Part 11 (1/2)
”Why--why didn't you ring?” he hoarsely asked
”Ring! What opportunity had I? My foot had hardly touched the piazza before the door opened in --well, pardon host”
”Do you mean you have only just come?” he asked
”Certainly”
”And you saw no one? There was no one here as you cah,--there was so about, Major Miller, and to who?” queried the voice of his better half at this very instant; and before he could respond there caate-way and up the steps the debonair, portly doctor
”What!” exclaimed Bayard ”Miss Forrest! Ah, you truant, we've been wondering where you were, your sister and I Ah, htful! Now indeed aht into my parlor, said the--but I'm no spider Coirl,--I left Jeannie Bruce with her Major, you and I want a glass of Madeira and Mrs Miller to bless the occasion, and then we all want some ing, half pushi+ng, half leading, the doctor swept his trio of visitors into the parlor Despite her start at Miller's appearance at the door, despite his preoccupation and glooood wine failed to dissipate, Miss Forrest remained after a brief visit to the invalid up-stairs and, saying that she had proain
But that night, despatches flashed in froraph operator hie just as the party at the doctor's (considerably augmented by this time by new-co up for the night Indians had appeared in great nu the two posts, and a train had been attacked and burned midway between them Terry and his hard-worked Grays were ready in an hour to take the trail, but there were no young gallants to ride forth this time Hatton, indeed, offered his services, but was told he could not be spared Morning brought tidings that the war-parties were seen only seven miles away at sunrise; and in the presence of the co, put aside theso heavily on his et her startled face as he threw open that door It was tih It ht be necessary to send for Forrest
Another day brought with it a strong colu up from the railway at Cheyenne, and these troops were to be fully provided with rations and a forth toward the Black Hills, whither they were ordered It was bustle and business for everybody The major said no more to Hatton on the subject of the interrupted interview; but on the second day, as McLean was lying languidly in his bed, listening to the sounds of hoofs and heels without, and be his fate that he was to be bedridden here when such stirring times were ahead, his soldier servant came noiselessly to ask the lieutenant's permission to step out a little while to see some friends in the cavalry The attendant was seated in the front rooranted
”Is there anything the lieutenant wants, sir, before I go?”
”Nothing except a handkerchief Give me one of those silk ones in this corner of the drawer They are softer”
The man handed the topmost of the pile, and went noiselessly away
McLean shook it open, and a card dropped out upon the coverlet
Surprised, he picked it up and slowly read it, perplexity and then sy plainly in his face Twice--thrice he read it through Then, stowing it under his pillow, he began to think
Dr Weeks ca on his wound, and asked hi tooat all Why do you ask?”
”Pulse a little quicker than it was What have you been doing?”
”Nothing--to speak of What is there to do but read and think?”
”You o out with every expedition, Mac We all know you'd like it, but you can't have your pie and eat it You can't get shot in one fight and expect to get into the next If you'll keep quiet here, I think I can put you in saddle again in a month,--much quicker than I can poor Blunt; but you oes out with the train-guard to-night”
”Hatton! To-night?” exclaiain, Mac! What a bundle of tow you are, to be sure; I azine”
”Doctor, tell Hatton I want hioes”
”Confound it, man, I told him to keep away Why do you want him?”
”_Because I must_ see him You'll have a crazy man on your hands if you don't” And Weeks decided it best to let this headstrong Highlander have his way
That night, in his field-dress and all ready to start, Hatton gently came to his comrade's bed-side