face now buried on his
+breast. She <em>had</em> to raise it shyly and glance up into
+his eyes in answer to his appeal, then his lips sought
+hers, and their fervent pressure was answered. One
+moment more and he was eastward bound.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb">
+
+<p>Many a letter came flying back to Hays. The daily
+mail was never without its missive for Grace, and even
+in separation some delight is found.</p>
+
+<p>“Two weeks now I have been back at the Point,”
+he wrote one May afternoon, “and never has the dear
+old spot looked so beautiful. It is hard to realize that
+these scenes, so familiar to you, so very familiar to me,
+have never been viewed together; that there ever has
+been a time in my life when I looked out upon that
+glorious reach up the river, and around upon the rocky
+heights, and knew not this now incessant longing to
+have you at my side. Time was when all my hope,
+ambition, pride, and pleasure were centred in the coming
+summer, with camp or furlough, when May with its
+verdure and sweet balmy breath was a foretaste of
+Paradise. <em>Now</em>, I wait with eager impatience for the
+<span class="pagenum">[440]</span>coming again of autumn, for the keen frosts that will
+shiver leaf and flower and rob the landscape of all this
+vernal beauty. Welcome, November, with frost and
+fog and gale, for none can chill the light and glory of
+my life, for with them comes its crowning blessing, for
+with them, and despite them, I shall welcome you, my
+wife, my darling, my queen.”</p>
+
+<p>And Truscott had many letters, congratulatory, exclamatory,
+and otherwise satisfactory. This was from
+Ray:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>“<span class="smcap">Dear Jack</span>,—News just reached me. Bad news
+travels fast, you know. I’m cut up—cut out—and
+never was cut out for anything better. With all my
+heart I congratulate you, and wish it was <em>me</em>. As I
+can’t walk to singing-school with her myself, please
+may I sit on the fence and watch out for you to go by?
+Anyhow, may the Fates deal you no end of blessings,
+and me, two or three full hands for the wedding
+present! There goes stable-call. <i lang="fr">Toot à toi.</i></p>
+
+<p class="right" style="margin-right: 3.0em;">
+  “<span class="smcap">Ray.</span>
+</p>
+
+<p class="p1">“See here, Jack, I may not have had a clear idea on
+the subject before, but isn’t this last capture of Miss
+Pelham’s a new thing in ‘<i>Winning his Spurs</i>’?”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">THE END.</p>
+
+<hr class="end-of-book x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="transnote-end chapter p4">
+
+<p class="noindent center bold TN-style-1"><a id="TN"></a>Transcriber’s Note (continued)</p>
+
+<p class="TN-style-1">Errors in punctuation and simple typos have been
+corrected without note. Archaic or variant spelling, inconsistent
+hyphenation, etc., has been left as it appears in the original
+publication unless as noted in the following:</p>
+
+<p class="TN-style-2">Page 114 – “decalogue” changed to “Decalogue” (half the sins in the Decalogue)</p>
+<p class="TN-style-2">Page 187 – “’7” changed to “’71” (the old road to Prescott as it lay in ’71)</p>
+<p class="TN-style-2">Page 286 – “Eskiminziu” changed to “Eskiminzin” (Advices just received from Stryker prove Eskiminzin)</p>
+<p class="TN-style-2">Page 365 – “Arrapahoes” changed to “Arapahoes” (the Sioux, Cheyennes, and Arapahoes)</p>
+
+<p class="TN-style-1 p2"><a class="underline" href="#top">Back to top</a></p>
+</div>
+
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76813 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
+
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author	pgww <pgww@lists.pglaf.org>	2025-09-04 02:22:02 -0700
committer	pgww <pgww@lists.pglaf.org>	2025-09-04 02:22:02 -0700
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