Starlight Ranch, and Other Stories of Army Life on the Frontier

upon the scene before her. Swiftly, smoothly rounding the rugged promontory on the right, the steamer was just tu

and deep gorges of the opposite range all the deeper and darker by contrast. A lively breeze had driven most of the passengers within doors as they sped through the broad waters of the Tappan Zee, but, once within the sheltering traverses of Dunderberg and the heights beyond, many of their number reappeared upon the promenade deck, and first among them was the bonnie little maid now clin

s as to prominent objects in the rich and varied landscape. It was evident that she was seeing for the first time sights that had been described to her time and again, for she was familiar with every name. One of the party was a man of over fifty years,-bronzed of face and gray of hair, but with erect carriage and p

mouth were all of a dark, soft brown. His complexion was clear and ruddy; his frame powerful and athletic. Most of the time he stood a silent but attentive listener to the eager talk between the

Many eyes were turned thither in recognition of the salute, but not those of the young girl at the bow. One might, indeed, have declared her resentful of this intermediate stop. The instant the gray walls of the riding-school had come into view she had s

can hold on five minutes longer, or shall

ands, and tilts excitedly on the toes of her tiny boots, never

ll of them-and not seeing one to speak t

orous twinkle about his eyes. "Is it worth all the long journey, and all the e

flash upon him indignantly. "Worth it? You

tons and gray. I'm only an old fossil of a 'cit,' with a scamp of a nephew and that limited conception of the delights of West Point which one

know how good you've been; but he's had more bad luck and-and-injust

inter, the time Billy submitted that explanation to the commandant with its pleasing reference to the fox t

had provocation enough to say much worse things; Jimmy Frazer

ith an aggravating drawl that is peculiar to him. "Possibly he was one of the young gen

I believe," is the impetuous reply. "Oh! I'l

l round. Wonder if sticking up is something they continue when they get to their regiments? Billy has two or three weeks yet i

you? When he gets to his regiment there won't be any Lieutenant Lee t

ch views, I looked into things a bit. It appears to be a matter of record that my enterprising nephew had more demerit before the adv

thdrawn, and is now shouldering his way to a point out of ear-shot. There he calmly turns and waits; his glance again resting upon her whose side he has so suddenly quitted. She has followe

ristics of the officers at the Point had best be confined

e eyes meet the dark ones of the older girl. Her ch

urmurs. "I'd just like to tell them

ell to observe the old adage, 'Be sure you're right,' etc. Now I own to being rather fond of

rs have given him, you o

me that the corps, as a rule, thoug

o, at least," is th

Still, there were a few who reluctantly admitte

friends of Willy'

hem, especially, a very stanch friend of Billy's and yours, too, Na

king at the rope netting with nervous fingers, Miss Nan

you mean Mr

tte; very much of a

t have heard the name and the words. His fa

to blame," pouts the maiden, and her little f

ll the same, he decidedly opposed the view that Mr. Le

ding the company, and Mr. Stanley is cadet captain

t that something has happened which gives them all much amusement. They are chatting eagerly together, laughing not a little, although the laughter, like their words, is entirely inaudible to Miss Nan. But she feels a twinge of indignation when the tall girl turns and looks directly at her. There is nothing unkindly in the glance. There even is merriment in the dark, handsome eyes and lurking among the dimples around that beautiful mouth. Why did those eyes-so heavily fringed, so thickly shaded-seem to her fa

they are?" she de

and we must start for the gangway. Your mother is hailing us now. Never mind this time, little woman," he continues, kindly, as he notes the cloud on her b

arges are just behind the trio in which, by this time, Miss Nan is deeply, if not painfully, interested. A soldier in the undress uniform of a c

t Uncle Jack, who is conducting her mother just in front, l

she hears the tall man inquire, and this time Uncle Jack'

the inquirer a note, the superscription of which the young officer quickly scans; then turns and, while his s

note must be for you.

l's well-known writing. Mrs. McKay rapidly reads it as Uncle Jack is bestowing bags and bundles i

. "I'm in confinement and can't get a permit. Come to the officer-in-charge's office right after supper, and

ll

Miss Nan, her blue eyes threatening to fill with tears.

he assists the ladies into the yellow omnibus. "You duly noti

care and anxiety. Her brother's whimsical ways are old acquaintances, and she knows how

! But Willy knew we were coming, and he must have told him when he

that Billy was being abused, Nan. You will have a chance this very evening, won't you? He's officer of the day, according to Billy's note, and can't escape. You'll have wound up the whole family by tattoo. Quite a good day's wo

Lieutenant

the liveliest admiration. "'Pon my word, Miss Nan, you are a most